2 days in Lima itinerary: discover the capital of Peru

Lima, the capital of Peru, is a city full of contrasts and surprises. Do you have 2 days to explore the city? Check out this great 2 days in Lima itinerary.

Table of contents hide

1 About Lima

2 2 days in Lima itinerary

3 Additional Lima tips

4 Staying overnight in Lima

5 Book a trip to Peru

6 Read more about Peru

About Lima

Lima, the bustling capital of Peru, is a city bursting with history, culture and culinary delights. Located on the Pacific coast, Lima has played an important role in South American history for centuries. The city was founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro and served for centuries as the colonial capital of South America.

Today, Lima is a modern metropolis with more than 10 million inhabitants. The city buzzes with energy and has a unique blend of old and new to offer. You can not only admire historical sights here, such as the Plaza de Armas and Lima Cathedral, but also enjoy modern art galleries, trendy restaurants and lots of colorful street art.

Why 2 days in Lima?

Two days is the perfect amount of time to explore the highlights of Lima and not have to rush too much. You can both see the beautiful colonial buildings and learn a little more about the city’s history and explore the trendy colorful neighborhoods. In the process, you will have plenty of time to fully enjoy Peruvian gastronomy.

During my trip to Peru, I stayed in Lima twice (at the start and the end of my trip), which allowed me to see many beautiful places in the city. In this article, I’ll show you some of the best places to visit in the cities and share a great itinerary for 2 days in Lima.

2 days in Lima itinerary

What to do if you have two days to explore Lima? I recommend exploring the historic center and the Miraflores and Barranco neighborhoods. This is a perfect itinerary to explore these areas.

Day 1: The historic city center

The first day you will immerse yourself in the history of Lima and Peru and explore the historic center.

9:00 a.m. – Start your day with a nice breakfast at one of the many traditional cafes in the historic center, this way you can get a taste of the atmosphere right away. Enjoy a cup of Peruvian coffee and taste the delicious sandwiches, for example, “pan con chicharrón.” This is the perfect start to your day of adventure.

11:00 am – Sign up for a “free walking tour, “ these usually start at 11 am. The tour takes about two hours and thanks to the local guide, you will learn more about the history of Lima and Peru. And let that one be very interesting! You will also pass several beautiful sites in the historic center at lightning speed. After the tour, you tip your guide as much as you think the tour was worth.

1:00 p.m. – Lunch time! Lima is known worldwide for its culinary scene, so be sure to try one of the many restaurants the city has to offer. Your guide will probably have tips for great restaurants, but of course you can also just wander around and find a nice spot yourself.

2:30 p.m. – Visit the Larco Museum, one of the best museums in Lima. At this museum, you will admire an extensive collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts. Housed in a beautiful mansion from the 18th century, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Peru.

4:30 p.m. – Stroll through the streets of the historic center and admire the colonial architecture. Visit the places you saw only briefly during the tour and want to see more of, such as the Catedral de Lima, for example.

6:30 p.m. – Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the historic center. Be sure to try a traditional Peruvian pisco sour, Peru’s national cocktail.

8 p.m. – End your day with a visit to Parque de la Reserva and admire the impressive Circuito Mágico del Agua, a colorful fountain show. It is most beautiful in the evening, performances are usually at 8:15 and 9:10 pm. Come on time, there may be a sizeable line at the entrance.

Day 2: Barranco & Miraflores

After a full day among colonial buildings, today you will see more of modern and colorful Lima in the neighborhoods of Barranco and Miraflores.

9:00 am – Have breakfast in your accommodation and then start your day in the colorful Barranco district. Take a stroll through the streets of Barranco and admire the beautiful colonial architecture.

Stop at the famous“Puente de los Suspiros,” a historic bridge known for its romantic atmosphere. Don’t forget to take photos of the spectacular murals that decorate the streets of Barranco.

11:00 a.m. – Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea at one of Barranco’s many cafes. Be sure to try a traditional Peruvian empanada or pastel.

11:30 a.m. – Visit the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MAC). Dedicated to modern and contemporary art, this museum houses an impressive collection of Peruvian and international artists. Explore the various exhibitions and be inspired by Lima’s creative energy.

Please note that the MAC is closed on Mondays. Check the official website for current opening hours.

1:00 p.m. – It’s time for lunch! From the MAC, walk right back to Miraflores for the lunch break. Try ceviche, a traditional Peruvian dish of raw fish marinated in citrus juice, and enjoy the explosion of flavors. A popular place to have lunch is “Punto Azul,” a restaurant specializing in seafood.

2:30 p.m. – Explore Miraflores, one of Lima’s trendiest and liveliest neighborhoods. Take a stroll along the boardwalk, enjoy the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and stop by the famous Parque del Amor, a park filled with romantic statues and mosaics. This is also a good place to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

It was very cloudy during my visit to Lima

7 p.m. – For dinner, choose from a wide range of restaurants in Miraflores. Try one of the many fusion restaurants, which combine traditional Peruvian dishes with international flavors.

With this Lima itinerary, you will discover the highlights of Lima in just 2 days. While you may not be able to see and do everything this city has to offer, this itinerary gives you a good balance of historical sights, culinary experiences, and modern art. Don’t forget to put on comfortable shoes and bring your camera because Lima will surely enchant you with its charm and diversity!

Additional Lima tips

Do you have more time for Lima or want to fill your days with more activities? Then there are more fun things to do in Lima:

Visit Huaca Pucllana, an archaeological site from the fifth century (Miraflores).
Enjoy a day at the beach when the weather is nice during your visit to Lima (Miraflores and Barranco).
Visit Fortaleza del Real Felipe, an eighteenth-century fortress in the Callao district.

For all my Lima tips, check out the article 16 Best things to do in Lima Peru.

Staying overnight in Lima

As you can see, you can see a lot of Lima in 2 days. To take full advantage of this daily schedule, it is convenient to spend 3 nights in Lima. Nice (and safe) neighborhoods to stay are Miraflores, the historic center, and Barranco. These are some fine accommodations in Lima:

KACCLA, The Healing Dog Hostel – I stayed at this cozy hostel in the Miraflores neighborhood during my first nights in Peru. It is very centrally located and nicely decorated. There are dormitories, as well as private rooms. A great option for budget travelers.
Belma Boutique Bed and Breakfast – a highly rated B&B with cozy decor. It is in a nice central location in Miraflores
WasiPai Boutique Hotel (4⭐) – this luxury boutique hotel is in a beautiful location in Miraflores. The rooms are stylish and modern.

For more options, availability, and prices, check Booking.com.

Book a trip to Peru

These were my tips for 2 days in Lima! Would you like to visit this city when you’re exploring Peru? Book your trip now!

✈️ Plane tickets – Lima has a major international airport. Check WayAway to find the best deals and get cashback on plane tickets.

🚍 Bus tickets – To get from A to B in Peru it is best to use long-distance buses. These are very comfortable and often include a meal. I often booked first class (which was not very expensive at all) and the seats were amazing! This is especially a good idea when traveling on night buses. You can book bus tickets via Busbud.

🚘 Rental Car – You can also discover Peru with a rental car. Then you are flexible and can stop wherever you want. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals.

📱E-SIM – Do you prefer having cell service during your trip? Get an e-SIM via Airalo, so you can use mobile internet to navigate and keep in touch with family and friends.

💊 Travel insurance – Don’t forget your travel insurance, as it will give you peace of mind during your trip. Check out Insubuy to find the travel insurance that fits your needs.

🧗🏼 Tours & activities – There are many fun day tours and adventurous activities to do in Peru. Check Viator and Get Your Guide for all the options.

2 days in Lima itinerary: discover the capital of Peru