What places can you visit in downtown Lima?

Downtown Lima is an area rich in history, culture, and architecture. In this guide, we show you the most outstanding places in this district, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From cathedrals to colonial palaces, cobblestone streets, and lively plazas, every corner of the historic center reflects the city’s heritage. Here you’ll find historic landmarks, cultural centers, and the local cuisine that define Lima.

Plaza Mayor and the Historic Core

Plaza Mayor is located in the heart of Lima’s Historic Center. This square is an important public space that represents the history and culture of Peru’s capital.

The square features gardens and a central fountain. In the area, you can find historic buildings such as the Archbishop’s Palace and the Casa del Oidor, which showcase Lima’s colonial architecture. You can also visit the Casa de la Literatura Peruana and the Torre Tagle Palace Museum to learn more about the country’s cultural past.

Churches and Convents

In Lima’s Historic Center, you’ll find churches and convents built during the colonial era, each with its own history and architectural features.

San Francisco Basilica and Convent

The San Francisco Basilica and Convent is a 17th-century building with a baroque façade. Inside, it features gilded altarpieces and religious art. The convent is well known for its underground catacombs, which hold the remains of thousands of Limeños, offering a glimpse into the capital’s funerary history.

Lima Cathedral

Lima Cathedral is a colonial-era building dating back to the 16th century. It features twin towers and a central nave that houses works of art, including the archbishop’s carved wooden choir stalls and richly decorated chapels.

Santo Domingo Church and Convent

Santo Domingo Church and Convent has a yellow façade and a main altar carved in wood. This church was built in the 16th century on the site of an ancient Inca pyramid, blending colonial architecture with baroque details.

San Agustín Church

San Agustín Church was built in the 16th century and features a cloister and a distinctive façade. It houses a collection of sacred art that reflects Lima’s colonial past.

Museums and Cultural Centers

Downtown Lima has a variety of museums and cultural centers that showcase Peruvian art, history, and culture. Here are some of the most notable:

Lima Art Museum (MALI)

MALI houses a collection of Peruvian art spanning from the pre-Columbian era to contemporary works. The museum features rotating exhibitions and special events.

Museum of the Nation

The Museum of the Nation features permanent exhibitions on Peru’s archaeology, anthropology, and ethnography. It includes ancient artifacts and contemporary art that reflect the country’s past and present.

Spanish Cultural Center in Lima (CCE Lima)

This cultural center offers events and exhibitions celebrating the cultures of Spain and Peru. Activities include concerts, film screenings, and workshops.

Inca Garcilaso Cultural Center

Located in a former colonial house, this cultural center features exhibitions on Peru’s history and culture, from the pre-Columbian era to contemporary times.

Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC Lima)

MAC Lima houses a collection of works by Peruvian and international artists. The museum presents exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.

Traditional Markets and Local Food

In downtown Lima, you’ll find traditional markets and restaurants where you can experience Peruvian cuisine. These are the main places:

Lima Central Market

Lima Central Market has more than a century of history and is one of the city’s main markets. Here you’ll find fresh products such as tropical fruits, seafood, and spices. It’s a great place to discover the ingredients behind Peruvian cuisine.

Traditional Restaurants

Downtown Lima has restaurants that serve Peruvian cuisine. From cevicherías to picanterías, you can try dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and ají de gallina—prepared with fresh ingredients.

Street Food Stalls

In downtown Lima, there are also street food stalls offering classic local snacks. You can find anticuchos, tamales, picarones, and churros, among other foods that reflect Peru’s culinary diversity.

Lima’s Historic Center offers a wide range of places to experience the history, culture, and gastronomy of Peru’s capital. From colonial churches to traditional markets, each space reflects the identity of Lima.

To plan your visit, Machu Picchu Viajes Peru offers travel packages designed to explore downtown Lima and other destinations across Peru, with experiences that include history, biodiversity, and architecture.