Lima

There is no better way to start your visit to Lima than where it all began. The Plaza de Armas or Plaza Mayor is the birthplace of Peru's capital and still the city's main hub. Around the square, you will find many of Lima's historic landmarks such as a 17th-century Cathedral, the Government Palace (the official residence of Peru's president), the Archbishop's Palace, the Municipal Palace, the Palace of the Union, and the Casa del Oidor — it is a great place to admire many of the colonial architectural gems Lima boasts. Embellishing the centre of the plaza is a beautiful 1650 bronze fountain set on what once was the grounds of the city's gallows. At noon, walk to the Presidential Palace to watch the traditional changing of the guards. Just a few minutes from there is the historic Gran Hotel Bolivar, where many Hollywood stars, singers, politicians and famous authors have stayed. The list includes former American President Nixon, Ernest Hemingway and Mick Jagger, among others.

A rich young woman falls in love with a street sweeper. Forbidden by her father to be with the love of her life, she spends her days sighing from her window hoping to see him again. That's just one of the legends surrounding the origins of this small pedestrian bridge's name. Today, legend has it that if you can hold your breath while walking the length of the entire bridge, which is 44 metres long, your wish will come true. This one is a truly breathtaking attraction in the artsy district of Barranco. Whether you decide to try your luck or not, a visit to the area will never be wasted, as it is home to many nice eateries and pubs. And if you keep walking past the bridge, you'll ultimately end up at Barranco Beach.

The amount of churches in Lima can be overwhelming to a first-time visitor. Wherever you look, you will find beautiful religious buildings rich in both architectural detail and history, especially when walking around the city centre. To make your life easier, we have selected five churches that are well worth visiting: 1. Lima Metropolitan Cathedral (2nd picture) In the city's main square, the cathedral is not only Peru's most important catholic church but also the first one ever built, dating back to the foundation of Lima in 1535. Inside the cathedral lie the bones of the city's conquistador, Francisco Pizarro. 2. Basílica and Convent of San Francisco (1st picture). A curious fact about this church is that it was built on top of catacombs, which served as a cemetery during colonial times. A visit to its basement will surprise you with bones and skulls of around 25 thousand people. 3. Sanctuary of Saint Rose of Lima. It was erected in the exact place where Santa Rosa was born. Here, you can explore the grounds where the city's patron lived and treated the poor. 4. Basilica and Convent of San Pedro. Many consider it to be the most beautiful church in Lima. Check out its magnificent interior and see for yourself. 5. Parroquia Santa María Reina. Its unusual oval shape is the big draw here. *Bonus: Church of La Merced. Even if you decide not to enter this one, just take your time admiring the stone carvings on its beautiful facade.

Embark on the Ultimate Peruvian Food Tour to uncover the vibrant culinary scene of Barranco, Lima's bohemian neighbourhood. Join a local foodie as he/she guides you to the area's top restaurants and shops for a delectable journey through Peruvian cuisine. Indulge in a variety of foods and drinks while immersing yourself in the local flavours—and even learn the secrets of making ceviche and pisco sours along the way.

In the heart of Miraflores lie the remains of a pre-Inca pyramid, built around 500 AD and said to have served as a ceremonial and administrative centre for a coastal indigenous civilisation. Visits to the complex are also possible at night when the setting gets even more dramatic. Don't miss the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant, which offers you a front-row seat to the ruins (mentioned in the Dining section of this guide).

Go on a soaring adventure and enjoy a spectacular bird's eye view over Lima with this unique paragliding experience. Aeroxtreme is a pioneer in paragliding in Peru, boasting a legacy of expertise and innovation in the field. With a commitment to safety and quality, they exclusively utilise professional equipment and ensure flights are conducted only in optimal weather conditions.

Showcasing over 45,000 artefacts that span over 5,000 years of Peruvian pre-Columbian history, this museum is a true cultural experience not to be missed while in Lima. Its location is as historic as the treasures on display inside. It was built over a 7th-century pre-Columbian pyramid and is housed in an 18th-century vice-royal mansion. Ceramics, textiles, gold and jewels are presented throughout its rooms, but the most unique room here is, by far, the Erotic Gallery, where ceramic pieces depicting sexuality, fertility and maternity are shown. Pay a visit to its beautiful garden and the restaurant overlooking the pyramid for a taste of Peruvian cuisine.

Transport yourself back in time by the ruins of what once served as the most important religious centre for indigenous people on the Peruvian coast. Situated 40 km southeast of Lima, the archaeological site of Pachacamac is a good day trip from the city where you get to explore the remains of pyramidal temples as well as other impressive ancient constructions.

Home to a large Chinese population, it would be only appropriate for Lima to have its own version of a Chinatown. This is the place where visitors come to try the authentic Chifa, the Chinese-Peruvian fusion cuisine. However, keep in mind that this is not like your typical Chinatown: it is smaller, rather chaotic and somewhat rough around the edges. But if you feel like venturing into the hustle and bustle of this neighbourhood, you'll be rewarded with traditional dim sum, Peking duck and many other Asian delights.

Peru's oldest and largest museum houses nearly 300,000 artefacts covering the country's pre-Hispanic and colonial past until the early Republican days. Guided tours can be booked in Spanish, English and Italian. If you are into history and culture, this place will provide you with an impressive learning experience.