Got a weekend in Lima? Here’s how to make every hour count in Peru’s vibrant coastal capital — from gourmet ceviche to sunset cliffs.
🦙 Why Lima Deserves Your Attention
Lima isn’t just a stopover to Machu Picchu — it’s a destination in its own right. With world-renowned cuisine, dramatic ocean views, and a rich mix of colonial charm and modern energy, Lima offers something for every type of traveler.
If you have just 48 hours, this guide helps you make the most of your time without missing the magic.
🕐 Day 1: Culture, History & Food in the Heart of the City
🏛️ Morning: Explore Lima’s Historic Center
Start your day at Plaza Mayor, where Spanish colonial architecture surrounds you. Don’t miss:
- Basilica Cathedral of Lima
- Government Palace (watch the changing of the guard if timing works)
- San Francisco Monastery & Catacombs – eerie, beautiful, and unforgettable.
📍 Tip: Use a local walking tour to hit key sights efficiently.
👉 Book a Lima walking tour here
🍽️ Lunch: Ceviche in the City That Invented It
Lima is the world capital of ceviche, and lunch is the best time to enjoy it fresh.
Top picks:
- La Mar (Barranco)
- El Mercado (Miraflores)
- Punto Azul (budget-friendly & loved by locals)
🥄 Tip: Try a Chilcano cocktail with your ceviche — a pisco-based favorite.
🎨 Afternoon: Museums & Local Art
Take a short ride to Barranco, Lima’s bohemian district.
Must-sees:
- Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MAC)
- Street murals & coffee shops along Bajada de Baños
- Bridge of Sighs (Puente de los Suspiros) – make a wish!
🌅 Evening: Sunset on the Malecon
Head to Miraflores’ Malecón — a clifftop walkway with stunning Pacific views.
Best spots:
- Parque del Amor (Love Park)
- Larcomar (shopping & dining built into the cliff)
🍷 Dinner with a view? Try Tanta, Mangos, or La Rosa Náutica for oceanfront dining.
🕑 Day 2: Local Life, Markets, and Ocean Vibes
🍞 Morning: Local Breakfast & Markets
Start your day with Pan con Chicharrón (pork sandwich) or Tamales at a traditional cafetería.
Then visit:
- Surquillo Market No. 1 – fresh fruit, street snacks, and an authentic vibe.
🏄♂️ Midday: Surf or Paraglide
Lima’s Costa Verde offers outdoor fun right in the city. Choose your thrill:
- Surfing lessons at Waikiki or Makaha beach
- Paragliding over the cliffs (from Parque Raimondi, Miraflores)
📸 Perfect for Instagram-worthy views.
🛍️ Afternoon: Local Crafts & Souvenirs
Wrap up your trip with gifts and keepsakes at:
- Inka Market (Miraflores)
- Artesanías Las Pallas (Barranco – higher quality)
🍽️ Final Dinner: Go All Out
End with a memorable dinner at one of Lima’s top-rated restaurants:
- Central – #1 in Latin America (book months in advance)
- Maido – Japanese-Peruvian fusion
- Isolina – Traditional Peruvian comfort food
✈️ Bonus Tips for Short-Stay Travelers
- 🧳 Where to Stay: Miraflores is ideal for safety, views, and access.
- 🚖 Getting Around: Use Beat or InDrive instead of regular taxis.
- 🌤️ Best Season to Visit: May–October (dry, cool, fewer clouds)
📌 Quick Recap: 48-Hour Lima Highlights
| Experience | Location |
|---|---|
| Historic Center Tour | Centro Histórico |
| Ceviche Lunch | Miraflores / Barranco |
| Sunset Walk | Malecón de Miraflores |
| Paragliding or Surfing | Costa Verde |
| Museum & Local Art | Barranco |
| Market + Local Breakfast | Surquillo |
📍 Ready to Visit Lima?
Whether you’re in Peru for a weekend or just passing through, Lima offers an unforgettable mix of flavors, views, and culture. Make the most of your 48 hours — and let Peru surprise you.
