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If you’ve only got one day in Lima, then my guess is you’re in a hurry to head to Cusco. As a British girl spent over a month doing a solo trip to Peru and now lives in Lima , I’m going to give you a whistle-stop tour of everything you can squeeze into a 24 hour itinerary – but I won’t just include not just the best bits, I’ll include some hidden gems that only those who live here know about.
Bear in mind that if you’re only in Lima for one day, then you should make the most of it and wake up early – and I’m writing this itinerary with that in mind. If you’re not an early riser, you’ll have to drop things!
🏡Where to stay: Viajero Barranco (backpackers) or Pullman Miraflores
🩺 Best digital nomad Insurance: SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
🗺️ Must book: Lima Bike Tour & Magic Water Circuit
🚌 Airport transport: Lima Express bus or Uber
Morning: Miraflores
If you’ve done any research on where to stay in Lima, then you’ll be familiar with the Miraflores neighbourhood. It’s the most popular tourist neighbourhood in the city, with plenty of cute cafes, restaurants, close to the sea, and most importantly, home to the infamous cat park – officially known as Kennedy Park.
Here’s how I’d recommend you spend your morning in Miraflores:
Breakfast
First things first, get some breakfast. In my opinion, all of the best and most aesthetically pleasing cafes are nearby to Naia (formerly Selina Hostel/Hotel – which you will no doubt have heard of – and potentially stayed in – if you’re backpacking around South America).
Below are some of my favourites:
Milenaria Cafe
This is your typical Instagram-worthy cafe serving things like avocado toast & acai bowls. It’s a small place, but is very cute inside and outside if you can get a table!
Ayuni
Ayuni serves similar food – and although slightly less Instagram-worthy – the food is equally delicious and it’s much bigger as it spans over two floors.
They have a much wider range of drinks and cakes too, and it’s one of my favourite spots to work from in Miraflores.
Oh, and they’re actually a puzzle cafe, so you’ll be given one to complete during your visit!
Panea
If you prefer to eat a sweet but light breakfast, then you can’t go wrong with Panea. It’s opposite Ayni and does some extemely tasty pastrys and cakes.
Again, it’s very Instagram-worthy, and although small, it has nice indoor and outdoor seating, and I’ve managed to get a seat every time.
Parque Kennedy (Cat Park)
On your way to the next spot (the Malecon) I’d recommend strolling through the cat park – also known as Parque Kennedy.
As you’ve probably guessed, there are a lot of cats who live here and are cared for each day by volunteers who provide food and shelter for them. They’re super friendly and every time I sit down here for more than a few minutes, I usually end up with one of my lap as you can see in the photo above – so be fully prepared to expect that too!
If you’re not a fan of cats, then don’t worry – there is more than just cats to see. Depending on the day of the week, there are events that happen – whether that’s salsa, little concerts or markets – which we call ferrias here in Peru – there’s always something going on in this area.
Additionally, there’s a free gallery here, too. Just around the corner from the Church that’s situated in the park, there’s a building which often has various exhibitions in it. There doesn’t appear to be an official direction on the map, so you’ll just have to wander around the Church to find it – but don’t worry, it’s pretty hard to miss.
Malecon Walk And Landmarks
Next up, we have one of my favourite and most beautiful parts of the city, which is the Malecon – a coastal walk along the cliff tops with multiple interesting points to check out.
From Kennedy Park, it’s about a 15 minute walk down the main road to Larcomar – the shopping centre where I recommend you begin your walk. Or, if you’d prefer, you can rent a bike and cycle along the Malecon instead, which might be a better option if you’re strapped for time.
Either way, once you look at the sea and head right, along the way you’ll see the following things:
- Besos Frances – this is very cute place to stop and get a crepe
- El Beso – the kissing sculpture where a kissing competition is held on Valentines Day every year
- Parque Del Amor – the love park that looks very similar to Barcelona as it has a beautiful mosaic wall
- Another Besos Frances – just in case you didn’t get one at the first stop and regretted it!
