1 Day in Lima: Must-See Attractions and Local Eats
Planning to visit Lima on your next trip to Peru?
Great choice!
Lima is full of surprises and absolutely worth spending at least one day exploring. I say this from experience—after living there for several years, I’ve come to really appreciate everything this city has to offer.
To make sure you don’t miss a thing, I’ve created the perfect 1-day Lima itinerary, packed with the best places to visit, things to do, and local favorites.
You’ll also find my top insider tips to make the most of your time, plus restaurant and hotel recommendations for every budget.
So, what are the best places to visi in Lima if you just one day?
Let’s find out!
Sommaire
Lima in a Day: Itinerary + My Tips
Morning: Discover the Historic Center of Lima
Start your day with a visit to the historic center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true cultural gem of the city.
Often overlooked by tourists (and even some locals!), the center is full of charm, with its imposing colonial architecture, typical wooden balconies, and lively streets.
1. Plaza Mayor
The first stop on your 1-day itinerary in Lima has to be the Plaza Mayor, the beating heart of the city.
Here you’ll find some of Lima’s most iconic buildings, including the Government Palace and the Cathedral of Lima.
Take time to visit the Cathedral and don’t miss the crypt, where Francisco Pizarro — the Spanish conquistador who founded Lima in 1535 — is buried. Right next door is the Archbishop’s Palace, home to a fascinating museum of religious art from the 16th to 18th centuries.
2. Monastery of San Francisco
Not far from the Plaza de Armas is the Convent of San Francisco.
A guided tour will introduce you to this fascinating place that contains a magnificent library and an important collection of religious art, as well as its famous catacombs.
But I have to mention the magnificent convent of Santo Domingo (16th century), which is much less talked about than San Francisco!
It is one of the most important religious complexes of the capital, magnificently well preserved. Don’t miss the chapter house, its wooden library containing 25,000 ancient volumes and its magnificent cloister covered with Sevillian ceramics (1604-1606).
3. Jiron de la Union and Plaza San Martin
After exploring the San Francisco convent, take Jiron de la Union, which connects Plaza Mayor with Plaza San Martin.
It is a lively pedestrian avenue where you can observe the daily life of the locals, with a multitude of stores, but also beautiful buildings that tend to get lost in the landscape if you don’t pay attention, such as the church of La Merced and the cultural center Casa O’Higgins.
Both are free to visit, so it would be a shame not to go in!
You will arrive in front of Plaza San Martin, another of Lima’s main squares, where you will find the Gran Hotel Bolivar.
This historic establishment opened its doors in 1924 and was the preferred hotel of the jet set in its best days, with many famous guests such as Walt Disney, John Wayne, Clark Gable, Ava Gardner, Rita Hayworth and Orson Welles.
For a little trip back in time, you can go inside to see its lobby, which shelters the Ford Model T under an imposing dome, or have a pisco sour in its bar.
Where to eat and drink in the historic center of Lima?
Need a break while exploring downtown Lima? Here are some of my favorite spots you should check out:
- Museo del Pisco: A stylish bar right on Plaza Mayor with an extensive list of excellent pisco cocktails. Of course, you’ll find the classic chilcano and pisco sour, but I especially recommend trying their original creations made with local ingredients like muña, airampo, tuna fruit, and more.
- Chocomuseo: A chocolate lover’s dream! This shop offers everything from chocolate liqueurs and bars to a cozy café. They also run a fun and interactive chocolate workshop (2h) you can join.
- Bar Cordano: This iconic tavern from the early 1900s is a true Lima classic. It’s been a meeting point for artists, writers, and politicians. Come for the atmosphere, and stay for their famous ham sandwich with a pisco sour or chilcano.
- Churros San Francisco: A hidden gem loved by locals — and one of the best places for churros in Lima. Don’t miss the ones filled with manjar blanco (a sweet milk-based caramel). Huge thanks to my friends from the Lima street food tour for introducing me to this spot! Open from 1:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
Afternoon: Miraflores and Barranco districts
1. Miraflores
After exploring the historic center, head to the Miraflores district.
It is one of the liveliest and most modern districts of Lima, with a multitude of hotels, restaurants, stores and bars.
You can start at Parque Kennedy, a lively park known for its cats, street vendors (picarones and ham sandwiches, among others!), artists and musicians, who contribute to its atmosphere.
Take the long Avenida Larco to the Malecón de Miraflores, a leafy seaside promenade with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
You can stop by the Parque del Amor. With its colorful mosaics and “El Beso”, a statue of two lovers kissing, it’s a great place to pause and enjoy the scenery.
A short distance away is Larcomar, an open-air shopping mall perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean.
2. The bohemian district of Barranco
After exploring Miraflores, discover the district of Barranco.
It is Lima’s bohemian neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets, colorful houses, impressive street art and relaxed atmosphere.
Start your visit at the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), a symbol of Barranco that offers a picturesque view of the surrounding streets.
Continue along the Bajada de los Baños, a small pedestrian walkway that leads down to the beach. Along the way, you will pass bars, restaurants and local craft stores.
Next, head to the Catalina Recavarren viewpoint. This viewpoint offers a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and the colorful rooftops of Barranco.
