Is it your first time in Peru? You probably already made a lot of plans about your 3 Machu Picchu Tour from Lima, about trekking, doing sandboarding or a million other things. I bet you chose Peru guided tours for your Andean adventure and you are eager for it to begin but, before that, you arrived in the capital of Peru, and you are clueless about what things to do in Lima. Don’t worry my mate, we got you.
Lima must not be a city for you to just wait for the next flight, get out of the airport, go on the streets and I can assure you that you will find a lot of things to do in Lima. There are many restaurants, parks, malls, and historic sites that you can visit, even if you are here for just one day. If you want to know where to go and what things to do in Lima, keep reading!
You might also like: Best time to visit Machu Picchu 2025: A complete guide
What is the weather in Lima?
Ok, before we dive right into your adventure and tell you the things to do in Lima, we considered really important for you to be prepared to the kind of wether you will be dealing with in this city. The capital of Peru is know for its nickname “Lima, la gris”, that translates as gray Lima or Lima, the gray; and it basically means that this city is cloudy most of the time, and if you wondered, it almost never rains, since it is a coastal desert city.
Summer time starts in December and lasts until March, the temperatures go from 25 °C (77 °F) to 30 °C (86°F) and the days are usually sunny, people love going to the south beaches in summer. From April to May the autumn comes and the temperatures go down from 18 °C (64°F) to 22 °C (72 °F). After that, the winter starts on June and lasts until september, during this months Lima la gris is really showing, the humidity rise and the city is covered in a misty fog. Finally, the spring comes on October and November, in this months the weather is really nice, it it a little sunny but not to hot, I would say the perfect wether.
But, don’t worry, it doesn’t really matter in what month you visit this city, there will be always a lot of things to do in Lima.
Top 5 best activities in Lima
Now, let’s find out what places you can visit, what activities or things to do in Lima there are, believe me, there are a ton of them but today we have listed for you the best ones. Turists and locals recommend this top of things to do in Lima, let’s get into it!
1. Visit Peruvian restaurants
As you may have heard, this country is known as a grastronomic destiny because Peruvian food is simply amazing. So, one of the main things to do in Lima is to visit restaurants, one of the most outstanding is Central, a restaurant that was recognized as the best in the world in 2023. It is located in the district of Barranco, it is a place that uses ingredients from all over Peru and has a very interesting culinary proposal, it sells you an experience full of culture and you leave there knowing everything about the origin of Peruvian ingredients.
If you prefer something more classic, to try the traditional ceviche, lomo saltado, causa rellena, seafood dishes and others; Gaston Acurio’s restaurants, such as Astrid y Gaston, Tanta or La Mar offer you a unique experience with dishes, which are a true tribute to Peruvian gastronomy. Also, if you are looking for a Peruvian breakfast, one of the tops things to do in Lima is go to La Lucha or El Chinito, restaurants known for their chicharrón sandwich. This is an icon of Peruvian food as well, it is a crunchy bread, pork chicharrón, fried sweet potato and creole sauce.
2. Go to the historic centre of Lima
Another one of the things to do in Lima is visit the Historic Center, it is a space full of history and colonial architecture in this city. You should definitily start your tour in the Plaza Mayor, where you can see the majestic Cathedral of Lima and the Government Palace, two icons that stand out for their imposing architecture. A few steps away, you can not miss the Convent of San Francisco, known for its catacombs and its impressive baroque church.
A visit to Jiron de la Union is a must, one of the main pedestrian streets of Lima, full of stores, cafes and historic buildings. If you are passionate about history, the Museo de la Inquisición and the Palacio de la Unión are perfect for learning more about the colonial era and the city’s past.
For a panoramic view, climb the Torre Tagle, a colonial-era building with architectural details that showcase the grandeur of old Lima. If you are looking for more culture, the Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI) is ideal to appreciate Peruvian art from various periods. Like I said, the things to do in Lima never end.
3. Visit the districts in Lima
There are some districts that are really pretty in this city, and if you are looking for a more paceful day, this may be one of the things to do in Lima that yo should try. In Miraflores, for example, you can walk along the Malecón and enjoy the ocean views, or if you prefer to move faster, you can rent a bicycle at one of the available points in the district. It is an ideal way to tour the area and visit places like Larcomar, the favorite shopping mall for most people who visit Lima, because it is outdoors and has an incredible view of the ocean.
