Lima Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Lima, Peru)

As Peru's capital, the tourist attractions of Lima are extensive and certainly more than match its status, ranging from cliff jumping and paragliding in Miraflores, to zoos, parks, plazas and promenades. There are even a number of beaches in Lima, offering world-class surfing and deep-sea scuba diving.

Many of the tourist attractions in Lima are based around the Plaza de Armas, a major public square filled with places of interest. Those with children will appreciate the fun, family friendly attractions at the Daytona Park, or an afternoon at one of the zoos - the Parque Zoológico Centro Huachipa or the Parque de las Leyendas.

Public Squares / Plazas

Address: Lima, Peru, PE
A number of very prominent public squares are dotted around the centre of Lima, where they have become important public spaces, small parks and areas of green.

Typically the plazas have plenty of benches, mature trees providing shade, and a multitude of surrounding cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, hotels and similar tourist attractions.

The city's main plazas are:

• Plaza de Armas - once the very heart of Lima and also named the Plaza Mayor, with none of the original structures remaining, although the bronze fountain in the centre of the square is rather majestic and dates from 1650. The Governor's Palace (Palacio de Gobierno) is located on the northern side of the square
• Plaza de Acho - believed to be the oldest square in South America and serving the city as its main bullring. Many lively celebrations take place here each year, including the Lord of Miracles Festival (Senor de los Milagros) each October
• Plaza Bolivar - formerly the Plaza de la Inquisicion and flanked by a number of appealing attractions and museums, including the Museo Nacional de Antropologia, Arqueologia e Historia, where a couple of ancient mummies, found close to the Nazca lines, are on display
• Plaza Italia - next to the Jiron Huanta, with an early 17th-century bronze fountain and numerous churches. Weekend events are commonplace on the Plaza Italia, including markets and food stalls
• Plaza San Martin - one of the biggest squares in the city, San Martin dates from 1921 and features a centrepiece statue of its namesake, José Francisco de San Martin (1778 to 1850) - a liberator of Spanish South America

Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

El Malecon (City Walk)

Address: El Malecon, Lima, Peru, PE
On a sunny afternoon or balmy evening, the Lima City Walk is always busy. This scenic boardwalk is better known in the city as simply 'El Malecon' and is actually extremely historic, although its present appearance dates from the early part of the 20th century. The brightly coloured tiled mosaic floor in just one of the attractions along El Malecon, together with spectacular views of the bay and beyond. Today, electric lights illuminate the promenade, although in the past, a line of gas-powered lamps flanked the walk.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Alameda Chabuca Granda

Address: Espaldas del Palacio de Gobierno, Lima, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 01 315 1300
The Alameda Chabuca Granda is a very impressive viewpoint and those who come here will be able to enjoy unbeatable views across the River Rimac, along with the many beautiful buildings around the Viceroyalty. Also clearly visible from the Alameda Chabuca Granda is the famous Cerro San Cristobal, as well as much of Lima's cityscape. However, the views are not the only attraction here, with a series of amphitheatres providing all kinds of live entertainment, including Creole music and dancing. Art exhibitions are also staged here, while food stands provide tasty hot snacks.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Alameda de los Descalzos

Address: Alameda de los Bobos, Lima, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 01 574 8000
Lined with a number of beautiful churches and large marble statues, the Alameda de los Descalzos is a truly beautiful part of Lima and dates from the early 17th century, when it became the city's very first promenade. It remained unchanged for many years, until in late 18th century, three fountains were added, and then in the mid-19th century, Peru's president, Ramón Castilla y Marquesado, added his own unique style, with iron railings being imported from England to complete the look.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Calesas Clasicas

Address: Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor), Lima, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 01 574 8000
Although taking a horse-drawn carriage ride around the historical centre of Lima may seem a little on the 'touristy' side, it is actually very enjoyable and a pleasant way to sightsee. Calesas Clasicas carriages transport passengers around the Plaza de Armas and past many of the city's oldest attractions, allowing you to take photographs as you go - although people will likely be taking photos of you also, since the carriages really are a work of art. Several different carriages will be operating in this area at any one given time, depending upon demand.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Daytona Park

Address: Avenida El Derby, Hipódromo de Monterrico, Lima, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 01 435 6058
Situated within the district of Santiago de Surco, the ever-popular Daytona Park is an exciting theme park and has something for everyone. Modern attractions at Daytona Park include everything from carousels and bumper cars, to soft play areas and trains for younger children. Boat trips are also on offer, along with state-or-the-art video arcades and a choice of fast-food refreshments.
Open hours: Monday to Thursday - 12:00 to 23:00, Saturday - 10:00 to midnight, Sunday - 10:00 to 23:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Parque Zoológico Centro Huachipa

Address: Avenida Las Torres, Lima, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 01 356 0464
The Parque Zoológico Centro Huachipa encompasses an area of around 37 acres / 15 hectares and is highly suitable for all ages. Operating as an ecological zoo with a strong theme of conservation and preservation, the Centro Huachipa is home of a number of endangered species, including both the Maquisapa monkey and the wide-eyed bear. With a successfully breeding program and plenty to explore, the Centro Huachipa also offers a number of play areas for children, and plenty of places suitable for a picnic.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Parque de las Leyendas (Park of the Legends)

Address: Avenida Las Leyendas, Lima, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 01 464 4264
One of the most popular family attractions in Lima, the Parque de las Leyendas is a very interesting zoo and filled with many zoological favourites, such as giraffes, bears, big cats, tortoises, hippos, penguins and even elephants. There are also a large number of native species from around Peru's coastal and Amazon jungle regions, along with the Andes. Children will always have fun spending time at this zoo, and if you are feeling peckish, then the onsite restaurant may also be of interest. The Parque de las Leyendas is located within the neighbourhood of San Miguel.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge