Lima

Peru's vibrant capital and largest city, Lima is a world-class culinary destination and cultural hub with museums, colonial architecture, and modern neighborhoods. It's essential for understanding Peruvian history, art, and cuisine, and serves as the gateway to most Peruvian travel.

Things to do

• Gold Museum (Museo de la Nación) — Explore Peru's largest private collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts, textiles, and ceramics spanning thousands of years of Andean civilization.
• Historic Centre Walking Tour — Wander the UNESCO-listed colonial quarter to see the Cathedral, Government Palace, and Plaza Mayor with their intricate Spanish colonial architecture.
• Larco Museum — Visit one of Peru's finest museums housed in an 18th-century mansion, featuring pre-Columbian art, colonial pieces, and contemporary works.
• Miraflores Cliffs and Coastal Walk — Stroll the scenic seaside promenade overlooking the Pacific Ocean with parks, restaurants, and views of the Lima skyline.
• San Isidro neighbourhood exploration — Discover Lima's most upscale district with tree-lined streets, fine dining, boutiques, and the pre-Inca pyramid of Huaca Huallamarca.
• Central Market (Mercado Central) — Experience the sensory overload of Lima's busiest food market with tropical fruits, fresh fish, spices, and local ingredients.

Food to try

• Ceviche — Peru's national dish of raw fish marinated in lime juice, served with sweet potato, corn, and a fiery ají pepper sauce—Lima's coastal location makes it exceptionally fresh.
• Lomo Saltado — Stir-fried beef strips with potatoes, onions, and tomatoes, finished with soy sauce and served with rice—a beloved fusion of Peruvian and Chinese cuisine.
• Causa Limeña — A layered terrine of yellow potato purée with avocado, chicken, and ají peppers, served chilled as a starter—a quintessential Lima appetizer.
• Anticuchos — Marinated beef heart skewers grilled and served with boiled potatoes and ají sauce—an iconic street food and casual dining staple.
• Cevichería dining experience — Visit a traditional cevichería during lunch hours when Limeños enjoy fresh ceviche paired with chicha morada (purple corn drink) and seafood specialties.

Local customs & good to know

• Lunch is the main meal — Limeños eat their largest meal between noon and 2 PM; many restaurants close in the afternoon, so plan your main dining accordingly.
• Spanish is essential — While some hotel and restaurant staff speak English, speaking basic Spanish is appreciated and necessary in many neighborhoods and local establishments.
• Dress smartly in better restaurants — Lima's upscale dining scene expects neat, casual-to-dressy attire; avoid beachwear and very casual clothes in fine dining establishments.
• Visit museums mid-week — Weekends see large crowds at major museums; visiting Tuesday through Thursday provides a more enjoyable experience with shorter lines.