The Main Square marks the birthplace of Lima, founded here in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. It is also the spot from which José de San Martín proclaimed Peru’s independence from Spain in 1821. Surrounding the square are many of the city’s most important historic landmarks, including the Government Palace, Municipal Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, Palace of the Union, and the Cathedral of Lima.

A set of four streets— Union Street, Carabaya Street, Junin Street, and Huallaga Street—frame the square in a perfect grid. After the conquest of the Incas, King Charles I of Spain decreed that new colonial cities must be designed following such a grid plan, with streets radiating from a central square. Lima’s orderly layout remains one of the best examples of this early urban planning.

Beyond the square, several other landmarks of historical interest lie nearby, such as House of the Oidor and the San Francisco Church with its famous catacombs. The entire area breathes history, blending colonial architecture, political legacy, and the rhythm of daily life.

Tip:
Be sure to pack a pair of sunglasses to be able to see the details on the bright yellow buildings. At noon at the Presidential Palace, there is the Changing of the Guard – really interesting to watch. Check out a few places before buying expensive souvenirs, as many stores carry the same goods at varying prices. They'll try to sell you at the highest price – so negotiate!

The Cathedral of Lima is one of the oldest and most historic structures in the city. The Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro is said to have laid the first stone himself, even carrying the first log used in its construction. The cathedral was officially consecrated in 1625, though its origins date back to 1535, making it nearly as old as Lima itself.

The cathedral is particularly noted for its opulent interior, featuring a delicately vaulted ceiling, a checkerboard floor, and exquisite Baroque furnishings. Among its most remarkable features are the beautifully carved choir stalls and the mosaic chapel that houses Pizarro’s tomb. The façade, designed in Renaissance style and later completed with neoclassical touches, mirrors the grandeur of Lima’s colonial era.

Inside the cathedral, a small museum displays religious artifacts and artworks that are well worth seeing. The marble flooring, 17th-century golden altars, and impressive paintings enhance the building’s grandeur, while its chapels, and upper galleries make exploration both fascinating and rewarding. Among the artworks are paintings by the Cusco School, a renowned colonial art movement blending European and Andean traditions. The museum also preserves antique liturgical vestments, silver chalices, and historic documents reflecting Lima’s ecclesiastical heritage.

The cathedral contains 15 smaller chapels, each dedicated to a different saint. A true monument of immense historical and cultural value, it offers visitors an extraordinary glimpse into Lima’s colonial and religious past. Together with the surrounding buildings on the Main Square, the Cathedral of Lima forms the centerpiece of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre. The building also serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Lima, maintaining its role as the spiritual heart of the Peruvian capital. Its bells continue to mark major religious events and national ceremonies.

Tip:
Consider buying a combo ticket to visit both the Cathedral of Lima and the neighboring Archbishop’s Palace. Each showcases stunning colonial architecture and art, and guided tours offer valuable insight into their history. While tipping your guide isn’t mandatory, a small gratuity is appreciated for a well-conducted tour.

Situated primarily in the heart of Lima, specifically in the Cercado de Lima and Rímac areas, the Historic Centre of Lima stands out as one of Peru's top tourist attractions. This area holds significant historical value as the city of Lima was established by Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535, and originally named the "City of the Kings." Interestingly, despite this early name, Lima retained its original name over time. There are two possible sources for this name: the Aymara language term "lima-limaq," which means "yellow flower," or the Spanish pronunciation of the Quechuan word "rimaq," meaning "talker." In the nearby Quechua I languages, this Quechuan word is actually written and pronounced as "limaq." Early maps of Peru often display both names together.

Within the historical center of Lima, you can find over 1,600 balconies that were constructed during both the viceroyalty period and the republican era. To ensure their preservation, the Municipality of Lima has invited individuals and businesses to adopt a balcony and maintain it in pristine condition. The profusion of these balconies contributes to the distinctive charm and authenticity of this part of the city.

During the Viceroyalty of Peru, a rich tapestry of art, magnificence, grandeur, and a legendary royal lifestyle emerged. The authority of the viceroy, who represented the Spanish monarchy, held great significance, as their appointment marked a significant ascent and the successful culmination of a career in colonial administration.

The ceremonial entrances of new viceroys into Lima were particularly opulent affairs. On such occasions, the streets were paved with silver bars from the city's gates to the Palace of the Viceroy, symbolizing the grandeur and wealth associated with this era.

