You want to visit Lima in 1 day on foot to discover the most beautiful places in the city.
Well, I'm sharing with you for free my self-guided walking tour which allows you to discover Lima in 1 day.
With this route you can discover the historic center of the city, stroll along the Malecon de Miraflores and discover the bohemian atmosphere of Barranco.
This guided walking tour of Lima will allow you to discover the most emblematic sites of the city by following the Google Maps route of my tourist circuit which I share below.
How to visit Lima in 1 day?
There are different possibilities to visit Lima in 1 day:
- Visit the must-see sites in tourist bus (Hop On Hop Off)
- Private city tour
- Bicycle ride to visit 2 beautiful districts of Lima (Miraflores and Barranco)
- Visit Lima following the Lonely Planet itinerary (see my last day of my Peru tour in 2016)
- Or visit Lima on foot following my self-guided tour (see itinerary below).
Itinerary to visit Lima in 1 day
Here is the schedule of Lima visits and the itinerary to visit Lima in one day:
- Morning – Visit the historic center of Lima passing through
- Bolivar Square
- Basilica and Convent of San Francisco
- Casa del Oidor
- Lima Cathedral
- Casa de Aliaga
- Plaza de Armas
- Government Palace
- Change of National Guard
- Alameda Chabuca Granda
- Church and convent of Santo Domingo
- Jiron of the Union
- Afternoon – Visit the tourist districts of:
- Miraflores
- Barranco
Tour to visit Lima on foot
Here is the Google Maps route that you can follow on your phone to visit Lima on foot:
Walking tour of the historic center of Lima
Here are the visits that you can do in the morning following the itinerary of my self-guided tour:
Bolivar Square
My route to visit Lima on foot starts from Bolivar Square. You can admire the statue of Simon Bolivar, the Venezuelan military and political leader who played a crucial role in the fight for South American independence.
San Francisco Monastery
A few steps from Bolivar Square, you will find the Monastery of San Francisco. If you choose a guided tour, you can discover a magnificent library, an important collection of religious art and the famous catacombs of the monastery.
Casa del Oidor
As you head towards the Plaza de Armas, you will stop in front of the Casa del Oidor, a former courthouse transformed into a museum. This historic building was built in the 16th century and now houses a museum collection that traces the history of Lima.
Casa del Oidor is a must-visit place for history and culture lovers who want to learn more about Lima and its heritage.
Plaza de Armas
The self-guided tour will then take you to the Plaza de Armas which is the heart of the historic center of Lima. This iconic square is surrounded by magnificent colonial monuments and is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists. In the center of the square is an ornate fountain, which is surrounded by benches where you can sit and admire the surrounding architecture.
Among the most notable buildings in the Plaza de Armas is the Lima Cathedral.
Lima Cathedral
You can visit Lima Cathedral and go down to the crypt where the tomb of conquistador Francisco Pizarro, founder of the city, is located. Near the Cathedral is also the Archbishop's Palace which houses a museum of religious art.
Casa de Aliaga
Our Lima walking tour continues with Casa de Aliaga, which is the oldest house in Lima. This house was built in the 16th century and has remained in the same family for over 17 generations.
During your visit, you can learn about the history of the Aliaga family and their connection to Peruvian history.
Government Palace
The Government Palace, also known as the Pizarro Palace, is another must-see site in Lima. It is the seat of the Peruvian government and the official residence of the president. The building is located in the Plaza de Armas and is an impressive example of neoclassical architecture.
The ideal is to go there on a Sunday at 12 p.m. for the changing of the national guard. I was lucky enough to attend it and it is a magnificent show which lasts about 20 minutes and ends with the music “El condor pasa”.
Alameda Chabuca Granda – Panoramic viewpoint
The Lima walking tour continues to Alameda Chabuca Granda. It is a picturesque promenade from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Alameda Chabuca Granda is a great place to relax and unwind mid-day. You can sit on one of the benches and admire the beauty of Lima while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of this place.
Church and convent of Santo Domingo
Our next stop is the Santo Domingo Church, which is a fine example of colonial architecture. This church was built in the XNUMXth century and is known for its magnificent Baroque interior.
One of the most interesting features of the Santo Domingo Church is its library, which houses an extensive collection of ancient books and manuscripts. The library is often considered one of the most beautiful in Peru and is an important research location for historians and researchers.
Jiron de la Union and Plaza San Martin
After exploring the Monastery of San Francisco, take the Jiron de la Union, a bustling pedestrian avenue that connects Plaza Mayor to Plaza San Martin. On your way, you'll pass shops and historic landmarks such as La Merced Church and the Casa O'Higgins cultural center.
Plaza San Martin is another important square in Lima, home to the Gran Hotel Bolivar, a historic establishment that has hosted many celebrities and movie stars.
Visit to the Miraflores and Barranco neighborhoods
After exploring the historic center in the morning, here is the afternoon program. Take public transportation to the Miraflores and Barranco neighborhoods to experience different, more modern atmospheres of Lima.
Miraflores
Miraflores is one of the most lively and modern neighborhoods in Lima. Start your tour at Parque Kennedy, known for its cats, street vendors and street performers.
Next, stroll along Avenida Larco to the Malecón de Miraflores, a coastal promenade that offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
Don't miss Parque del Amor, where you can admire colorful mosaics and a romantic statue.
The bohemian district of Barranco
Barranco is a bohemian neighborhood with cobblestone streets, colorful houses and a laid-back vibe.
Start your tour at the Puente de los Suspiros, which offers a picturesque view of the surrounding streets.
Next, take a walk along the Bajada de los Baños, a small pedestrian path that will take you to the beach. On your way, you will pass bars, restaurants and local craft shops.
End your tour by admiring views of the Pacific Ocean from Mirador Catalina Recavarren.
Where to stay to visit Lima on foot?
To visit Lima on foot, the most practical would be to stay in the historic center. But since some streets are not safe at night, it is better to choose accommodation in Miraflores or Barranco. These neighborhoods are both safer and still convenient for visiting Lima.
The hotel Aloft Lima Miraflores is located in the Miraflores district next to the best restaurants in Lima.
And for those looking for a very well located hotel in Miraflores with good value for money, I recommend Hospedaje Dimar Inn. Indeed, this is the hotel I stayed in during my trip in 2016 which is very decent.