5 Things to do in Lima, Peru

Located on the coastline overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Lima is the largest city in Peru. Very often people bypass Lima with the mindset that it's just stopover city on the way to some other destination. However, Lima is a city rich in culture with beautiful architecture awaiting those who take the time to find it out.

A great place to start out would be Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor) which is the main town square and it was once considered to be the heart of Lima. Many visually stunning and important buildings such as the archbishop's palace built in the 1920's, the Cathedral, Palacio Nacional and Palacio de Gobierno can be found here. What really captures attention though would have to be the magnificent bronze fountain in the middle of the Plaza dating back to the 1650's.

If you're just heading out around noon, then head for the presidential palace (Palacio De Gobierno) to witness the changing of the guards at noon everyday. It's basically the same thing that happens at Buckingham Palace but a lot more lively and entertaining. Watch the palace guards do some of the highest kicks you've ever seen while they march into positions with their funky plumed hats and bright colored uniforms.

Famous for its Peruvian museums, Lima makes an excellent place to check out historical art and monuments. Try visiting Larco Museum which is housed in an 18th century mansion surrounded by luscious gardens. Galleries here showcase over 4000 years of Peruvian pre-Columbian history with supposedly one of the worlds largest pre-Columbian art pieces. Most visited exhibitions include the Gold and Silver galleries and the lithic exhibition room.

If you're looking for an activity to do together as a family, then go down to the The Parque de las Leyendas (Zoo). Get an up-close look at the wildlife native to Peru and discover more about this beautiful city. The animal's exhibits are categorized into the different natural regions of Peru like the highlands, coast and the Jungle.

One of the newer attractions in Lima but nonetheless something to really go for would be the Magical Water Circuit. This park is filled with dozens of fountains, some in sync with the music, and some based on interaction. The world's tallest fountain which reaches heights of 80meteres is really something to watch. However, to really capture the beauty of the fountains, I suggest you head there during the night where the magical display of colors with the musical water fountains makes it a real spectacle to watch. Be warned though, the interactive fountains have random timings with their spouts of water!