Lima Highlights

Throughout history, the Plaza de Armas has been Lima’s focal point of Lima. It is surrounded by the Palacio de Gobierno with a ceremonial changing of the guards, the Catedral, and other landmarks.

The Franciscan church and monastery of Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco is one of the most haunting (almost literally) and memorable sites in all of Lima: its catacombs are still filled with hundreds of centuries old bones and scores of skulls.

Parque de la Exposición is a tribute to Lima’s 19th-century urban planners. Conceived and built in 1868, its fountains and Victorian houses set around the Museo de Arte Italiano and the Museo de de Arte de Lima make this a popular favorite. The artisan market, Feria Manos Artesanos, is an added draw.

Peru’s largest museum, Museo de la Nación, features four floors of exhibits about Peruvian history and culture. Of particular interest are the sections on pre-Conquest life and the reproductions of Peru's major archaeological sites.

The Gold Museum, Museo Oro del Perú, features pre-Colombian gold figures, jewelry, masks, knives and artifacts. Upstairs is the equally fascinating Arms museum.

An easy day trip from the city, Lima’s port Callao offers a Naval Museum, a Spanish fortress, beaches, wetlands full of migratory birds, beaches, and boat trips out to islands to observe wildlife.

Here are some related tips to help plan your trip to Lima: History of Lima and Traveling with Kids in Lima.