Lima: Amazing places to go shopping
“Everything under the sun” is a phrase that perfectly sums up the travel experience waiting for you in Lima, the metropolis founded on 18 January 1535 under the name “Ciudad de los Reyes” (City of Kings). It’s no exaggeration — nor over-enthusiasm — to say that in the Peruvian capital, the only one in South America that both faces and embraces the waters of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll be amazed by what you see and experience.
In Lima, there is history, culture and tradition. In Lima, you eat wonderfully and celebrate life with real flair. In Lima, you explore both past and present. In Lima, you feel the Andean spirit, the Spanish heritage, the mestizo roots and the cosmopolitan energy. You’ll discover all of this as you wander through the neighbourhoods of a city that is a true snapshot of Peru — walking streets you’ll grow to love, and perhaps, just occasionally, only now and then, feel a tiny bit frustrated by.
There’s no such thing as a perfect destination. In my capital, you’ll find both the good and the not-so-good. Enjoy the first; steer clear of the second. Stay alert. Keep your eyes open. Be sensible and, as we Limeños say, never make yourself an easy target. Avoid the “spicy” (unsafe) neighbourhoods, use app-based taxis to get around, keep a close eye on your belongings, and carry only what you truly need.
The warning has been given. I’m being completely honest — I’ve no intention of sweeping anything under the carpet. And when I said that in Lima you’ll find a bit of everything, that “everything” also included the darker side of the “Three Times Crowned City”. That said — and this must be said too — it does not overshadow the charm of its Historic Centre, nor does it lessen the exquisite flavours of its restaurants or the freshness of its beaches.
Ah, and it certainly doesn’t dim the sparkle of its shopping centres and commercial areas either. This is Lima of great deals and the famous three Bs: bueno, bonito y barato — good stuff, good-looking and affordable. Surprised? Didn’t know that? No one had told you? Patience. Before I reveal the best places for a shopping tour in the capital, let me ask you a few questions: What are you looking for? What do you need — clothes, technology, perhaps little souvenirs and handicrafts?
Dress Yourself in Gamarra
If you’d like to dress in garments truly made in Peru… if you want to find everything from underwear to evening gowns… if you’re happy to spend hours upon hours browsing shops and galleries, then Gamarra is the place for you.
This fashion powerhouse, located in the lively and popular district of La Victoria District, became firmly established as a stronghold of tailoring and design back in the 1970s.
Yet its roots go even further back. At the end of the 19th century and the dawn of the 20th, the first textile factories began operating along Jirón Gamarra and nearby avenues such as today’s Aviación and 28 de Julio. In the 1950s, the arrival of migrants from different regions of the country gave fresh energy to commercial life in “Rica Vicky”, the affectionate nickname locals use for this Lima district.
Through sheer hard work and determination, generations of entrepreneurs built what is now the largest textile and clothing hub in Peru — and in South America. Gamarra’s garments travel well beyond national borders, reaching markets across the continent. The secret to its success? Constant innovation — you’ll find the latest fashion trends in its galleries — long-lasting quality, and an excellent balance between price and value.
If you fancy refreshing your wardrobe mid-journey, slip away to this fashion hub in La Victoria District. It’s located less than 5 km from Lima’s Historic Centre and around 9 km from Parque Kennedy in Miraflores.
The Línea 1 del Metro de Lima will drop you just a short walk from your destination — simply get off at Gamarra station. For convenience, check the official website for up-to-date information about services on Lima’s so-called electric train.
For a more comfortable visit, explore the “Damero de Gamarra” (Gamarra’s grid of streets) in the morning or early afternoon. I wouldn’t recommend going in the evening, nor carrying large amounts of cash (cards and other payment methods are widely accepted). Among the “sea” of shopping galleries, a few stand out: El Rey, San Pedro, GAMA Moda Plaza, Santa Lucía, La Quinta and the Cánepa shopping centre — where you can also enjoy the hearty flavours of 7 Sopas Restaurant.
