Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor)

The amount of churches in Lima can be overwhelming to a first-time visitor. Wherever you look, you'll find great religious buildings rich in both architectural detail and history, especially when walking around the city center. We have selected 5 of those well worth visiting: 1. Catedral de Lima. In the city's main square, the cathedral is not only Peru's most important catholic church but also the first one ever built, dating back to the foundation of Lima in 1535. Inside the cathedral lie the bones of the city's conquistador, Francisco Pizarro. 2. Basílica y Convento de San Francisco (pictured). A curious fact about this church is that it was built on top of catacombs which served as a cemetery during colonial times. A visit to its basement will surprise you with bones and skulls of around 25 thousand people. 3. Santuario de Santa Rosa de Lima. Erected in the exact place where Santa Rosa was born. Here, you can explore the grounds where the city's patron lived and treated the poor. 4. Basílica y Convento de San Pedro. Many consider it to be the most beautiful church in Lima. Check out its magnificent interior and see for yourself. 5. Parroquia Santa María Reina. Its unusual oval shape is the big draw here. Bonus: Basilica y Convento de Nuestra Señora de la Merced: even if you decide not enter this one, just take your time admiring the stone carvings on its beautiful facade.

Showcasing over 45,000 artifacts 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 a 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 to the restaurant overlooking the pyramid for a taste of Peruvian cuisine.

At night, the Parque de la Reserva comes alive with a magical show of water, music and light put on by thirteen cybernetic fountains. The shows take place from Tuesday to Sunday at 19h15, 20h15, and 21h30. There is a small entry fee and it is advised to bring a plastic bag along so you can keep your belongings dry. A must-see attraction especially if you're traveling with kids.

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 center for a coastal indigenous civilization. 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).

Named after the former U.S. President, this park in the heart of Miraflores is a nice quick stop while in the area. Mostly known for being home to countless stray cats, this small park also serves as a stage for many street performers, food vendors and a daily flea market.

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. Nearby, you'll find the Museum of Italian Art, and if you're into modern and contemporary art, head south to Barranco and pay a visit to the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Lima (MAC), the only one of its kind in the city.

Founded by Peruvian-born fashion photographer Mario Testino, this museum displays a permanent collection of his work, including a room dedicated to Princess Diana alongside temporary exhibitions of Peruvian and international contemporary art.

Go on a soaring adventure and enjoy a spectacular bird's eye view over Lima with this unique paragliding experience. The flight lasts between 10-15 minutes and once you land, you'll receive an SD card with the video bound to ignite envy in those you later show it off to.