Lima Main Square

Historical landmark · Lima ·

Lima Main Square

Historical landmark · Lima ·

Daily guard change, festivals, Pisco Day fountain, colonial arch.

Information

Jr. Junín cdra. 1, Lima 15001, Peru Get directions

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"Changing of the Guard Every day at noon at the Plaza de Armas (also called Plaza Mayor), trumpets blare, drums pound, and cymbals crash as the guard changes outside the presidential palace. Enjoy the Spanish fanfare like a local: from a plaza bench with an ice cream cone. The Plaza is also the site of festivals, concerts, and the much-loved annual National Pisco Day when the fountain spouts free high-proof grape brandy for all."

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Photo by Carlos Adampol Galindo/Flickr

Plaza De Armas De Lima

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25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

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Photo by Carlos Adampol Galindo/Flickr

Plaza De Armas De Lima

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25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

The Perfect Day in Lima

Photo by Carlos Adampol Galindo/Flickr

Plaza De Armas De Lima

LORENA C.

Google

Plaza Mayor de Lima is especially magical during Christmas, both by day and at night, thanks to its festive light displays that transform the square into a vibrant celebration. Surrounded by stunning gardens, historical buildings, the plaza feels like the heart of the city’s history and culture. Being so close to the Basilica Cathedral of Lima and the Palacio de Gobierno makes the experience even more impressive. One of the most memorable moments was watching the guards standing at attention throughout the afternoon and then witnessing the changing of the guard around 4–5 p.m., a quiet but powerful reminder of tradition and ceremony. The bars and restaurants around the plaza offer excellent places to sit, eat, and take in the view, but the real charm is in exploring the smaller attractions nearby. From pisco stores and interactive experiences to a small farm setup and historical references like La Tapada, the area offers more than just beautiful architecture (it invites you to discover layers of Lima’s past and present). Plaza Mayor is not just a place to visit; it’s a space to experience Lima’s festive spirit, history, and daily life all at once.

Behrokh N.

Google

The main square in Lima has such a fantastic vibe. You simply can’t miss it when visiting the city. There are many events and activities happening throughout the day, making it a lively and memorable place to experience.

Purba D.

Google

Lima Main Square is a stunning blend of colonial architecture, vibrant energy, and rich history. The colorful buildings, the Cathedral, and the Government Palace make it picture-perfect from every angle. The square feels safe, well-maintained, and lively with street performers and locals relaxing. It’s a great place to walk around, take photos, or just sit and soak in the atmosphere. A must-visit if you’re in Lima!

SPICY

Google

I recently traveled from Cusco to Lima, Peru, and was met with widespread protests. The police presence was heavy, with officers carrying full sets of weapons. The streets were blocked with trash and feces, making it difficult to navigate. To stay safe, we kept our distance and observed from afar. Areas like Miraflores and Barranco felt more secure than the city center.

Ryan van E.

Google

An impressive square with many historic buildings. When I was there, I enjoyed not only that, but also the fantastic parade with a wide variety of traditional costumes and music. It was wonderful to see and experience.

Andrew G.

Google

We spent a leisurely day exploring the heart of Lima and made our way to the city’s beautiful main square—Plaza Mayor, also known as Plaza de Armas. This historic square is the birthplace of Lima, founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535, and has remained the political and cultural center of the city ever since. Surrounding the square are several of Lima’s most important colonial-era buildings, including the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Municipal Palace, and the Lima Cathedral. The blend of Spanish colonial architecture and vibrant local activity gives the square a timeless charm. While we were there, we were fortunate to witness a Catholic procession passing through the square—an experience that brought the city’s deep-rooted religious traditions to life. The area is perfect for capturing great photos, soaking in the local atmosphere, and appreciating Lima’s rich history and living culture.

Konstantinos K.

Google

Nice square with colonial style and architecture, typical for similar plazas actor South America. There are some important buildings around to see. In principal, this is the most worth seeing site of the old part of the city, which otherwise doen not have much to offer.

Chris N.

Google

Huge to say the least. The political/Administration capital of Peru. Home of the archbishop and were the pope stays when visiting. Amazing wood works and architecture. Heavy police presence with the army not too far behind. Don't play stupid games and you won't win stupid prizes.