Kjolle by Pia León (World's Best Female Chef 2021)
As of 2026, the must-see places in Lima include Central Restaurant (#1 World's 50 Best 2023), Maido Restaurant (#6 World's 50 Best, Nikkei), Kjolle by Pia León (World's Best Female Chef 2021). See highlights, time needed and tips for each below.
Lima blends historic landmarks, natural scenery, and local food experiences. We've organized 48 attractions across 4 categories. Each attraction card includes entry fees, opening hours, and local tips so you can plan straight from the page. Use the quick links below to jump to your favorite category.
World's #1 restaurant 2023 by Virgilio Martínez. 16-course altitude-themed tasting menu based on Peru's ecosystems (sea level to 4,000m). Husband-wife team with Pia León (Kjolle next door, World's Best Female Chef 2021). Mater Iniciativa biodiversity research center attached.
$300-500 tasting menu Lunch + dinner Tue-Sat 4 hours
Local tip: Reservations open 3 months ahead at midnight day-90 via centralrestaurante.com.pe — fill within hours. Smart attire mandatory.
Maido Restaurant (#6 World's 50 Best, Nikkei)
#2
Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian fusion) canonical by Chef Mitsuharu 'Micha' Tsumura. Tasting menu combining Japanese precision + Peruvian Amazon ingredients (paiche fish, cocona fruit, aji limo). Chef Micha's father Osakan, mother Peruvian.
Local tip: Reservation 2-3 months ahead via maido.pe. Latin America's Best Restaurant 2017-2019.
Kjolle by Pia León (World's Best Female Chef 2021)
#3
Pia León's restaurant next door to husband Virgilio Martínez's Central. Native Peruvian ingredients tasting menu — corn 30+ varieties, potatoes 50+ varieties, Amazonian river fish. More accessible than Central but same caliber.
Local tip: Reservation 2-3 months ahead. Often pair with Central pilgrimage same trip.
Astrid y Gastón (Acurio flagship Casa Moreyra)
#4
Gastón Acurio's flagship since 1994 at 18th-century Casa Moreyra colonial mansion. World's 50 Best multiple years. Cuy Pekines (Peking-style guinea pig) signature. Acurio is Peru's culinary diplomat behind the global Peruvian-food movement.
Doña Grimanesa Vargas' anticuchería (beef heart skewers, $3-5 each) — Lima's most famous + locals' canonical + 30+ years. Picarones donut signature dessert.
$5-15/person 18:00-23:00 (Mon closed) 2 hours
Local tip: Cash only. Queue 20-40 min standard. Netflix Chef's Table featured.
Mayta by Jaime Pesaque (World's 50 Best Latin America)
#7
Modern Peruvian by Chef Jaime Pesaque. Latin America's 50 Best 2022-2024 (#28 in 2024). Combines Mediterranean technique with Peruvian Amazon + Andean ingredients. Chef's table experience inside open kitchen.
Local tip: Reservation 2-3 weeks ahead. Tasting menu or à la carte.
Hotel Bolívar Pisco Sour (1924 birthplace claim)
#8
1924 hotel claims Pisco Sour invention. Pisco Sour S/30 ($8) at Hotel Bolívar with historic Plaza San Martín setting — Hemingway, Ava Gardner, Mick Jagger stayed.
Local tip: Day visit only (Centro Histórico unsafe at night). Catedral cocktail S/45 = double-format Pisco Sour.
Carnaval Bar (World's 50 Best Bars #18 in 2023)
#9
World's 50 Best Bars list multiple years (#18 in 2023, top Latin American bar). Pisco-focused + Peruvian ingredients cocktails by Aaron Díaz. Modern Peruvian cocktail showcase.
Local tip: Reservation weekends. 21+ only. Smart casual.
Mercado de Surquillo No. 1 ceviche stalls + cooking class
#10
Lima's most popular tourist-friendly local market. 2nd floor ceviche stalls cheap + fresh ($3-12). 100+ Peruvian potato varieties + Andean fruits. Cooking class via Skyepicurean ($80-120) or Marcelo Batata ($60-100).
$3-120 (cooking class optional) 06:00-19:00 (Sun till 16) 2-4 hours
Local tip: Watch valuables. Cash only. Best mornings 9-13.
