Lima is usually the beginning of any adventure within the Andean country. Since most international flights have to board at your airport. So why not take a few days in the magical City of Kings? This ever-expanding metropolis bears no resemblance to traditional photos of villagers in traditional clothing. Lima could be considered a world apart from all of Peru, but this beautiful city hides its tourist attractions that are worth visiting. It is one of the oldest cities in South America and the gateway to all the attractions of Peru. That is why together with Machu Travel Peru we have prepared an article for you to know the 10 best tourist attractions in Lima.
Lima is a fantastic mix of ancient history and modern suburbs that will make your vacation one of the best. Make sure to enjoy a few days in the emblematic capital of Peru. Get to know everything that this wonderful destination has to offer.
The top 10 best tourist attractions in Lima
- Plaza de Armas
- San Francisco Convent
- The Cathedral
- Miraflores
- Santo Domingo
- Larco Museum
- Huaca Pucllana
- Magic Water Circuit
- Barranco
- Museum of the Nation
PLAZA DE ARMAS
This beautiful square is one of the best and main tourist attractions in Lima. The Plaza de Armas in Lima is also called Plaza Mayor and it is located in the historic center of the city. It is usually the starting point for many tourists seeking to discover the city and its essence. It is one of the many World Heritage Sites that you can find throughout Peru. In the surroundings, you can find buildings of great importance and also others that are worth visiting if you are nearby. Therefore, this place is considered a mandatory attraction for newcomers.
This beautiful square is one of the best places to start getting to know the city. It is even usually the starting point for the many guided tours of the capital. In the surroundings, you will find some of the most emblematic and historic buildings. It was precisely in the Main Square that Jose San Martín declared the Independence of Peru on July 28, 1821. You will also have at your disposal some distinguished restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine of Peru.
SAN FRANCISCO CONVENT
This is another of the tourist attractions in Lima that is located in the historic center of the city. The church of San Francisco is located around other renowned historic buildings. The church of San Francisco and its monastery are famous places for the catacombs that are located under the buildings. Not to mention the more than 10,000 people who were buried there. There is much to see inside this convent besides just bones. Be sure to visit the first-floor library which has thousands of old books. And the monastery is also worth a visit, as it has a fascinating collection of religious art. And below the church, you will find a maze of narrow corridors known as the Catacombs. It is one of the best-preserved colonial churches to date and one of the main tourist attractions in Lima. Therefore, it is worth your visit.
THE CATHEDRAL
In the surroundings of the Plaza Mayor, you will notice how on the east side the Cathedral of Lima dominates with its facade and presence. This architectural marvel was built between 1535 and 1564. The beautiful building was almost destroyed by the 1746 earthquake, but it was quickly rebuilt to its present appearance. The Cathedral was originally built as a church in the Baroque style. But when it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1746, it was rebuilt in a neoclassical architectural style. However, some traces of the Baroque style can still be seen in part of the 16th-century façade. Within a tour in Lima, you will surely be able to enjoy this incredible place. This is where the tomb of Francisco Pizarro, the founder of Lima, is. An unmissable attraction for the curious.
MIRAFLORES
Miraflores is one of the most touristic and luxurious districts of the capital. It is suitable for those who want to enjoy views, restaurants, and exclusive accommodations. Strategically located on the cliffs above the ocean, they make this neighborhood a special place for couples and people looking to have a good time. In this district, there are many beautiful parks and green spaces for lovers of outdoor activities and one of the most beautiful piers in the world. The Malecón de Miraflores is one of the main tourist attractions in Lima. You can go from the beautiful Parque del Amor to the luxurious Larcomar Shopping Center.
But there is so much to do and enjoy. Museums, bars, discos, green spaces, shops, high-end restaurants, and much more. It can also be one of the best places to stay. You will find a wide variety of luxury hotels where you can enjoy a good night’s rest. An unmissable place and one of the best areas to start getting to know Lima. We believe that there is no best time to visit Lima, although summer is a good opportunity to discover another side of the capital.
