Cercado de Lima

Lima
Downtown Lima featuring heritage elements, building ruins and interior views
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

Hotel El Plaza Centro de Lima
Hotel El Plaza Centro de Lima
2.5 out of 5
Av. Nicolás de Piérola, Lima, Provincia de Lima
The price is HK$425 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
HK$425
per night
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lima. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free supervised childcare. Popular attractions Plaza de Armas de Lima and ...
7.2/10 Good! (21 reviews)
"Close to Plaza San Martin and had a small balcony Easy walking distance to main sights Cute room"

Reviewed on 15 Feb 2024

Hotel El Plaza Centro de Lima
Sheraton Lima Historic Center
Sheraton Lima Historic Center
4 out of 5
Paseo De La Republica 170, Lima, Lima
The price is HK$657 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
HK$657
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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 and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (430 reviews)
"They have a reliable and professional employees working there. Also the hotel is complete safe because every customer has a key only to go to where he is located."

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2024

Sheraton Lima Historic Center
Hotel Diamond Lima
Hotel Diamond Lima
3 out of 5
Jr. Cuzco, Lima, Lima
The price is HK$471 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
HK$471
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lima. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (177 reviews)
"the hotel was excellent include almost items, location, room cleaning, breakfast, check in staff, convenience and so on. however one things break my mind was, I was asking the girl who working in the frond desk for a taxi service on next day morning to airport. the girl gave me a price 20 sol and ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2024

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 HK$1,170 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
HK$1,170
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
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! (2,147 reviews)
"Best Airport hotel option. Just walk across the street 🙂"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport
Holiday Inn Lima Airport, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Lima Airport, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Av. Tomas Valle s/n, Esq. Av. Faucett, Centro Aereo Comercial - Callao, Callao, Callao
The price is HK$876 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
HK$876
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
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 restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,023 reviews)
Staff are the best!
"Loved the hotel. Its warm, welcoming atmosphere makes me want to come back."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Holiday Inn Lima Airport, an IHG Hotel
Casa Andina Standard Benavides
Casa Andina Standard Benavides
3.5 out of 5
271 Av. Alfredo Benavides, Lima, Municipalidad Metropolitana de Lima
The price is HK$627 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
HK$627
per night
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Lima. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (361 reviews)
"Staying at this hotel was an absolute delight! From the moment we arrived, the staff greeted us warmly and made us feel right at home. The location couldn't have been better, centrally located with easy access to all the attractions. Overall, a fantastic experience that I would highly recommend to ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Casa Andina Standard Benavides
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 featuring flowers and a park

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 Cathedral of Lima while you're exploring the area.

Lima Historic Center
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La Victoria

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

La Victoria
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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 featuring a park 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 National Museum of the Archaeology Anthropology and History of Peru.

Pueblo Libre
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San Isidro

4/5(15 area reviews)

San Isidro is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Olivar Park and Costa Verde Beach while in the area.

San Isidro

Cercado de Lima