What is the best time to visit Lima, Peru?

The best months to visit Lima are April, May, September, and October. During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city and enjoying outdoor activities without excessive heat or rain.

How much does it cost to live in Lima, Peru?

The average cost of living in Lima is around $700 per month. This includes expenses like accommodation, food, transportation, and other daily necessities, making it a relatively affordable destination compared to many other major cities.

How do I get around Lima, Peru?

Public transport in Lima has a score of 6 out of 10. The city offers buses, minibuses, and a metro system which are commonly used. While affordable, some travelers find public transport moderately challenging to navigate due to crowding and routes.

Is Lima, Peru expensive for tourists?

Lima is considered moderately affordable for tourists. With an average monthly cost of living around $700 and public transport rated 6/10, visitors can experience the city without spending excessively, especially by planning visits during the best travel months.

How many tourists visit Lima, Peru annually?

Lima receives approximately 2,000,000 tourists each year. This moderate influx of visitors allows for a lively but not overcrowded travel experience, especially when visiting during the recommended months of April, May, September, and October.

A calm tabby cat relaxing on a colorful foam mat outdoors, showcasing its cute whiskers.

1-Day Lima Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure in Spring

💎Hidden Gems & Local Spots

1 daysspring

Discover Lima's hidden gems, underground scenes, and authentic local hangouts far from the tourist crowds this spring.

1-Day Lima Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure in Spring

💎Hidden Gems & Local Spots

1 daysspring

Discover Lima's hidden gems, underground scenes, and authentic local hangouts far from the tourist crowds this spring.

← Lima, Peru

Our #1 travel tip

Before Day 1: Book a FREE walking tour

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

Local guide, 2-3 hours

Major sights, hidden gems, local stories

100% tip-based

Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best

You tip what feels right

At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right

I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Lima, Peru, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Adrijana, founder of City Buddy

Browse FREE walking tours

Day 1Local Secrets and Neighborhood Gems

Morning

Free Walking Tour

~2.5 hours

Start near Plaza Mayor in Lima Centro and join a free walking tour that covers historic and cultural highlights with a focus on lesser-known spots and hidden courtyards.

Book FREE walking tour

Late Morning

Barranco District & Puente de los Suspiros

4.6(24k reviews)~2 hours

Explore Barranco, Lima's bohemian district. Walk to the Puente de los Suspiros and seek out small art galleries, secret viewpoints overlooking the ocean, and murals along Avenida San Martín.

Google Maps Directions Book tours & tickets View details, tips, opening times & more

Late Morning

Barranco District & Puente de los Suspiros

Explore Barranco, Lima's bohemian district. Walk to the Puente de los Suspiros and seek out small art galleries, secret viewpoints overlooking the ocean, and murals along Avenida San Martín.

4.6(24k reviews)~2 hours

Google Maps Directions Book tours & tickets View details, tips, opening times & more

Lunch

Find a local cevicheria

~1 hours

Look for a small cevicheria in Barranco specializing in fresh ceviche, Peru's iconic raw fish marinated in citrus. Pair the meal with a glass of chilled Chicha Morada.

Afternoon

Museo Pedro de Osma

4.6(2k reviews)~1.5 hours

Visit Museo Pedro de Osma in Barranco to view colonial art in a mansion setting. Focus on lesser-visited rooms and the garden courtyard for a quiet, local vibe.

Google Maps Directions Book tours & tickets View details, tips, opening times & more

Afternoon

Museo Pedro de Osma

Visit Museo Pedro de Osma in Barranco to view colonial art in a mansion setting. Focus on lesser-visited rooms and the garden courtyard for a quiet, local vibe.

4.6(2k reviews)~1.5 hours

Google Maps Directions Book tours & tickets View details, tips, opening times & more

Late Afternoon

Explore a neighborhood garden in Barranco

~1 hours

Find the Plazuela del Barranco, a small hidden garden nestled between cafes and colorful houses, perfect to relax and observe local life.

Evening

Find a local bar in Barranco with live music

~2 hours

Search for intimate bars around Avenida Grau featuring live Afro-Peruvian or jazz music, often frequented by locals rather than tourists.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

BreakfastFind a bakery in Barranco and try Alfajores, sweet sandwich cookies filled with manjar blanco, accompanied by a strong coffee.~$1.5

Breakfast

Find a bakery in Barranco and try Alfajores, sweet sandwich cookies filled with manjar blanco, accompanied by a strong coffee.

~$1.5

Lunch~$6

Find a local cevicheria in Barranco and order fresh Ceviche paired with a refreshing glass of Chicha Morada, a traditional purple corn drink.

Ceviche

Dinner~$6

Locate a casual eatery in Barranco and order Lomo Saltado, a savory stir-fry with beef, tomatoes, and onions served with fries and rice.

Lomo Saltado

Getting around Barranco and Lima Centro is easiest by taxi or ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Cabify, or Beat, with fares around $0.6 per km. Walking is also recommended within the neighborhood to fully experience local scenes.

Accommodation— Barranco (bohemian district known for its artistic vibe and vibrant nightlife)

Well situated for exploring Barranco's hidden gems, local bars, and galleries without the tourist crowds.

Bed & Breakfast in Barranco (bohemian district known for its artistic vibe and vibrant nightlife)

$40-70/night

Well situated for exploring Barranco's hidden gems, local bars, and galleries without the tourist crowds.

Search hotels in this area

Export Your Trip

Get your trip plan as a PDF with maps and a CSV spreadsheet.

Budget Breakdown

Accommodation / night$25

Food / day$6

Transport / day$5

Activities / day$10

Daily total$46

Trip total$46

Accommodation is hotel-based at $25 per night. Food costs average $6 per day including street food and local meals. Transport includes taxis and local buses, estimated at $5. Activities focused on hidden gems cost around $10.

Good to Know

Secret Viewpoints: Explore lesser-known viewpoints in neighborhoods like Barranco and Chorrillos for local vibes and stunning views.

Local Hangouts: Visit authentic picanterías and cevicherías away from tourist spots for genuine cuisine.

Neighborhood Gems: Discover hidden courtyards and street art in the Villa El Salvador district.

Public Transport: Use Metropolitano, local buses, or combis for affordable travel; download local taxi apps like Uber, Cabify, Beat.

Tap Water Safety: Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water.

Currency: Local currency is PEN; small tips (~10%) expected in restaurants and taxis.

Safety Tips: Stay vigilant in moderate crime areas and avoid isolated spots at night.

Best Travel Months: Visit during April-May or September-October for pleasant spring weather.

Vaccinations: Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus before travel.

Internet: Reliable 60 Mbps speeds available; good for staying connected.

1-Day Lima Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure in Spring

1-Day Lima Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure in Spring

Before Day 1: Book a FREE walking tour

Barranco District & Puente de los Suspiros

Barranco District & Puente de los Suspiros

Museo Pedro de Osma

Museo Pedro de Osma

Accommodation— Barranco (bohemian district known for its artistic vibe and vibrant nightlife)

Export Your Trip

Budget Breakdown

Good to Know

Pre-Trip Checklist