The Ultimate Lima Travel Guide in 2025

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If you’re planning a trip to Lima, you’re probably on your way to somewhere fabulous, like the Amazon or Machu Picchu and Cusco. But before you schedule yourself for just a night at a Lima airport hotel – STOP!!!

This is your sign to give yourself a few days to explore all the incredible things the city of Lima has to offer! From historic plazas and cutting-edge cuisine to luxury hotels, spas, shopping, and Instagram-worthy neighborhoods, Lima is magic—I promise. 

You will find something extraordinary whether you’re craving adventure, culture, or a dash of seaside glamour. That is, of course, if you know where to look! 

That’s why I’m here. 

My name is Betsy. I live in Beverly Hills, California, with my Peruvian husband, and over the past 15 years of visiting his family in Peru, I have gotten to know Lima beyond the tourist traps and usual spots you might find in a guidebook. It would kill me when I saw a friend posting that they were in Lima and I knew that I could have given them so many amazing places to see. So, I decided to create this lima travel guide with some of my favorite spots and travel tips to make your experience an unforgettable one!

Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Lima and Chic Neighborhoods

Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco are top picks for tourist-friendly neighborhoods, and each has its unique charm. Miraflores is the tourist hub, San Isidro is the financial district and home to many wealthy Limeños, and Barranco is the artsy, bohemian district that overlooks the sea. Here are some of the best hotels in Lima:

Miraflores

Luxury Top Choice: Belmond Miraflores Park: Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this five-star hotel combines elegance with jaw-dropping views, a rooftop pool, and an ideal location to visit the best sites in Lima.

Chic & Affordable Alternative: Pullman Miraflores combines modern, sleek design with comfort and convenience in an excellent location close to the best restaurants and shops, giving you a stylish stay without the luxury price tag.

San Isidro

Luxury Top Choice: Swissotel Lima is a reliably luxurious choice in San Isidro has a stunning spa, spacious rooms, and our family’s favorite swimming pool—it’s indoor and outdoor, so you’re covered no matter the weather!

Chic & Affordable Alternative: Arte Hotel Lima is a modern, comfortable stay with artistic decor, a central location, and warm service. It is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who still want style.  

Barranco

Luxury Top Choice: Villa Barranco in Barranco: For a boutique experience in Lima’s most bohemian neighborhood, Villa Barranco is IDEAL. Set in a historic mansion, it’s close to Barranco’s galleries, restaurants, and nightlife—perfect if you love art and crave a unique, more intimate setting. The design is spectacular, and so is their staff. 

Chic & Affordable Alternative: Casa Republica Barranco is a charming boutique option offering a mix of vintage and modern decor. It is in the ideal Barranco location, close to the district’s best galleries and nightlife spots, and is easier on the wallet.

Best Time to Visit Lima, Peru

When deciding the best time to visit, consider this: Lima has a coastal desert climate similar to Los Angeles. Temperatures stay relatively moderate year-round, and it rarely rains. However, the city does have a “gray season” from May to October, when the skies stay overcast in the morning and sometimes burn off in the afternoon. For more reliably sunny days, December to April is your ideal time. Expect the best beach weather with clearer skies—perfect for sightseeing and seaside brunches! 

See also: How long to stay in Lima, Peru

Best Restaurants: Eat Your Way Through Lima

A Lima travel guide would only be complete with mentioning the food. There are multi-day foodie tours dedicated entirely to people eating their way from one restaurant to another. And it’s no surprise that so many of the world’s top restaurants are there and affordable. Here are a few of the biggies:

Central

Ranked among the world’s best (currently Number 1!), Central is a high-end dining experience by chef Virgilio Martínez takes you on a journey through Peru’s ecosystems. Reservations are a must and can be challenging to get. 

Maido

For a taste of Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) cuisine, Maido is a game-changer. The multi-course tasting menu is a true sensory adventure.

Astrid y Gastón

Delivering a breathtaking blend of contemporary Peruvian cuisine in the refined setting of a beautifully restored 17th-century mansion in San Isidro, Astrid v Gaston playfully showcases the richness of Peru’s diverse ingredients and culinary traditions.

But there is more great food available. I am not a foodie per se; I just like high-quality, simple meals. So, here’s my list of more accessible and yet utterly delicious restaurants that you won’t soon forget. 

Mainstream Must-Try Restaurants in Lima

Huaca Pucllana    

Dine beside the ancient Huaca Pucllana ruins in Miraflores for a memorable setting and fantastic Peruvian flavors with a modern twist. Try their Ají de Gallina or ceviche, and enjoy the atmosphere as the ruins are lit up at night.

