Facing the Pacific Ocean and the gateway to Peru, Lima captivates with its rich historical heritage, contemporary neighborhoods, notable museums, and a culinary scene regarded as among the world’s most compelling. In 2026, it will also host some of the most important events dedicated to international cuisine, reinforcing its status as a reference point for discovering Peruvian culture through its flavors.
Making the capital even more accessible is the strengthening of air links from Italy, enabling travelers to reach it via Canada.
New Flights from Italy to Reach Lima
Air Transat, represented in Italy by Rephouse Gsa, restarts the connection to Lima, offering the possibility of arriving with layover flights through Toronto or Montreal until October 2026.
From Rome there are three weekly frequencies, on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, while from Venice a service is planned every Saturday. This represents an additional opportunity for Italian travelers who wish to visit one of Latin America’s most dynamic cities, whether as a primary destination or as a starting point to explore other parts of Peru, from Cusco to the Sacred Valley, up to Lake Titicaca or the Pacific coast.
The company also notes that travel agencies can request group quotes for travelers heading to Lima, with special rates.
What to See in Lima in 2026
The historic center of Lima, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts some of the most representative buildings of the colonial era, starting with the Plaza Mayor, where the Lima Cathedral and the Government Palace rise, shining examples of the Renaissance and Baroque architecture that defines the area.
To delve into the country’s oldest history, an indispensable stop is the Museo Larco, housed in an elegant building surrounded by gardens, which preserves one of Peru’s most important collections of pre-Columbian art. Along the galleries, centuries of history resonate through archaeological artifacts, ceramic wares, textiles, and objects from the major civilizations that inhabited the territory before the arrival of the Spaniards.
Also worth a visit is the Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI): the collections range from preispanica (pre-Spanish) art to contemporary works and provide a comprehensive overview of Peruvian cultural heritage. Not to be missed, likewise, is the Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú, which deepens historical, anthropological, and archaeological aspects through a rich display path.
Among the more frequented areas is Miraflores, a modern district overlooking the Pacific Ocean: the famous Malecón, a charming scenic route along the cliffs, offers some of the most evocative viewpoints of the sea and is ideal for a stroll among green spaces, parks and leisure areas. The area also hosts shops, venues and restaurants, for one of the capital’s most contemporary faces.
Different yet equally evocative is the atmosphere of Barranco, considered the most creative and bohemian neighborhood: it features murals and street art, alongside cafés, art galleries, restaurants and venues that enliven the evening life.
The Events Not to Miss
In November, Lima will host The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 and it will be the first time that the prestigious event dedicated to world cuisine takes place in South America.
The choice of the Peruvian capital confirms the growing international recognition of its culinary tradition, the result of the meeting of indigenous, European, African and Asian influences that have given rise to one of the most celebrated cuisines in the world: the event will attract chefs, industry professionals, journalists, and gastronomy enthusiasts from around the world.
A few days earlier, from October 30 to November 1, 2026, the city will also host Perú, Mucho Gusto, the grand festival dedicated to the country’s culinary traditions, offering the opportunity to discover flavors, recipes and products from Peru’s various regions.
