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The Cathedral of Lima on the Plaza Mayor

No. 84 Top 100 City Destinations 2025

Lima

Peru

The gastronomic capital of South America: colonial churches, Pacific cliffs and world-famous ceviche.

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Photo: Pavel Špindler, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Lima is No. 84 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. Peru's capital was founded by the Spanish in 1535 and stands on cliffs above the Pacific Ocean.

Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lima is best known for its food: it has several restaurants on world best lists and a ceviche and street-food culture of its own. It is also the gateway to Cusco and Machu Picchu.

The cliffs and coast of Lima
The cliffs and coast of Lima. Photo: Checo890, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Best time to go

December to April is summer, sunny and warm, the best time for the beaches.

From June to September the sky is usually grey and misty (the garúa), but it almost never rains.

Top sights

  • 1

    Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral

    The main square of the historic centre, with the Cathedral of Lima and carved wooden balconies.

  • 2

    San Francisco Monastery

    A baroque church and monastery with a historic library and catacombs.

  • 3

    Miraflores

    The Malecón clifftop walk, parks, Larcomar and the beach below.

  • 4

    Barranco

    A bohemian district of colourful mansions, street art and bars, with the Bridge of Sighs.

  • 5

    Huaca Pucllana

    A pre-Inca adobe pyramid in the middle of Miraflores, with guided tours and a restaurant.

  • 6

    Larco Museum

    Pre-Columbian art in an 18th-century mansion, with gardens and a café.

Getting there

Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) is in Callao, about 15 km west of the centre; allow 45 to 90 minutes to Miraflores, depending on traffic. Use official airport taxis, transfers or the Airport Express bus.

Flights to Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu, take about 1 hour 20 minutes.

Getting around

The Metropolitano bus rapid transit line runs from the centre to Barranco. Most visitors use ride-hailing apps or taxis, especially at night.

Practical tips

Currency
Peruvian sol (PEN). Cards are widely accepted; carry cash for markets and small shops.
Language
Spanish. English is spoken in hotels and many restaurants.
Safety
Stay alert in the historic centre and on public transport, and use ride-hailing apps or registered taxis. The emergency number is 105.
Visa & entry
Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and EU countries, can visit Peru visa-free as tourists; the length of stay is set at the border. Check the rules for your nationality before you travel.
Power
220 V, 60 Hz; plug types A and C.

Official information: Peru Travel (official tourism website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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