What To Do In Lima Peru For 2 Days?

Last Updated on June 18, 2024 by James Bustamante

When you arrive at the Peruvian capital, you’ll wonder what to do in Lima, Peru for two days. Why two days? For the most part, travelers only plan to stay in the capital city for 24 to 48 hours. That’s usually enough time to have a city tour and maybe do some sightseeing, shopping, or culinary outings. You’d need more time to see Lima than the entire Machu Picchu tour from Cusco.

There are several ways to get the most out of your stay in Lima, Peru, for two days. In fact, we recommend staying in this vibrant city for a few additional days. However, since that is not always possible due to time limitations, you are here for the Machu Picchu hike after all. So, let’s go over some of the best places to visit during your two-day stay in Lima, Peru. 

DAY 1: Touring Miraflores And Barranco

Centric Miraflores and bohemian Barranco are the two most popular districts for tourists for a variety of reasons. Miraflores offers beautiful sights of the Pacific ocean, world-renowned restaurants, and elegant bars to get a Pisco Sour. Barranco provides art galleries, street markets, bars, and an overall more laid-back vibe. 

We recommend staying in the Miraflores district during your two days in Lima, Peru. It is a more centric location where you’ll have access to nearly anything you’d need while staying in Lima.  

Saenz Peña Avenue

If we begin our first day of touring in Barranco, we can head to the famous Saenz Peña avenue. This avenue is one of the most beautiful in the district, and it is renowned for its colonial period mansions, a few restaurants, and a very fancy hotel. Today, some estates are used as offices or art galleries, while others remain as family homes for some of the wealthiest people in Lima. 

During our brief visit to Saenz Peña, we can visit the Lucia de la Puente Museum and get a good look at contemporary Peruvian artists. Directly across the street, you’ll have a chance to see a store that specializes in Peruvian jewelry and handicrafts. In addition, they have a quaint little cafe in the back where you can relax and try some Peruvian organic coffee.

If we walk to the end of the street, you’ll get a great view of the pacific ocean and several upscale apartment buildings that overlook the ocean. There are benches and a gazebo where you can sit down and relax as you gaze at the sea. 

Bridge Of Sighs or “Puente De Los Suspiros”

There is a famous bridge in Barranco colloquially known as the “Puente De Los Suspiros” or The Bridge Of Sighs, and it is a big tourist attraction. There is a local belief that your wish will come true if you cross this bridge with your significant other while holding your breath.

So typically you’ll see the bridge full of local and foreign couples attempting this challenge during the day. It is more of a hangout spot for people going into and leaving the local bars and restaurants in the evenings.

The Barranco Main Square 

The main square in Barranco is a sure-fire way to get a good view of the local scene. There are artists, street performers, organic markets, restaurants, bars, the municipal library, and the tourist office if you need information. I like to go once every other Sunday and have organic coffee in the local cafes. It is just a fantastic spot to relax and take photographs. 

Pedro De Osma Avenue

Pedro De Osma Avenue is another famous street in Lima, mainly among the artsy scene. Famous Peruvian photographer Mario Testino has a gallery dedicated to his work at the MATE or Mario Testino Museum. The MATE is located in a fantastic and gorgeously restored 19th century “Casona” or townhouse in Avenida Pedro De Osma. I

f you happen to find yourself at the MATE, you’ll have a chance to see some of his most famous works, like photographs of Kate Moss and Princess Diana, to name a couple. 

We can then head to the Pedro de Osma Museum, where we’ll find the Pedro de Osma collection with paintings from famous artists like Luis de Riano or Bernardo Bitti. 

Las Pallas Native Folk Art

Mari Solari is a Scottish-born personality who spent most of her adult life in Peru. She founded Las Pallas, which focuses on showing off and elevating Peruvian folk art. In addition, Mari Solari emphasizes personally collecting high-quality carvings, paintings, and weavings from all over the country. 

The MAC Or Museum Of Contemporary Art 

The MAC focuses on having an extensive selection of pieces by contemporary artists from around Latin America and the European art scene. They have a couple of temporary collections that constantly change to elevate different artists throughout the year. In addition, the MAC also has a permanent collection of pieces by already famous artists. 

If you are into art, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by collections that include geometric art, constructivist, abstract expressionism, visual art, art pieces, etc. In addition, guided tours of the museum are available upon request when you purchase your entrance tickets. 

Malecon De Miralfores (The Miraflores Boardwalk)

The Miraflores boardwalk is locally known as the “Malecon de Miraflores,” a rather popular location for travelers. It is more of a cliffside path overlooking the ocean than an actual boardwalk. The “Malecon” divides into three smaller “Malecones” or boardwalks. The Malecon de La Marina, The Malecon Cisneros and the Maelcon de La Reserva which is closest to the Larcomar shopping center. 

The entire boardwalk is covered with parks, bike paths, gym equipment, and even a lighthouse. One trendy spot is Antonio Raimondi park, where adventure seekers can try paragliding. Professional paragliders are jumping off the cliffs along with tourists to then over the beaches below. Although this might not be for you, it’s okay; jumping off a cliff during your vacation is not for everyone. There are several other less adventurous activities in Miraflores, though.   

If we continue walking, we find the “Love Park,” commonly known as “Parque del Amor.” The statue that is the centerpiece of the park is called “The Kiss” or “El Beso” by Peruvian artist Victor Delfin, and it depicts two lovers holding each other. 

