Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lima’s historic center invites travelers to explore its plazas, streets, and corners that still evoke its original name, the “City of Kings.” Between sunlit balconies, bustling markets, and quiet courtyards, Peru’s capital offers moments of discovery at every turn.
Morning: from dawn to architecture
At sunrise, the Plaza de Armas stands as an unmissable first stop, framed by three iconic landmarks: the Cathedral Basilica of Lima, the Government Palace, and the Archbishop’s Palace, whose baroque façade and carved wooden balconies immediately catch the eye.
The Cathedral, begun in 1535, blends Renaissance and Neoclassical styles, with its twin towers and the “Gate of Forgiveness” at the entrance. Inside, altarpieces, gilded chapels, crypts, and the tomb of Francisco Pizarro testify to nearly five centuries of history.
From there, wander into the jirones—the center’s streets—and stroll (jironear, as locals say) along Jirón de la Unión to Plaza San Martín. Along the way, cedar and mahogany balconies, old cafés, and colonial or republican façades punctuate this urban walk.
Midday: at the San Francisco Monastery
By lunchtime, head to the San Francisco Monastery and its catacombs. This baroque–neoclassical complex houses a library of around 25,000 ancient volumes, including incunabula and colonial manuscripts—one of South America’s most treasured collections.
The catacombs, once an underground cemetery, hold the remains of more than 25,000 people, arranged in geometric patterns that reflect the rigor of past funerary practices and provide a striking glimpse into the traditions of the time.
Afternoon: contemporary culture in the heart of Lima
In the afternoon, history continues at the Casa de la Literatura Peruana, located behind the old Desamparados train station, recognizable by its white façade and large clock. This cultural center features a permanent exhibition on the evolution of Peruvian literature—from pre-Columbian oral traditions to contemporary creation—as well as rooms dedicated to great writers such as César Vallejo, Mario Vargas Llosa, and Blanca Varela. Temporary exhibitions constantly renew the experience.
Evening: closing the day with the flavors of Lima
To end the day, nothing beats sitting down in a downtown restaurant where limeña cuisine reveals all its richness. From creamy ají de gallina to street-grilled anticuchos, not to mention the iconic lomo saltado, every dish offers an immersion into local culture. And for the grand finale, the suspiro a la limeña—a signature dessert made with manjar blanco and meringue—is best savored as the chords of a criolla guitar echo in the background.
Walking through Lima’s historic center means diving into a city where past and present are in constant dialogue. Streets, courtyards, libraries, and popular eateries all tell a story that continues to unfold every day.
Photos: Casa de la literatura Peruana | Promperú
