Cercado de Lima

Lima

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

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

Downtown Lima is a lively neighborhood 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 Center 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 center, Downtown Lima is well served by public transport. The metro stations of Desamparados and Estación Jirón de la Unión provide easy access to the neighborhood’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 P4,326 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P4,326
P4,759 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (728 reviews)
"Excelente ubicación, tiene centro comercial a 5 pasos, restaurantes, museos, plazas de recreo hermosas, cerca del centro histórico de Lima."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 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 P5,598 per night from Aug 16 to Aug 17
P5,598
P5,598 total
Aug 16 - Aug 17
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! (116 reviews)
"Aging but lovely. The cocktail bar is excellent... You must try the Bisco Sour..."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

GRAN HOTEL BOLIVAR
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 P6,831 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P6,831
P7,514 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (3,055 reviews)
Not in the shadows at Lima Airport
"This is the older Wyndham hotel on the airport site and is a short (15 mins there, 10 mins back) free shuttle ride to the new terminal, but other than this, it's a great hotel - clean, friendly, good restaurant, spa facilities, etc."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport
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 P6,148 per night from Aug 22 to Aug 23
P6,148
P6,763 total
Aug 22 - Aug 23
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! (612 reviews)
"Great property in great location"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Holiday Inn Lima Miraflores by IHG
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 P3,688 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P3,688
P4,056 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

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

Holiday Inn Lima Airport by IHG

3.5 out of 5
Av. Tomas Valle s/n, Esq. Av. Faucett, Centro Aereo Comercial - Callao, Callao, Callao
The price is P7,429 per night from Aug 22 to Aug 23
P7,429
P9,111 total
Aug 22 - Aug 23
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Callao. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,592 reviews)
"Always pleased to stay here"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Holiday Inn Lima Airport 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 park

Lima Historic Center

Unique features of Lima Historic Center include the historic 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
Default Image

La Victoria

Get to know La Victoria and its many features like its restaurants and shopping. You might want to explore sights like Javier Prado Convention Center and Gamarra Moda Plaza, and you can jump on the metro at Nicolas Arriola Station or Gamarra Station to get around the city.

La Victoria
Default Image

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
Default Image

Lince

Visitors to Lince like its restaurants and shopping, and Risso Commercial Center is a sight worth a stop.

Lince
Larco Museum featuring flowers and a garden

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
Default Image

San Isidro Centro Financiero

San Isidro Centro Financiero is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Camino Real Mall or Avenue Los Conquistadores.

San Isidro Centro Financiero

Cercado de Lima