Modern Peruvian creole canonical by Chef José del Castillo. Family-style portions (huge — order 1 for 2-4 people). World's 50 Best Discovery. Most-recommended Peruvian classics restaurant in Lima for foreigners.
$30-60 12:30-23:00 (Sun-Mon closed) 2 hours
Local tip: Reservation 1 week ahead. Order family-style + share.
Costanera 700 Pacific Cliff Nikkei + ceviche
#12
Pacific Ocean cliff seating (largest ocean-view restaurant in Lima). Chef Humberto Sato (Maido alumni). Nikkei cuisine with seafood focus — tiradito, sashimi-style cuts, Nikkei sushi rolls.
Tandem paragliding from Pacific cliffs in Miraflores. 10-min flight over Lima coastline. Iconic Lima experience — free fall over Pacific. Family + couple-friendly, no experience needed.
Local tip: Sunset 1h before pretty. Free Pacific cliff views even without shopping.
Huaca Pucllana Pre-Inca Pyramid (Miraflores)
#4
1,500-year-old adobe pyramid in middle of upscale Miraflores — surreal ancient pyramid surrounded by modern condos. Guided tour + on-site Huaca Pucllana restaurant for illuminated pyramid views during dinner.
S/15 ($4) tour 9:00-17:00 + restaurant till 22:00 2 hours
Local tip: Night-time visit (till 22) with Huaca Pucllana restaurant.
Miraflores central plaza with 100+ free-roaming cats (informal city sanctuary since 1990s). Surrounded by cafes, restaurants, Pisco bars. Locals + tourists gathering point evenings. Free street performers + artisan market weekends.
Open-air artisan market with alpaca scarves S/30-80, sweaters S/80-200, silver jewelry, ceramics, ponchos. Bargain 20-40% off marked prices. Pure tourist market, not authentic Inca quality but convenient.
$5-150 souvenirs 10:00-21:00 daily 1-2 hours
Local tip: Cash for haggling. Pure alpaca = soft + light; mixed = scratchy. Avoid if visiting Cusco (better quality).
Costa Verde beach + sunset bars (Miraflores below cliffs)
#7
Beach below Miraflores cliffs accessible via stairs or Bajada Balta road. Cala Restaurant + Punto Marisko beach clubs Pacific cliff dining. Surf school for beginners. December-March swimming.
Local tip: Wetsuit needed (Humboldt Current 17-23°C year-round). Avoid solo evening beach walks (robberies).
Faro de la Marina lighthouse + Bajada Balta sunset
#8
Faro de la Marina (lighthouse) along Malecón. Bajada Balta is the cobblestone road descending from Miraflores cliff to Costa Verde beach — favored sunset photography spot.
Free 24/7 1 hour
Local tip: Sunset golden hour for photos. 15-min walk along Malecón from Parque del Amor.
Lover's Park / Parque del Amor sculpture (Gaudí-style mosaic)
#9
Sunset park with Víctor Delfín's 'El Beso' sculpture (lovers kissing, 1993) + Antoni Gaudí-style mosaic walls inscribed with love poetry. Iconic Lima sunset photo spot.
Free 24/7 30 min
Local tip: Sunset golden hour 30 min before for photos. Sculpture surrounded by hand-laid mosaic walls.
Surfing at Punta Roquitas + Waikiki (Miraflores breaks)
#10
Miraflores surf breaks at Punta Roquitas + Waikiki (gentle longboard waves, beginner-friendly). Surf school 2h lesson + board + wetsuit $40-60. December-April best conditions.
Local tip: Wetsuit included (cold Humboldt water). May-November surf still possible but cold + cloudy.
Magic Water Circuit (Parque de la Reserva, Lima Centro)
#11
13 fountains synchronized to music + sunset to 22:00. Largest fountain complex in the world (Guinness World Record). S/4 ($1) entry. Walking distance from Plaza Bolognesi. Family + photo-friendly.
S/4 ($1) 15:00-22:30 (show 19:15+) 1-2 hours
Local tip: Best after sunset 19-21. Family-friendly. Weekend more crowded. Spare clothes for fountain area.
Casa Tradicional + Bajada Balta cobblestone walk
#12
Casa Tradicional is a Miraflores 1920s mansion restored as restaurant + cultural center. Bajada Balta cobblestone road descends from Miraflores to Costa Verde — best preserved colonial street in Miraflores.