Polvos Azules: Where You’ll Find a Bit of Everything
In 1981, the historic centre of Lima was overrun by street vendors selling everything from food to household appliances. Faced with this chaotic situation, the city’s mayor at the time, Eduardo Orrego, relocated the traders to a simple fairground set up on an open esplanade near the Rímac River and the Government Palace. Today, that very spot is known as the Alameda Chabuca Granda.
The fairground was named Polvos Azules — a name that dates back to colonial times. In that area of old Lima, goat leather was dyed with indigo, a fine blue powder. Historical records tell us that in 1574 the Spaniard Gaspar de los Reyes was a pioneer of this trade. Although the relocated vendors had nothing to do with leather dyeing, the old name has endured to this day.
And it has survived despite the fact that the original fairground no longer exists. In 1997, a devastating fire reduced one of the city’s most emblematic shopping areas to ashes. It had been famous because you could find just about anything there: clothes and trainers from international brands (some genuine, others less so), the latest technology — televisions, cameras, mobile phones — as well as perfumes, spirits, and plenty of pirated films.
After the tragic fire, the traders regrouped and built the new Polvos Azules on blocks 2 and 3 of Paseo de la República, in La Victoria District. This major avenue links the Historic Centre with San Isidro District, Miraflores District and Barranco District, among other areas. Its central location and easy access — simply hop on a bus from the Metropolitano — make it a very appealing stop on your shopping tour.
Take your time wandering through all the passages of “Polvos”. You’ll be amazed at the variety of products on offer at highly competitive prices. And there’s more: if your laptop, tablet, mobile phone or camera happens to break down during your trip, the shopping centre’s technicians will usually find a way to fix it.
Before you head out, though, here’s a friendly tip: don’t be overly trusting. Make sure you know exactly what you’re buying — you wouldn’t want to pay for one thing and end up with another.
Shopping in Miraflores District and Barranco District
If you’re staying in Miraflores District, San Isidro District or Barranco District and would like to buy a truly Peruvian souvenir, there’s no need to head all the way to the Historic Centre or to the “Indian markets” along Avenida La Marina in Pueblo Libre District.
A short walk from Parque Kennedy or Parque Central is all it takes to “lose” yourself in the colour and creativity of galleries and specialist shops devoted to traditional folk art.
Between blocks 52 and 55 of Avenida Petit Thouars, you’ll find the Bulevar Artesanal de Miraflores. According to local sources, this artisan boulevard brings together 14 galleries and more than 1,500 craftspeople. As you stroll through in Miraflores, you’ll see — and be able to purchase — beautifully crafted wooden carvings, textiles, ceramics, intricately engraved mates burilados, jewellery, silverwork, traditional retablos and many other dazzling handmade pieces.
If handicrafts aren’t your only interest, make your way to Larcomar. Opened on 27 November 1998, it has become one of Lima’s most recognisable tourist and shopping icons. Built dramatically into a seaside cliff, it boasts sweeping views over Lima Bay. With its exclusive shops, cinemas, restaurants and cafés, it’s a wonderful place to unwind and enjoy a relaxed day out overlooking the Pacific.
Not far from Larcomar, in the bohemian district of Barranco District, you’ll find a whole string of art galleries waiting to be explored. If you’re a collector or simply curious about new creative trends, I’d recommend visiting Dédalo, arte y artesanía, Wu Galería, the cultural centre Cholo Terco, and Artesanos Don Bosco, where you can admire the work of young people who learned their craft in the workshops of Operación Mato Grosso.
Lima is a city for shopping and good prices because, as we said at the beginning, in my homeland you’ll find a bit of everything. It’s simply a matter of exploring the many faces of a metropolis inhabited by more than ten million people — some born here, others arriving from the coast, the Andes or the Amazon. That multicultural fusion is what gives the “City of Kings” its unique and incomparable character — a city where, despite its name, no king ever lived.
February 27, 2026