10 Instagrammable Spots in Lima You Have to Visit
Lima is a city that surprises you at every corner. It’s full of history, art, the ocean, and a vibrant energy that makes it the perfect backdrop for your travel photos. Here, you’ll find not only beautiful places but also hidden corners with stories that go back centuries. If you’re planning a trip to Peru’s capital and want your Instagram to shine with unique moments, here are 10 Instagrammable spots in Lima you simply can’t miss.
1. Plaza Mayor de Lima: where the city was born
Plaza Mayor is the historic heart of Lima. It was the site where the city was founded in 1535 and is surrounded by stunning colonial buildings such as the Government Palace, Lima Cathedral, and the Municipal Palace. Its central bronze fountain, dating back to the 17th century, has witnessed viceroys, processions, and revolutions throughout history.
For your photos, head there during the “golden hour” (just before sunset). The warm light makes the yellow façades and carved wooden balconies glow beautifully. From here, you can stroll along Jirón de la Unión and discover even more colonial corners.
📍 Location: Historic Centre of Lima.
🕒 Tip: Visit between 04 p.m. and 06 p.m. to make the most of the best light.
2. Convent of San Francisco and its Catacombs
Just a few steps from Plaza Mayor lies the Convent of San Francisco, a baroque gem built in the 17th century. Its most famous feature is the catacombs, where Limeños were buried during colonial times. Beyond the mystery, this place offers an incredible photographic atmosphere: courtyards decorated with Sevillian tiles, elegant arches, religious paintings, and a library that looks straight out of an old film.
📍 Location: Jirón Lampa, Cercado de Lima.
🎟️ Entrance: S/ 15 per person, includes a guided tour in Spanish or English.
3. Barranco and the Bridge of Sighs
Lima’s most bohemian district is also its most photogenic. Barranco blends history, street art, and everyday local life. Its famous Bridge of Sighs, inaugurated in 1876, has inspired poems and songs over the years. According to local tradition, if you cross the bridge without breathing and make a wish, it will come true.
From here, you can walk down the Bajada de Baños, where colourful murals, art-covered stairways, and ocean views make it a dream spot for photography lovers.
📍 Location: Barranco District.
🎨 Tip: Go early if you want photos without crowds, or at sunset to capture Lima’s soft pink sky.
4. Barranco Murals: Urban Art on Every Corner
Beyond the bridge, Barranco is famous for its vibrant street art. Murals by both Peruvian and international artists fill its streets with colour, creativity, and powerful social messages. One of the most popular spots is the Dédalo mural, located right in front of the gallery that shares its name.
Each mural has its own story and changes over time, so you’ll always find something new to photograph. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed morning — camera in one hand and coffee in the other.
📍 Location: Paseo Sáenz Peña and surrounding streets.
☕ Tip: Take the opportunity to visit local cafés such as La Bodega Verde or Colonia & Co.
5. Park of Love: Mosaics and Views of the Pacific
Inspired by Park Güell in Barcelona, the Park of Love in Miraflores is one of Lima’s most romantic spots. Its walls are covered in colourful mosaics featuring phrases of love and poems by Peruvian writers. At its centre stands the famous sculpture “El Beso” (The Kiss) by artist Víctor Delfín.
From here, you’ll get an incredible panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and Lima’s dramatic cliffs — perfect for couple shots, selfies with the sea in the background, or portraits bathed in the warm glow of the sunset.
📍 Location: Malecón Cisneros, Miraflores.
🌅 Tip: Visit between 05:30 and 06:30 p.m. to capture the sun setting over the ocean.
6. Miraflores Malecón: Cliffs and Paragliding
The Malecón de Miraflores stretches for several kilometres along the coast. Along the way, you’ll find beautiful gardens, sculptures, viewpoints, and iconic landmarks such as La Marina Lighthouse and Larcomar. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go paragliding and capture breathtaking aerial shots of Lima’s coastline.
The mix of nature, modern architecture, and ocean views creates a unique aesthetic for your photos.
📍 Location: From Park of Love to María Reiche Park.
🪂 Tip: Paragliding flights take off from Raimondi Park.
7. Huaca Pucllana: Ancient History Among Modern Buildings
In the heart of Miraflores stands Huaca Pucllana, an archaeological site over 1,500 years old, built by the Lima culture. The most striking photos are taken at dusk, when the lighting highlights the stunning contrast between the adobe ruins and the modern buildings surrounding them.
📍 Location: Calle General Borgoño, Miraflores.
🏺 Entrance: S/ 15 per person, includes a guided tour.
8. Parque de la Reserva y el Circuito Mágico del Agua
This park is a true Lima classic that comes to life as night falls. The Magic Water Circuit features more than ten illuminated fountains that dance to the rhythm of the music. It’s one of the city’s most popular attractions for both locals and tourists — perfect for capturing photos full of reflections, lights, and colours.
📍 Location: Cercado de Lima.
💧 Tip: The light shows usually start around 07 p.m.
🎟️ Entrance: S/ 5 per person, no guide is included.
9. The Famous Casa Aliaga
Next to Lima’s Presidential Palace stands Casa Aliaga, the most famous colonial mansion in Peru. It is still home to the descendants of Captain Jerónimo de Aliaga, who arrived with Francisco Pizarro in 1535. The house preserves its authentic colonial charm — and on some occasions, you might even see family members dressed in 18th-century attire.
📍 Location: Historic Centre of Lima.
🏺 Entrance: S/ 35 per person, includes a guided tour.
10. Kennedy Park: Everyday Life in Motion
Located in the heart of Miraflores, Kennedy Park is a meeting point for both Limeños and visitors. Here you’ll find street musicians, artisans, sleepy cats, and food stalls selling traditional treats like picarones and churros. It’s the perfect place to capture the everyday rhythm of life in Lima.
📍 Location: Av. Diagonal, Miraflores
🐈 Fun fact: The park’s cats are a symbol of the district and are cared for by local volunteer associations.
October 11, 2025