Where to eat and drink in Miraflores and Barranco
It’s hard to choose between so many places, but here are a few you can’t miss:
In Miraflores
- In front of Parque Kennedy is La Lucha Sangucheria Criolla with a delicious chicharrón and sweet potato sandwich.
- For a taste of traditional Peruvian cuisine, Panchita is a safe bet. I have never been disappointed by the rocoto relleno with potato pie, causa limeña or lomo saltado. Be careful with the portions: don’t order too many, they are very large dishes and can be shared without any problem!
- For a good fresh ceviche: I like very much Barra Maretazo. It is a neighborhood restaurant with excellent service and without the long lines of its neighbor Blue Dot. My classic: chilcano de maracuya, with fish ceviche and squid chicharrón.
In Barranco
- El Tio Mario is a must to try the traditional anticuchos (beef heart, very good!) and picarones for dessert.
- For a good homemade ice cream, go to the Gelateria Blu. Some people prefer La Crem de la Crem in front of Barranco Park, but although the quality is the same, the service is much nicer at Blu . And yes, I think that is very important!
- If you have more budget, I recommend Isolina which is located in a typical Barranco house from 1906, which has been renovated and declared national historical heritage. It serves very good typical cuisine, with generous portions: seco de res, stuffed potato, pan con pejerrey (fish sandwich, typical of Lima, simple but delicious!).
In the evening: have a drink in Barranco
Barranco stands out for its “casonas” (large houses), which bear witness to its glorious past when, at the beginning of the 20th century, Lima’s rich families came here to spend vacation days by the sea.
Today, some of these magnificent houses are still preserved, having been renovated and converted into hotels, restaurants and bars.
For a drink in one of Barranco’s beautiful mansions, I recommend Ayahuasca o Dada.
If you prefer to discover the local and traditional atmosphere, go to El Juanito de Barranco or to Piselli Winery.
Finally, I would recommend the Curayacu Tiki Bar, with its exotic decor and great cocktails. I have to say that I am a big fan of the tiki world, so maybe my judge is a bit biased.
Conclusion: What to do with 1 day in Lima
If you only have 24 hours in Lima, this itinerary is the perfect way to make the most of your time!
You’ll explore the city’s rich past in the historic center, enjoy the best of Peruvian cuisine, walk along the stunning Pacific coast in Miraflores, and end the day in the colorful and artistic Barranco district.
- Bike tour through Miraflores, Barranco, and Chorrillos with a local guide.
- Street food tour in the historic center, perfect for discovering Lima’s best local flavors.
- Walking tour of Lima that covers the main attractions with hotel pick-up included.
Lima is often overlooked, but it’s a city full of contrasts, flavors, and stories worth exploring.
If you have a bit more time, take a look at my 2-day itinerary in Lima with other must-see attractions like the Huaca Pucllana, the Larco Museum, and the Surquillo market.
Where to stay 1 day in Lima?
If you are looking for a place to stay to visit Lima in 1 day, I would recommend you to give priority to Miraflores and Barranco, which are safe and strategic to visit the different places of interest that I have presented to you.
- Pariwana Hostel Lima: a very friendly youth hostel in the heart of Miraflores. Clean rooms, relaxed vibe, good Wi-Fi, with a restaurant, bar, and rooftop terrace. Dorm bed from only $13 USD and $50 USD for a private room!
- Casita Libertad Homestay: a small house located on a quiet and safe street in the Barranco neighborhood. Cozy atmosphere, very clean, with access to a fully equipped kitchen. Room from only $29 USD per night.
- Casa Andina: a 3-star hotel in Miraflores offering one of the best value-for-money stays in Lima. Modern hotel, recently renovated, with excellent service and an on-site restaurant. Buffet breakfast included, from $87 USD per night.
- Courtyard Lima Miraflores: a modern 4-star hotel perfectly located just steps from Kennedy Park. Comfortable and bright rooms, with a gym and a café-restaurant. From $165 USD per night.
Is Lima safe?
I have lived in Lima for several years and fortunately, I can say that nothing has ever happened to me, but it is necessary to take certain precautions.
As in all big cities, there is a risk of pick pockets, especially in the busiest tourist areas. Pickpockets in Lima are quick and skillful, so always be alert.
Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or showing your smartphone in public (personally, I always carry my cell phone in my pocket, never in my hand).
It is also advisable not to carry large sums of money.
Don’t take a cab on the street, and even less when going out at night – use an Uber-type app instead.
Limeños also care about safety, so if you need help or advice, don’t hesitate to ask.
Take out travel insurance before you leave. This can protect you in case of theft or other incidents.
When to visit Lima?
Lima has a rather peculiar climate: it is generally gray and humid most of the year, with the exception of the summer (December to April), when the sun makes its appearance.
In terms of tourism, Lima is less crowded than other popular destinations in Peru, such as Cuzco or Machu Picchu.
This means that you can visit the city at your own pace, without having to worry about crowds.
However, during the high season (June to August), I strongly recommend that you book your hotel in Lima in advance, as the places that offer the best value for money sell out quickly.
Book Your Flight at the Best Price
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Rent a Car in Peru
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Rent a car
Book entrance tickets and guided visits
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