Lost in Lima (In the Best Way): 5 Unforgettable Things to Do in Peru’s Capital

Lima, the vibrant capital and largest city of Peru, is a destination that surprises and delights at every turn. This sprawling coastal metropolis effortlessly blends a rich cultural heritage with contemporary energy, offering visitors a unique fusion of the old and the new. Whether you're wandering through its historic districts, tasting your way through its world-famous culinary scene, or soaking in the ocean views from its dramatic cliffs, Lima delivers unforgettable moments in abundance.

While many travelers treat Lima as a stopover on the way to Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley, those who take the time to explore Peru’s capital quickly realize it deserves far more than just a quick layover. To help you make the most of your visit, here are five essential experiences that showcase the very best of Lima—and make it well worth a spot on your bucket list of Things to Do in Lima Peru.

A tempting display of freshly baked bread draws in passersby at a bustling street food stall in Lima.

1. Dive Into Lima’s Street Food Scene

If you truly want to get to know a city, start by tasting what’s being served on the street. Lima’s street food scene is as lively and flavorful as the city itself. You’ll find vendors on nearly every corner offering up a rich variety of snacks and meals, many of which have roots in generations-old family recipes.

What makes Lima’s street food so special is not just its accessibility, but its pedigree—many of these seemingly casual food carts are backed by chefs trained in some of the world's top culinary schools. The result? Gourmet-level bites at prices that won’t blow your travel budget.

Start your street food adventure with anticuchos—grilled beef heart skewers marinated in vinegar and spices and cooked over open flames. Follow that up with crispy churros filled with manjar blanco (a creamy caramel), and don’t skip the papa rellena, a stuffed potato filled with seasoned meat and vegetables, then deep-fried to golden perfection. Eating your way through Lima’s streets isn’t just a culinary indulgence—it’s a cultural immersion.

2. Marvel at Lima’s Colonial Architecture 

Lima’s colonial heart beats strongest in the historic city center, where timeworn churches, stately mansions, and grand government buildings tell the story of the city’s Spanish past. A stroll through the Plaza Mayor reveals a visual symphony of architectural styles, from Baroque to Neoclassical, each more photogenic than the last.

Look up as you walk—many of Lima’s older buildings are adorned with ornate wooden balconies, a hallmark of colonial design that gives the city a distinctive character. Notable landmarks like the Basilica Cathedral of Lima and the Monastery of San Francisco (with its famous catacombs) offer deep dives into Peru’s colonial history.

Whether you’re a student of architecture or just someone who appreciates beautiful craftsmanship, Lima’s colonial core offers a glimpse into another era, beautifully preserved and still very much alive.

Experience the iconic Pisco Sour, a refreshing essential to try when visiting Lima, Peru.

3. Savor the Unique Taste of Pisco: A Must on Your List of Things to Do in Lima Peru

Peru’s national spirit, Pisco, is more than just a drink—it’s a source of national pride and a cornerstone of local hospitality. This clear, grape-based brandy is at the heart of two beloved Peruvian cocktails: the Pisco Sour and the Chilcano.

The Pisco Sour, often regarded as Peru’s signature cocktail, is a balanced mix of pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and a few drops of bitters. It’s tart, smooth, and just boozy enough to make you linger at the bar for a second round. The Chilcano, by contrast, is lighter and more refreshing—perfect for warm afternoons—with its blend of pisco, ginger ale, and lime.

Many of Lima’s top restaurants and rooftop bars take pride in crafting the perfect Pisco cocktail. For a deeper dive, you can even take a guided tasting or a mixology class to learn about the spirit’s history and how to use it in cocktails of your own.

4. Explore the Artistic Vibes of Boho Barranco

If you’re looking for the creative soul of Lima, head to Barranco, the city’s artsy and bohemian district perched on the cliffs above the Pacific. This colorful neighborhood is where Lima lets its hair down, with murals splashed across building walls, live music drifting from open doors, and boutiques filled with one-of-a-kind finds.

Here, the past meets the present in eclectic harmony. Cobblestone streets wind past 19th-century mansions turned into art galleries, and cozy cafés spill out onto sun-dappled sidewalks. Don’t miss the Bridge of Sighs, a romantic spot said to grant wishes if you cross it without breathing (worth a try, right?).

Spend an afternoon gallery-hopping or pop into one of the neighborhood’s many museums, like the MAC Lima (Museum of Contemporary Art), to get a sense of Peru’s modern creative pulse. Barranco isn’t just a place to look at art—it’s a place to experience it.

A boat cruises along a stunning coastline, with lush cliffs rising dramatically against a backdrop of a blue sky.

5. Cruise Along the Beautiful Coastline

Lima’s coastal setting is one of its most captivating features, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than by exploring the scenic Malecón, a cliffside promenade in the upscale Miraflores district. Stretching for several miles along the Pacific, this greenbelt offers sweeping ocean views, beautifully maintained gardens, and plenty of space to walk, jog, bike, or simply sit and watch the surfers below.

This is where locals come to unwind, and it’s easy to see why. At sunset, the sky explodes in color as the sun sinks into the sea—a daily show you won’t want to miss. Along the way, you’ll find sculptures like El Beso (“The Kiss”), a popular photo op and symbol of romance in the city.

For a more adventurous take on the coastline, consider paragliding from the cliffs of Miraflores or heading down to the beaches for a day of sun and surf. However you explore it, Lima’s coast delivers some of the city’s most memorable moments.

Whether you’re sampling gourmet street eats, toasting with a Pisco Sour, diving into local history, or uncovering Lima’s artistic soul, this city offers experiences that go far beyond the guidebooks. It’s a destination that invites you to slow down, engage your senses, and savor every detail.

Ready to see the best of Lima, your way? At Foster Perry Travel, we tailor every trip to your unique travel style, making sure you don’t just visit a place—you experience it. Contact us today and let’s plan a Lima getaway you’ll never forget.