Lima | AllCheapFares

Lima, City of Kings, was founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535 on 6 January, the Feast of the Kings (Epiphany). The city consists of a collection of distinct neighborhoods with their own look, feel and history. Downtown Lima has some of the most impressive colonial architecture, as this used to be the whole city in its early years. Travelers shouldn't miss the market area and Chinatown (have some Chifa!), that is if they don't mind surfing in a sea of people.

Miraflores is a residential and commercial district and it is where tourists usually find suitable accomodations. It is a nice neighborhood with shopping opportunities at all prices. Nightlife in Miraflores also offers all kinds of opportunities, from the locally famous Calle de las Pizzas, to very exclusive restaurants and bars. However, if you are looking for action you are better off cruising through Barranco -- the more tasteful rich area. Before it got swallowed by the growing city, Barranco used to be a charming bathing town where the rich of far away Lima had their summer houses. It still has a cute Plaza Central and many tasteful old houses. The bars at the seaside are ideal for a seductive date, or a night of steaming dancefloor action.

When talking of high culture, the highlight of the capital is the outstanding collection of Incan artifacts in the basement vault of the privately owned Museo de Oro del Peru or Peruvian Gold Museum (upstairs is the Arms Museum an incredible collection of weapons ranging from spears to a Gatling gun). Also visit the Museo de la Nacion (National Museum -- tours available in English) one of the largest museums in South America. Divided into exhibits looking at the past present and (imagined) future of Peru, it includes a model of the gold-laden tombs recently excavated at Sipan and reproductions of some of Peru's best archaeological sites.