In 1988, UNESCO recognized the historic center of Lima as a World Heritage Site due to its unique character and the abundance of historic monuments dating back to the Spanish colonial era.

The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco is a magnificent piece of architecture and a site of great religious importance in Lima, popular with both locals and visitors alike. Tourists are often awestruck by its dome and the fascinating half-spherical vault intricately carved in cedar. Together with its adjoining church, the convent forms part of the Historic Centre of Lima, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. The complex also includes the famous catacombs and an impressive library.

Book lovers will find a treasure trove in the vast library, which houses nearly 25,000 volumes, including incunabula and manuscripts dating back to the 15th century. Those seeking adventure can descend into the eerie catacombs, an experience that feels straight out of an old-world exploration film. Each year, during the Saint Jude festival, a solemn procession of forty people carries a special silver stand through the convent’s grounds. Combined with its library, church, and catacombs, this site offers a truly unforgettable glimpse into Lima’s colonial and spiritual heritage.

Tip:
It’s worth paying a little extra for the catacombs tour, which includes a guided visit through the convent. Tours are available in both English and Spanish, and the stories shared along the way make the experience especially rewarding.

The Inquisition Museum is one of the best maintained and most often visited museums in Peru. It sits on Bolivar Square and is housed in the old building of the Peruvian Congress and National Senate. The building is now considered a site of national importance and was first opened to the public on July 26th 1968.

It was from here that the Spanish Inquisition was run between 1570 and 1820. The Spanish Inquisition in the 16th century sought to eradicate blasphemy and heresy, pursuant to which objective it used to have the suspects of such deeds brought here for torture that took place in the basement. The Inquisition targeted, in particular, Spanish Jews who were often accused of secret dealings.

Today, visitors can see the dungeons where the prisoners were held and the life-size wax models graphically depicting the acts of the torture that the victims had to endure. Some visitors may find such sight quite disturbing and sending shivers down one's spine! However, the museum is a sure must for history lovers.

In addition to paying homage to the Peruvian Congress, the museum missions to preserve and to pass down to future generations the historical and cultural richness of the nation. The artifacts exhibited here highlight the importance and the impact that the Inquisition has had on Peruvian history.

The Central Market is a microcosm of Peruvian life, bustling with countless stalls offering fresh produce, meats, seafood, spices, household goods, clothing, and local specialties. Originally, a market on this site dates back to the mid-19th century under the name “Market of La Concepción”, and after a devastating fire in 1964 the current structure was rebuilt and inaugurated in 1967 under architect Alfredo Dammert y Garrido Lecca.

For tourists, the Central Market offers a sensory immersion: colorful fruit and vegetable displays, live seafood counters, and the hum of daily trade set the pace. Many guided foodie tours use the market as a first stop, where you can sample seasonal fruits, olives, ceviche, and learn from local vendors about Peru’s culinary traditions.

The market isn’t just about food. You’ll also find sections selling kitchenware, textiles, toys, and everyday goods, making it a one-stop place to see how many Limeños shop. Because it serves mainly locals, the Central Market gives a more authentic and unfiltered peek into city life than purely tourist markets. It’s busiest in the morning, when products are freshest and the energy highest, so visiting early is wise.

In the heart of the historic center, amidst other colonial churches, you'll find the San Pedro Church. This religious structure was constructed by the Spanish in the 16th century shortly after the establishment of Lima. Its facade boasts a uniform Neoclassical design, making it a fine representation of this architectural style. Both the church and the adjoining monastery are under the administration of the Jesuit order. This is actually the third building to occupy this site, with its inauguration taking place in 1638.

Upon entering, the church's interior gleams beneath the radiance of the grand main altar, the focal point visible immediately upon passing through the portal. The profusion of gold leaf, particularly highlighted by the lighting, is truly impressive. The corridors also house altars, and the playful pillars supporting the patterns of coffered vaulted ceilings feature additional artworks and paintings adorned with intricately carved wooden frames, their bases adorned with tiles.

In contrast to the neoclassical exterior, the church's interior underwent several redecorations over the centuries, resulting in the incorporation of elements of Baroque design. Furthermore, the San Pedro Church proudly houses significant relics, including fragments of the Cross of Calvary, a thorn from the crown of Jesus, and a tibia from the Apostle Paul. In one of the two towers, the oldest bell in Lima, known as "Abuelita," hangs alongside its German counterpart, "Abuela."

The church is part of the Historic Centre of Lima, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991.