Cercado de Lima

Lima

Downtown Lima featuring heritage architecture and street scenes
Downtown Lima featuring interior views, building ruins and heritage elements
Cercado de Lima
Downtown Lima featuring street scenes as well as a large group of people
Downtown Lima showing a house and heritage architecture

Learn about Lima’s past by touring the cathedral, palace and churches of its well-preserved historic centre. Visit galleries, museums and go on a shopping spree.

Downtown Lima is a lively neighbourhood that showcases a legacy of architectural masterpieces and bears witness to the development of an important Spanish colonial town. Admire centuries-old palaces and beautiful churches, explore shopping districts and visit museums and art galleries. The downtown area is also known as the Historic Centre of Lima and is a constant hive of activity. 

Start at Plaza de Armas, Lima’s handsome central square, which dates back to 1535. Framing the square are some of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Step inside the opulent 16th-century Catedral de Lima to see its Baroque art and the tomb of Francisco Pizarro, a Spanish conquistador who conquered the Inca Empire. 

Watch the changing of the guard ceremony at the Palacio de Gobierno de Perú, the Government Palace. Admire the arcaded façade and elegant wooden balconies of the Palacio Municipal de Lima, the Municipal Palace.

Just a short walk from the main square are more architectural wonders, such as the Iglesia de Santo Domingo and Basilica de San Francicso. Visit the Casa de Aliaga, one of South America’s oldest colonial buildings.  

Devote some time to Downtown Lima's galleries and museums. Inspect work by national and international artists at the Pancho Fierro Art Gallery and examine the fine collection of pre-Colombian gold at the Museum of the Central Bank of Peru. 

Stroll along Jirón de La Union, a pedestrianized avenue between Plaza Mayor and Plaza San Martín. It’s where old meets new, with ancient churches located near modern retail outlets, cafés and restaurants. 

As the heart of Lima’s city centre, Downtown Lima is well served by public transport. The metro stations of Desamparados and Estación Jirón de la Unión provide easy access to the neighbourhood’s attractions. Downtown Lima is a short walk or metro ride from other major Lima attractions. After your visit, explore the streets of Chinatown and enjoy the gardens and art museums at Parque de la Exposición.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Cercado de Lima

Sheraton Lima Historic Center

Sheraton Lima Historic Center

4 out of 5
Paseo De La Republica 170, Lima, Lima
The price is S$107 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
S$107
10 Aug - 11 Aug
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Lima. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (701 reviews)
"A beautiful hotel and beautifully located at a spacious square. Next to it is a shopping and entertainment center."

Reviewed on 14 Jul, 2025

Sheraton Lima Historic Center
GRAN HOTEL BOLIVAR

GRAN HOTEL BOLIVAR

3 out of 5
JIRON DE LA UNION, 958, Lima, Provincia de Lima
The price is S$100 per night from 18 Jul to 19 Jul
S$100
18 Jul - 19 Jul
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lima. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Plaza de Armas de Lima and Plaza Norte Peru are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (105 reviews)
"Lorena was amazing"

Reviewed on 23 Jun, 2025

GRAN HOTEL BOLIVAR
Hotel Diamond Lima

Hotel Diamond Lima

3 out of 5
Jr. Cuzco, Lima, Lima
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lima. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (348 reviews)
"Bed is very small, otherwise great hotel, with a lot of noise from the street."

Reviewed on 15 Jul, 2025

Hotel Diamond Lima
Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport

Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport

4 out of 5
Av Elmer Faucett S N, Aeropuerto Jorge Chavez, Callao, Lima
The price is S$144 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
S$144
11 Aug - 12 Aug
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Callao. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,012 reviews)
"Awesome location, great staff and on point breakfast"

Reviewed on 14 Jul, 2025

Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport
Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima City

Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima City

4 out of 5
Av. Salaverry 3060 - Magdalena del Mar, Lima, Lima
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$89 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
S$89
29 Jul - 30 Jul
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Lima. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Buffet food was amazing and views! The location great more for a business trip."

Reviewed on 12 Jul, 2025

Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima City
Holiday Inn Lima Miraflores by IHG

Holiday Inn Lima Miraflores by IHG

4 out of 5
Calle Alfonso Ugarte 117, Miraflores, Lima
The price is S$141 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
S$141
21 Jul - 22 Jul
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Lima. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (568 reviews)
"The bathroom could use an exhaust fan, the bathroom door would not close properly. The cupboards could use a soft close hinge, makes too much noise while closing"

Reviewed on 15 Jul, 2025

Holiday Inn Lima Miraflores by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Cercado de Lima

Plaza Mayor which includes flowers and a garden

Lima Historic Center

Unique features of Lima Historic Center include the historical sites and shopping. Make a stop by Church and Convent of San Francisco or Government Palace while you're exploring the area.

Lima Historic Center
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Brena

You'll enjoy the shopping and historical sites in Brena. You might want to make time for a stop at La Rambla or Archaeological Site of Mateo Salado.

Brena
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Jesus Maria

You'll enjoy the live music and monuments in Jesus Maria. You might want to make time for a stop at Real Plaza Salaverry or Peruvian Japanese Cultural Center.

Jesus Maria
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Lince

4/5(1 area review)

Travellers enjoy Lince for its restaurants and shopping. Consider checking out Risso Commercial Center while you're in the area.

Lince
Larco Museum which includes a garden and flowers

Pueblo Libre

Pueblo Libre is noteworthy for its museums, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Larco Herrera Museum and Great Craft Market.

Pueblo Libre
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San Isidro Centro Financiero

San Isidro Centro Financiero is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Camino Real Mall and Avenue Los Conquistadores while in the area.

San Isidro Centro Financiero

Cercado de Lima