"Lima: Highlights in the Grey City" a Lima Travel Page by lashr1999

Lima is the capital and largest city in Peru with over 8 million people. Many people are scared off from visiting due to it’s violent history of street crime and political unrest in the 80’s and 90’s. Today, tourists are told to keep there valuables hidden and not to wear fancy clothing due to pickpockets in the area. Sage advice when walking through any major modern city. <p>
Upon entering Lima and leaving Jorge Chavez Airport, Lima may seem dark and bleak especially in the downtown area. Here, you may find clouded skies, polluted air and the congestion of cars. However, this it true of many large cities.
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While Lima does have it’s share of problems, there are a number of reasons why one should visit Lima. Many museums can be found in Lima telling us of some of the history of Inca and Pre-Inca times. The museum of Anthropology and Archaeology, the Museum of the Nation and the Gold Museum are a few of he interesting museums in Lima The Museum of the Inquisition may hold interest for those with a fascination for the morbid. Those who enter may see original stocks and torture chambers that had been used. Many ruins such as Pachacamac, Huaca Pucllana and Puruchuco may be found within or near Lima.

Lima has many restaurants, theaters and shopping centers. The main area for these types of activities is the San Isidro and Miraflores business districts. Artesanias Indian Market On weekends try to find Parque Kennedy where you can find local artists selling their paintings. If painting do not stike your fancy there are numerous bars here to sit down and relax in. If you are with that someone special in the Miraflores area, the Gaudi styled Parque del Amour is the place to take them. For dancing and nightlife try the Barranco with it’s discos and bar at night. If you get here at the right time you may enjoy the sun set over the Pacific.

One must see the central heart of the city, which in lima’s case would be the Plaza de Armas. Here, you see a 17th century Bronze fountain in the center. On one side of the square is the Town Hall with it’s library. Opposite it on the other side of the square is the cathedral which has been rebuilt several times over the years due to earthquakes. On another side of the Baroque square is the French styled governors palace. One tip is to get here on weekdays at 12:45 PM to catch the changing of the guards.