Travelers often ask themselves “is Lima worth visiting?” when planning a trip to Peru. When pressed for time, many tend to prioritize Cusco and Machu Picchu over the national capital.
Fair enough; the old capital and the sacred city of the Incas are two of the absolute wonders of South America. Yet I’ll give you more than 12 good reasons to add Lima to your bucket list.
Lima was the first stop of a trip through Peru, Bolivia, and Chile that I took a few years back. I’ll never forget its mesmerizing cityscape, welcoming residents, and particularly the amazing food I savored there.
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Why some travelers avoid Lima
The weather can be a letdown.
Lima has a mild desert climate with high humidity, so it is frequently overcast and can be quite chilly, especially during the colder months (May to October).
Many folks who visit Lima come expecting a hot and sunny environment and may be surprised to learn that the city can be shrouded in a thick fog known as the garúa for a great deal of the year.
That’s also why Peruvians typically refer to the color of the capital’s skies as panza de burro, or “donkey’s belly”.
What’s more, Lima does receive some rainfall during the summer months, but it is not as much as what you might expect from a tropical city.
That can be disappointing for visitors who come hoping to experience lush vegetation and vibrant flora, only to realize that the bulk of the landscape is dry and arid.
Having said that, the climate in Lima can provide a welcome respite from the scorching temperatures of other tropical destinations and allow for outdoor activities like hiking and biking.
A few areas are iffy safety-wise.
Like any big city, Lima does have its share of crime and safety concerns, which means travelers should beware of their surroundings and avoid flashing expensive belongings.
Certain regions of Lima, mainly neighborhoods outside the downtown-Miraflores axis, are known to be more dangerous than others.
Pickpocketing, theft, and scams can occur in tourist areas and crowded public spaces. It’s essential then to keep a close eye on personal belongings.
It’s worth noting, though, that Lima is generally considered to be a safe destination for visitors; millions of people come to the city each year without any incidents.
In addition to that, the government of Peru has implemented measures to improve public safety in Lima in recent years, including increasing police presence and surveillance in high-crime regions.
Getting around town isn’t that easy.
Traffic in Lima is often a bit of a headache. It’s not uncommon to find yourself stuck in a sea of honking cars, with seemingly no end in sight. The thing is, there are so many vehicles on the road — and not enough room to accommodate them all.
Part of the problem is due to Lima’s public transportation system, which is relatively unreliable. That means more people end up driving themselves around; and with a population of over 10 million, that’s a ton of cars on the road.
Yet while it can be frustrating at times, there’s a certain energy to Lima’s traffic too. It’s a constant buzz of activity, with cars, buses, and motorcycles weaving in and out of lanes, and drivers using every inch of available space to get where they need to go.
If you’re in a rush, you can always try hailing a motorcycle taxi to weave your way through the traffic. Just hold on tight!
Why is Lima worth visiting?
1. It boasts one of the hottest cuisines on the globe.
Lima has gained a reputation among foodies as a trendy destination owing to its diverse options and the creativity of its chefs.
The city’s cuisine is a blend of indigenous ingredients and techniques with Spanish, African, Asian, and other international influences, making it a one-of-a-kind and flavorful culinary hotspot.
One of the top-rated restaurants in Lima is Central, which serves traditional Peruvian cuisine with a modern twist.
Maido specializes in Peruvian-Japanese fusion, whereas La Mar prepares a huge variety of ceviches and other seafood dishes that are guaranteed to please even the most demanding palate.
2. Its historic core is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lima’s historic core, dubbed the “City of Kings,” is a must-see if you can’t wait to experience Peru’s rich cultural history.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988, it boasts a number of imposing monuments, museums, and major cultural institutions around the majestic Plaza de Armas.
Serving as the city’s main square, the Plaza de Armas is surrounded by architectural wonders such as Lima Cathedral and the Government Palace, as well as a set of colonial houses with their suggestive wooden balconies.
Other landmarks that you shouldn’t miss in the area are the San Francisco Monastery and its catacombs, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Santo Domingo Convent, and the Museum of Italian Art, which houses a stellar collection of Renaissance art.
3. Lima is a shopaholic’s paradise.
If you’re looking for luxury shopping, Lima is dotted with upscale malls, such as Larcomar, Jockey Plaza, and Plaza San Miguel, all of which feature exclusive brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci.
Meche Correa, Anntarah, and Sumy Kujon, in turn, are three of the top boutiques hailing from the city. They showcase designer clothing, jewelry, and accessories from renowned Peruvian designers.
Lima is also known for its fine jewelry. The best jewelry shops in town include Ilaria, Yuraq, and D’Orica, where visitors can browse for exquisite handmade jewels.
For visitors interested in loading up on souvenirs from Peru, Lima has countless options too. The city is home to several craft markets, such as Mercado Indio de Miraflores and Mercado Central de Lima, where you’ll find a wide range of textiles, pottery, wood carvings, and decor items by local artisans.
4. It’s bordered by miles of beaches.
The beautiful beaches surrounding Lima are a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city. They offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, with clear blue waters and sandy shores.
