The grand, UNESCO-listed colonial centre — the Plaza Mayor, the cathedral, the Government Palace, ornate churches and balconied mansions, plus the eerie catacombs of San Francisco. Historic and atmospheric, full of the city's founding grandeur, though gritty and best explored by day and with care; the base for travellers who want colonial history on the doorstep and don't mind a busier, edgier setting. The old heart of the city. Rich in sights, quieter after dark.
A look around
What you’ll be living next to. Swipe through.
€25–55
typical per night in Peru
Easy on the wallet
Among the cheapest areas to sleep in Lima.
Where it sits
The circle is Centro Histórico and roughly a 10-minute walk around it.
How far is everything?
From the middle of this area to the city's headline sights — pick your own on the city page and these become your list.
- World-class fine dining21 min taxi6.9 km
- Huaca Pucllana22 min taxi7.2 km
- Ceviche & Peruvian cuisine25 min taxi8.3 km
- Parque Kennedy & Miraflores life25 min taxi8.3 km
- The Malecón & clifftop parks28 min taxi9.4 km
- Callao & the coast (beach)29 min taxi9.5 km
- Barranco's art & MATE33 min taxi11.1 km
- Barranco & the Bridge of Sighs34 min taxi11.4 km
- Pisco sours & bars34 min taxi11.4 km
On your doorstep
What you’re living next to if you stay here.
- 4.Plaza Mayor & the historic centre — The grand colonial heart of the city — the UNESCO-listed Plaza Mayor, ringed by the cathedral, the Government Palace (watch the changing of the guard) and the Archbishop's Palace with its magnificent carved wooden balconies, at the centre of the historic centre founded by Pizarro. Admire the ornate colonial architecture, the plazas and churches, and feel the weight of the city's history; the centre holds Lima's founding grandeur. A rich, atmospheric plunge into colonial Peru; explore by day. A must for history lovers.
- 5.San Francisco Monastery & catacombs — One of Lima's most extraordinary sights — the beautiful yellow Baroque Monastery of San Francisco, with its stunning tiled cloisters and a magnificent old library, above eerie underground catacombs holding the bones of thousands, arranged in haunting geometric patterns. Tour the ornate church and cloisters, then descend into the atmospheric, bone-lined tunnels beneath the city. A fascinating, slightly macabre and unforgettable highlight of the historic centre. A remarkable window into colonial Lima; go on the guided tour. Unmissable and eerie.
- 13.Colonial churches & balconies — Beyond the Plaza Mayor, Lima's historic centre is rich in colonial treasures — the ornate churches of Santo Domingo and La Merced, the beautiful carved wooden balconies that hang over the old streets, and the grand Casa de Aliaga mansion, lived in by the same family since 1535. Wander the atmospheric streets to admire the Baroque façades, tiled courtyards and famous balconies that define old Lima; a walking tour brings the history alive. A rich, characterful plunge into the colonial city. Best explored by day.
When are you staying?
Booking.com & Airbnb open searched to Centro Histórico; flights via Google Flights.