Panchita    

This Gastón Acurio restaurant in Miraflores is perfect for traditional Peruvian comfort food. When you visit Panchita, go for anticuchos (I like the chicken) or the savory Lomo Saltado —flavor-packed, hearty, and ideal for sharing.

Troppo    

For an Italian escape with Peruvian flair in San Isidro, try Troppo’s fresh pasta and wood-fired pizzas. Their meatballs, salads and margarita pizza are family favorites, and be sure to try to get a spot on their patio. It’s fabulous.

El Pan de la Chola

El Pan de la Chola is a laid-back café ideal for breakfast or lunch. It has artisanal bread, avocado toast, and insane pizzas (at its La Mar location), and it always has great coffee. 

Primo’s Chicken    

For a classic Peruvian rotisserie chicken experience, head to Primo’s Chicken (multiple locations). Their Pollo a la Brasa is perfectly seasoned and roasted, served with crispy fries and sauces that pack a punch—simple but delicious!

Things to Do in Lima: Top Attractions and Hidden Gems

Lima abounds with many cultural opportunities. Here are a few of my favorites:

Explore Lima’s Art & Culture

This bohemian district of Barranco is a must-see with its colorful streets and public art. Be sure to set aside time for a leisurely walk through Barranco’s streets, and if you’re up for it, cross the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs) for a wish. 

While you’re there, visit the Jade Rivera Art Gallery or the nearby museum.

Jade Rivera is a Peruvian street artist whose work draws on the struggles of the Peruvian people. His work is so powerful and has gained popularity across the globe. 

If history or maybe erotic art’s your thing—yes, you read that right—visit the Museo Larco in Pueblo Libre. It’s an incredible museum known for its extensive collection of pre-Columbian art, erotic art collection, as well as for its beautiful garden restaurant.

Visit the Historic Center

Lima’s historic downtown is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural dream. Highlights include the Plaza Mayor, Government Palace, and Basilica Cathedral of Lima. 

For an evening experience, check out the Circuito Mágico del Agua (Magic Water Circuit) for a dazzling light show. It’s really fun, particularly for kids. 

Shop

I can’t lie. Shopping is one of my favorite things about Lima. There are fabulous textiles (Peruvian cotton clothing, Alpaca sweaters, coats, and blankets), as well as beautiful jewelry and art to purchase. Here are some good spots.

Larcomar

Perched on the cliffs of Miraflores, Larcomar is an upscale open-air mall with stunning ocean views. It’s home to international and local brands, art galleries, and fantastic restaurants, making it a top spot for shopping and dining with a view.

Tienda La Quinta

Located in Miraflores across from Kennedy Park, Tienda La Quinta is an under-the-radar (there is no website) outlet that offers brand-name Pima cotton clothing, mostly tee shirts, sweatshirts, and men’s polo shirts from major American brands, for pennies on the dollar. It’s my mecca. Av. José Larco 495, Miraflores 15074, Peru.

Inka Market

Just a few blocks from Kennedy Park, Inka Market, is a bustling artisan marketplace filled with traditional Peruvian handicrafts. Here you can find alpaca textiles, jewelry, ceramics, and souvenirs in a vibrant, authentic shopping experience. While there is a lot of junk, a few gems are in the mix, such as Camaq ~ Handwoven Peruvian Baskets, purses and art. It’s a family-owned business and their pieces are spectacular.

Dédalo Arte y Artesanía

Dédalo Arte y Artesanía in Barranco is a charming art and artisan boutique nestled in a beautiful historic home. Known for its curated selection of Peruvian handmade crafts, jewelry, textiles, pottery, and contemporary art, Dédalo is a favorite for unique gifts and local souvenirs. Each room of the store feels like an art gallery, offering something new to discover—from intricate jewelry to vibrant ceramics and woven textiles. It also features a cozy courtyard café where you can enjoy a coffee while soaking in the relaxed, bohemian atmosphere of Barranco.

Relax

Sometimes, you just need to kick back, take a minute, and enjoy a refreshing beverage. Lima offers some great spots for that, too.

Parque Kennedy

Right in the heart of Miraflores, Parque Kennedy is a central hub known for its art fairs and street vendors. With its vibrant and very well-cared-for cat colony and beautifully manicured flower beds, it’s a fun stop if you’re looking for a lively vibe. On weekends, you might even catch some live music or dance performances.

