Top Things to Do in Lima, Peru: Parks, Culture & Coast
- Meredith Peters
- Jul 28, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
Lima, Peru surprises many travelers in the best way. With beautifully maintained neighborhoods, inviting ocean views, and a strong sense of local pride, the city feels vibrant yet surprisingly peaceful. You immediately notice how much care residents take with public spaces and historic areas, creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming and refreshingly clean. Exploring the best things to do in Lima Peru means discovering a destination where outdoor beauty, cultural depth, and world-class cuisine come together seamlessly.
Things to Do in Lima Peru: Parks and Green Spaces
One of the most enjoyable things to do in Lima Peru is simply wandering through its impressive network of parks. These green spaces offer a front-row seat to local life while delivering some of the city’s most scenic views.
Parque del Amor in Miraflores sits high above the Pacific and is known for sweeping coastal vistas and colorful mosaic artwork surrounding the iconic kissing statue. It is a favorite spot for sunset walks and photos.
A few blocks inland, Kennedy Park adds a lively energy with its cafés, street performers, and friendly crowds gathering in the evenings. Known for its resident cats roaming freely across the park benches, it is one of Lima’s most charming and memorable places to people-watch while soaking in the atmosphere.
For a quieter experience, El Olivar de San Isidro Park provides a peaceful retreat among centuries-old olive trees, small ponds, and shaded walking paths. It feels worlds away from the bustle of the city yet remains located right in the heart of an upscale residential neighborhood.
Exploring the Food Scene in Lima
Lima’s culinary reputation stretches far beyond Peru. Sampling the local cuisine is one of the most essential things to do in Lima Peru, as the city blends Indigenous ingredients, coastal seafood, and international techniques into unforgettable meals.
Street food offers some of the most authentic flavors. Fresh ceviche showcases the daily seafood catch with bright citrus and herbs, while anticuchos bring smoky, grilled flavors to sidewalk stalls across the city. Sweet treats like churros and empanadas make for perfect afternoon snacks. Wash it all down with chicha morada, a refreshing drink made from purple corn and local spices.
From casual bites to sophisticated dining overlooking the coast, food is at the heart of the Lima experience.
Plaza de Armas and Historic Architecture
Walking through Plaza de Armas is one of the most classic things to do in Lima Peru. This historic square anchors the UNESCO-listed city center and showcases some of Lima’s most significant landmarks.
Surrounding the plaza you will find the imposing Cathedral of Lima and the ornate Government Palace set against rows of colonial buildings adorned with detailed wooden balconies. A stroll through this district reveals layers of history that continue to blend into everyday city life.
Pisco & Local Traditions
Tasting pisco, Peru’s signature brandy, offers another cultural highlight. Locally produced and enjoyed neat or mixed into a pisco sour, it reflects deep national pride in both craftsmanship and hospitality. Bars throughout Lima specialize in interpretations of this iconic drink, turning a simple tasting into a fun way to experience local tradition.
Art and Culture in Barranco
The creative soul of the city shines in Barranco, Lima’s arts district. One of the best things to do in Lima Peru is wandering its colorful streets filled with bold murals, intimate galleries, and independent boutiques.
The romantic Puente de los Suspiros draws visitors for its storybook charm and tranquil river views. As evening approaches, Barranco grows lively with music drifting from dining terraces and cozy cocktail lounges, creating a warm, energetic atmosphere without feeling overwhelming.
Soak in the Beauty of Lima's Coastline
The seaside promenade running through Miraflores offers some of the most scenic walks in the city. Known as the Malecón, this clifftop path stretches along the Pacific with uninterrupted ocean views.
Visitors strolling here are often treated to scenes of surfers riding the waves below and paragliders soaring overhead. For travelers seeking a dose of adventure, paragliding directly from the cliffs provides an unforgettable aerial perspective of the coastline.
Why Visit Lima, Peru
Lima surprises travelers with its balance of polished urban life and relaxed coastal beauty. Between peaceful parks, historic plazas, creative neighborhoods, and a culinary scene that ranks among the best in the world, the variety of things to do in Lima Peru makes it a destination that rewards both short stays and longer explorations.
Ready to experience the best things to do in Lima Peru? Just click the link below to get started!
Comments