- The Lighthouse – a big picturesque lighthouse
- Parque Chino – the Chinese Park that’s very beautiful to visit
- El Libro Park – one of my favouite spots in the city with lots of palm trees to chill under and read a book
From the Larcomar shopping mall to El Libro Park, it’s about a 30-minute walk (one-way), so I would recommend that you factor in about an hour if you’re going to make a few stops and take some photos along the way. You can then take an Uber to the next location on your 24 hour itinerary.
However, if you decide to cycle, then of course it will take less time. You can either rent a bike from Mirabici for around 20 soles ($5) above the shopping mall, or you can pick up a Lime bike – you know, those bikes that are at stations and you pick up and drop them off at various points around the city. You’d have to return the bike if you rent one from Mirabici (so factor in that time), or if you pick up a Lime bike, you can drop it off at a station near El Libro Park.
Note: if you’re cycling and do have the time, then you can also ride from Larcomar to our next stop – Barranco – along the same pathway. The reason why I recommend going right initially is because it’s a bit prettier and there are more noteworthy spots.
I also want to share a biking tour option that also includes Huaca Pucllana because it’s something that a lot of people like to visit here (it’s not really that interesting to me, which is why I don’t include it, but I want to give you the option). If you’re going to do the bike tour, this will include some spots above and take you to the next location on this 1day Lima itinerary: Barranco.
Check prices: Lima Bike Tour
Mid-Morning: Barranco
I’m assuming you’ll have managed to do the morning activity by around 10:30 am or 11 am and you’ll then be ready to head to Barranco – which is where I live – so trust I’m going to share with you the best spots!
Before we get into that, let me tell you that Barranco is a beautiful bohemian part of the city that’s a popular area for digital nomads living in Peru, filled with charming cafes, colourful street art and it’s own section of the malecon. If you’re still undecided on where to stay during your 24 hours in Lima, then I would highly recommend Barranco over Miraflores if you want a more authentic experience.
Bridge of Sighs
Most of the things to do in Barranco all centre around The Bridge Of Sighs – a picturesque bridge built in the 80s and a spot that is said to make all of your wishes come true if you cross it and hold your breath.
I’ve never tried it, but hey – who knows. Anyway, this is where you’ll want to ask your Uber to drop you off or cycle to.
Besides that, the bridge is surrounded by interesting street art with a path below that leads down to the only sandy beach in this part of the city where you can surf (usually baby waves) and paddleboard.
I’d recommend wandering around this area, checking out the street art, and popping into the small Jade Riveria museum that’s situated on the path below the bridge.
Alternatively, if you want to sacrifice the next 3 hours or so, you could book onto a walking tour in Barranco – something that a lot of tourists decide to do.
La Feria Union de Barranco
The next spot on the list in Barranco in La Feria Union – an artisan market that’s a sweet place to stop by if you’re looking to pick up some gifts. It’s also a popular spot for local events, and all sorts of things go on there – from school shows to singing performances.
From the Bridge of Sighs, it’s about a 5-minute walk, and you’ll pass through the main square in Barranco – also known as the Plaza De Armas.
The opening times are:
- Monday: closed
- Tuesday: closed
- Wednesday: 12pm – 9pm
- Thursday: 12pm – 9pm
- Friday: 12pm – 9pm
- Saturday: 11am – 10pm
- Sunday: 12pm – 10pm
Lunch
By the time you’ve finished exploring all of these things, you’ll be ready for some lunch, and Barranco does not disappoint when it comes to great restaurants!
It’s hard to choose some favourites, but here are the ones I’ve narrowed it down to:
- Isolina
If you’re feeling a little fancy, then head here for some of the best Peruvian food in the city – it’s definitely on the pricier side of restaurants in the area, but still very affordable for most tourists. You’d be spending something like $20 per main here. Plus, you can also get the national dish of Peru – Ceviche. - Demo
If you fancy a pizza for lunch, then you can’t go wrong with Demo. Pizza is not Peru’s forte in most restaurants, but Demo has nailed it.
The only thing to note here is that if you’re visiting Lima during the winter months, then you might struggle, as most of their seating is outside.
That being said, the cafe next door – or indeed anywhere along that street – also does some incredible things to eat! - Casa Lola
This one is opposite Demo, and they do standard European/US lunch things. Think sandwiches, burgers, salads, etc. They also do a lot of incredible cakes and pastries – in fact, the chocolate brownie is probably the best I’ve had in the city!
