24 Hours in Downtown Lima – Things You Must do

Tourists generally look at Lima to stay on route to Cusco and the famed Machu Picchu. What they are not aware of is the fact that this historic downtown is the real gem of Lima.

If you are ready to spend some extra time in the capital and the largest city of Peru, Lima downtown should be the must-visit spot on your list.

All you have to do is reserve 24 hours for downtown Lima, and we have already made the ultimate to-do list for you. Let's get started.

Began with Plaza de Armas

You would not want to miss out on the main square of Lima. This is the place that hosts the government palace.

Yes, we are talking about Plaza de Armas!

You can visit the cathedral where Pizarro's ashes lie to this day. Around Plaza de Armas are various world-class restaurants to satisfy your appetite and a pisco museum. There also lies a historic train station converted into a cultural center and library called Casa de la Literatura Peruana.

Cross Puente de Piedra over the Rimac River

Rimac, which literally means "the talking river," is the only river that runs through the center of the city. To cross the Rimac River, you can cross Puente de Piedra (Bridge of Stone), which itself is over four hundred years old.

This is the place undervalued and overlooked by the tourists, but you will witness many locals having fun, laughing, dancing, and enjoying their meals.

Tour the Museums Concentrated in the Lima Downtown!

The downtown area of Lima has many of Lima's noteworthy museums:

• Museum of the Inquisition
• Metropolitan Museum of Lima
• Lima Art Museum
• Museum of the Central Reserve Bank of Peru
• Afro-Peruvian Museum
• Casa Bodega y Quadra
• Santo Domingo Museum
• Museum of Peruvian Gastronomy
• San Francisco Convent and Catacombs

If you ask us about "the one," it is San Francisco Convent.

Apart from the skeletons, you will see the old library, magnificent paintings, and captivating architecture.

Palacio Municipal (City Hall)

Palacio Municipal, founded by Nicolas de Ribera, boasts alluring colonial wooden balconies, a fascinating collection of Peruvian paintings and photographs you would fall in love with.

The city hall is also home to historical documents from the founding of Lima (1535) and the independence of Lima (1821).

Parque de la Reserva – You Won’t Want to Miss this Destination

This magic circuit of the water is a new favorite spot for tourists and locals, being home to the largest fountain complex in the world. Every night, you will get to witness the Parque de la Reserva coming alive with colored lights, laser beams, and motion synchronized with the soundtracks.

Don't forget to bring your camera to capture some pictures at this beautiful and vibrant spot.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is well worth a day of exploration. Visit Lima downtown and experience everything from intricate balconies to unique art that has never been forgotten.