The Lowdown on the Top Four Neighbourhoods in Lima, Lima, Peru

Lima is huge. You can be forgiven if you’re trying to plan a trip to this city and have no idea where to begin. The city is divided into several neighbourhoods. Each area has its perks and drawbacks, but in most you’ll find great things to see and do as well as fantastic food to taste. Here are four of Lima’s neighbourhoods that I think you should check out the next time you’re in this cool coastal city:

The Details: Lima’s downtown didn’t have the greatest reputation in recent past. But today, it seems to have cleaned itself up and there is greater police presence around so it also seems to be safer. I think that downtown Lima is well worth at least a day of your time. This neighbourhood includes many plazas, a cathedral in which Francisco Pizarro is interred, great architecture, and excellent street food.

Government Palace: The Changing of the Guards ceremony takes place here, complete with mini concert (do not expect precision, though).

San Francisco Basilica: A church and monastery that contains a phenomenal library and pretty cool catacombs. Unfortunately, the only way to see this is via a hustled tour. But no photos allowed. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).