You can walk through the “Malecon de Miraflores” or rent a bike and zip past the parks. You can ride through the many miles of boardwalk while you get some of the most fantastic coastline views below.  

Visit The Larcomar Shopping Center

An interesting mall called the Larcomar Shopping center in Miraflores is right across from the JW Marriott Hotel. The mall is built right into the cliffs overlooking the beaches on the Green Coast. 

This outside mall has anything you’d like to find in a shopping center, including affordable and fancy restaurants, a movie theater, clothing stores, sportswear, hiking shoe outlets, and much more. The mall most definitely has a western orientation in its offerings, but it also has some of the best stores that carry Alpaca products brought directly from the highlands. 

Larcomar also has some great restaurants and bars facing the ocean. You’ll find great food options and expert bartenders that’ll make excellent Pisco Sours and Chilcanos for you to try. 

Kennedy Park In Miraflores

At the heart of Miraflores, we find “Parque Kennedy” or Kennedy park. This busy park is one of the major attractions due to its bustling art scene, street food vendors, La Virgen Milagrosa church, restaurants, street performers, and the famous feline residents. There are over 100 stray cats that call this park home. These feline residents are protected by the municipality of Miraflores and a non-profit organization that helps to keep them.

Another set of street vendors arrives at Kennedy Park in the evenings while the art dealers leave for the day. The evening vendors deal with antiques, souvenirs, sandwiches, and several other products. Regional and book fairs also commonly take place at Kennedy Park. 

The Indian Market For Souvenirs

If you want to purchase souvenirs and Peruvian handicrafts to take home, look no further than the Indian Market or “Mercado Indio” on Petit Thouars Avenue. At the Indian market, you’ll find alpaca products like scarves, sweaters, hats, mittens, blankets, and tours.

You’ll also find fine silver jewelry and hand-woven products like bags, wallets, etc. You will see several markets like this throughout Peru, though. Some locations are cheaper than others, and certain products will be of better quality closer to their region of origin. 

The Famous Pyramid Huaca Pucllana In Miraflores & San Isidro

We can fund the Huaca Pucllana in the center of the San Isidro district, almost at the limit with Miraflores. This ancient adobe and clay pyramid was a ceremonial and administrative landmark made by the Lima culture, predating the Incas. You can find more regarding this pre-Incan structure and its importance in our Huaca Pucllana article.

DAY 2: Lima City Center 

For the second part of our “what to do in Lima Peru for two days,” we trade modern Miraflores for the historic center that extends from the famous Plaza de Armas to Plaza San Martin. 

The Famous Lima Plaza De Armas 

There is a lot of history running through Lima’s main square. The Plaza de Armas was Lima’s first official public square. In 1821, it was the center stage to declare Peru as a republic for the first time. As you visit this historic location, you’ll see locals relaxing on the benches or walking briskly by as they rush to work. The surrounding buildings are of colonial architecture and add an excellent background to the dramatic look of the Plaza.

As we explore the Plaza de Armas, we run into the presidential palace where the current president lives. If we plan the tour just right, we can arrive at 11:45 am to get a glimpse of the changing of the guard at the palace. 

On the other end, we find the cathedral, a baroque building worth visiting and is a good representation of the country’s colonial period. You can also visit the tomb of Francisco Pizarro while you are here and visit several chapels, 14 in total and each representing a saint. 

Plaza Bolivar

The former home of the tribunal of the inquisition between 1570 and 1820, the Plaza Bolivar today is the setting for the Peruvian Parliament. This famous Plaza is named after the Latin American liberator Simon Bolivar. 

The Convent Of San Francisco

The San Francisco convent has guided tours of the catacombs below, where over 30,000 people are said to be buried. It is an excellent example of colonial constructions in the old part of the Peruvian capital. 

The Church Of San Pedro

Built by Jesuits in 1638, The San Pedro Church portrays a baroque style of architecture. Some of the predominant features are the Moorish carvings and typical Spanish tiles. In addition, you’ll want to see the gold alters and decorations San Pedro Church is known for, it is a little bit of the standard tourist route, but it is well worth the visit. 

The Santo Domingo Church

The historic Lima route leads us to the Santo Domingo church and convent down Jiron Junin. This pink-colored church was built in the 16th century. The Santo Domingo church is famous for having the remains of Lima’s patron saint “Santa Rosa de Lima” and South America’s first black saint San Martin de Porres. Both are very relevant to Lima’s historical past. 

Contemporary Lima Attractions

Now that we’ve gone over some of Lima’s most relevant historical places, we can head to contemporary attractions. Firstly, we can head towards the Hotel Bolivar for one of the best Pisco Sours you’ll ever have. It has had the privilege of attending by stars and presidents in the past and still does today.

Once you’ve enjoyed a lovely cocktail, we head towards the Parque de La Reserva to see a water and laser show at the Magic Water Circuit. The show happens every day after the sun goes down. A total of 13 interactive water fountains light up the night with music and a light show you’ll never forget. There are street food vendors in case you get hungry as well. 

Conclusion

Lima doesn’t have to be just a stop-over location on your way to your Machu Picchu tour. Spending 2 days in Lima is usually just enough time to see landmarks near the city or the capital’s districts. With a few more days added to your Peru Tour Package, you would be able to visit Paracas, Huacachinna, and its Sand Dunes, Paracas, or fly over the Nazca lines. All of these activities are only a few hours away.