If none of these take your fancy, then Colonia & Co. or Rue are also great choices. Honestly, I feel like there are too many to call them all out.
Helado De Lima
On the way to your next location on this 1 day in Lima itinerary, you’re going to walk to Helado De Lima to grab an ice-cream – if you have space after lunch atleast!
There are many ice-cream spots around the city, but Helado De Lima is a chain that I always find myself relying on.
Now of course, you can get any of the standard flavours, but for something Peruvian, then you should get either the Lucuma or Chirimoya – both are equally delicious in my opinion!
Both are fruits, but if I had to describe what they taste like in ice-cream form, then Lucuma is like a caramel milkshake and Chirimoya is like a custard apple.
Alternatively if you’re on a super tight budget, then pop into any corner shop or ice cream stand on the street and ask for a Marciano. It’s basically a homemade ice lolly made from fruits, but you can also usually get one that’s Lucuma flavoured.
Dédalo and Museo Jade Rivera
If you’re in the market for some premium Peruvian gifts – either for you or anyone else – then Dédalo has you covered. There are tonnes of incredible handmade items here, and if I had the budget, my whole apartment would be filled with them – so I recommend walking here to see what’s on offer.
If you’re not interested in buying anything, then on the same street is Museo Jade Rivera, which is different to the one I mentioned previously.
Some of the most prominent pieces of street art that you’ve seen around Barranco up until this point have most likely been by the artist Jade Rivera. He’s well-known across Latin America and has some incredible pieces of art on show inside the museum, which you can enter for a couple of pounds/dollars.
Barranco Malecon and MAC Museum
Depending on how much time you have, you can then walk from Dédalo and Museo Jade Rivera along the malecon to the MAC museum, which is a contemporary art museum.
This part of the Malecon is very pretty and a place I often walk most evenings – especially in summer.
Anyway, I digress. The MAC museum is dedicated to showcasing and promoting contemporary art from Peru and around the world, with some really incredible pieces on show, so I would recommend going if this is the kind of thing you’re into.
Plus, if you didn’t get an ice cream or a crepe in the morning, you have a third chance to try one from yet another Besos Frances!
Afternoon: Historic Centre Of Lima
No trip to Lima would be complete without a trip to the historic centre. And, whilst the historic centre isn’t typically where tourists choose to stay – which may seem odd, as they do in most cities – it’s still very pretty for the most part.
You’ll want to take an Uber to the Plaza Mayor, which is around 30 minutes (if the traffic is good) from Barranco. If it’s not, you’re looking at about an hour.
Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor is surrounded by some of Lima’s most important buildings, with two particularly standing out:
- The Basilica Cathedral of Lima – This stunning cathedral dates back to 1535 – though it has been rebuilt several times following earthquakes – yep, we do get those here!
You can also enter the Basilica for I believe around $3 – although I can’t comment too much as I haven’t actually ventured inside yet. - The Municipal Palace of Lima – This is a big yellow building that you’ve probably seen photos of. It’s a great spot to take photos since you can also capture the square and palm trees in the same shot. If you were here at midday, you would have also been able to see the changing of the guards – but sorry, when you’ve only got 24 hours in Lima, it’s hard to time everything perfectly!
Chinatown
You may or may not know that Peru has a decent-sized Chinese population, and as such, one of the top dishes here is a Chinese/Peruvian fusion plate called Chaufa.
Just a few blocks from the centre is Lima’s Chinatown on Calle Capón, and you can find all sorts of things here – from Chinese-Peruvian restaurants to traditional herbalists.
San Francisco Monastery
Just around the corner from Plaza Mayor is the kind of creepy San Francisco Monastery and Church. But why is it creepy, I hear you ask? Well, it’s because it’s a monastery filled with catacombs – which, if you don’t know, means there are the bones and skulls of dead people (approximately 70,000 to be exact) arranged into fascinating geometric patterns.
It’s pretty similar to the famous ones in Paris.
You can do this activity and the next one on our list as part of a combined tour if you time it right!
