Things to do in Lima
With its vast and complex history, Lima is a goldmine of fascinating cultural experiences. The National Museum and the ruins of Pachacámac in Lurin both give an insight into Peru's rich pre-Hispanic cultures. The city's historic city centre is the best place to take in colonial architecture, from the Plaza Mayor to the Museum of the Convent of San Francisco. Museum opening hours vary, but they are often closed Mondays.
Museums and Galleries
Expand all1. Larco Museum - Peruvian Pre-Columbian history
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The Larco Museum in Pueblo Libre houses thousands of well-preserved Pre-Columbian artefacts from the native American Chimú, Mochica, Lambayeque and Inca cultures. See elaborate gold ceremonial headwear and stone drinking vessels before having lunch in the museum's fine garden restaurant.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
S/.30; seniors S/.25; students & under 15s S/.15
Opening Hours
Daily 9am-6pm
Address
1515, Avenida Bolívar, Lima 21
Telephone
+51 1 461 1835
2. National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology & History - History uncovered
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The National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History in Pueblo Libre is an ideal starting point for understanding Peru's complex cultural history. The chronological exhibition, dating from 2000BC to colonial times, includes ceramics, stone figures, jewellery and textiles.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
S/.11.50; concessions S/.3.50; children S/.1
Opening Hours
Tue-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 9am-4pm
Address
Plaza Bolívar, Pueblo Libre, Lima 21
Telephone
+51 1 463 50 70
3. The National Museum - Pre-Inca to colonial exhibits
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The National Museum in San Borja is the most important museum in Lima. The exhibits, spread over three rambling floors, include scale models of most major ruins in Peru and highly advanced ceramics and textiles from pre-inca to colonial times.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun 9am-5pm
Address
2465, Avenida Javier Prado Oeste, San Borja, Lima 41
Telephone
+51 1 476 9933
Transport
Taxi
4. Museum of the Convent of San Francisco - Catacombs and religious art
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Lima's cemetery until 1810, the Convent of San Francisco's catacombs in the centre are now open to the public. Visitors can see the neatly arranged bones and skulls from up to 25,000 bodies, together with the monastery's religious art collection.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
S/.5; concessions S/.2.50
Opening Hours
Daily 9.30am-5.30pm
Address
Plaza San Francisco, Jirón Ancash y Lampa, Lima 01
Telephone
+51 1 426 7377
Attractions
Expand all5. Plaza Mayor - Colonial grandeur
Show more The Plaza Mayor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Lima's historic centre. It's a good place to start exploring the city's colonial architecture from the beautiful wooden balconies to landmarks buildings like the cathedral and presidential palace.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
City Centre, Lima 01
Transport
Taxi
6. Pachacámac - Pre-Inca temples
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Once a pre-Inca site for the worship of the god of creation, Pachacámac in Lurin is now an intriguing archaeological excavation. With impressive pyramids, temples and fresco paintings dating back to 200 AD, it bears witness to Peru's fascinating history.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
S/.6; concessions S/.2; children S/.1
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun 9am-5pm
Address
Antigua Panamericana Sur, Lurín, Lima 16
Telephone
+51 1 430 0168
7. Presidential Palace - Neo-Baroque architecture
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Rebuilt in the 1930s in a grandiose Baroque style, the Presidential Palace stands on the site of the home of Lima's founder, Francisco Pizarro, in the city centre. Visitors can watch the changing of the guards each morning.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Exterior free; interior no access to public
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
Plaza Mayor, City Centre, Lima 01
Telephone
+51 1 311 3908
Transport
Taxi
Special things to do
Expand all8. Park of Love - Romantic sunsets
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Overlooking the pacific ocean, the small Park of Love in Miraflores is the perfect spot to watch the sunset with your loved one. A sculpture of a couple kissing and mosaic-walls with love inscriptions add to the romantic atmosphere.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
Malecón Cisneros, Miraflores, Lima 18
Transport
Taxi
9. Solariega de Aliaga House - Colonial mansion
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Private residence Solariega de Aliaga House in the city centre was built by Spanish nobleman Jerónimo de Aliaga in 1535. Today visitors can go inside on pre-arranged tours to see its well-preserved colonial interiors and elegant architecture.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
US$30-US$70 (part of package)
Opening Hours
Pre-arranged tours only
Address
224, Calle Jirón de la Unión, Lima 01
Telephone
+51 1 619 6900