Free walk Always 30-60 min
Local tip: Casa Tradicional Sunday brunch ($25-50) recommended. Bajada Balta photo spot.
Historic Centro + Pre-Inca Sites
12 spots
Plaza Mayor + Cathedral (Centro Histórico, UNESCO 1991)
#1
Spanish colonial heart founded 1535 by Pizarro. Cathedral (Pizarro's tomb), Government Palace, Archbishop's Palace. UNESCO 1991. Changing of the guard ceremony at Government Palace 11:45 daily.
Local tip: Day only — Centro Histórico unsafe after dark. Watch valuables. Pizarro's tomb in Cathedral.
Larco Museum (pre-Columbian art canonical, Pueblo Libre)
#2
World's most comprehensive pre-Columbian art collection + Inca + Moche + Chimú gold + ceramics + erotic art annex. 50,000+ artifacts. Café Larco in 18th-century mansion gardens for sunset dinner.
S/35 ($9) 9:00-22:00 (late open) 2-3 hours
Local tip: Stays open till 22:00 — only major Lima museum open late. Café Larco dinner in gardens.
San Francisco Catacombs + Casa Aliaga
#3
San Francisco Monastery (1673) + catacombs (25,000 skulls underground, 1546-1808). Casa Aliaga (1535) — oldest continuously inhabited house in Western Hemisphere.
S/20 + S/30 ($14) 9:00-17:00 2 hours
Local tip: Catacombs spooky but iconic. Casa Aliaga reservation 1 day ahead. Day only (Centro).
Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI, art museum)
#4
Lima's premier art museum in 1872 Palace of the Exposition. Pre-Columbian + colonial + republican + modern Peruvian art across 30 galleries. Excellent temporary exhibitions.
S/30 ($8) 10:00-19:00 (Mon closed) 2-3 hours
Local tip: Walking distance to Plaza San Martín. Free admission first Sunday of month.
Pachacamac Pre-Inca Archaeological Site (40km south)
#5
Pachacamac pyramids + temples (200-500 AD, pre-Inca, predates Inca by 1,000 years). Sun Temple + Acllawasi (Chosen Women) + Pachacamac Museum. 1h drive from Lima.
S/15 entry + tour $50-80 9:00-17:00 (Mon closed) 3 hours
Local tip: Tour easier with guide. Sun hat + comfortable shoes essential (sand).
Convento de Santo Domingo + San Martín tomb
#6
1535 Dominican monastery + tombs of Saint Rose of Lima (Lima's patron saint) + Saint Martin de Porres + Saint Juan Macias. Plaza de Armas adjacent.
S/10 ($3) 9:00-18:00 1 hour
Local tip: Combine with Plaza Mayor + Cathedral. Day only.
Plaza San Martín + Hotel Bolívar (1924 Pisco Sour birthplace)
#7
Lima's second-largest plaza (Plaza San Martín) with 1921 monument to General José de San Martín. Hotel Bolívar (1924, Pisco Sour invention claim) borders the plaza — historic Pisco Sour tasting setting.
Free plaza + $8-25 Pisco Sour at Bolívar Always + Bolívar bar 12-23 1-2 hours
Local tip: Day only. Pisco Sour at Bolívar bar most authentic.
Barrio Chino (Chinatown) Wa Lok 1986 + Salón Capon dim sum
#8
Lima's original Chinatown (Barrio Chino) in Centro Histórico — Wa Lok (1986 locals' Chifa canonical, $15-40) + Salón Capon (Cantonese dim sum) + multiple authentic Cantonese-Peruvian restaurants. Day only.
$10-40 per restaurant 11:00-23:00 (day only safety) 2 hours
Local tip: Day only — Centro Histórico unsafe after dark. Cantonese dim sum weekends.
Iglesia La Merced + colonial church + balconies
#9
1535 Iglesia La Merced (Catholic church) on Jirón de la Unión pedestrian street. Colonial wooden balconies (Lima's defining architectural feature) line the surrounding blocks. Free walking tour starts here.
Free 8:00-12:00 + 17:00-19:00 1 hour
Local tip: Free walking tours of Centro Histórico depart Plaza Mayor 10:00 + 15:00 (tip-based).
Casa de la Literatura Peruana (former train station)
#10
Free literature museum in 1912 former Desamparados train station. Beautiful glass-roof main hall. Permanent exhibition on Peruvian literature (Vargas Llosa, César Vallejo). Free.
