Find the Best Things to Do in Cercado de Lima

About Cercado de Lima

Photo courtesy of M. Isabel Guerra

Cercado de Lima is the official district name for Lima Downtown, which is more commonly known as "Centro de Lima". This is where you wiill see most of the the historic buildings and manor houses, which will give you a glimpse of the splendor of former Viceroyalty times, and a view of this city's current daily life.

See & Do

San Francisco, a yellow-and-white 17th-century complex has witnessed most of Lima's historical episodes and survived a few massive earthquakes: there is a fine religious art museum that preserves some Spanish artists' masterpieces. The big church dates from Colonial timesand house some fascinating catacombs, where some 75,000 bodies lie. Tickets are on sale at the door; guided tours are available.

Eat

San Joy Lao, established in 1920, is one of the most emblematic chifas (Chinese-Peruvian restaurants) in Lima: still considered as the best in its kind. Located in the Barrio Chino (Lima's China Town), this is the only place in Lima that serves "Chinese Pisco Sour" or the "Ti Pa Cuy", the latter blending traditional Andean ingredients (guinea pig as the main one) with Chinese flavors.

Party

Brisas del Titicaca is a must-visit: it combines a lively night show, colorful Peruvian folklore on stage, and an enjoyable Peruvian dinner and drinks. Here you will have an overview of the Peruvian folklore richness, while enjoying a dinner dance. There is live Peruvian and Latin American live music until 2:30am, but the fun continues with recorded music until the place closes its doors.

Stay

Located pretty close to Lima's city's historic center, and side by side to the Metropolitano Central Bus Station, the Sheraton Lima Hotel & Convention Center is a very convenient choice, especially for business travelers. The hotel features an excellent restaurant, and all the rooms have internet connectivity, cable television service, minibars, and direct-dial telephone service.

Shop

If you are in Lima Downtown, this is the place for a shopping spree. It is located beside the Lima Sheraton Hotel, and is directly connected to the Metropolitano Central Bus Station, which is also full of shops. Cafeterias, gift shops, restaurants, boutiques, convenience stores and even a large supermarket, odds are that you will find what you need at reasonable prices.