So you’ve done downtown, perhaps biked along the coast, but what next? Our Lima locals can give you a hand! Here’s the rundown of what you should do with 24 hours in Lima.
First, start with a walk to Parque Kennedy, in the centre of Miraflores. From there, you can visit the indigenous handicraft market just a few blocks north on Avenida Petit Thouars, or if you’re hungry, grab a sandwich and fresh juice at La Lucha (located on the corner of Marcelino Champagnat and Diagonal Streets).
Afterwards, walk from Parque Kennedy to Larcomar (down Larco Ave) and then walk along the coast to regain your appetite. Next take a quick cab (costing approx. 5-7 soles) to Barranco and have lunch at Cantarana (Genova St. 101). It’s a little bit hard to find, but it’s one of our favorites for ceviche and other seafood dishes in a local setting.
If you would prefer to stay in Miraflores, walk along the coast to to Punta Sal (at Malecon Cisneros and Tripoli, just across from the lighthouse in Miraflores) for great ceviche and views of the coast.
In the afternoon, we recommend one of the top museums of Lima, the Archaeology Museum (while there, try local wines at the traditional Queirolo store next door), the Museum of the Nation, and the Larco Museum, which is famous for its erotic pottery collection! Taxis from Miraflores to any of the museums should be no more than 10-12 soles.
If museums aren’t your thing, stay in Miraflores and visit the popular shopping mall of Larcomar, and walk along the coast of Miraflores to visit the Parque de Amor (Park of Love), and, if you dare, try parasailing over the coast.
In the evening, we suggest a water fountain show at Parque de la Reserva (located at Av Petit Thoars 6 & Jr. Madre de Dios, entrance fee is 4 PEN and shows at 19:15, 20:15 & 21:30), followed by dinner or drinks in Barranco – we suggest anticuchos at Javier’s underneath the Puente de Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs) at Bajada de los Baños 408, Barranco.
If you are looking for something more upscale, one of the most spectacular dinners in Lima is at the restaurant at Huaca Pucllana (General Borgoño cuadra. 8), where you dine overlooking pre-Incan ruins, and even take night tour of the ruins (10 soles, every 30 minutes). This is elegant, so dress appropriately, and we recommend you reserve a table in advance (Tel: +51.1 445 4042).
Want more Lima? Hop on one of our Lima tours!