Main Square Lima
The Plaza de Armas is the beautiful central square of Lima. Here you will find impressive architecture on all corners and surprises in the adjoining streets. The plaza constitutes the historical center of Lima and is surrounded by magnificent buildings, some of which date back to the 16th century.
The Plaza de Armas is the bustling main square of Lima. It is here that Francisco Pizarro founded Lima. The square is bordered by the Government Palace, Town Hall, Archbishop's Palace, Casa Riva-Aguero, and the Lima Cathedral. At its center, the Plaza de Armas contains an elegant bronze fountain from the 17th century. Locals and foreigners mingle and take photos here.
The Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno) was originally used by Peruvian officials. The first bricks were laid in 1535, although it was rebuilt in the 20th century and was remodeled yet again in 1983. The palace is a fabulous example of colonial affluence.
The Cathedral (La Cathedral) is found on the eastern side of the square and dominates with imposing twin towers. Due to ambitious building plans and several earthquakes, the Cathedral was rebuilt on several occasions. The interior hosts a chapel of John the Baptist with a carving of Jesus that is said to be the the most beautiful in the Americas.
The Archbishop’s Palace (Palacio Arzobispal) is attractive and impressive—it has detailed, Moorish-style wooden balconies. It is the residence of the archbishop in Lima and the administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese.
Casa Riva-Aguero houses important city archives, an impressive library, and the Folk Art Museum. This building was constructed in 1760 by the Aguero family and was mainly used by the writer Don Jose de la Riva Aguero, although after many years he decided to donate his favorite mansion to Lima's Catholic University.
The impressive San Francisco Cathedral is a short walk from the main plaza. The Cathedral started to take form in 1557 and was originally built with wood and mud. Unfortunately, it was almost completely destroyed by the 1656 earthquake. The Portuguese architect Constantino then decided to rebuild the Cathedral and completed the endeavor in 1672. The Cathedral’s facade shows one of the best examples of 17th-century Baroque architecture in Peru.
Main Square Lima itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Main Square Lima itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Experiences in Main Square Lima
Explore hand-picked Main Square Lima tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
City Tour Lima
Where to stay in Main Square Lima
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Main Square Lima accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
San Augustin Colonial
Lima’s Miraflores district is studded with grassy, landscaped parks, referred to as “plazas.” This was a design favored by the Spanish colonialists, and has become a quintessential element of the Lima landscape. The San Augustin Colonial hotel is a great home base for your exploration of Miraflores, as it's close to some of the prettiest places in Lima.
The Westin Lima Hotel and Convention Center
The Westin Lima Hotel and Convention Center is located within Lima’s vibrant San Isidro district. This hotel is modern and luxurious.
Hotel Novotel
Hotel Novotel is found within Lima’s San Isidro district. This hotel is a good option for business travelers and people who want a comfortable, modern hotel.
Swissotel Lima
Swissotel Lima is located in Lima’s San Isidro district. This hotel has comfortable, amenity-rich rooms and a very friendly staff.
DoubleTree El Pardo by Hilton
The El Pardo DoubleTree is set in the heart of Lima’s Miraflores district. This hotel has a superb location and good facilities.
Casa Cielo Hotel
At Casa Cielo Miraflores you’ll have a room in one of Lima’s most attractive neighborhoods.
Hotel Stefanos
Hotel Stefanos offers clean, comfortable rooms in an excellent location. The Miraflores neighborhood of Lima has a high concentration of museums and restaurants that travelers should be sure not to miss.
Four Points Miraflores
The Four Points hotel is set in the Miraflores district of Lima. This hotel has modern, comfortable rooms and a convenient location.
Casa Andina Premium Miraflores
From a room at the Casa Andina Premium Hotel, you’ll be about a 5-minute walk from Parque Central, one of Miraflores’ most well-known parks. Miraflores is one of Lima’s trendiest districts, and it attracts artists from all over the city. On most evenings and weekends, you can visit Parque Central to browse crafts for sale and listen to free live music at the amphitheater.
2W Apartment Diez Canseco
The 2W Apartments are located in Lima, Peru. They are a perfect option for travelers who will be spending an extended amount of time in Lima.
Sonesta Posada del Inca Miraflores
Sonesta Posada del Inca Miraflores is a comfortable hotel set within Lima’s fashionable Miraflores district. The hotel is small and has large rooms.
Courtyard by Marriott Miraflores
The Courtyard by Marriott hotel is in the Miraflores district, one of the top destinations for visitors in Lima. There is a huge variety of culture to see in this area – historic districts, museums, archeological sites, and some of Peru’s (and the world’s) top restaurants.

Insider-led Peru Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Peru Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list, it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.




