About
Lima is the capital and largest city of Peru, set on the South American coast. It was founded by Francisco Pizarro, and it is also known as Ciudad de los Reyes, or City of Kings, a name that still appears alongside its modern title of Lima Metropolitana.
What to see
The historic centre is the heart of most visits. Its colonial architecture gives the old streets and plazas a distinctly Spanish character, and walking between the main squares is one of the easiest ways to get a sense of the city's layers. Several museums are also gathered in and around the centre, making it simple to combine sightseeing with time indoors.
Food and atmosphere
Lima is widely associated with its culinary scene, and eating well is a major reason many visitors come. Restaurants, markets and cafés across the city offer a broad range of dishes, so there is plenty to explore at every budget and pace.
Planning your visit
- Base yourself centrally if you want to be close to the historic streets and museums.
- Allow time for food, since the dining scene is one of the city's defining features.
- Mix museums with walking so the colonial centre can be seen at an easy pace.
Lima suits travellers interested in history, architecture and food, and it serves well as a starting point for exploring the rest of Peru.
