Looking for the best things to do in Lima? Whether you're a tourist spending a few days, an expat settling in, or a digital nomad passing through, Lima has more events and activities than you could ever fit into a single trip. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything happening in Peru's capital city in 2026.
Lima is a city of contrasts — ancient and modern, traditional and cutting-edge, coastal and urban. With over 10 million people and a cultural scene that rivals any major world city, there's always something happening. The challenge isn't finding things to do in Lima — it's choosing between all the options.
📅 See every event in Lima on one calendar
Lime aggregates events from EnLima, Eventbrite, and Teleticket into a single visual calendar. Stop checking 10 different websites.
Open Lime Calendar →Cultural Things to Do in Lima
Lima's cultural scene is one of the richest in Latin America. The city has dozens of museums, galleries, theaters, and cultural centers — many of them world-class. Whether you're into pre-Columbian art, contemporary exhibitions, or live theater, Lima's cultural events are reason enough to visit.
Museums & Galleries
Start with the big three: the MALI (Lima Art Museum) in Parque de la Exposición offers a journey through Peruvian art from pre-Columbian to contemporary. The Museo Larco in Pueblo Libre houses an incredible collection of pre-Columbian artifacts in a beautiful colonial mansion. And the MAC (Museum of Contemporary Art) in Barranco showcases cutting-edge Latin American art. Beyond these, dozens of independent galleries in Barranco host rotating exhibitions, often with free opening-night events.
Theater & Performing Arts
Lima's theater scene is thriving. The historic Teatro Municipal downtown hosts opera, ballet, and classical concerts. Modern venues like the Gran Teatro Nacional showcase international touring productions. And intimate theaters in Miraflores and Barranco offer everything from experimental drama to stand-up comedy. Many shows are in Spanish, but the physical comedy and music performances transcend language barriers.
Food & Drink Events in Lima
Lima is the gastronomic capital of South America — that's not just a slogan, it's a UNESCO-recognized fact. The city has more top-50 restaurants than any other city in the region, and the food event scene reflects this obsession with great cuisine.
- ✔ Mistura: Latin America's largest food festival, typically held in August/September. Hundreds of vendors, chef demonstrations, and tastings.
- ✔ Weekend Markets: Barranco and Miraflores host artisan food markets every weekend with local producers, craft beer, and street food.
- ✔ Cooking Classes: Learn to make ceviche, lomo saltado, or pisco sours at hands-on cooking events throughout the city.
- ✔ Pisco Tastings: Peru's national spirit has a thriving tasting culture, with regular events at bars and distilleries.
Nightlife in Lima — Where to Party
Lima's nightlife is legendary in South America. The city truly comes alive after dark, with options ranging from chill rooftop cocktail bars to massive club events. Here's where the action is:
Barranco — The Bohemian Heart
Barranco is where Lima goes to party. The Bridge of Sighs area is packed with bars and clubs, from intimate peñas (traditional music venues) to modern dance clubs. Start at a craft cocktail bar, move to a live music venue, then end at a club that doesn't close until dawn. The vibe is artistic, unpretentious, and always electric.
Miraflores — Tourist-Friendly Fun
Miraflores offers the most accessible nightlife for visitors. The Calle de las Pizzas (officially Calle San Ramón) is the most famous bar street, with dozens of options in a single block. Kennedy Park area has classier options, and the Larcomar mall has ocean-view bars perfect for sunset drinks.
San Isidro — Upscale & Sophisticated
For a more refined experience, San Isidro has Lima's best rooftop bars and upscale lounges. The business district transforms at night with cocktail bars, wine lounges, and exclusive events. It's less crowded than Barranco and Miraflores, with a more mature crowd.
What's happening tonight in Lima?
Lime updates daily with events from three major platforms. Find tonight's concerts, parties, exhibitions and more.
