Peru · 2026 itinerary
Lima 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Lima: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
The colonial main square surrounded by the Cathedral, Government Palace, and municipal buildings. Cobblestones and wooden balconies showcase Lima's founding heart.
🕐 Open 24 hours; building interiors have limited hours
Free entry💡 Guards change at the Government Palace at noon most days—arrive early for a clear spot.
Hotels near Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor) →Clifftop park in Miraflores with a large kissing sculpture, mosaic benches, and sweeping views of the Pacific. Popular with couples and sunset watchers.
🕐 Open 24 hours
Free entry💡 Go just before sunset to see paragliders land on the grass below—best photos come from the far end of the park.
Hotels near Parque del Amor →La Orejita · ££
Barzela · ££
Deeper Into Lima
16th-century cathedral with ornate altars, colonial paintings, and the tomb of conquistador Francisco Pizarro. Entry fee is about 10 soles.
🕐 Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Sat 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
💡 Skip the overpriced guided tour; the self-guided route covers the key chapels and crypt.
Pre-Inca adobe pyramid complex in Miraflores. Views of the illuminated site at night are stunning. Entry is 12 soles.
🕐 Wed–Mon 9:00 AM–4:30 PM, Wed–Mon 7:00 PM–10:00 PM
💡 Visit for the evening tour (6 PM) when the weather is cooler and lights highlight the adobe patterns.
El Bolivarcito
Union Central Lima
Final Favourites & Departure
Museum covering Peruvian history from pre-Columbian to modern times. Exhibits include ceramics, textiles, and interactive displays. Entry is 5 soles.
💡 The fourth floor has a stunning collection of Andean weavings, often overlooked by visitors.
Cosmos
Norky's
Getting Around Lima
Only useful if you're already in central Lima. Buy a Tarjeta Metropolitano at the station. Avoid during rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) as it gets packed.
Book online for a small discount. The bus has luggage space and WiFi. Get off at Larco Mar, then a 5-minute walk to the hotel.
App-based ride is safer than street cabs. Pickup is outside the arrivals exit. Cabify often has fixed prices; Uber may surge late at night.
Pre-pay at the official booth inside arrivals. Ignore touts outside; they charge more and are less safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Lima?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor) and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Lima?
See our full best time to visit Lima guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Alice, Escorpio, Casa Yolanda. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.