SANTO DOMINGO
Another very old religious building whose architecture surprises any tourist who steps on Peruvian soil is the Santo Domingo Convent. This historic building is well known for its popular tile mosaics that symbolize the life of Santo Domingo. Santo Domingo de Guzmán was the one who founded the Dominican order. It was built in 1540 thanks to a piece of land granted to the Dominican friar Vicente Valverde. The church and monastery are some of the oldest and most historic buildings.
If you visit the church with a Lima travel guide, various aspects of this iconic place will be explained to you. You will learn about the life of San Martin de Porres, Santa Rosa de Lima, and San Francisco de Solano. Note that the University of San Marcos was established in this church in the 16th century. This was the First University of South America. Without a doubt, one of the most famous tourist attractions in Lima.
LARCO MUSEUM
The Larco Museum was founded in 1926 within the Peruvian capital. It is a must-see for any travelers interested in the history of Peru. It is located within a state farmhouse dating from the seventeenth century. The different collections and exhibits represent more than 5000 years of Peruvian history. All arranged chronologically for a better understanding. The Larco Museum contains a collection of more than 40,000 pieces of Peruvian ceramics. Much of these ceramics come from cultures such as the Moche and Chimú. It also has a large collection of goldsmiths, textiles, stone carvings, and much more. It is actually much more famous for its erotic pottery collection, which is well worth a visit. One of the many tourist attractions in Lima that you cannot miss.
HUACA PUCLLANA
It cannot be denied that archaeological sites are an attraction for anyone visiting Peru. And in the heart of Miraflores, you can find a temple in the shape of a pyramid. Huaca Pucllana is one of the tourist attractions in Lima that you have to know. It may be difficult to conceive that this thousand-year-old adobe pyramid could be in the middle of a popular neighborhood. Built with adobe bricks and clay, a building material that is difficult to survive for so long. Still, academics believe that this beautiful place seemed to have administrative and ceremonial functions. Various artifacts were found around the Huaca Pucllana in Lima. And you can see them all in the site museum. You can also take advantage of the exclusive restaurant overlooking the ceremonial temple. If you have time, take a walk through this wonderful place.
MAGIC WATER CIRCUIT
After visiting the different markets in Lima, you can enjoy a romantic night on the Magic Water Tour. In the Reserve Park, during the night, you can enjoy the wonderful Magic Water Circuit. This is a wonderful “water park” where you will enjoy a fascinating spectacle of water, light, and sounds. The Circuit has numerous water fountains and other attractions, but unfortunately, there are no slides. Regardless, you will still find plenty of attractions and entertainment for the whole family. The visitors who visit the park are amazed by the spectacles of fountains, laser lights, and music. Some of the many tours in Peru usually offer visits to this place, especially if you travel with your family.
BARRANCO
The Barranco suburb is one of the most popular neighborhoods for artists and writers. Just south of Miraflores you can find this charming district. Barranco is acknowledged as the bohemian neighborhood of Lima. A place for poets, artists, and young people looking to make a place on the scene. Although it is not usually as well-kept as Miraflores, this is one of the most touristic districts for young people. The different inns and restaurants that line the hills are popular to enjoy a good meal while watching the sunset. One of the great tourist attractions in Lima is the Bridge of Sighs. This picturesque wooden bridge has some interesting legends. Be sure to explore Barranco at night, which is when it takes on its true colors. In our many Peru travel tips, we recommend not to miss this iconic district.
MUSEUM OF THE NATION
The Museum of the Nation is the largest museum in Lima and is usually the first place to investigate and learn about the ancient history of Peru. It is an excellent place to begin to appreciate the culture of the country. This museum covers the entire anthropological history of Peru. And one of its main attractions is the replica of the tomb of Lord Sipán, one of the first Moche mummies. Definitely one of the main tourist attractions in Lima.
“THE BEST JOURNEYS IN LIFE ARE THOSE THAT ANSWER QUESTIONS YOU NEVER THOUGHT TO ASK.”
We hope together with Machu Travel Peru to have encouraged your next visit to the capital of the Andean country. These are just some of its main attractions, but you can do much more within Lima. If you have any type of question, do not hesitate to consult our expert advisers.
