There is so much to do and so much to see in Lima. Check out our list of tourist attractions in the region of Lima.
This large square in the historic center of Lima features several of the most important sights of the capital city. The Palace of the Government occupies the complete north side of the Plaza, while the Cathedral of Lima is located on the eastern side. Next to the Cathedral we find the Archbishop's Palace (Palacio del Arzobispado). This Gothic-style building fascinates visitors with its elaborately designed windows and beautiful facade. Due to the importance of these sights, Plaza Mayor is also called the birthplace of Lima.
Visit the majestic Cathedral of Lima, constructed in the 16th century. With its baroque facade and two towers it is one of the city's most striking landmarks. Inside, paintings tell of the turbulent Peruvian history. The tomb of Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conquistador, is located in the cathedral.
The government palace framed by Plaza Mayor´s palm trees and fountains is a popular scene for visitors in Lima. In the Governmental Palace, guided tours are offered but only after registration. Around noon visitors can witness the changing of the palace guards.
Refurbished in 2009 and now has many reasons to be marveled at due to the lovely 19th-century buildings. In the center of the square you will find the monument of the Liberator of Peru, José de San Martín. The lively square is a popular meeting place for artists and musicians. Much like the Plaza Mayor, Plaza San Martin is one of the most important open spaces in the city. In 1998 the square was declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.
South of Parque La Muralla and located one block northeast of the Plaza Mayor, the church, and convent of San Francisco are part of the Historic Center of Lima protected by UNESCO. The baroque style San Francisco also contains a library and catacombs that feature a horrific amount of skulls and bones, neatly organized into geometric figures.
Alonso de Molina 1100 – Monterrico – Surco. This museum features a large collection of golden artifacts from Peruvian, pre-Columbian cultures as well as weapons of the world. It was offered to the public by private collector Miguel Mujica Gallo.
(National Museum) Av. Javier Prado Este 2466, San Borja. It is one of two major museums of Peruvian history in Lima. The Museum of the Nation houses thousands of artifacts from impressive ancient civilizations in Peru like ceramics from the Moche, Nazca, and Wari cultures. The National Museum also features important ancient Andean artifacts as well as a recreation of the burial chamber of the Lord of Sipan (El Señor de Sipán).
Plaza Bolivar S/N, Pueblo Libre. Being the other main museum and Peru's oldest state museum, it displays a broad range of pre-Hispanic ceramics, textiles, metals, lithics and organic items. The museum´s documentary, photographic and bibliographic collections tell the story of Peru in the Colonial and Republican time.
(Lima Art Museum) Parque de la Exposición, Paseo Colon 125. This museum is known for its extensive collection of Peruvian art from pre-Columbian times until today. It presents 3,000 years of Peruvian art. The MALI offers an extensive selection of pre-Columbian textiles and ceramics.
Along the coast of Lima in the Districts of Miraflores and Barranco we find many beautiful green parks. A must-see surely is the famous 'love park' in Miraflores (Parque del Amor), a park along the ocean-influenced by Barcelona architect Gaudí and featuring a sculpture by Peruvian artist Victor Delfín. Here you can take bike tours from Miraflores to Barranco and back with an ocean view along the relaxing coastal road. Another treat at the Malecon is the paragliding tours off of the cliffs in Miraflores.
The name of the Puente de Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs) derives from the many romances that were marked by this picturesque corner of the district Barranco in Lima. Tradition says that if you cross the bridge holding your breath, the wish you are asking for will be fulfilled. The bridge is considered an attraction in Barranco, the charming neighborhood in Lima that offers alternative bars and restaurants as well as distinct colonial architecture.