Barrio Chino

Home to a large Chinese population, it would be only appropriate for Lima to have its own version of a Chinatown. This is the place where visitors come to try the authentic Chifa, the Chinese-Peruvian fusion cuisine. However, keep in mind that this is not like your typical Chinatown: it is smaller, rather chaotic and somewhat rough around the edges. But if you feel like venturing into the hustle and bustle of this neighbourhood, you'll be rewarded with traditional dim sum, Peking duck and many other Asian delights.

• Address:

  Blocks 7 and 8 of Jirón Ucayali, Cercado de Lima

Bridge of Sighs

A rich young woman falls in love with a street sweeper. Forbidden by her father to be with the love of her life, she spends her days sighing from her window hoping to see him again. That's just one of the legends surrounding the origins of this small pedestrian bridge's name. Today, legend has it that if you can hold your breath while walking the length of the entire bridge, which is 44 metres long, your wish will come true. This one is a truly breathtaking attraction in the artsy district of Barranco. Whether you decide to try your luck or not, a visit to the area will never be wasted, as it is home to many nice eateries and pubs. And if you keep walking past the bridge, you'll ultimately end up at Barranco Beach.

• Address:

  Jirón Batallón, Ayacucho 271, Barranco

Casa de Aliaga

Across from the Government Palace sits one of the city's historic jewels. Casa de Aliaga is not only the oldest colonial mansion in Lima, but also the oldest house in America, which was owned by Jerónimo de Aliaga since 1535, and still serves as a home for his descendants eighteen generations later. Richly decorated salons, vintage furnishings and some artefacts, including the sword used by Jerónimo de Aliaga when he conquered Peru are showcased here.

• Address:

  Avenida Nicolás de Piérola 589, Piso 18-20, Cercado de Lima

• Phone:

  +51 1 619 69 00

Huaca Pucllana

In the heart of Miraflores lie the remains of a pre-Inca pyramid, built around 500 AD and said to have served as a ceremonial and administrative centre for a coastal indigenous civilisation. Visits to the complex are also possible at night when the setting gets even more dramatic. Don't miss the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant, which offers you a front-row seat to the ruins (mentioned in the Dining section of this guide).

• E-mail:

  huacapucllana@miraflores.gob.pe

• Address:

  Calle General Borgoño 8, Miraflores

• Phone:

  +51 1 6177148

• Opening hours:

  Wed–Mon 9am–4:15pm, Tue closed

Larco Museum

Showcasing over 45,000 artefacts that span over 5,000 years of Peruvian pre-Columbian history, this museum is a true cultural experience not to be missed while in Lima. Its location is as historic as the treasures on display inside. It was built over a 7th-century pre-Columbian pyramid and is housed in an 18th-century vice-royal mansion. Ceramics, textiles, gold and jewels are presented throughout its rooms, but the most unique room here is, by far, the Erotic Gallery, where ceramic pieces depicting sexuality, fertility and maternity are shown. Pay a visit to its beautiful garden and the restaurant overlooking the pyramid for a taste of Peruvian cuisine.

• Web:

  www.museolarco.org

• E-mail:

  info@museolarco.org

• Address:

  Avenida Simón Bolivar 1515, Pueblo Libre, Lima

• Phone:

  +51 1 4611312

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–7pm

Lima Art Museum

Soak up 3,000 years of Peruvian history with an impressive collection of paintings, textiles, ceramics and furniture that spans the period from pre-Columbian to Republican times at the Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI). Nearby, you will find the Museum of Italian Art, and if you are into modern and contemporary art, head south to Barranco and pay a visit to the Lima Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC), the only one of its kind in the city.

• Web:

  www.mali.pe

• E-mail:

  informes@mali.pe

• Address:

  Parque de la Exposición, Avenida 9 de Diciembre 125, Lima

• Phone:

  +51 969 046 254

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Fri 10:30am–6pm, Sat 10:30am–5pm, Sun 10:30am–6pm, Mon closed