Evening: Magic Water Circuit And Top Restaurant
Magic Water Circuit
Now we’re onto the final stretch of your 24 hours in Lima and the first place you’re going to head to is the Magic Water Circuit – a water and colourful lights show.
It’s very close to the centre, but I don’t recommend walking as it will be dark by this point and it’s not as safe as the Miraflores and Barranco bubble; not to scare you, because you will be fine, but it is a city and just like most places, some parts are safer than others.
Entrance to the show costs just a few pounds/dollars and is open from 3pm until 10pm every single day. There are 13 fountains that light up and change colours – some of which you can run through – but the main water show plays three times per night at 7:15 pm, 8:15 pm and 9:00 pm.
Inside, you’ll be able to grab some food and drink – but nothing substantial. But – to be honest – you won’t want to eat anyway as you’ll be wanting to save yourself for where I have planned for you next on this itinerary!
Check prices: Magic Water Circuit
Dinner at Astrid y Gastón
Astrid y Gastón is one of the most famous restaurants in Lima, and it’s nothing short of fantastic. I took my boyfriend there for his birthday, and every single thing we ate and drank was incredible – even down to the bread.
The type of food you’ll find here is Peruvian with an international twist – but of course, they do stick to traditions for things like Ceviche, one of Peru’s most famous dishes.
If you have an even bigger budget, somewhere like Maido or Central, which has won awards for ‘The World’s Best Restaurant’.
Or, if you’re budget is much lower than any of these places, then I’d recommend Siete Sopas near Kennedy Park in Miraflores or any of the restaurants down ‘Calle Berlin‘ or ‘Calle Las Pizzas‘. If you’re heading to the latter, then there’s a big food hall called Mercado San Ramon.
If you’re a sports fan, then I’ve also watched the World Cup and other sporting events here, as they often put it on a projector.
Alternative Things To Do In 24 Hours In Lima
This 24 Lima itinerary is based on what I would personally do and what realistically fits into that 1 day that you’re here without having to travel around a lot. However, if something isn’t quite to your fancy, then feel free to swap it out with one of the below options:
- Huaca Pucllana
- Mercado N°1 de Surquillo
- Paragliding
- Cerro San Cristóbal
- Larco Museum
- Swimming with Sealions
FAQ
Is it safe to walk around Lima in the day and night?
For the most part – and certainly compared to other big cities in South America – the areas I’ve recommended here (besides the centre) are pretty safe other than theft – the same can’t be said for the rest of the city, though.
You’ll be fine to walk around with your items on show anywhere on the Malecon, Larcomar or Kennedy Park (the cat park), but other than that, I would keep them hidden. I have personally had my phone stolen in Barranco and know others who have had the same done in Miraflores – but honestly, that could happen in any big city – or atleast in London in my home country.
You can walk around the centre of Miraflores and Barranco at night without worrying – just be street smart.
If it makes you feel better, there’s also a lot of Serenazgo – a.k.a community officers – to keep things in check, and the reality of anything bad happening during your one day in Lima is low.
That being said, I personally use SafetyWing travel medical insurance to keep me covered (and they paid out when I got my phone stolen without problems).
Are taxis safe to use in Lima?
Taxis of the street and questionable so I would avoid those and instead take an Uber. I take Uber everywhere – even alone – and have never felt unsafe. I’d also recommend getting an Uber to and from the airport aswell if you’re not planning on taking the Lima Express bus.
Is Lima cheap for tourists?
Lima is cheap for most tourists – but ofcourse it depends where you’re coming from and what the salaries and cost of living is like there. As someone from Europe – everything is about half the price – exept supermarket food and goods because they import alot. Restaurants, accomodation, transport etc is mega cheap.
Yeah, I know, make the supermarkets being the same price as the UK but restaurants being half the price make sense…
Final Thoughts
That’s a wrap on this one day in Lima itinerary from someone who actually lives there! I really hope you enjoy your 24 hours in Lima and make the most of the things that are on offer!
If you’re looking for more guides on Peru then feel free to check those out. My guess is you might be heading to Huacachina or Paracas along the coast next – either way – have the best time!
Millie / Stay Wild Travels.