Lima, Peru: Best Places to Visit, Where to Stay & How Many Days You Need
When planning our trip to Peru, Lima wasn't necessarily the destination we were most excited about. We had Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Amazon rainforest and so many other places on our itinerary that Lima was more of a stop along the way.
But I always think that when you're travelling somewhere new, it's worth taking a little time to explore the capital too. And Lima definitely has more to offer than just an international airport and a place to catch your next flight!
We spent two nights in Lima during our Peru trip, splitting our stay between two different stops. We spent one night there after visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu, and another night after returning from our Amazon adventure in Iquitos.
If you're planning a trip to Peru and wondering whether Lima deserves a spot on your itinerary, here's what I'd recommend seeing, where I'd stay, and how much time I'd allow for the city.
How Many Nights Should You Spend in Lima?
My recommendation is two nights in Lima if you're visiting Peru on a shorter trip.
That's enough time to get a taste of the city, explore its most popular neighbourhoods, see some historic landmarks, and, of course, enjoy the food Lima is famous for.
We split our two nights into separate stops because of our travel schedule. First, we returned from Cusco and spent a night in Lima before continuing to Iquitos. Then, after our Amazon experience, we returned to Lima for another night before moving on.
This worked well for us because we didn't have to squeeze everything into one visit or spend too much time away from the other destinations we wanted to explore.
If you have three or four nights available, even better! You can take your time visiting museums, exploring different neighbourhoods and discovering more of Lima's food scene.
But if you're working with a limited number of vacation days, I wouldn't feel that you need to spend a week here. Two nights is a good starting point.
Where to Stay in Lima: Miraflores or Barranco?
When choosing accommodation in Lima, I would recommend looking at Miraflores or Barranco.
These are two of the most popular neighbourhoods for visitors, and both offer a very different experience from the historic centre.
Miraflores
If this is your first visit to Lima, Miraflores would be my first recommendation.
It's a modern, lively neighbourhood with plenty of hotels, restaurants, cafés, shopping and beautiful coastal views. It's also a convenient base for exploring the city, especially if you don't have much time.
One of the biggest attractions is the Malecón, a beautiful stretch of parks and walking paths along the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
You'll also find Parque del Amor, Larcomar shopping centre, Parque Kennedy and the archaeological site of Huaca Pucllana nearby.
It's a great area if you want to walk around, grab something to eat, enjoy the ocean views and have plenty of options close to your hotel.
Barranco
If you prefer somewhere with a little more character, Barranco is another excellent option.
Barranco is Lima's bohemian neighbourhood, known for its colourful streets, beautiful old buildings, street art, galleries, cafés and restaurants.
It's a little more artistic and laid-back than Miraflores, and it's especially lovely to explore in the afternoon and evening.
You'll find the famous Bridge of Sighs here, along with plenty of little streets worth wandering through.
My recommendation: Choose Miraflores for convenience, especially if you're visiting Lima for the first time or only staying a couple of nights. Choose Barranco if you love charming streets, art, cafés and a more local atmosphere.
Both are good choices, and you really can't go wrong with either.
Hotels We Stayed at in Lima
1. Hotel Casa Porta
One of the things I loved about this hotel was its beautiful architecture and Peruvian character. The beds were comfortable, breakfast was great, and the price was budget-friendly.
Its location was another big plus, within walking distance of Kennedy Park, restaurants, shops, and the coast.
2. Libre Hotel, BW Signature Collection
Another hotel we enjoyed during our Lima stay. The staff were amazing, the beds were comfortable, and breakfast was delicious. Free parking was also a great bonus.
The location was convenient for exploring Miraflores, with restaurants, shops and attractions nearby.
Find Your Hotel in Lima
If you're looking for accommodation in Lima, I'd start by comparing hotels in Miraflores and Barranco. Both neighbourhoods are great options, especially if you only have a couple of nights in the city.
I usually like to compare hotel prices before booking because sometimes you can find a better deal by checking different properties and dates.
Find hotels in Miraflores and Barranco on Expedia and compare prices, locations and guest reviews before making your reservation.
Best Places to Visit in Lima, Peru
Lima is a big city, so rather than trying to see absolutely everything, I'd focus on a few areas and attractions that give you a good introduction to the capital.
Here are the places I'd put on your list.
1. Explore the Historic Centre of Lima
You can't visit Lima without spending some time in its historic centre.
This is where you'll find some of the city's most beautiful colonial architecture, impressive buildings, churches and historic squares.
Start at Plaza Mayor, also known as Plaza de Armas, the main square and one of the most recognizable places in Lima.
Surrounding the square, you'll find the Government Palace, Lima Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace, with its beautiful wooden balconies.
Take your time walking around, admiring the architecture and exploring the surrounding streets. It's a completely different atmosphere from the modern neighbourhoods of Miraflores and Barranco.
Other places worth seeing nearby include Plaza San Martín and the San Francisco Monastery, famous for its historic catacombs.
I'd recommend visiting this area during the daytime and keeping an eye on your belongings, as you would in any large city.
2. Walk Along the Miraflores Malecón
If you love beautiful views, don't skip the Malecón in Miraflores.
This coastal walking path stretches along the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with parks, gardens, viewpoints and plenty of places to stop for pictures.
It's a lovely place to walk, especially when the weather cooperates.
You can spend an hour or two here simply enjoying the views, watching the ocean and seeing the paragliders flying above the coastline.
It's also a great way to experience a different side of Lima, away from the busy streets and traffic.
3. Visit Parque del Amor (Love Park)
Located along the Miraflores coastline, Parque del Amor is one of the city's most recognizable parks.
