7 Best Tourist Attractions to visit in Lima

Peru is one of the countries with the greatest cultural diversity in the world. A multicultural country, full of traditions, an award-winning gastronomy and vast nature reserves. Discover the best tourist attractions to visit in Lima!

Lima, the capital of Peru, has a lot to explore, being one of the largest cities in South America and with an incredible history. For this reason, the city presents a diversity of activities to do. If you need a private transport in Lima, contact us!

You can explore the history of Peru in one of the many museums in Lima, or contemplate the beauty of its coast, among other things.

If you still don’t have ideas of what places to visit, ADT Andina de Transporte recommends 7 tourist attractions to visit:

 

Magic Water Tour in the Reserve Park

The Magic Water Tour was inaugurated in the Reserve Park in 2007, and in just one year it reached two million visitors. Thus, it has 13 separated fountains. We bet you will be amazed by this experience.

The Parque de la Reserva is a beautiful park and a pleasant place to visit during the day, but it is recommended to go at night as its famous fountains light up and create a truly spectacular sight.

The largest fountain, the Magic Fountain, launches a jet of water more than 80 meters high, while the Tunnel of Surprises Fountain is a 35-meter water tunnel to walk on. At the Fantasy Fountain, you can see an image and laser show with jets synchronized with the music.

This is the perfect place to take the kids or a date, The Magic Water Circuit will not disappoint you. The entrance fee is 4 soles ($ 1) and these beautiful lights are worth seeing. If you only spend one day in Lima, the fountains are the ideal option for you.

 

Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of sighs)

Barranco is a bohemian, picturesque and quiet neighborhood; it is full of graffiti, restaurants and green areas. While you’re there, don’t miss the Bridge of Sighs. This bridge was built in 1876 and is small and made of wood.

It is located in the main part of the district where two main streets connect. It is said that if you can cross the bridge while holding your breath, your wish will be fulfilled.

On the other hand, Barranco is easy to explore on foot or by bike, so it shouldn’t be missed. For example, one of the things you should do in Barranco is to visit its cultural spaces. Among the most important are the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC), the Pedro de Osma Museum, the Electricity Museum and the MATE Museum. All provide interactive displays, group interventions, photo projections, and modern art exhibitions.

When it comes to fun, the Barranco night will make you have great moments. If you want to spend a quiet time in the company of your partner or with friends talking and trying all kinds of Peruvian cocktails, you can go to its bars. And do not forget to eat our famous anticuchos in this district!

 

Plaza de Armas

In this place you can find the most impressive colonial architecture in Lima. Francisco Pizarro established the central plaza of the city in the 16th century to be the capital of colonial South America.

Besides having the Cathedral, the square is surrounded by the Archbishop’s Palace; the House of the Hearer; and the Government Palace, the official residence of the president that was built in the place where the Independence of Peru was declared.

On the other hand, you can find a mix of old and new buildings that are restaurants and shops in the area. Here you will also find La Merced church, which was completed in the late 18th century and has a baroque colonial façade.

The Plaza de Armas as it is known today, or Plaza Mayor as it was originally called; has been the scene of innumerable historical events that have even changed the history of Peru and it is a place that should not be missed.

 

Huaca Pucllana

One of the most recommended tourist attractions to visit in Lima is the Huaca Pucllana. It was an important ceremonial center of the Lima culture, which stood out mainly for its ceramics and architecture.

This archaeological site is made almost entirely of adobe and filled with pebbles and sand. In addition, it is composed of a 25-meter-high pyramid and a set of courtyards, squares and enclosures to the northeast of it.

Here you can learn about pre-Inca history. These incredible ruins are located in the Miraflores district and provide a journey through history.

The archaeological complex functioned as a temple for many pre-Hispanic civilizations such as Lima, Ychsma, Wari and finally the Incas. Therefore, this pre-Hispanic attraction is ideal for culture lovers.

The area is divided into two sections, one of which shows evidence of being used for fish offerings, while the other appears to have been an administrative area. You should explore the place with a guide, but the tours are quite inexpensive.

It is recommended to visit it at night to enjoy an incredible view of the illuminated ruins. There is also a restaurant inside the ruins, where you can enjoy a variety of Peruvian food. It sure remains as a nice experience!

 

Malecón de Miraflores

The Miraflores boardwalk is located parallel to the Pacific Ocean, giving you breathtaking views. You can rent a bicycle from one of the many companies that you will find in the district and enjoy a ride along the coast.

