Lima in 1 day: Palaces to Parks Adventure

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by Allison

May 7, 2024 · 2 min read

Lima 1 Day Itinerary

Embark on a whirlwind tour of Lima, Peru's capital, with a one-day itinerary that promises a blend of history, culture, and beauty. Your journey begins at the stately Government Palace of Peru, where political history comes alive for an hour. Just a short walk away, immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Plaza de Armas, the city's main square, for a quick 30-minute exploration. Next, marvel at the architectural splendor of Lima Cathedral, a testament to the city's religious heritage, during a one-hour visit. Continue to San Martin Plaza, a serene city park, for a relaxing half-hour stroll. Delve into Peru's ancient past with a 30-minute stop at the Huaca Pucllana Site Museum, showcasing pre-Columbian history. Conclude your day at Parque del Amor, a romantic city park overlooking the Pacific, perfect for a half-hour sunset reverie. This compact itinerary is designed to give you a taste of Lima's most iconic sights, all within the span of a single day.

ShanghaiLima
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Cheap Flights
Top 6 Hotels in Lima
TOP 1
Sheraton Lima Historic Center
Sheraton Lima Historic Center
hotelStar
5/5
110 reviews
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TOP 2
Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores
Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores
hotelStar
4/5
76 reviews
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TOP 3
Fairfield Lima Miraflores
Fairfield Lima Miraflores
hotelStar
4/5
52 reviews
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Pullman Lima Miraflores
Pullman Lima Miraflores
hotelStar
4/5
73 reviews
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SM Hotel Plus
SM Hotel Plus
hotelStar
2/5
4 reviews
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Aloft Lima Miraflores
Aloft Lima Miraflores
hotelStar
4/5
62 reviews
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1 Day in Lima Itinerary: Day 1

1

Government Palace of Peru

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Begin your Lima adventure at the stately Government Palace of Peru, where political history and architectural elegance converge. Nestled in the heart of the city at the Main Square, this town hall isn't just the president's official residence; it's a symbol of Peru's storied past. Spend an hour marveling at the palace's grand facade and the changing of the guard ceremony, a spectacle of precision and pride.

Attraction Info

  • Main Square | Zocalo, Lima, Peru
  • Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
  • Open on Sat,7:00am-7:45am,8:00am-9:00pm;Open on Sun,11:00am-12:00pm,1:00pm-9:00pm;Open on Mon-Fri,7:00am-9:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Tres Puertos
Tres Puertos
/5 · 0 reviews
0.2 km from attraction
El 10 Carnes Y Vinos - Plaza de Armas
El 10 Carnes Y Vinos - Plaza de Armas
5/5 · 1 review
0.2 km from attraction
El Otro Gramadal Restaurante
El Otro Gramadal Restaurante
5/5 · 1 review
0.7 km from attraction
Chun Koc Sen
Chun Koc Sen
/5 · 0 reviews
1.0 km from attraction
Pardos Chicken Centro Civico
Pardos Chicken Centro Civico
5/5 · 1 review
1.5 km from attraction
Manka Mitu Restaurante
Manka Mitu Restaurante
/5 · 0 reviews
2.4 km from attraction
2 min,0.2 km
2

Plaza de Armas

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Just a short stroll from the Government Palace, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Plaza de Armas. This iconic square is the pulsating heart of Lima's Historic Center, where the city's cultural and political life has unfolded for centuries. Dedicate half an hour to absorb the lively ambiance, admire the harmonious architecture, and snap photos of the stunning fountain that anchors this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Attraction Info

  • Historic Center, Lima District 15001, Peru
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
  • Open from 6:00am-11:00pm
2 min,0.15 km
3

Lima Cathedral

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Adjacent to the bustling Plaza de Armas stands the majestic Lima Cathedral, a beacon of religious significance and architectural mastery. Spend an hour exploring this church's awe-inspiring interior, where art and faith intertwine. Discover the ornate chapels, the tomb of Francisco Pizarro, and the cathedral's impressive collection of religious artifacts that tell tales of Lima's devout heritage.

Attraction Info

  • Jiron Carabaya | Plaza de Armas de Lima, Lima 15001, Peru
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open on Mon-Fri,9:00am-5:00pm;Open on Sat,9:00am-9:45am,10:00am-5:00pm;Open on Sun,11:00am-12:00pm,1:00pm-5:00pm
11 min,0.86 km
4

San Martin Plaza

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Continue your journey through Lima's open spaces at the tranquil San Martin Plaza. Named after Peru's liberator, this city park is a half-hour haven of peace amidst the urban hustle. Surrounded by historic buildings and crowned by a statue of José de San Martín, it's the perfect spot to reflect on the city's revolutionary spirit and enjoy a moment of serenity.

