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Lima is the capital city of Peru. As the capital city, it can be a very important cultural center of Peru. However, Lima is less popular than Machu Picchu. Here, we will discuss the many wonderful things to do in Lima. I’ll break it down into things to do that include shopping and things to do that are culturally or historically relevant in Lima. Hopefully, this list will help you plan your trip or add a stop in Lima on your way to Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Things To Do That Include Shopping
ChocoMuseo
This is one of my favorite things that we did in Lima, Peru. The ChocoMuseo includes a chocolate-making workshop. We got to make our own chocolates from roasting the beans to the chocolate bar making. We then got to bring our own chocolate home. It was fun to learn about the whole process and to try the beans at the different stages.
We also got to learn about the traditional ways to make chocolate in Peru. This museum is fully outdoors. You get a lot of information about how chocolate is traditionally made. Get your tickets for this workshop here! They have three classes a day: 10 am, 12:30 pm, and 3 pm.
El Cacaotal
El Cacaotal is a chocolate library. It is stuffed inside a great little coffee shop. When you walk in one of the employees can bring you upstairs to see all the different chocolates from different regions of Peru. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the different flavor profiles of chocolates as well as the option to buy any chocolates. Be sure to try some hot chocolate at the coffee shop to taste how the different chocolates translate to drinking chocolates.
Mercado Nº 1 de Surquillo
A great way to enjoy a new country is to check out their supermarkets and outdoor markets. We love going to outdoor farmer’s markets, which is where this mercado comes in. Mercado means market in Spanish. You can enjoy all the different local produce from Peru at this Mercado. There is an outdoor and indoor section to the Mercado. Definitely check out food tours in Lima to enjoy the foodie culture.
I would not recommend purchasing or eating any of the meat or fish at the market. The meat is not refrigerated. The chicken hangs over farm stands. Again since the water in Peru is not necessarily the safest, I would avoid the fish or any meals prepared at the market. You can definitely buy the produce; just wash it with bottled water.
To learn more about Peru and things to prepare before traveling, check out our advice here!
Inca Artisanal Market
Inca Artisanal Market was my favorite place to visit in Lima, Peru. It is one of the most fun places to visit and shop in Lima. The whole mall is full of locally made Peruvian goodies. Here is the perfect place to find souvenirs and gifts. The mall is also where the ChocoMuseo is located. So you can get your chocolates, alpaca wool items, and tons of souvenirs. We got great items here.
Artesanías Las Pallas
Want a great place with even more curated artisanal items from all over Peru? Check out Artesanías Las Pallas! Found in Barranco, Lima, this home-turned-shop is chock-full of locally curated items. Collected by a British ex-pat, this store has things from all over Peru. Heading there at the beginning of your trip means that you can get some good local advice on places to visit and things to do throughout Peru.
Larcomar
Larcomar is a mall on the coast of Lima. Overlooking the majestic Pacific Ocean, Larcomar is a large mall with lots and lots of shopping. Larcomar has my favorite Argentine company, Prune. Mangos and Tanta are also both in Larcomar, with views overlooking the water. This mall is lovely for walking around and exploring local stores.
PRO TIP: There will be A LOT of people asking for money, trying to sell you things, or asking for donations. Do not give them money or go anywhere with them, even if they are talking about needing stuff for their children. This perpetuates illegal child labor and kidnapping. You also risk getting pick-pocketed.
Cultural Things To Do in Lima, Peru
Huaca Pucllana
This clay pyramid is from the Peruvian People, the last empire before the Incas. Found in the Miraflores area of Lima, this is such a cool thing to do in Peru without leaving Lima. When you go to Huaca Pucllana, you’ll pay for the entrance fee and tour. The tour will be in either Spanish or English (your choice).
The tour is awesome because it will give you so much context and understanding of the history of Huaca Pucllana. Be sure to check out the museum before going on the tour. We learned that the bricks are built to withstand earthquakes. Due to the desert nature of Lima (not that you can tell by how lush it is), it doesn’t rain, so clay bricks have survived thousands of years. Finally, the tour will take you to the top of the pyramid for incredible views of Lima.
Huaca Huallamarca
If you loved visiting Huaca Pucllana, then going to Huaca Huallamarca is another great thing to do in Lima. Found in the San Isidro area of Lima, this clay pyramid is just as impressive as Huaca Pucllana. Another great tour will take you through this pyramid. You see the tombs, mummies, and vases found here. It is impressive how well-preserved this clay pyramid is.
The Larco Museum
With more than 5000 years of Peruvian history, the Larco Museum brings the past to life. You’ll get to see the artifacts of the pre-Columbian times. There are so many artifacts, such as vases, storage buckets, and cookery. There is also an entire erotic art section. Finally, you can walk through the gardens at the Larco Museum to enjoy the many local fauna of Peru.
Parque del Amor
Found overlooking the green coast (Costa Verde) of Lima, this is a great thing to do in Peru. This park offers incredible views as well as beautifully decorated benches. The mosaics of the benches include quotes from many famous romantic novels. A fun fact is that this park was designed and decorated by the local neighborhoods. All the local neighbors brought their own mosaics in order to make this park even more special. You might even see wedding parties taking pictures here or couples coming to the park of love for their first date.
