The Perfect 2 Days In Lima Itinerary – What to See, Do, And Eat

The Peruvian capital often seems to be more of a momentary visit for travelers rather than a destination in and of itself. However, Lima also has all the hallmarks of a must-visit city, and as such spending at least 2 days here is a great way to get to know this bustling destination.

In this guide, we’ll explore how you can spend 2 days in Lima, and whether this city is worth visiting. We’ll also explore other key things to know before heading here such as how to stay safe, getting around as well as the best places to eat traditional Peruvian food.

Is It Worth Visiting Lima?

Lima is an incredible city to visit, where you can experience a melting hotpot of both different cultures and historical periods. Within the historic center you can see many different architectural styles, in buildings built during the Colonial period, as well as in thousand years old ancient ruins.

One of the highlights of any trip to Lima is the long Costa Verde coast, which stretches all the way along the seafront of the capital. It’s the perfect place to see the sunset during summer (between December and February), but also a great place to witness the famous giant green hills which are found in Miraflores. Those who love surfing will want to take advantage of the ever-consistent waves that roll-in too. Click here to check out the surfing lessons.

Another reason you’ll want to visit the Peruvian capital is for the local culture. Here we can find endless markets which are perfect for finding bargain souvenirs to bring back home, such as the stalls at the Inca Market. The cuisine is well and truly alive here too, full of both classic Lima dishes as well as foods that hail from the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Jungle. Later in this guide we’ll explore the best dishes in the city and where you can try them.

How To Stay Safe In Lima

As with many large cities in Latin America, you’ll want to be proactive with your safety and follow specific guidelines. I highly suggest basing yourself in either Miraflores or Barranco given they are the safest neighborhoods in Lima that you can stay. (more on them later).

It’s best to leave all valuables in your hotel or apartment before heading out for the day, given pickpocketing can be an issue in Lima. Of course, you’ll take your phone and wallet, just make sure to keep them in your front pockets and avoid walking with them out in your hands. I also recommend dressing down when walking around, especially in the Historic Center which can be a little less safe. If planning on going out for the evening, I recommend taking a taxi or an Uber.

Getting around Lima is safest by using Uber or InDriver, both of which have registered drivers. If you want to cut costs then you can also use the Metropolitano or local colectivos – however again always be aware as pickpocketing can take place when you least suspect it.

2 Days In Lima Itinerary

Now let’s jump into our 2 day Lima itinerary, which has been designed for you to get the very most out of your short stay here.

Day One: Miraflores And Barranco

Waking up early on our first day, you will head straight to the district of Pueblo Libre where you will visit the legendary Museo Larco. Famous for its collection of ancient artifacts, it’s the perfect introduction to both Lima and the rest of Peru. After visiting the museum, you can take an Uber or colectivo and head to Miraflores.

Your next stop will be the Huaca Pucllana Ruins, which are a series of Adobe pyramids where the ancient elite of the Lima civilization once lived. After a tour of the site, you can then make our way to the Parque Kennedy, which is the epicenter of the district (I suggest walking through the park as well as trying local desserts such as Mazamorra and Suspiro a la Limeña).

For the rest of the afternoon, I recommend heading down to the Costa Verde, which is roughly a 15 minute walk from the Parque Kennedy. Here you can enjoy the beautiful coastal views as you walk towards Barranco (or rent a local bike if you’re feeling it). There are many interesting points along the way, such as the Bridge of Sighs, the Parque Municipal as well as the local street art.

Day Two: The Historic Centre Of Lima

Today will see you heading further north from Miraflores, to the historic center – which is the true heart of the Peruvian capital. The Plaza de Armas is the perfect starting point, which houses the imposing cathedral as well as many important Spanish-style buildings. From here you can explore the maze of pretty colonial streets, which are full of awesome sights such as the Torre Tagle Palace and the Aliaga House.

After you’ve taken plenty of photos of the beautiful houses and palaces, it’s time to visit the San Francisco Church which is home to one of the most chilling landmarks of Lima. Beneath the church you can find the catacombs which are full of secret tunnels and are the second largest on the planet (after those in Paris). It’s reported that there are over 25,000 human skeletal remains buried here, and walking through these narrow passages you can see many on display. You can always book a guided tour that includes the historic town and the catacombs.

And that wraps up this 2 day Lima itinerary. Depending on how much time you have left, you may be able to add one or two more local destinations before taking your bus or continue your journey in or out of Peru by plane. It’s also a good idea to customize the itinerary above depending on your interests and time – and chopping and changing it as you need. For example, a day trip to Huacachina may be a better use of your time if you prefer to get out of the city for a day.

The Best Time To Visit Lima

It’s important to note two things about Lima. The first is that this city (as well as the rest of Peru) is located within the Southern Hemisphere – and as such the seasons are reversed here. The other is that Lima has a famous microclimate which means there are clouds covering the sky most months of the year – and almost no rain too.

However, if you plan to visit Lima during summer (between December and February) you’ll have more clear-blue skies, and also more warm temperatures which are perfect for going to the beach.

If visiting in the winter (between June and September), then you’ll want to bring extra layers, as temperatures can get somewhat chilly at night. During the day it can sometimes feel cold too, so remember to bring a jumper when heading out.

Where To Stay In Lima

The Peruvian capital is one of the largest cities in South America, meaning there are a lot of different neighborhoods and areas to choose from.

Miraflores is by far the best all-rounder, which is in the south of the city. Here we are right next to the famous Costa Verde cliffs, the Pacific beaches as well as many interesting parks. It’s also a very safe area as well, so is a great contender for a first-timer in Lima.

We highly recommend staying in the Selina Posada Hotel, which has comfortable private rooms and is just a few blocks from the famous Parque Kennedy.

There are also a couple of areas which may also appeal to you depending on your interests. The first is Barranco, which is just south of Miraflores and has a more bohemian and chilled-out atmosphere. Another popular spot is the Historic Center, which is full of local life and also some incredible colonial architecture.

Recommended Places To Eat In Lima

Firstly it’s important to talk about Peru’s remarkable gastronomy. Split into three diverse regions (the Pacific Coast, Andes Mountains and Amazon Jungle), this means you can find a wide range of tasty dishes made with all kinds of exotic ingredients. This includes Lomo Saltado, Papa a la Huancaina, Ceviche and Juane. If you are a foodie, you must include this food tour of Lima in your itinerary!

Lima is the epicenter for all things food, and here in the capital you can find some of the best cuisine in the country. I highly suggest heading to Aries, which is a local joint just south of the Parque Kennedy in Miraflores. Their Menu Ejecutivo, is a set menu costing only 14 Soles which includes a starter, a main as well as a refillable drink. They specialise in classic Peruvian dishes, making it a great way to explore the local cuisine without breaking the budget.

Those who want a once-in-a-lifetime eating experience will want to head to Central, which is located in Barranco. Winning the world’s best restaurant award in 2023, you can sit down to enjoy a 14 course menu and try all kinds of mouthwatering dishes and local creations. Again the price will be quite expensive here, however will be a memorable experience in and of itself.

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