8 unmissable things to do on your first visit to Lima

Lima is a multicultural city, and that diversity offers us a number of activities and places to visit. In this article we will tell you about the unmissable activities you should do when you visit the Peruvian capital for the first time.

1. Stroll through Miraflores and Barranco
If you are in Lima, you cannot miss a walking or cycling tour through the districts of Miraflores and Barranco. You will be able to appreciate the beautiful “Green Coast” with an incredible view of the Pacific Ocean, you will also get to know Larcomar (the only shopping center in Miraflores built on a cliff and overlooking the sea); the historical and bohemian places of Barranco, such as its art galleries, cafes, clubs, bars, and huariques. If you dare you can go down to the beach and enjoy the sea and the sunset.

Villena bridge at sunset in Miraflores. Photo by Christian Vinces on istockphoto

2. Get to know the historic center of Lima
An essential visit that you must do is the Historic Center of Lima, as it will dazzle you with its majesty and charm of its buildings and streets that take us back to colonial times, as well as mansions, squares, republican monuments and churches that house valuable works of art. In addition, you can walk through its restaurants and taverns full of flavor and tradition.

Lima’s Main Square. Photo by FrankvandenBergh on istockphoto

3. Visit museums and archaeological centers
Be sure to visit the most impressive museums in the capital, such as the Larco Museum, the Lima Art Museum, the Gold Museum, among others that stand out for housing extremely important pieces of pre-Columbian art; among textiles, jewelry, ceramics and funerary bundles. Connect with the history of Peru, visiting the most important archaeological centers in Lima, such as the Huaca Pucllana, the Pachacamac Historical Sanctuary, the Huaca Huallamarca, Puruchuco, among others. As if that were not enough, 182 km north of the city of Lima is located the Sacred City of Caral, considered the oldest civilization in America, due to its 5000 years old.

Sacred City of Caral. Photo by Marktucan on istockphoto

4. Visit a market
A market is the perfect place to get to know the natural and cultural wealth of Peru, as the diversity of products amazes us with their aromas, colors, flavors and quality, which make them unique. In addition, in the markets you meet vendors who are characterized by their warmth and kindness. The products you can find range from food to crafts and clothing. If that is what you are looking for, we recommend you visit the Market No. 2 of Surquillo, the Central Market and the Inca Market of Miraflores.

Inka Market in Miraflores. Photo by Estivillml on istockphoto

5. Visit a Lima huarique
A huarique is a homely place, where you can find homemade food, at a good price and excellent flavor, people go by recommendation, tradition or proximity. Being in the Gastronomic Capital of Latin America, you could not miss one. Some huariques that you could visit are: Grimanesa Vargas Anticuchos, Al Toke Pez, El Tridente, Al Sazón de Walter and Churros San Francisco; They are different options for different tastes, but with the same warmth and Peruvian flavor that characterizes them.

Peruvian anticuchos. Photo by  Bonchan en istockphoto

6. Enjoy a cultural show
If you dare to feel Peruvian music and dance in a live show, we invite you to visit the amazing ranchs in Pachacamac, where you can even appreciate the dance of the Peruvian Paso horses. Also you can visit the unique “peñas” in the bohemian district of Barranco. Among the places that we recommend you visit to witness a nightly cultural show, is undoubtedly the Magic Water Circuit; that surprises us with its beautiful water fountains and colorful lights, in which the beautiful places of Peru are projected, as well as its dances and traditions.

A traditional Peruvian Paso Horse and Marinera Dance demonstration. Photo by Marktucan on istockphoto 

7. Take a day trip
The surroundings of Lima, have a particular magic, take advantage of your stay to make a day trip; Let yourself go and get to know the destinations near the city. You can go on an excursion to Lunahuaná, to try its delicious wines and do adventure sports, or you can choose to visit Antioquía, a cozy and colorful little town where the network of Inca trails passes.

Antioquia town. Photo by Ricardo Rodríguez

8. Peruvian cooking class
Without a doubt, the presence of this activity is indisputable in this list. This experience will allow you to learn about our diversity of food products and their nutritional value, and obviously you will learn to cook and enjoy emblematic Peruvian dishes, such as Ceviche and Lomo Saltado, accompanied by a pisco sour or chicha morada. You can share what you have learned with your family on your return home.

Chef preparing Peruvian ceviche. Photo by Alfonso Sangiao on istockphoto

Travel tip: we recommend that you visit certain places with the company of a local tour guide for a safer and more complete experience.