Check Tonight's EventsConcerts & Live Music in Lima
Lima has become a major stop on international touring circuits. Big-name artists play the Estadio Nacional, Arena 1, or Costa 21 venues. But the real magic happens in the smaller venues — jazz clubs in Miraflores, rock bars in Barranco, and traditional peñas where you can experience authentic Peruvian music with criolla, afro-peruana, and andean sounds.
For complete details, check our Lima Music Festivals 2026 guide.
Free Things to Do in Lima
Lima is surprisingly friendly to budget travelers. Many of the best experiences cost nothing at all:
- ✔ Walk the Malecón: The clifftop boardwalk from Miraflores to Barranco is stunning, especially at sunset.
- ✔ Barranco Street Art: Self-guided walking tours through some of the best murals in South America.
- ✔ Circuito Mágico del Agua: A park with illuminated fountains (small entry fee but spectacular).
- ✔ Free Museum Days: Many museums offer free admission on certain days of the month.
- ✔ Parks & Plazas: Kennedy Park (watch the cats!), Parque de la Reserva, Bosque El Olivar.
For the complete list, see our 25 Free Things to Do in Lima guide.
Lima's Best Neighborhoods for Events
🏖️ Miraflores
Tourist hub. Ocean views, shopping, restaurants, accessible nightlife. Best for first-time visitors.
🎨 Barranco
Arts district. Street art, galleries, bohemian bars, live music. Best for nightlife and culture lovers.
🏢 San Isidro
Business district. Upscale dining, rooftop bars, corporate events. Best for sophisticated outings.
🏛️ Centro Histórico
UNESCO heritage site. History, architecture, traditional festivals. Best for cultural experiences.
Family Activities in Lima
Traveling with kids? Lima has plenty of family-friendly events and activities. Interactive museums, children's theater, weekend markets with face painting and games, parks with playgrounds, and seasonal festivals with activities for all ages. The Parque de las Leyendas (Lima Zoo), the Planetario, and the Museo de la Imaginación are perennial family favorites.
Practical Tips for Enjoying Lima Events
- 1. Book ahead: Popular concerts and events sell out fast. Use Teleticket or Eventbrite to secure tickets in advance.
- 2. Use ride apps: Uber, InDrive, and Cabify are safer than street taxis, especially at night.
- 3. Dress in layers: Lima's weather is mild but can be cool and misty, especially May-November.
- 4. Learn basic Spanish: While tourist areas have English speakers, knowing basics enhances every experience.
- 5. Check Lime daily: New events are added constantly. Bookmark our calendar so you never miss anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Lima for tourists?
Start with the food scene (take a food tour or cooking class), walk the Malecón at sunset, explore Barranco's street art, visit the Museo Larco, and check Lime's calendar for events during your stay. Lima's cultural events, concerts, and nightlife are world-class.
Is Lima safe for tourists at night?
Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro are generally safe at night, especially in the main entertainment areas. Use ride apps instead of street taxis, stay in well-lit areas, and keep valuables secure. Apply the same precautions you would in any major city.
What is there to do in Lima this weekend?
Every weekend, Lima has dozens of events including concerts, food markets, art exhibitions, parties, theater shows, and outdoor activities. Check Lime's calendar for the complete list of this weekend's events in Lima.
When is the best time to visit Lima for events?
Lima has events year-round, but summer (December-March) is the peak season for outdoor festivals and beach events. July (Fiestas Patrias) and August-September (Mistura food festival) are also major event periods.
Where can I find all events in Lima in one place?
Lime aggregates events from the three biggest platforms in Lima — EnLima, Eventbrite, and Teleticket — into a single visual calendar. It's the easiest way to see everything happening in Lima without checking multiple websites.
Conclusion
Lima is one of those cities that surprises everyone who visits. The depth of its food scene, the energy of its nightlife, the richness of its culture, and the warmth of its people make it a truly special destination. And with hundreds of events every week, there's always something new to discover.
Stay informed, stay curious, and let Lime be your guide. Check the calendar now and start planning your next adventure in Lima.
🍊 Discover every event in Lima
One calendar. Three sources. Hundreds of events every week.
Open Lime Calendar →