What to Do in Lima, Peru: Complete Bucket List for First-Time Visitors

What to Do in Lima: A Traveler’s Bucket List

Lima is more than just a gateway to Machu Picchu—it’s a vibrant city full of history, food, and coastal views. Check out our ultimate Lima bucket list and start planning your trip with Peru Trip Advisors.

perutrip advisors
perutrip advisors
4 min read
If there’s one city in South America that perfectly blends history, culture, and world-class cuisine, it’s Lima. Known as the City of Kings, Peru’s capital is more than just a gateway to Machu Picchu—it’s a destination in itself. At Peru Trip Advisors, we believe every traveler should experience the best of Lima, from colonial treasures in the historic center to colorful street art in Barranco, from the cliffs of Miraflores to the flavors of ceviche and pisco sour. Whether you’re here for just a couple of days or planning to stay longer, this bucket list will guide you through the experiences you can’t miss in Lima.



What to Do in Lima: A Traveler’s Bucket List


🌆 Culture & History

  • Plaza Mayor & Historic Center – Admire colonial architecture, the Cathedral, Government Palace, and Archbishop’s Palace.
  • San Francisco Monastery & Catacombs – Explore the ornate church and underground tunnels filled with bones.
  • Barranco District – Wander the bohemian neighborhood full of art, murals, cafés, and the famous Puente de los Suspiros.
  • Huaca Pucllana – Visit this pre-Inca adobe pyramid right in the middle of Miraflores. End with a fine meal on its restaurant, with views to the main pyramid.


What to Do in Lima: A Traveler’s Bucket List



🍴 Food & Drink

  • Ceviche Tasting – Try Peru’s iconic dish at top spots like La Mar, El Mercado, or a local cevichería.
  • Pisco Sour – Sip the national cocktail in a traditional bar or at a rooftop in Miraflores.
  • Central, Maido, or Astrid & Gastón – Experience Lima’s world-class gastronomy (reserve early!).
  • Local Markets – Explore Mercado de Surquillo or Barrio Chino for fruits, street food, and snacks.



🌊 Outdoors & Views

  • Paragliding over the Costa Verde – Fly above the Pacific with views of Lima’s cliffs and skyline.
  • Malecón de Miraflores – Walk, bike, or skate along the seaside cliffs with parks and ocean views.
  • Parque del Amor – Visit the mosaic walls and iconic sculpture, perfect at sunset.
  • Magic Water Circuit (Circuito Mágico del Agua) – Enjoy fountains, lights, and music at night.


What to Do in Lima: A Traveler’s Bucket List



🛍️ Shopping & Crafts

  • Indian Market (Mercado Inca) – Buy alpaca textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs in Miraflores.
  • Larcomar – Shop and eat with ocean views carved into the cliffs.


🚗 Day Trips

  • Pachacamac – Explore this impressive pre-Inca archaeological site just outside Lima.
  • Palomino Islands – Boat tour to swim with sea lions in the Pacific.


✨ Optional if you have time: Take a cooking class, watch a peña criolla (live Afro-Peruvian music and dance), or enjoy a chifa (Chinese-Peruvian fusion) dinner.



At Peru Trip Advisors, we specialize in creating personalized travel experiences that bring Lima and the rest of Peru closer to you. From tailor-made itineraries to expert local guidance, we make sure your journey is seamless and unforgettable.


🌎 Ready to start planning your trip?

👉 Visit us at www.peru-tripadvisors.com and let’s turn your Lima bucket list into reality!

1 888 228 2221.

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