The park features colourful mosaic benches inspired by Barcelona's Park Güell and a large sculpture called El Beso (The Kiss), depicting a couple embracing.
It's a popular photo stop, and the views of the Pacific Ocean make it even better.
I'd combine this with a walk along the Malecón rather than making a separate trip just to visit the park.
4. Visit Larcomar
Larcomar is a shopping and entertainment centre built into the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Even if shopping isn't on your itinerary, it's worth stopping by for the views and the unique location.
There are restaurants, cafés, shops and terraces where you can enjoy the ocean scenery.
It's also a convenient place to grab a meal or coffee while exploring Miraflores.
5. Explore Barranco and the Bridge of Sighs
Barranco is probably one of the most charming neighbourhoods in Lima.
It's known for its colourful murals, historic houses, artistic atmosphere and little cafés tucked into beautiful old buildings.
One of its most famous landmarks is Puente de los Suspiros, or the Bridge of Sighs.
The wooden bridge is surrounded by greenery and historic architecture, making it one of the most photographed spots in the neighbourhood.
Don't just take a picture and leave! Walk around the surrounding streets, explore the colourful corners and head down the Bajada de Baños, a historic walkway leading towards the coast.
I'd save Barranco for the afternoon so you can enjoy the neighbourhood as the day winds down.
6. Visit Huaca Pucllana
One of the most interesting things about Lima is that ancient history is sitting right in the middle of a modern city.
Huaca Pucllana is a pre-Inca archaeological complex located in Miraflores. It's an impressive adobe pyramid that dates back to the ancient Lima culture.
It's fascinating to see such an important archaeological site surrounded by modern apartment buildings and busy city streets.
You can visit the site on a guided tour and learn about the people who built and used it long before the Inca Empire.
If you enjoy history and archaeology, this is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
7. Visit Museo Larco
If you have extra time and want to learn more about Peru's history, Museo Larco is one of the best museums to visit in Lima.
The museum houses an impressive collection of pre-Columbian art, ceramics, jewellery and archaeological objects.
It's located in a beautiful historic building surrounded by gardens, making the visit enjoyable even before you step inside.
I would prioritize this if you have an extra half-day or are particularly interested in ancient Peruvian civilizations.
Don't Leave Lima Without Trying the Food!
One of the things Peru is famous for is its food, and Lima is considered one of the country's major culinary destinations.
If there's one thing I'd recommend making time for, it's trying some traditional Peruvian dishes.
A few things to look for:
Ceviche: One of Peru's most famous dishes, made with fresh fish marinated in lime juice, usually served with red onion, corn and sweet potato.
Lomo Saltado: A delicious stir-fry made with beef, onions, tomatoes and French fries, usually served with rice.
Causa Limeña: A traditional dish made with seasoned mashed yellow potatoes and different fillings, often chicken, tuna or seafood.
Anticuchos: Grilled skewers traditionally made with beef heart and served with potatoes.
Picarones: Traditional Peruvian doughnuts made with squash and sweet potato, usually served with a sweet syrup.
And if you're a seafood lover, Lima is definitely a city where you'll want to try the local seafood restaurants.
Food is a big part of experiencing Peru, so don't just stick to familiar restaurant chains!
Suggested 2-Night Lima Itinerary
If you're short on time, here's how I'd organize your visit.
Day 1 – Miraflores and Barranco
Explore Miraflores.
Walk along the Malecón.
Visit Parque del Amor.
Stop at Larcomar.
Spend the afternoon exploring Barranco.
Visit the Bridge of Sighs and surrounding streets.
Enjoy dinner in Barranco or Miraflores.
Day 2 – Historic Lima and Culture
Head to the Historic Centre.
Explore Plaza Mayor and Plaza San Martín.
Visit Lima Cathedral and the San Francisco Monastery.
Enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch.
If time allows, visit Huaca Pucllana or Museo Larco.
Keep in mind that Lima traffic can be quite heavy, so don't underestimate travel time between neighbourhoods. I'd group attractions by area rather than trying to cross the city several times in one day.
Is Lima Worth Visiting?
Absolutely!
While Lima might not have been the main reason we travelled to Peru, I think it's worth giving the capital at least a little bit of your time.
It offers a completely different experience from Cusco, the Andes and the Amazon. You get colonial architecture, modern neighbourhoods, beautiful ocean views, ancient archaeological sites and some of the best food in the country.
For our itinerary, two nights worked well, especially since we were travelling between different regions of Peru.
If you're planning a longer trip, I'd consider adding another night or two. But if you're trying to fit as much of Peru as possible into your vacation, two nights is a good amount for a quick visit.
And remember, Peru is so much more than Machu Picchu. Give Lima a chance too!
Planning a trip to Peru?
Check out my complete 15-day Peru itinerary, where I share how we planned our family adventure, the destinations we visited, where we stayed, transportation tips and everything we spent along the way.
Make your trip to Lima and Peru a little easier with Wise! If you're sending money internationally, sign up using my referral link and get zero transfer fees on your first transfer of up to $600 USD. It's a handy way to save a little extra money for your travels!
Travel Essentials for Your Peru Trip
Planning a trip to Peru? There are a few travel essentials I recommend bringing, especially if you're visiting multiple destinations like Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Amazon rainforest.
From comfortable walking shoes and packing organizers to travel accessories that make long flights and road trips easier, having the right things with you can make a big difference.
I've put together a list of some of my favourite hiking and travel essentials that you can check out before your trip.
Shop my Amazon Travel & Hiking Essentials list
These are items worth considering when preparing for your Peru adventure!
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, including Expedia and Amazon links. If you make a purchase or booking through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting The Traveling Mind and helping me continue sharing travel guides, tips and experiences!
.png)
.png)
