Lima

From a sea of grey high-rise buildings to an ocean sparkling in all shades of turquoise, pre-Columbian shrines to Spanish colonial buildings and tropical beach bars, Peru’s shiny capital Lima is dizzyingly vibrant. It might seem slightly banal at first. But once you get past the city’s unfashionable crust, you will taste authenticity in its cultural focal point. It is the city of the outspoken Art Nouveau and the “Gastronomical Capital of the Americas.”

Lima’s historic center is an eternal draw, gathering the most dazzling buildings of the city in one tiny neighborhood. A most theatrical scene awaits at its heart, where the iconic Plaza de Armas sits in acclaimed grandeur next to the sublime Cathedral of Lima. The district boasts modern cafes tucked away in an impressive array of churches and monasteries. The colonial spirit begins at the district’s edge and intensifies towards the Main Square, with every inch washed in Spanish colonial architecture. Continue your walking tour at the Government Palace and the City Hall, and hear about Lima’s gilded history from your guide.

The cosmopolitan appeal of Lima concentrates on Miraflores, a stylish and bodacious neighborhood that has the most spectacular views of the ocean. It is the center of all entertainment, from gastronomy to bar-hopping and beach-living to cultural excursions. Whether you are the fine-dining type or looking for a more intimate experience at a modest eatery, you will find a culinary scene scripted to satisfy your every need in Miraflores. At night, head to the oceanfront promenade or to the vibrant inner streets to witness Lima’s mojo come to life.