Top things to do

In an 18th-century viceroy’s mansion, this museum offers one of the largest, best-presented displays of ceramics in Lima. Founded by pre-Columbian collector Rafael Larco Hoyle in 1926, the collection includes over 5…

One of Lima’s most storied religious sites, the Iglesia de Santo Domingo and its expansive convent are built on land granted to the Dominican Friar Vicente de Valverde, who accompanied Pizarro throughout the conques…

The standard-bearer of novoandina cooking in Lima, Gastón Acurio’s flagship French-influenced restaurant as run by Lima native Diego Muñoz remains a culinary tour de force. The seasonal menu features traditional Per…

Part restaurant, part laboratory, Central reinvents Andean cuisine and rescues age-old Peruvian edibles you'd find nowhere else. Dining here is an experience, evidenced by the tender native potatoes served in edible…

Worth the taxi trek to Lince, this mecca of comida criolla was founded by the late Teresa Izquierdo Gonzales, a home-trained cook who grew into a beloved national icon. It’s all good. Try the creamy ahí de gallina, …

This indulgent series of illuminated fountains is so over the top it can’t help but induce stupefaction among even the most hardened traveling cynic. A dozen different fountains – all splendiferously illuminated – a…

Go old school. This is home-style criollo food at its best. Isolina doesn't shy away from tripe and kidneys, but also offers loving preparations of succulent ribs, causa escabechada (with marinated onions) and vibra…

Chef Pedro Miguel's latest wonder is wholly dedicated to the abundance of the Amazon. Start with tart jungle-fruit cocktails and oversized tostones (plantain chips). Banana-leaf wraps, aka juanes, hold treasures lik…

The 'educational' aspect of this wonderful bar might get you in the door, but it's the congenial atmosphere and outstanding original cocktails that will keep you here. We loved the asu mare – a pisco martini with gi…

Lounge in a stunning restored casona full of Moorish architectural flourishes. Few actually admire the architecture, most guests are busy checking out everyone else. The hyper-real decor includes a dangling mobile m…