Barranco, known for its artistic atmosphere and colorful streets, is also perfect for walking and discovering its nooks and crannies. Don’t forget to visit the famous Bridge of Sighs and the art galleries that make this district a unique place to explore.
If you like beaches, San Miguel offers you the Circuito de Playas, where you can enjoy a nice coastal walk, and approaching the tranquility of the sea without leaving the city. Visiting this type of spots is ideal to go to see the sunset or go clear your head for a while.
4. Go sandboarding in the Huacachina
If you are spending a few more days in this city, this plan of one of the things to do in Lima is ideal for you. While the city is incredible, there are also many interesting activities to try in the surrounding area. Especially if you are an adventure lover you should go on some Huacachina Tours. You will go to an oasis in the middle of the desert, located to the south. This place is famous for its incredible dunes, which are perfect for sandboarding.
It is very popular among tourists and locals to go to the Huacachina dunes to practice this exciting sport, especially when they want to take a break from the city itself. The tour begins with a ride in a buggy, a 4×4 vehicle that will take you over the high dunes before launching you onto your board to slide down at full speed. The views of the desert and the oasis in the middle make this experience really special. After an adrenaline rush, you can relax on the shores of the oasis and enjoy a good rest while taking in the scenery.
5. Go to the beaches on the south
If you go to during summer, one of the favorite things to do in Lima is visit some of the best known and most visited beaches, perfect for enjoying the sea and the sun near the city. Among the most popular are Punta Hermosa and Asia, ideal destinations for both those looking for relaxation and water sports lovers.
Punta Hermosa is famous for its waves, making it one of the best places for surfing. However, its waters are cold, something typical of the central Peruvian coast. If you are looking for a quieter experience and without so much current, you can enjoy its calmer beaches, although always with cool waters.
On the other hand, Asia stands out for its lively social life and is known for being a fashionable place in summer, with bars, restaurants and nightclubs next to the beach. Although the atmosphere is ideal for fun, its waters are also cold. If you prefer a warmer climate and warm waters, we recommend traveling to the north of the country, where beaches like Mancora and Vichayito offer much more pleasant temperatures. Anyways, this is about things to do in Lima so, keep reading.
Don’t go to Lima without knowing this
Yes there are many things to do in Lima, but there are also several aspects to keep in mind to make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Here are some important considerations you musth want to know:
- Traffic in Lima: The city is known for its heavy traffic, especially during rush hours (7:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.). If you plan to move around the city, it is advisable to leave early or use public transportation.
- Public transportation: In addition to the Metropolitano and the Tren Eléctrico, which are fast and safe, Lima has a system of combis, small vans that travel fixed routes, although they can be chaotic and somewhat uncomfortable. Cabs do not use a meter, so it is important to agree on the price before getting into the vehicle. If you prefer more comfortable and safe options, there are many applications such as Uber or Indrive, which work more reliably.
- Security: As in any big city, it is advisable to be attentive to your belongings, especially in tourist areas. Avoid showing valuables on public streets and opt to walk on well-lit streets.
- Gastronomy: The food in Lima is excellent, but if you are not used to spicy food or local ingredients, ask before ordering. Some traditional dishes such as ceviche may be more intense than you imagine.
- Currency: Peru’s official currency is the sol (PEN). Although many places accept dollars, it is advisable to change to soles to avoid inconveniences. Exchange houses and banks are available in many tourist areas.
- Drinking water: If you want to do things in Lima, you should know that it is recommended not to drink water directly from the tap, so it is best not to drink it directly from the tap.
You might also like: Puka Pukara 2025: The red fortress inca that protected Cusco
Choose the best things to do in Lima
Like I said several times, there are a lot of thing to do in Lima, from eating, drinking, doing sports to just biking or taking a walk in a nice place. The capital of Peru is a really alive city, people there starts their routines really early and go back to their home late at night so, I assure you that you won’t get bored. If you stay there just for one day or maybe some more, waiting for your flight or your next destination on your Machu Picchu Tour from Lima, don’t miss on the opportunity of getting to know this costean Peruvian city.
If you are planning your next trip and you want to know what to do in other cities, you can chek out this travel guide to Cusco, and if you ever need this guide just come back to this article and you will keep finding the best things to do in Lima. Don’t worry, mate, we got you!
