Lima travel guide

At a glance

capital and largest city of Peru. For a first visit, National University of San Marcos, Cathedral of Lima, Larco Museum are strong starting points. This guide brings together 7 places, practical 1/3/5/7-day routes and a concise food shortlist so you can understand the city before shaping the trip around your pace.

Highlight stops

• National University of San Marcos — public research university in Lima, Peru
• Cathedral of Lima — 16th century Roman Catholic cathedral in Lima, Peru
• Larco Museum — archaeological museum in Lima, Peru
• Historic Centre of Lima — World Heritage Site in Peru
• Plaza Mayor, Lima — cultural heritage site in Peru
• National Library of Peru — national library, cultural heritage site in Peru
• New Castile Governorate — governorate of the Spanish Empire

Food and drink

Use these well-documented flavours as a practical tasting shortlist; open an item to understand it and add it to your trip plan.

• ceviche — traditional dish in Peru prepared with raw fish marinated
• Lomo saltado — Peruvian stir fry dish
• Papa a la Hancaina — Peruvian appetizer of boiled yellow potatoes in a spicy, creamy sauce
• suspiro de limeña — dessert of Peruvian gastronomy
• Pisco Sour — cocktail typical of South American cuisine

1-day itinerary

Day 1 · History and landmarks

New Castile Governorate · Plaza Mayor, Lima · Cathedral of Lima · Historic Centre of Lima

3-day itinerary

Day 1 · History and landmarks

New Castile Governorate · Plaza Mayor, Lima · Cathedral of Lima

Day 2 · History and landmarks

Historic Centre of Lima · National Library of Peru · Larco Museum

Day 3 · History and landmarks

National University of San Marcos

5-day itinerary

Day 1 · History and landmarks

New Castile Governorate · Plaza Mayor, Lima

Day 2 · History and landmarks

Cathedral of Lima · Historic Centre of Lima

Day 3 · Museums and art

National Library of Peru · Larco Museum

Day 4 · History and landmarks

National University of San Marcos

7-day itinerary

Day 1 · History and landmarks

New Castile Governorate

Day 2 · History and landmarks

Plaza Mayor, Lima

Day 3 · History and landmarks

Cathedral of Lima

Day 4 · History and landmarks

Historic Centre of Lima

Day 5 · Museums and art

National Library of Peru

Day 6 · Museums and art

Larco Museum

Day 7 · History and landmarks

National University of San Marcos

Before you go

This route distributes nearby source-backed stops across balanced days. Opening times and ticket conditions can change; check the official source before visiting.