Things to do in Lima, Peru: The perfect 3-day weekend itinerary

Lima rewards visitors on every visit, with more to discover the longer you stay and delve into the city’s neighbourhoods. Starting with a long weekend to whet your appetite, you’ll make incredible memories as you follow these things to do in Lima, Peru. Food, architecture, music and arts: the city has layered culture everywhere you look.

This sprawling Pacific coast capital has quietly become one of the world’s great food destinations, where ancient Peruvian traditions meet centuries of cultural exchange to create a culinary scene unlike anywhere else on earth. With elegant colonial buildings, sweeping oceanfront parks and a thriving scene of local Peruvian artists, the city boasts so many wonderful things that you’ll benefit from this suggested itinerary and Lima food guide if your stay is limited to a weekend.

What to do in Lima, and where: Setting the scene

Ready to discover the unique idiosyncrasies of Lima’s different districts? Here’s a breakdown of some of the key districts worth exploring during your first visit:

Miraflores is home to coastal paths and some of the best restaurants in Lima. Peru’s world-class eateries can often be found here, so look no further than Casa Andina Premium Miraflores if this is where you prefer to be based.

Barranco offers bohemian galleries, quaint eateries, and legendary late‑night venues. With every visit, this neighbourhood will pull you in with its colour and creative spirit. It’s very close and easy to access from Miraflores and other popular neighbourhoods.

San Isidro is renowned for manicured parks, restored historical & cultural sites, and standout restaurants and cafés. For an in-depth exploration of San Isidro, we recommend staying at Casa Andina Premium San Isidro.

Los Incas offers a quieter and more residential vibe, perfect for luxury stays with your partner or family. Benefit from the space, tranquillity and tremendous golf course views by booking at Casa Andina Premium Golf Los Incas.

 Day 1: Miraflores & the coastline

Morning:

Start your day at Mercado de Surquillo, where you’ll explore rich produce and fresh seafood that showcase Peru’s extraordinary biodiversity. As you navigate the rows of stands, you’ll taste native potatoes and tropical fruits and feel the early‑morning energy of the city’s early risers. Then, walk the short distance to Huaca Pucllana, a pyramid built between 200 and 700 AD. At this iconic structure, you’ll join a guided visit that reveals ancient ceremonial traditions in the beating heart of Miraflores.

Afternoon:

Settle in at Central for a vibrant tasting menu that celebrates Peru’s diverse ecosystems. Chef Virgilio Martínez’s guarantees a unique experience, taking you on a journey that embraces coastal flavours and high‑Andean notes. After lunch, wander along the must-see Lima Malecón promenade, where you’ll take in sweeping Pacific views. Watch paragliders lift into the air near Parque del Amor and let the ocean breeze ruffle your hair as rays of sunlight dance across the water.

Evening:

Settle into Maido for a celebration of Pacific and Asian cuisine. Chef Mitsuharu’s creative approach celebrates the blend of Japanese culinary heritage with Peruvian ingredients, with each course highlighting over a century of cultural exchange. Round off this first day by enjoying flavours that feel playful and traditional in equal measure, and finish your evening with a delicious pisco cocktail at Antigua Taberna Queirolo.

Day 2: Barranco, museums & nightlife

Morning:

After dropping your bags at your Casa Andina hotel, start your day with a leisurely wander through the colourful streets of Barranco, where republican‑era houses stand proudly under the light morning sun and local cafés begin to open their doors. Cross the Bridge of Sighs (Puente de los Suspiros) and navigate the network of narrow Barranco streets, dipping into small galleries and workshops in an embrace of the neighbourhood’s creative spirit. Swing by Panadería de La Chola for breakfast, where you’ll sample freshly baked sourdough breads, flaky pastries, and expertly brewed Peruvian coffee. You’ll feel the district wake up around you as you move between these Lima hidden gems.

Afternoon:

Walk toward the MATE museum to explore Mario Testino’s striking photography, which highlights fashion, celebrity, and Peruvian identity in a way that contrasts beautifully with Barranco’s bohemian rhythm. After, head to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC Lima) to enjoy modern Peruvian and Latin American art in a bright, modern venue. In our opinion, these two Barranco museums are amongst the finest attractions in Lima, Peru.

Evening:

During your stay in Lima, Peru’s food scene is best experienced with an oceanfront dinner at Cala, where you’ll enjoy fresh seafood as you watch the sun dip behind the cliffs. Once you’ve had your evening meal, head across to Ayahuasca Restobar to sample inventive modern cocktails that encapsulate Barranco’s playful nature and artistic character. As the bars continue to buzz late into the night, you’ll see why Barranco enjoys a reputation of being one of Lima’s most energetic districts.

Day 3: San Isidro, historic centre & feast on your last night

Morning:

Start your final day with a peaceful walk through San Isidro’s Bosque El Olivar, where centuries-old olive trees are a green lung in the middle of the city. Wander between twisting trunks, peaceful ponds and bushes bursting with colour and watch locals practise tai chi. San Isidro’s history and architecture are full of fascinating stories and their influence can be found in everything from industry to food to local art.

Afternoon:

Spend the afternoon exploring San Isidro’s most impressive landmarks. The adobe pyramid of Huaca Huallamarca serves as a unique window into Lima’s pre-colonial past, rising prominently into the San Isidro skies. As a contrast, check out the gleaming modern structures of the nearby financial district and the 50s/60s gems of Tauro Cinema and the Capurro Building. As lunchtime approaches and you ask yourself where to eat in Lima that you’ve not already tried, we recommend heading to one of several acclaimed restaurants and cafeterias in the area, including Kauza Restaurante for layered potato causa and some of the best ceviche in the city.

Evening:

Celebrate your final night with a dinner that captures the full spirit of Peruvian cuisine. Look no further than Astrid y Gastón for a memorable tasting experience that blends regional traditions with modern creativity within a beautifully restored mansion. Among the best restaurants in Lima, Peru, this gem offers dishes that tell the story of the country’s landscapes and flavours. Round off the night with one more pisco sour, raising a glass to your long weekend of Peruvian discovery.

Lima: A city that will live long in the memory

Lima rewards every hour that you invest to truly understand its complexity. A long weekend is the perfect introduction, after which you’ll be eager to visit again as soon as possible. A city combining ancient civilisations, colonial history and contemporary creativity, this destination is something genuinely unique for discerning travellers to delve into.