A complete, honest guide to Lima, Peru — where to go, what to eat, how to get around and the day trips worth your time. South America's food capital.
Lima is a highlight of South America, and Lima is South America's culinary capital — a clifftop coastal city of pre-Inca ruins and world-ranked restaurants. Whether you have a long weekend or a full week, this guide helps you plan a trip that balances the must-sees with the moments that make a place stick.
Top things to do in Lima
These are the sights most first-time visitors build their trip around. Tap each one to add it to your shortlist — it saves as you browse.
Perfect 2–3 days in Lima
A simple, unhurried plan you can shape around your own pace.
The essentials
Hit the headline sights first — Historic Centre (Plaza Mayor) and Miraflores & the Malecón. Break for lunch and try ceviche, then spend the evening soaking up the atmosphere of Miraflores.
Go deeper
Go beyond the highlights: see Huaca Pucllana and Larco Museum, then explore Barranco at a slower pace. Leave time to sit in a café, browse a market and eat where the locals do.
Beyond the city
With a third day, head out of town — Pachacamac (a vast pre-Inca pilgrimage site) is the easy favourite, or swap in Paracas & Ballestas Islands (wildlife-rich coast to the south).
Ready to book? Turn your Lima shortlist into reality
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours and day trips for the sights you've saved — booked through Viator (a Tripadvisor company). We may earn a commission.
Book Lima experiences →Lima on a budget — costs & money tips
Lima is budget-friendly by global standards. Here’s roughly what to budget, per person per day, by travel style — these are indicative estimates to plan around, not fixed prices, and they exclude international flights. Use the currency selector near the top of the page to convert.
dorms/hostels, street food, public transport, mostly free sights
private room or 3★ hotel, a mix of cafes and restaurants, a few paid attractions
4★ hotel, restaurants, taxis when handy, tours and tickets
What things cost in Lima
- Accommodation£14–£60 / night
- Food£9–£28 / day
- Local transport£3–£10 / day
- Typical attraction£5–£18 / entry
See how Lima compares with 126 other cities →
Saving money in Lima
- Eat the daily set lunch (“menu del día” / set menu) — the same kitchens charge far more in the evening.
- Use buses and metros over taxis; multi-day transit passes usually pay off by day two.
- Book intercity travel a week or two ahead for the lowest fares.
Estimates assume mid-2020s prices and a typical exchange rate; high season, festivals and last-minute booking push costs toward the upper end.
Local intelligence — Lima at a glance
A quick orientation for Lima. Sunrise and sunset are live for today; connectivity and nomad-friendliness are Wander360 estimates to set expectations, not precise scores.
Staying safe in Lima
Most visits are trouble-free. Use the same street sense you would in any busy city: keep an eye on belongings in crowds and on transport, use licensed taxis or a rideshare app, agree fares in advance where meters aren’t used, and be wary of unsolicited “help” at ATMs or stations. For up-to-date, authoritative guidance always check your own government’s travel advisory (UK FCDO · US State Dept) before you travel.
For getting around Lima specifically, see the Getting around section on this page.
Where to stay & neighbourhoods in Lima
Lima is really a collection of distinct districts, and where you base yourself shapes the whole trip. Here’s each main neighbourhood — what it’s like and who it suits:
Miraflores
Clifftops, cafés and safety.
Barranco
Bohemian, arty and lively.
Centro Histórico
Colonial churches and balconies.
Once you’ve picked an area, you can book tours & tickets in Lima further down the page.
Food & drink in Lima
Lima is a global food destination — ceviche is the national dish, with Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) cooking a highlight.
Build your Lima food list — tap the dishes you want to try:
Getting around Lima
Ride-hailing is the easiest way around; the Metropolitano bus serves some routes.
🚇 Public transport
Usually the fastest and cheapest way around Lima. Grab a rechargeable travel card or use contactless where supported, and download the local transit app for live times.
🚶 On foot
The centre of Lima is best explored on foot — it’s how you stumble on the small things. Wear comfortable shoes and keep a map app handy.
🚕 Taxis & rideshare
For late nights, luggage runs or awkward cross-town hops, ride-hailing apps are usually cheaper and clearer than flagging a cab. Confirm the car and plate before getting in.
✈️ From the airport
Check the official airport transfer options before you land — there’s almost always a train or express bus into Lima that beats a taxi on price.
Best time to visit Lima
December–April is the warm, sunny season; the rest of the year is grey and misty (the 'garúa'). Prices and crowds tend to follow the weather, so the shoulder seasons often give the best value.
Highlighted months are the sweet spot for visiting Lima.
Day trips from Lima
When you’re ready to venture beyond the city, these make for rewarding day trips:
- Pachacamac — a vast pre-Inca pilgrimage site
- Paracas & Ballestas Islands — wildlife-rich coast to the south
Practical tips for Lima
🧭 Where to base yourself
For a first visit, Miraflores is a smart base — clifftops, cafés and safety. If that’s not your style, Barranco works well too (bohemian, arty and lively).
🍽️ Eat like a local
Don’t leave Lima without trying ceviche, lomo saltado, ají de gallina or pisco sour. Skip the obvious tourist spots and eat where you see locals queueing.
✨ Don’t miss
Make time for Historic Centre (Plaza Mayor) and Miraflores & the Malecón. With a spare day, Pachacamac (a vast pre-Inca pilgrimage site) is well worth the trip.
💰 Money & payments
Cards and contactless are widely accepted in Lima, but carry some local cash for markets, small cafés and tips. Tell your bank you’re travelling and check foreign-transaction fees.
📶 Staying connected
A local eSIM or SIM is cheap and makes maps, transport and translation effortless across Lima — set it up before you arrive or at the airport.
🛡️ Stay aware
Keep an eye on your belongings in crowds and on transport in Lima, as you would in any busy city, and keep a digital copy of your passport.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Lima?
Three to four days is enough for Lima’s highlights — the main sights plus time to wander Miraflores — with an extra day for a trip to Pachacamac if you can spare it.
What is the best time of year to visit Lima?
December–April is the warm, sunny season; the rest of the year is grey and misty (the 'garúa').
What food is Lima known for?
Lima is a global food destination — ceviche is the national dish, with Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) cooking a highlight.
Where should I stay in Lima?
Miraflores is a great first-time base (clifftops, cafés and safety). Barranco is another good option for bohemian, arty and lively.
What are the best day trips from Lima?
Two rewarding day trips are Pachacamac (a vast pre-Inca pilgrimage site) and Paracas & Ballestas Islands (wildlife-rich coast to the south).
How do you get around Lima?
Ride-hailing is the easiest way around; the Metropolitano bus serves some routes.