Thus, you will be able to observe beautiful parks and green areas that extend along the tops of the cliffs overlooking the water.

In addition, you can find elegant shops and restaurants serving the «new Peruvian cuisine» that is attracting global attention in culinary circles. So expect slightly higher prices in this neighborhood.

On the other hand, those interested in pre-Columbian cultures can visit the Amano Museum to see a private collection of Peruvian ceramics and textiles, arranged chronologically.

In the case of adventurers, they can be encouraged to go paragliding on the coast. This is the perfect activity to observe the green areas, the ocean and the urban buildings of the Lima coast with a 360 ° view.

And if adrenaline and sports are your thing, the Miraflores sea is ideal for surfing. Do not worry if you are not an expert surfer since you can find teachers on the shore willing to give you classes and advice so that you do not suffer any kind of inconvenience.

They even provide you with all the necessary equipment in order to spend a pleasant and fun time at sea. We bet you will love this experience!

 

MATE Museum

Another great place is the MATE museum, which was founded by the famous Peruvian fashion photographer Mario Testino. Testino’s work has been exhibited in museums around the world, including the Helmut Newton Foundation in Berlin, the Shanghai Art Museum, and the National Portrait Gallery in London.

The MATE museum is located in a restored 19th century mansion. It has a vision to create a vibrant, prosperous environment for individual expression, to celebrate Peru’s contribution to arts and culture in the world, and to stimulate the creative industry in the country.

The museum brings together a community that actively participates in its cultural, philanthropic and educational programming.

Thus, the museum exhibits the best of national and international contemporary art and photography. Inside the building, you can find guided tours, workshops and talks. Also, it offers training and online resources as part of its increasingly extensive educational program.

 

Paseo Chabuca Granda

Among the landscapes offered by this viewpoint, there are three amphitheaters; these are spaces that allow artists to show their work. In addition, the mall presents various food stalls, where tourists can enjoy exquisite traditional dishes of Peruvian cuisine.

In this walk we can appreciate images of the old streets of Barranco. Likewise, photos of historical figures related to the district, including one from Chabuca Granda.

On the other hand, you can see an incredible red sculpture that represents the silhouettes of a couple dancing a traditional sailor. Also, in this viewpoint you can not only get a great view of the old Rímac neighbourhood, but you can also enjoy a walk with the family.

Perhaps you could take as a souvenir a caricature of the many cartoonists that are in this place. It sure remains as a nice memory!

 

Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI)

The Lima Art Museum is a non-profit civil organization that aims to promote art and culture in Peru. It is located in the historic Palace of the Exhibition, and houses more than 17,000 works, which constitutes the most representative collection in the history of Peruvian art.

MALI projects are possible thanks to funds managed by the institution itself, donations from the public sector and private companies and the contribution of people committed to art and culture.

The temporary exhibitions on the first floor of the building show the best of local and international artistic creation. On the first floor there are also services such as a library and archive of Peruvian art, an educational area (with a wide range of courses and workshops), a restaurant, a shop and an auditorium.

The second floor offers the renovated permanent exhibition rooms, from pre-Columbian times to the mid-20th century.

 

Convento de San Francisco

The monumental complex of the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco de Lima, also known as San Francisco el Grande or San Francisco de Jesús, is located in the historic center of Lima.

This is perhaps the most visited convent in the city and a must for anyone looking for tourist attractions to visit in Lima. It was founded in 1546 and over the years it became the largest architectural complex in the city.

Today, it opens its doors with a museum that not only shows an enormous artistic wealth, but also allows us to go back in time through its architecture.

Its environments show cloisters adorned with Sevillian tiles, paintings of incalculable value, an incredible library and a large church that keeps mysterious crypts underneath, popularly known as “catacumbas”.

Anyone visiting San Francisco should look at the painting of the «Última Cena» that is housed in the refectory.

 

DO YOU WANT A TOURIST TRANSPORTATION COMPANY IN LIMA?

Transport service in Lima

There are many places to visit and explore within Lima. Our company can take you with our tourist transport service. You can learn more about us here.

 

Private transport in Lima

ADT Andina de Transporte offers tourist transport services to all people looking for a tour of various points in Lima. In addition, we have all the necessary security measures to take care of the well-being of the passengers and… ensure a pleasant experience!

Enjoy these tourist attractions to visit in Lima!