Lima Museum of Art
The Lima Museum of Art (also known as MALI) has art that traces back 3,000 years. It holds the most representative art collection in Peru. The building that is home to the museum is at the entrance of Lima’s historic center. Palacio de la Exposición is one of the earliest and most important built buildings using a new cast-iron construction technique. If you love and enjoy culture through art, then this is a must-do thing in Lima.
Park of the Legends Zoo
The oldest zoo in the city of Lima was established in 1964. There are over 1,500 animals at the zoo. Most species were rescued from captivity. The most popular are the bear, jaguar, howler monkey, water buffalo, the giraffe, and the Andean condor. The zoo is divided into four main zones. There is also an aviary, a felinarium, and a farm area.
This zoo offers so much more than animals. There is a huge botanical garden, several huacas, and some museums. It is truly an all-encompassing activity in Lima. Visiting the zoo takes several hours in order to enjoy all the different things. It is super family-friendly.
Parque Kennedy
Parque Kennedy in Miraflores, Lima, consists of two parks merged into one, featuring a lively plaza and an inviting church. In the northern section, known as the “cat park,” visitors encounter countless friendly cats and charming little cat houses. These cats often stroll into the church and nearby shops, eagerly greeting passersby. The southern part of the park offers a beautiful walkway adorned with stunning art pieces. Additionally, the park buzzes with fairs and a variety of activities throughout the year.
Especially on weekends, it’s worth going to visit in order to see what’s going on. There are restaurants and some stores for shopping in Parque Kennedy. It is truly the center of Miraflores. The final fun fact is that Parque Kennedy is called this due to a bust of US President Kennedy in the park. This bust came about because the Peruvian government visited the US and was shocked to find a bust of a prominent Peruvian in Washington DC, so they returned the gesture. See if you can find President Kennedy!
You can do a cool talking tour of Lima to learn more about the history of the area. Get your tickets here!
Puente de los Suspiros
Puente de los Suspiros, also known as the Bridge of Whispers, is a bridge in Barranco. You’ll cross it for the first time while holding your breath to make a wish. It connects two parts of Barranco and gives you some great views of the different street art in Barranco. It is a nice bridge, but mostly the perk is its location. On one side, you have a big park, and the other is a plaza that goes into a bunch of restaurants. It gives you a good entrance to Barranco if you’re walking from Miraflores.
Magic Water Circuit (Circuito Mágico del Agua) in the Parque de la Reserva
Parque de la Reserva is a cool park. It has a bunch of different water fountains and water features. The main feature is the Magic Water Circuit. This is the large main water fountain that puts on a show every night. The show details the history of Peru. It is such a cool show with music and colorful lights. The other water fountains are also interactive. Especially popular in summer, you’ll find many people at this park. Bring your sunscreen and swimsuit if you’re there over the summer to fully enjoy the park!
San Francisco Catacombs
One of the coolest things to do in Lima is exploring the Catacombs at the monastery of San Francisco. While you cannot walk into the catacombs alone, the tour is very informative. You’ll learn about the monastery and the men who still live there. You’ll also get details on who may have been laid to rest in the catacombs. It is the largest catacomb in South America; definitely creepy and worth visiting.
Basílica Santuario Santa Rosa de Lima
One of the many beautiful Catholic churches in Historical Lima is Basilica Santa Rosa de Lima. Santa Rosa de Lima is one of the patron saints of Lima. Her bones are buried inside the church. It is a beautiful red church that was beautified in the 1600s. The sanctuary inside is beautifully decorated. Remember, it is an active church, so be respectful while visiting.
Cathedral de Lima
The current Cathedral de Lima is the third-standing church. Built in the 1600s, this cathedral takes up an entire block. You can go to mass while visiting Lima here at the Cathedral of Lima. There is the main Nave and an additional chapel. The beautiful decorations and sculptures have survived many earthquakes. It is impressive to see.
Plaza Mayor de Lima
The main plaza of historical Lima, Peru. It is where you’ll find the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, many close parks, and the famous wooden balconies. Seeing the wooden balconies was my favorite part. Due to the dry air and lack of rain in Lima, these balconies are incredibly well preserved. They look as if they were just built. Each street near the Plaza Mayor de Lima has new treasures to explore. If there is a protest or big governmental activity, you’ll see it here. There are many wonderful day tours that leave from here, including this awesome one!
With all these things to do, you may be wondering “Is Lima Worth visiting?” check out our answer here!
Final Thoughts About Things To Do In Lima, Peru
Lima has so many wonderful and fun things to do. It is a great addition to a trip to Cusco and Macchu Pichu. Definitely check out the different things to do in Lima, Peru. Not only can you enjoy many different cultural activities, but there is also a wonderful shopping aspect to Lima. Although it is the capital city of Peru, it is smaller and has less things than you’d expect from other capital cities. Definitely worth at least a 48-hour visit.
