Location: Lima
Top Things to do in Lima
What to do and see in Lima, Lima Region: The Best Historic Sites
Lima, founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, is a fascinating city and a treasure trove of history. Explore ancient Incan archeological sites, or stroll through the elegant cathedrals and opulent palaces dating from Spanish colonial times. Downtown Lima is crowded, but you'll enjoy exploring the city's neighborhoods—especially the beachfront areas, which have great shopping and dining and fabulous hotels.
Restaurants in Lima
1. Quinta Heeren
2. Parroquia del Sagrario
3. Santuario Nuestra Senora de la Soledad
4. Basilica y Monasterio de Santo Domingo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,418 reviews
Built by Dominican friars in 1549, this Church and Monastery contains the tombs of Santa Martin de Porres and Peru's other famous saint, Santa Rosa de Lima.
Reviewed By 816maksimm
We have visited a tower of the monastery with a private guide working for donation. There is a collection of church bells of different centuries in there, and the view from the tower gives an opportunity to take great panoramas of the Lima!
5. Huaca Pucllana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,333 reviews
Built by millions of adobe bricks, these ruins once served as an administrative center and a pre-Inca ceremonial site dedicated to the God Pachacamac.
Reviewed By alanlid - Oxford, United Kingdom
Smack in built-up Lima, within easy walking distance of the centre of Miraflores (where visitors often stay), this is a remarkable archaeological site: a vast brick pyramid - and outlying courtyards - built of adobe and, thanks to its ingenious 'bookshelf' design, still standing after some 1700 years, despite earthquakes. The tour involves a bit of modest (safe) climbing and takes about an hour; our guide, Jorge, was very good, and explained the sequence of cultures who inhabited the site, how they worked, what they grew and ate (by way of illustration, there is a small garden and some domestic animals - guinea pigs, vicuña, etc. - which will appeal to the kids). Very interesting, unless you're averse to old sites of this kind, The restaurant is meant to be very good, though not cheap; we resisted the temptation.
6. Parque Reducto No. 2
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By H9427OPfrankm
This 'military' park contains the final resting place for the hundreds of brave Military and Civilians who made the 'ultimate' sacrifice for thier homeland in Miraflores on the 15th of January 1881. There is a white marble monument situated on the quiet North Western section of the 2nd redoubt, it is where the bones of patriots lie. Do pay your respects their first then continue on to enjoy your day at the park.
7. Casa de Aliaga
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 471 reviews
Colonial House in Lima. Built by Jeronimo de Aliaga y Ramirez in 1535, the same year of Lima's foundation. Ever since then the Aliaga family and their descendants have lived in the house, which is now occupied by the seventeen generation of the same family. Rebuilt and reshaped after the earthquakes, and some changes in architectural trends, the mansion has served for almost five centuries to Lima's history.
Reviewed By 1234texas - Dripping Springs, United States
We had seen the building, as we walked in the area close to our hotel, and were really impressed with it. The structure is a low one story stone building that is beautiful--well designed and executed with great attention to detail. The little yard in front is most attractive and inviting, but it is protected by a very nice antique gate and fence. We really wanted to see inside it and get a chance to experience it is a more personal manner, but that was not possible..... Or, so we thought! Little did we know that we were going to have dinner here the next evening! Our guide told us that this is one of the special places that GLOBUS included on our trip. The present owner of the house (which has ben in the same family for almost 500 years) makes the property available for dinners, private events, weddings and meetings. She actually hosted our dinner and ate with us as she told stories and answered our many questions. The meal was very good, nicely presented, and well served in the huge interior courtyard. We were impressed. The guided portion of our tour of the inside of the house is really grand. We got lot of information on the history of the structure and the many inhabitants. We were then allowed an hour or so for a self guided tours of many rooms. Over the years, there have been many changes to the interior. At the present time,iIt is furnished in a Victorian manner. Many of the antiques and art pieces have been collected by family members. It is really a great experience to be able to walk through all the rooms, and see the layout of the building. This is one of those wonderful unexpected "surprises" you get when you travel. It is an experience that is well worth whatever the cost. If you can get it set up when you are in Lima, I strongly recommend it. The owner (who lives in an "apartment" at the back of the mansion) has set up a non-profit corporation to help with the maintenance of the property--which is significant because of the age of the property and size! If you have a group large enough (we had 16, but I do not know the minimum), you should make the contacts to see if it can be done for your group. This is NOT an event you can set up upon arrival in country! EVERYONE in our group was totally pleased with this visit the owner, and the meal--I am certain you will be as well.
8. Catedral de Lima
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By reinaldo_silveira
The largest Catholic Church in Peru, the Cathedral of Lima has important attraction like the mausoleum of Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conqueror of Peru, beautiful chapels and painting. Lastly the wood works are simply special. The guided visit was remarkable. Recommended!