Attraction Info

  • Nicolas de Piérola Ave., Cercado de Lima 15001
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
  • Open 24 hours
17 min,8.14 km
5

Huaca Pucllana Site Museum

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Delve into ancient Peruvian culture with a visit to the Huaca Pucllana Site Museum, a remarkable testament to Lima's pre-Columbian history. Set aside 30 minutes to wander through this archaeological treasure in the Miraflores district. The adobe pyramid and museum exhibits offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Lima culture that once thrived here.

Attraction Info

  • s/n, Ca. Gral. Borgoño cuadra 8, Miraflores 15074, Peru
  • Suggested tour duration: 30-90 minutes
  • Open on Mon, Wed-Sun,9:00am-4:15pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Maido
Maido
4.3/5 · 24 reviews
1.6 km from attraction
Astrid & Gaston
Astrid & Gaston
4.8/5 · 5 reviews
1.6 km from attraction
La Locanda
La Locanda
4.8/5 · 9 reviews
1.7 km from attraction
Chifa Hou Wha
Chifa Hou Wha
5/5 · 2 reviews
0.8 km from attraction
IK Restaurante
IK Restaurante
4.8/5 · 12 reviews
0.8 km from attraction
La Picanteria
La Picanteria
/5 · 0 reviews
1.2 km from attraction
12 min,2.59 km
6

Parque del Amor

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Conclude your day with a romantic interlude at Parque del Amor, a city park that celebrates love and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Spend half an hour meandering through the mosaic-tiled sculptures, reading the poetic inscriptions, and perhaps stealing a kiss at the iconic 'El Beso' statue, all while the sun dips below the horizon, capping off your Lima exploration.

Attraction Info

  • Malecon Cisneros, Miraflores 15074, Peru
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
  • Open 24 hours
5/51 Reviews
5/5Perfect1 Reviews
Costa Verde
Miraflores
|0.15km from Parque del Amor
4/55 Reviews
4/5Very Good5 Reviews
Costa Verde
Miraflores
|0.17km from Parque del Amor

Top Things to Do in Lima-2024

TOP 1
Plaza de Armas
Plaza de Armas
4.6/5 · 72 review
Highlights:
Lima's Plaza de Armas, also known as the central square, is the birthplace and core of Lima and also the spiritual and cultural center of Lima. palace. The older part is the bronze fountain in the center of the square, built in the 17th century. There is a Spanish colonial building on the square.
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TOP 2
San Martin Plaza
San Martin Plaza
4.4/5 · 56 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 794 review
Highlights:
Plaza San Martín was opened on July 27, 1921 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Peru's independence. It was named after San Martin, the father of the liberation of South America, and in the center stands a statue of a nation with extraordinary achievements in the American War of Independence. The statue of the hero Saint Martin with a prancing horse and a gun is one of the more representative public spaces in Lima. It is located in the historical center of Lima, a world heritage site, close to the Plaza de Armas. It is surrounded by yellow buildings and tall palm trees, including the famous Bolivar Hotel. There is a broad street in the middle of the square - Via Nicolas de Pierola.
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TOP 3
Ballestas Islands
Ballestas Islands
4.3/5 · 30 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 515 review
Highlights:
Bird Island is known as Lima's Little Galapagos, where deserts, cliffs, oceans, and rugged reef islands form a barren but vibrant natural landscape. From a distance, there is nothing at all, but from a close distance, there are countless seabirds perching on the rocks, especially black and white seabirds standing densely together. The plankton swept in by the cold ocean current provides abundant food for seabirds and marine mammals, and flocks of birds leave layers of guano on the cliffs. The 50-meter-thick guano provides high-quality natural fertilizer. The ecological wonder is unforgettable.
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TOP 4
Government Palace of Peru
Government Palace of Peru
4.6/5 · 68 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 774 review
Highlights:
The attraction is located between the central square and the Rimac River. After Pizarro, successive governors of the Spanish kings lived here. At first, the building was entirely in the Spanish Castilian style. The site has since been rebuilt in a Spanish style. The new building is a French Baroque building. Whenever important festivals or celebrations are held, the president watches the celebrations on the central square from the balcony and addresses the public. In the hall of the Presidential Palace, at 12:30 every day, the guards of the Presidential Palace hold a changing of the guard ceremony, which is quite majestic.
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TOP 5
Parque del Amor
Parque del Amor
4.6/5 · 41 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 4,021 review
Highlights:
There is a love-themed park on the seaside of Lima, the capital of Peru. There is a love bench made of broken tiles in the park. The bright colors and sweet verses provide a better place for people in love to express their love. In Wanghua District, close to the sea, along the coastline, there is a steep sand cliff, and Love Park is built on the cliff. The park was built and opened to the public on Valentine's Day in 1993. Fun events are sometimes held in the park, such as a kissing marathon once held. It is said that the idea for the construction of Love Park came from a poet named Antonio. He once said that people build monuments to martyrs or heroes, but no city erects monuments to lovers. Some parts of the fence on the sea side of the park are built with tiles of various colors, but the main tone is white, and various poems about love are also engraved on it.
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

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Lima 1 Day Itinerary