The Malecón & Lover’s Park

The Malecón, a scenic coastal walkway stretching along the cliffs of Lima, is one of city’s most relaxing escapes. Perfect for a leisurely stroll, bike ride, or sunset picnic, the path offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and fresh ocean breezes. 

Along the way, you’ll find El Parque del Amor, or Lover’s Park, a whimsical spot with colorful mosaic walls, poetic quotes, and the famous “El Beso” statue depicting a couple’s kiss. It’s a popular spot for couples, families, and anyone seeking a moment of tranquility amidst the city’s hustle.

Spa Time

If your idea of relaxation involves a massage, facial or blow-out (or all three), Lima is the spot for you. Peru’s labor costs are extremely low, making personal services extremely affordable. Ask your hotel for recommendations nearby or check out my post on the best massages in Lima. 

Lima Travel Tips for Planning a Smooth Trip

Transportation 

Lima’s traffic is no joke! Taxis are everywhere, but negotiating with them and making sure you end up where you want to go is another story. So, I recommend using rideshare apps like Uber or Cabify (my preference) for safer, more convenient travel. Most hotels also offer private car services (usually) for a much higher rate.

Currency & Prices

Peru uses the Peruvian sol (PEN). While credit cards and mobile pay are widely accepted in Lima, especially in high-end areas, carrying cash for markets and small purchases is handy.

Lima is a very affordable city. An excellent meal (steak, multi-course, etc.) for 2 at a higher-end restaurant often costs us about 30 dollars a person. A casual meal will be in the 15-dollar range.

Safety

Lima is generally safe in tourist areas, but take usual precautions. Stick to well-lit streets at night and avoid showing valuables openly.

Guided Tours

If you’re looking to see more of Lima without the stress of navigating it yourself, guided tours can be a fantastic way to explore. From food walks in Barranco to historic center day trips, having a local lead the way often means you’ll discover hidden spots you might have otherwise missed.

Many tour companies offer flexible cancellation policies, so don’t stress if your plans—or your mood—change last minute. Sometimes, leaving a day open for spontaneous wandering ends up being the best decision.

Weather Packing Tip

Be sure to know what to pack when visiting. During the “gray season,” pack light layers to stay comfortable and sunglasses for the bright glare. For sunny months, be sure to pack sunscreen. The rays are intense.

Day Trips from Lima: Quick Escapes

Pachacamac

If you cannot make it to Machu Picchu, you can still get your historical fix with a trip to Pachacamac. Just a 45-minute drive from Lima, this ancient archaeological site predates the Inca Empire. Explore temple ruins with spectacular views and gain insight into Peru’s fascinating history. We’ve been to Pachacamac, and it was beyond impressive.

Paracas and the Ballestas Islands

If you can’t make it to the Amazon but crave some nature, visit Paracas and the Ballestas Islands. Head to Paracas (4 hours) and book a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, often called “Peru’s Galapagos.” On this wildlife-packed adventure, you’ll see sea lions, penguins, and tons of seabirds.

Nazca and Huacachina

If you’re more of an adventure traveler (I am not, but respect), visit Nazca and Huacachina. The enigmatic Nazca Lines are a group of large-scale geoglyphs hand-formed or scratched in the dark soil of the Nazca Desert. These figures, including a hummingbird, spider, monkey, and other geometrical forms, were carved between 200 AD and 600 AD. 

They are so large (50 to 1200 feet long) that they are only really visible from the air. There are numerous Cessna tours offered and a few helicopter options. You may want to skip this trip if you’re a motion sickness person. It’s a 4-hour drive and then a woozy flight that tips and bobs so everyone can see the formations.

Nazca trips are often paired with tours or overnight visits to Hucachina, a beautiful oasis in the middle of the desert. These tours usually include catching some air in a buggy along miles of sand dunes and sand surfing. Hucachina is the perfect destination for adventure seekers looking to surround themselves in nature.   

We have not yet done Ballestas Islands/Paracas or Nazca/Hucachina. They are on my (maybe) bucket list because doing loop-de-loos in a Cessna and catching air in a dune buggy both sound a little intense for me and my stomach, but never say never. 

 Final Thoughts: Lima Travel Guide

As you can see from this list—and trust me, it’s only the beginning—Lima surprises and delights at every corner. It is a city where world-class dining meets historic charm and vibrant neighborhoods. 

With this Lima travel guide, you’ll be ready to enjoy everything Peru’s capital offers. So, pack your bags, prepare your taste buds, and get ready to see why Lima is a travel destination you will enjoy and long remember!