Things to do in Lima

Lima is home to an enticing range of attractions. From wonderful restaurants to several picturesque neighbourhoods, Peru's capital is, indeed, a feast for the senses. Culture lovers should tour the historic Old Town, beginning at the Plaza Mayor and Plaza San Martin. The two squares are lined with stalls, artists, buskers, museums and colonial buildings, and are connected by a long pedestrian street. Lima's nightlife centre, Miraflores, and the bohemian resort district of Barranco are worth exploring too. The city also has a number of spectacular churches, with the magnificent Baroque Church of San Francisco standing out among them. Its impressive library, intriguing catacombs and richly decorated interior are definite must-sees. Travellers can arrange to do guided tours. The Museo de la Nacion, the Museo de Oro del Peru (which displays ancient gold artefacts), and the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera are among Lima's best museums. Visitors who are travelling with children should stop at the Magical Water Circuit (Circuito Magico del Agua), which is a stunning display of light and water in the Reserve Park. On the culinary front, Lima has become one of the most respected destinations in the Americas. Foodies will find restaurants that cater to every taste and every budget, though local Peruvian fare is unsurpassed.

Plaza Mayor and Plaza San Martin photo

Plaza Mayor and Plaza San Martin

Shoppers, vendors and sightseers crowd the long pedestrian street connecting Plaza Mayor to Plaza de Armas. The heart of the old town is found in these locations, with the latter's…

Plaza Mayor and Plaza San Martin

Shoppers, vendors and sightseers crowd the long pedestrian street connecting Plaza Mayor to Plaza de Armas. The heart of the old town is found in these locations, with the latter's bronze fountain and old street lamps providing an old-fashioned feel. Several notable buildings surround the square, such as the Spanish Baroque Cathedral occupying the site of an ancient Inca temple and housing the Museum of Religious Art and Treasures; the Government Palace; the Archbishop's Palace; and the Plaza San Martin, buzzing with street artists and soapbox speakers surrounding its central fountain.

Museo de la Nacion (National Museum) photo

Museo de la Nacion (National Museum)

Located in Lima, the anthropological and archaeological museum's exhibits trace the history of Peru's ancient civilisations. All in all, they provide an outstanding overview of the…

Museo de la Nacion (National Museum)

Located in Lima, the anthropological and archaeological museum's exhibits trace the history of Peru's ancient civilisations. All in all, they provide an outstanding overview of the country's archaeological richness. The museum's chronological layout guides visitors through complicated ancient history, highlighting the many conquering cultures and their achievements. Visitors can view the history of the original inhabitants and the Inca Empire, as well as an exhibition on Peru's internal conflict which began in 1980. Visitors can enjoy guided tours for a small fee and will marvel at the size of the collection, which spans a few floors.

Museo Rafael Larco Herrera photo

Museo Rafael Larco Herrera

Housed in an 18th-century mansion and surrounded by an award-winning garden, the Larco Museum houses a world-class collection of ancient ceramics. Most of the pieces come from the …

Museo Rafael Larco Herrera

Housed in an 18th-century mansion and surrounded by an award-winning garden, the Larco Museum houses a world-class collection of ancient ceramics. Most of the pieces come from the Moche Dynasty, who lived along Peru's northern coast between 100 and 700 AD. They're said to have accomplished the region's most imaginative languages through creative pottery, through which visitors can learn about their dance, music and religion, as well as transport and agriculture. The collection also includes crowns, masks and erotica, as well as statues and jewellery from around 4,000 years of pre-Columbian Peruvian history.

Website www.museolarco.org