Lima

🏰 Historic Centre & Colonial Heritage

The Historic Centre of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a testament to the city's past as the capital of the Spanish Viceroyalty. The architecture here is grand, imposing, and steeped in history.

• Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas): The birthplace of the city, founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535. It is surrounded by key buildings including the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and the Archbishop's Palace. The changing of the guard at the Government Palace is a daily spectacle worth seeing around noon.
• Cathedral of Lima: Dominating the plaza, this cathedral is a museum of religious art and history. It houses the tomb of Francisco Pizarro and features a mix of architectural styles from Renaissance to Neoclassical, reflecting the many reconstructions it has undergone due to earthquakes.
• Convent of San Francisco: Famous for its library of antique texts and its eerie catacombs, which served as the city's cemetery until 1808. A guided tour takes you underneath the church to see the geometrically arranged bones of an estimated 25,000 people.
• Casa de Aliaga: The oldest colonial mansion in the Americas continuously inhabited by the same family since 1535. Built on land given by Pizarro to one of his captains, Jerónimo de Aliaga, it offers a rare glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Lima's colonial elite.
• Plaza San Martín: A short walk from the main square, this plaza was inaugurated in 1921 to celebrate the centenary of Peru's independence. It is anchored by a statue of José de San Martín and surrounded by beautiful Beaux-Arts buildings, including the historic Gran Hotel Bolívar, famous for its Pisco Sours.

🌊 Modern Districts: Miraflores & San Isidro

Moving away from the center, modern Lima embraces the Pacific Ocean with stunning parks, shopping, and nightlife.

• Miraflores Malecón: A six-mile strip of cliff-top parks overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It's the perfect place for a bike ride, a run, or simply watching the sunset. You'll pass the famous "Parque del Amor" with its Gaudí-esque mosaic walls and the "The Kiss" statue.
• Huaca Pucllana: An unexpected sight in the middle of modern Miraflores—a massive adobe pyramid built by the Lima culture around 500 AD. It's a stark reminder of the region's long history before the Spanish arrived. The onsite restaurant offers dinner with spectacular views of the illuminated ruins.
• Larcomar: A shopping mall built into the cliffside. Unlike typical malls, this one is open-air and offers uninterrupted ocean views. It's a great spot for coffee, shopping for alpaca wool products, or grabbing a meal while watching the surfers below.
• San Isidro's Olive Grove Park (El Olivar): A peaceful oasis in the financial district, filled with over 1,500 olive trees, many of which were planted in the 16th century. It's a favorite spot for birdwatchers and those seeking a quiet escape from the city noise.

🎨 Bohemian Barranco

Barranco is Lima's romantic, artistic district. Historically a summer resort for the wealthy, it is now home to artists, musicians, and some of the city's best nightlife.

• Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs): A wooden bridge that has inspired countless songs and poems. Legend says if you can cross it while holding your breath, your wish will be granted. It leads down to the "Bajada de Baños," a walkway to the beach lined with murals and restaurants.
• MATE (Museo Mario Testino): Founded by the famous Peruvian fashion photographer Mario Testino. The museum is housed in a restored 19th-century mansion and showcases his work, including iconic portraits of Princess Diana, alongside contemporary Peruvian art.
• Pedro de Osma Museum: Located in a stunning Beaux-Arts mansion, this museum houses a premier collection of colonial art. The gardens are equally beautiful and offer a tranquil setting to appreciate the viceregal history of Peru.
• Street Art & Murals: Barranco is an open-air gallery. Wander the side streets to see vibrant murals by local and international artists that capture the spirit of modern Peru.

🍽️ The Gastronomic Capital

Lima is the undisputed food capital of South America. The city's cuisine is a result of centuries of cultural fusion.

• Ceviche: The national dish. Fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices (leche de tigre) and spiced with ají peppers. It's typically served with sweet potato, corn, and onions. For the best experience, eat it for lunch at a "cevicheria" like La Mar or El Mercado.
• Nikkei Cuisine: A fusion of Japanese techniques and Peruvian ingredients. Dishes like "Tiradito" (sashimi-style fish in spicy sauce) exemplify this style. Maido is the world-famous temple of Nikkei cuisine, but places like Edo Sushi Bar offer excellent accessible options.
• Chifa: Peruvian-Chinese fusion. It's incredibly popular and found on almost every corner. Try "Lomo Saltado," a stir-fry of beef, tomatoes, and onions served with french fries and rice—a perfect example of this cross-cultural marriage.
• Criollo Classics: Traditional dishes like "Ají de Gallina" (creamy chicken stew), "Causa Limeña" (layered potato salad), and "Anticuchos" (grilled beef heart skewers). Isolina in Barranco is a must-visit for hearty, family-style portions of these classics.
• Pisco Sour: You cannot leave Lima without trying its signature cocktail, made with Pisco brandy, lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and bitters. The Gran Hotel Bolívar and the Country Club Lima Hotel claim to serve the best in town.

🏛️ Museums & Culture

To truly understand Peru, you must delve into its museums, which house treasures from thousands of years of civilization.

• Larco Museum: Housed in an 18th-century vice-royal building built over a 7th-century pre-Columbian pyramid. It features the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru and the famous erotic pottery gallery. The museum's garden restaurant is gorgeous.
• MALI (Museo de Arte de Lima): Located in the Palacio de la Exposición, MALI covers 3,000 years of Peruvian art, from pre-Columbian textiles to contemporary photography. It's a comprehensive look at the country's artistic evolution.
• Museo Oro del Perú: A private collection showcasing thousands of gold artifacts, weapons, and textiles from various pre-Inca cultures. It's a dazzling display of the wealth and craftsmanship of ancient Peru.

🚇 Practical Lima Guide

• Transportation: Lima's traffic is notorious. The "Metropolitano" bus system is efficient for moving between the center, Miraflores, and Barranco (using the dedicated lane). For door-to-door service, rely on apps like Uber or Cabify rather than hailing street taxis for safety.
• Safety: Lima is a large city with disparities. Stick to tourist-friendly districts like Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro. In the Historic Center, stay vigilant and avoid wandering into empty streets, especially at night. Leave valuables in your hotel safe.
• Currency: The currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). ATMs are widely available. While credit cards are accepted in major establishments, it's good to have cash for small purchases, taxis, and street snacks.
• Connectivity: You can easily buy a local SIM card (Claro, Movistar, Entel) at the airport or in supermarkets. Free Wi-Fi is common in cafes and malls.
• Tipping: A 10% tip is often included in the bill ("servicio"), but it's customary to leave an extra 10% for good service. For taxi drivers, rounding up is appreciated but not mandatory.
• Water: Do not drink the tap water. Brush your teeth with bottled water to be safe. Ice in reputable restaurants is usually made from purified water, but ask if you are unsure.