Lima is a city of layers. From the outside it appears big, brash and bustling. It’s only once you’re in the centre of things that its true charms shine through. There are fascinating museums and galleries, grand mansions and the baroque cathedral, Inca heritage and trend-setting boutiques – and it’s all spiced up with delicious Peruvian cuisine, not to mention a few Pisco Sours.
FOOD
Lima has a huge array of eateries, catering for every taste and budget. A melting pot of influences, Peruvian cuisine blends Spanish, Chinese, Italian, African and Andean flavours and techniques. Alongside Peruvian favourites such as Ceviche and Cuy (Guinea Pig) you’ll find a host of fine dining restaurants for the most sophisticated meal out.
LANDMARKS
To stroll around Lima is to wander back through time. Make sure you visit the Plaza de Armas, established in the 16th century, the Museo Larco in an 18th-century mansion house, and the Archbishop’s Palace with its grand façade and colourful changing of the guard ceremony. Lima is also a great spot to arrange a trip to see one of the world’s greatest sights – the iconic Machu Picchu.
SHOPPING
This is the perfect place to pick up traditional Peruvian artesania – from alpaca jumpers to gemstones. You could spend hours browsing pottery, silverware, wooden crafts and colourful flower market. Or see cosmopolitan Lima at Larco Mar with its high-end boutiques, bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
Lima’s coastline is a mecca for surfers and the beaches around Miraflores are ideal for beginners.