Best Lima Day Trips & Things to Do

Peru’s capital city Lima is often the first stop for international travelers and a fascinating destination in its own right. Home to more than 10 million people, Lima stretches along the Pacific coast and combines colonial history with modern city life. The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features landmarks like Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral of Lima, and the Monastery of San Francisco with its catacombs. At the same time, districts such as Miraflores and Barranco offer ocean views, trendy cafés, and vibrant nightlife. Lima is also widely regarded as the culinary capital of South America, with world-renowned restaurants serving everything from traditional ceviche to cutting-edge fusion cuisine. Along the Costa Verde, visitors can enjoy paragliding over the cliffs or relaxing at the beaches, while museums like the Larco Museum showcase Peru’s rich pre-Columbian history.