UNESCO World Heritage site with the Plaza Mayor, Cathedral, Government Palace, and colonial architecture.

About Lima Historic Center (Centro)

Lima's Centro Histórico is a UNESCO World Heritage Site centered on the grand Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas), where Francisco Pizarro founded the city in 1535. The plaza is framed by the ornate Cathedral of Lima (housing Pizarro's remains), the Archbishop's Palace with its elaborately carved wooden balconies, and the Government Palace where the changing of the guard ceremony takes place daily at noon.

The historic center showcases some of the finest Spanish colonial architecture in the Americas, with dozens of baroque and neoclassical churches, convents, and mansions. The Monastery of San Francisco is famed for its catacombs containing the bones of an estimated 70,000 people, while the Church of Santo Domingo preserves the relics of Lima's patron saints, Santa Rosa and San Martín de Porres.

Jirón de la Unión, the main pedestrian shopping street, connects the Plaza Mayor to Plaza San Martín, another elegant square. The center has undergone significant restoration in recent years, with the Municipal Palace of Lima, the Desamparados railway station (now the Casa de la Literatura), and the beautifully restored Palacio de Torre Tagle demonstrating the city's commitment to preserving its colonial heritage.

Nearby Landmarks

Plaza Mayor Cathedral of Lima San Francisco Monastery Government Palace

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost S/35-50 ($10-14)
Time 25-40 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost S/25-40 ($7-11)
Time 25-40 minutes

Arrivals level

Step-by-Step Directions

Use an official taxi or ride-share app from the airport. The Metropolitano bus rapid transit is cheap but requires walking to a bus stop and transfers.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi S/35-50 ($10-14) 25-40 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare S/25-40 ($7-11) 25-40 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The historic center is less tourist-oriented at night than Miraflores, and some streets should be avoided after dark. Use Uber or DiDi rather than street taxis for evening departures. The Metropolitano BRT runs until about 10:00 PM. For late-night airport transfers from Centro, pre-book a licensed taxi ($12-18). Stay on well-lit main streets around Plaza Mayor and Jirón de la Unión.

Luggage Tips

Centro Histórico streets are a mix of cobblestone and pavement, with many pedestrianized sections. Rolling luggage is manageable on Jirón de la Unión but difficult on side streets. Hotel options in Centro are more limited than Miraflores, so consider dropping bags at a hotel before exploring. The San Francisco catacombs and most churches do not allow bags inside.

Accessibility

Lima's historic center has uneven surfaces, cobblestones, and high curbs in many areas, making wheelchair navigation challenging. The Plaza Mayor itself is flat and accessible. The Cathedral has a ramp entrance. Many colonial churches and the San Francisco catacombs involve stairs with no alternatives. The Metropolitano BRT stations have wheelchair access. Modern hotels in the area generally have accessible rooms.