Free 10:00-18:00 (Mon closed) 1 hour
Local tip: Walking distance Plaza Mayor. Day only.
Government Palace + Changing of the Guard
#11
Casa de Pizarro / Palacio de Gobierno on Plaza Mayor. Changing of the Guard ceremony 11:45 daily (free, exterior). Interior tours by advance reservation only via official website.
Free exterior Changing of Guard 11:45 daily 30 min
Local tip: Arrive 11:30 for ceremony spot. Day only.
Museo Pedro de Osma (Barranco colonial art)
#12
Pedro de Osma Museum in Belle Epoque Barranco mansion. Spanish colonial religious art + Peruvian viceregal painting. Pia León's Kjolle + Virgilio Martínez's Central nearby — pair with foodie pilgrimage.
S/30 ($8) 10:00-18:00 (Mon closed) 1.5 hours
Local tip: Walking distance Hotel B Barranco. Pair with Barranco art walk.
Barranco + Day Trips
12 spots
Barranco bohemian neighborhood + Puente de los Suspiros
#1
Lima's most bohemian + artistic neighborhood. Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs, 1876) + colorful street art + MATE (Mario Testino museum) + Isolina Taberna.
Free walking + MATE $9 Always 2-3 hours
Local tip: 10-min Uber from Miraflores. Most photogenic + Instagrammable neighborhood.
MATE Mario Testino Museum (Barranco)
#2
Mario Testino (Peruvian fashion photographer, Princess Diana's portraitist) museum in restored 19th-century Barranco mansion. Permanent collection of Testino's iconic fashion + celebrity portraits + cusqueña costume photography.
S/30 ($8) 11:00-18:00 (Mon-Tue closed) 1.5 hours
Local tip: Walking distance Puente de los Suspiros. Pair with Hotel B Relais & Châteaux tea.
Pachacamac Pre-Inca Archaeological Site (40km south)
#3
Pachacamac pyramids + temples (200-500 AD, pre-Inca, predates Inca by 1,000 years). Sun Temple + Acllawasi (Chosen Women) + Pachacamac Museum. 1h drive from Lima.
S/15 entry + tour $50-80 9:00-17:00 (Mon closed) 3 hours
Local tip: Tour easier with guide. Sun hat + comfortable shoes essential (sand).
Paracas + Islas Ballestas day trip ('Galápagos of Peru')
#4
Paracas National Reserve + Islas Ballestas boat tour (sea lions 200+, Humboldt penguins, dolphins, 1,000+ birds) + Candelabro geoglyph + red sand beach Playa Roja. 4h drive south.
$80-150 day tour all-in 5:30am pickup-23:30 return Full day (long)
Local tip: Cruz del Sur or Peru Hop bus + tour. Consider Paracas/Ica overnight for Nazca Lines extension.
Lima → Cusco 1.5h flight (LATAM / Sky / Star Peru)
#5
Lima to Cusco direct flight 1.5h via LATAM, Sky Airline, Star Peru, JetSmart. $80-200 round-trip. Morning flights most reliable (Cusco afternoon altitude weather causes occasional cancellations). Standard Peru combo Lima 2-3 days + Cusco 4-5 days.
Local tip: Book 1-2 months ahead. Don't fly Lima-Cusco same day as Peru arrival (jet lag + altitude shock compound).
Magic Water Circuit (Parque de la Reserva)
#6
13 fountains synchronized to music + sunset to 22:00. Largest fountain complex in the world (Guinness World Record). S/4 ($1) entry. Walking distance from Plaza Bolognesi. Family + photo-friendly.
S/4 ($1) 15:00-22:30 (show 19:15+) 1-2 hours
Local tip: Best after sunset 19-21. Weekend more crowded.
Pisco Distillery Tour Ica (3h south)
#7
Pisco distillery tour at Ica wine country (3h south Lima). Visit traditional Pisco distilleries (Tabernero, Tacama, Caravedo) + tasting + Huacachina desert oasis nearby. Pisco production region since 1572.
$80-150 day tour Day tour from Lima 7:00-21:00 Full day
Local tip: Combine with Huacachina sandboarding. Tabernero is largest Pisco producer; Caravedo oldest (1684).
Huacachina Desert Oasis + Sandboarding (5h south)
#8
Genuine desert oasis surrounded by Sahara-like dunes (Ica region). Sandboarding ($30-50, beginner-friendly) + dune buggy ride + sunset photography ($40-70). Lawrence of Arabia-style desert experience.
