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 P4,288 per night from Jul 19 to Jul 20
P4,288
P4,717 total
Jul 19 - Jul 20
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! (685 reviews)
"Breakfast, cleanest, staff"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 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 P5,580 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
P5,580
P5,580 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
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! (101 reviews)
"Lorena was amazing"

Reviewed on Jun 23, 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! (342 reviews)
"Recepionist helpful"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 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 P6,715 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
P6,715
P7,386 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
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! (2,996 reviews)
"Great atmosphere and great service"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 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 P5,688 per night from Jul 18 to Jul 19
P5,688
P6,257 total
Jul 18 - Jul 19
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! (548 reviews)
"The breakfast buffet was average and not worth the price. Apart from that the service was excellent and the neighborhood is very nice!"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 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
The price is P3,555 per night from Jul 18 to Jul 19
P3,555
P3,910 total
Jul 18 - Jul 19
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! (1,003 reviews)
"One of the BEST hotels I’ve stayed at! Everything from the staff to the food to the room was 10/10!"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima City
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 showing flowers and a garden

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 Plaza de Armas de Lima while you're exploring the area.

Lima Historic Center
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Brena

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

Brena
ceviche de erizos 
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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
Authentic Thai Food in Lima
Tom Kah Gai
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Lince

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

Lince
Larco Museum showing 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 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 San Isidro Shopping Center.

San Isidro Centro Financiero

Cercado de Lima