You’ll get to enjoy swimming, surfing, sunbathing — or taking inspiring strolls along the coast if you visit in the colder months as I did.
Two of the most popular beaches in Lima are Costa Verde, with its tall waves that make it the go-to hangout spot for surfers, and Agua Dulce, which is quieter and as such ideal for families. And if you have the time, head right out of town to check out Punta Hermosa and Santa María as well.
5. Visiting is pretty affordable.
In general, Lima is an affordable destination compared to other major cities in North America, Western Europe, and East Asia, especially when you take into account the exchange rate for the sol (Peru’s currency).
Accommodation options span both budget hostels and sumptuous hotels, with prices starting from around $10 up to $100-200 per night for more luxurious alternatives.
On top of that, you can easily eat for cheap if you want to, at street food stalls, local markets, and mid-priced restaurants. Meals can range from $5 for a simple lunch at a local market to $50 or more for a dinner at a high-end restaurant.
The cost of public transportation is generally low, with fares starting from around $0.25-0.50 for a one-way bus ride.
Also read: How Many Days in Lima is Enough? Itinerary & Tips
6. Lima is the cultural capital of Peru.
Featuring numerous art galleries, museums, music venues, theaters, and festivals, which reflect the city’s vibrant art scene, Lima is without a doubt the cultural capital of Peru — other than its political and economic one.
The Museum of Art of Lima displays works by Peruvian and international artists and provides a unique opportunity to experience the country’s contemporary art scene. Thanks to its completeness, it was one of my favorite cultural institutions in the city when I visited.
Lima’s old town, on the other hand, contains the Teatro Municipal, which showcases opera, ballet, and other high-profile performances.
Plus, Lima plays host to a bunch of cultural events throughout the year, including the Lima Film Festival and the International Book Fair, which draw visitors from across the planet.
7. It’s the best place to dive into Peru’s precious archeological heritage.
Two of the largest institutions devoted to preserving the country’s priceless archaeological heritage are located in Lima. The first one is the National Museum of Peru, which has a historic branch in the Pueblo Libre borough and a brand-new one near the Pachacamac archaeological site.
Then you have the privately owned Larco Museum, which houses a 45,000-artifact collection of pre-Columbian art spanning ceramics, textiles, and metalwork, and is within walking distance from the Pueblo Libre location of the National Museum.
8. It’s the perfect gateway to the rest of the country.
As the most populous city in Peru, Lima quite unsurprisingly has excellent transport connections to other gorgeous destinations in Peru like Machu Picchu, the Nazca Lines, and Lake Titicaca.
You can easily catch a flight or a bus from Lima to these places, which makes it a convenient starting point for exploring the country.
Other than that, lots of tour operators and travel agencies are based in Lima, so travelers can easily plan and book their excursions to other parts of Peru from the city.
9. Lima is dotted with charming neighborhoods.
Several of Lima’s districts are noted for their own character and appeal. Barranco, for instance, is a bohemian neighborhood distinguished by its colonial-era architecture, artistic vibes, and lively nightlife scene.
Miraflores, a busy and touristy borough, features a wide array of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as commanding views of the Pacific.
The Constitutional District of Callao, with its rich history as the no. 1 port of entry to Peru, has been undergoing a cultural renaissance in recent years, with new art galleries, museums, and restaurants opening up.
Finally, San Isidro is an upscale residential area that is home to a few of Lima’s finest restaurants, shops, and hotels. It’s also famous for El Olivar Park and its rows of olive trees imported from Spain in the 17th century.
10. There are ancient landmarks in the city.
The Peruvian capital is peppered with pre-Columbian monuments that offer a glimpse into the country’s ancient history and culture.
A couple of the most impressive ones are Huaca Pucllana, a 6th-century adobe pyramid in Miraflores, and Pachacamac, a complex of ruins located about 20 miles south of Lima that was an important religious hub for the Incas.
11. Locals are just adorable.
Foreigners are inevitably charmed by Lima residents — aka Limeños — thanks to their warmth, hospitality, and passion for life.
The people of Lima are friendly and always ready to share their rich cultural heritage with visitors. They are proud of their hometown and eager to show you around its hidden gems.
Whether you’re strolling through the colorful streets of Barranco, treating yourself to a seafood feast in Miraflores, or exploring the bustling markets of Callao, you’ll notice that Limeños are quick to offer a warm smile and a helping hand.
12. You’ll find 1,000 ways of enjoying the outdoors there.
Lima is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re around the city center, drop by Parque de la Reserva to marvel at its flawlessly manicured gardens and illuminated water fountains.
Between Miraflores and Barranco, besides spending a day by the beach, you can go paragliding along the shore, bike along the scenic boardwalk, or simply relax and let the ocean breeze caress your face. While you’re at it, stop by Larcomar, an outdoor shopping mall that overhangs the Pacific.
Final thoughts
Is Lima worth visiting after all? Thanks to the Peruvian capital’s hectic pace, iconic coastline, architectural gems, and delicious cuisine, I daresay there’s no doubt about that.
The most famous city in Peru is one of the most fascinating destinations in all of Latin America and will give you a generous taste of all the delights the country has to offer.