$40-70 dune buggy + sandboard 10:00-19:00 Half day (with Paracas day trip)
Local tip: Overnight Hotel El Huacachinero ($60-150) or Mossone ($150-300) for sunrise + sunset.
Nazca Lines flight (mysterious geoglyphs)
#9
Nazca Lines (2,000+ year-old geoglyphs visible only from air — hummingbird, monkey, spider, condor). Small plane flight from Nazca airport ($100-150, 30-min flight). Lima → Nazca 7h drive (long), so overnight Paracas/Ica + Day 5 Nazca.
Local tip: Plane motion sickness common — anti-nausea medication advised. Lines debated archaeology — Inca / pre-Inca origin.
Cala Restaurant + Punto Marisko (Costa Verde beach clubs)
#10
Pacific Ocean cliffside dining on Costa Verde Barranco beach. Cala Restaurant signature sunset views + ceviche + paella + beach club bar evenings + NYE fireworks view. Day club Sundays.
$30-70 12:30-00:00 (Mon closed) 2.5 hours
Local tip: Reservation for sunset table 1 week ahead (NYE 1-2 months). Beach club bar evenings 21+.
Lady Bee Bar (Barranco, World's 50 Best Bars 2024)
#11
World's 50 Best Bars 2024 list (Latin America). Honey-based + native botanicals concept. Sustainable bar in Barranco — sources local Peruvian honeys + Andean herbs.
Local tip: Reservation weekends. 21+ only. Limited seating intimate.
Ayahuasca Bar (Barranco 1895 mansion 8-room bar)
#12
1895 mansion converted into multi-room bar (8 rooms, each different decor). Amazonian + Andean botanical infusions in Pisco cocktails. One of Barranco's most photogenic bars.
Common questions about attractions and activities in Lima.
What are the must-see attractions in Lima?
Lima's most popular attractions include Central Restaurant (#1 World's 50 Best 2023), Maido Restaurant (#6 World's 50 Best, Nikkei), Kjolle by Pia León (World's Best Female Chef 2021), among others. We've organized 48 attractions across 4 categories below — see details for hours, prices, and local tips.
What free things can I do in Lima?
Free entry attractions include Malecón Cliff Walk + Parque del Amor (8km Pacific cliffs), Larcomar Cliffside Shopping Mall + Sunset, Parque Kennedy + cat sanctuary (Miraflores center), among others. Parks, plazas, and public museums let you experience Lima without spending — perfect for budget travelers.
Which attractions in Lima are most expensive?
Notable paid attractions include Central Restaurant (#1 World's 50 Best 2023) ($300-500 tasting menu), Maido Restaurant (#6 World's 50 Best, Nikkei) ($200-400 tasting menu), Kjolle by Pia León (World's Best Female Chef 2021) ($250-400 tasting). Booking online in advance is often cheaper than walk-up rates and lets you skip queues.
What are good day trips from Lima?
Day trip options from Lima include Barranco bohemian neighborhood + Puente de los Suspiros, MATE Mario Testino Museum (Barranco), Pachacamac Pre-Inca Archaeological Site (40km south), among others. Most are reachable by train or organized tour bus within 1-2 hours each way.
What can families with kids do in Lima?
Family-friendly picks include Isolina Taberna Peruana (Barranco creole canonical), Pacific Cliff Paragliding (Costa Verde Miraflores), Magic Water Circuit (Parque de la Reserva, Lima Centro), among others. Plan around interactive museums, parks, and themed attractions for trips with kids.
Where can I see the best night views in Lima?
Top night-view spots include Huaca Pucllana Pre-Inca Pyramid (Miraflores). Visit after sunset or join a night tour.
What scams should I watch for in Lima?
Common tourist scams include overpriced taxis, fake tour sellers, and aggressive street vendors. Buy tickets at official counters and use hotel-recommended or app-based transport for safety.
Where do locals recommend that tourists miss?
Check the "Local tip" sections of each attraction below for insights you won't find in standard guidebooks. Outlying neighborhoods and local markets are often the best hidden gems.
More on Lima
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Jimmy Kong
TripPick founder · Travel content creator
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.
8+ years analyzing travel data
30+ countries visited
Live exchange rate verified
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