Location: Cercado de Lima
Top Things to do in Cercado de Lima
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Things to do in Lima, Lima Region: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Lima, founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, is a fascinating city and a treasure trove of history. Explore ancient Incan archeological sites, or stroll through the elegant cathedrals and opulent palaces dating from Spanish colonial times. Downtown Lima is crowded, but you'll enjoy exploring the city's neighborhoods—especially the beachfront areas, which have great shopping and dining and fabulous hotels.
Restaurants in Lima
1. Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,120 reviews
Once considered the heart of old Lima, this grand plaza features many important architectural monuments and buildings including a magnificent bronze fountain dating from 1650, the Archbishop's Palace with its elegant balconies and the Government Palace dating from 1924.
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Remember, everything started here ... On January 18, 1535, Spanish "Conquistador" Francisco Pizarro founded the City of Lima and, right at this very site, designated where the "Plaza de Armas" (or "Plaza Mayor") would be built! Just amazing! The other buildings came some time after, being built and rebuilt along the centuries up to their todays' features - the "Catedral de Lima", the "Parroquia del Sagrario and the central water fountain (all from the 17th century); the "Palacio Arzobispal", the "Palacio de Gobierno", the "Palacio Municipal de Lima" and the "Palacio de la Unión" (all dating the 20th century) constitute the city's focal point. You are just about to visit the very heart of Lima, its beautiful historic center, locally known as "Cercado de Lima". Take your time and stroll along, enjoy the views, the lovely manicured gardens and lawns, the "Changing of the Guard" at noon in front of the "Palacio de Gobierno" and visit the interior of all buildings that allow so! And as a curiosity, Peru's independence from Spain was proclaimed right here in 1821! Don't forget your camera! Enjoy!
2. Basilica y Monasterio de Santo Domingo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,418 reviews
Built by Dominican friars in 1549, this Church and Monastery contains the tombs of Santa Martin de Porres and Peru's other famous saint, Santa Rosa de Lima.
Reviewed By 816maksimm
We have visited a tower of the monastery with a private guide working for donation. There is a collection of church bells of different centuries in there, and the view from the tower gives an opportunity to take great panoramas of the Lima!
3. Huaca Pucllana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,333 reviews
Built by millions of adobe bricks, these ruins once served as an administrative center and a pre-Inca ceremonial site dedicated to the God Pachacamac.
Reviewed By alanlid - Oxford, United Kingdom
Smack in built-up Lima, within easy walking distance of the centre of Miraflores (where visitors often stay), this is a remarkable archaeological site: a vast brick pyramid - and outlying courtyards - built of adobe and, thanks to its ingenious 'bookshelf' design, still standing after some 1700 years, despite earthquakes. The tour involves a bit of modest (safe) climbing and takes about an hour; our guide, Jorge, was very good, and explained the sequence of cultures who inhabited the site, how they worked, what they grew and ate (by way of illustration, there is a small garden and some domestic animals - guinea pigs, vicuña, etc. - which will appeal to the kids). Very interesting, unless you're averse to old sites of this kind, The restaurant is meant to be very good, though not cheap; we resisted the temptation.
4. Circuito Magico Del Agua
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17,689 reviews
Reviewed By Go09917
This is just awesome and a great social event --- moms, dads, children, grandmas --- young lovers and newlyweds -- it's a beautiful water and light show and it's also a grand parade of happy people enjoying a nice night out.
5. Iglesia y Convento La Merced
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 314 reviews
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The first ever Catholic mass in Lima, back 1534 - even before the city's official foundation on January 18, 1535 - was celebrated here, at the very site of the "Basilica Menor y Convento de Nuestra Señora de la Merced" (the "Minor Basilica and Convent of Our Lady of Mercy", in English). Along the centuries, it has been built and rebuilt many times. The todays' church features a magnificent baroque façade, 12 side altars in various styles and, at its main altar, the sacred image of "Nuestra Señora de la Merced" (the "Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy", In English), the appointed "Patroness of the Fields of Lima". No wonder, the "Basilica Menor y Convento de Nuestra Señora de la Merced" is a place for huge Catholic pilgrimages on special occasions. Enjoy!
6. Plaza San Martin
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 785 reviews
Reviewed By hsmomtravels - Vancouver, Canada
General Jose San Martin stands tall and proud upon his horse at the center of this beautiful square. He declared Peru's independence in 1821. Colonial-style buildings surround this square, including Gran Hotel Bolivar - named after Simon Bolivar, another liberator of South America.
7. Plaza Bolivar
8. Casa Courret
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