Shopping · Lima · Peru
Shopping in Lima
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Miguel Angel Chong, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Lima has good alpaca and handicraft shopping, from markets in Miraflores to design boutiques in Barranco and big malls such as Larcomar. Best souvenirs: Alpaca knitwear, Pisco and Textiles.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 3
- Markets
- 2
- Top souvenir
- Alpaca knitwear
Where to shop
Avenida Petit Thouars, Miraflores
A string of craft markets (mercados indios) selling textiles, ceramics and souvenirs from across Peru.
Larcomar
A shopping centre built into the cliffs of Miraflores, with ocean views, shops and restaurants.
Barranco boutiques
Design shops, galleries and concept stores in old mansions.
Markets
Mercado de Surquillo
Fresh produce, fruits and food stalls near Miraflores.
Mercado Central
The large, busy market in the historic centre next to Barrio Chino.
What to buy
Alpaca knitwear
Sweaters, scarves and shawls in alpaca wool; baby alpaca is the finest.
Pisco
Peru's grape brandy, in quebranta, italia and acholado styles.
Textiles
Woven blankets and runners from Andean communities.
Ceramics
Replicas of pre-Columbian Moche and Nazca pottery.
Peruvian chocolate and coffee
Bean-to-bar chocolate and specialty coffee from the Amazon and the Andes.
Streets and markets worth a wander
Neighbourhood · Historic Centre
Barrio Chino
Lima's Chinatown, around Calle Capón behind the Mercado Central, is the heart of the city's Chinese-Peruvian community, with chifa restaurants, bakeries and shops.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- Shopping
Market · Surquillo
Mercado de Surquillo No. 1
A produce market a short walk from Miraflores, where stalls sell dozens of potato varieties, chillies, tropical fruit and fish.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- Photo spot
- Shopping
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Leche de tigre, Picarones, Suspiro a la limeña and Pisco sour. Cevicherías, often as a starter. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Miraflores | $$$ | Clifftop district of parks, hotels, restaurants and the Malecón ocean walk |
| Barranco | $$$ | Bohemian seaside district of old mansions, galleries, murals and bars |
| San Isidro | $$$$ | Financial district with an ancient olive grove, smart hotels and top restaurants |
| Historic Centre | $ | Colonial core of plazas, balconies, churches and government palaces |
| Surquillo | $ | Down-to-earth district next to Miraflores known for its food market |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in PEN. In restaurants, 10% is customary if no service charge is included. Tip guides and drivers on tours; taxi fares are agreed in advance and not usually tipped.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in March–May and August–November; the busiest months are the peak holidays.
- August: Lima Film Festival (usually August)
- December: Christmas and New Year celebrations
Staying near the shops
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in Lima?
Alpaca knitwear, Pisco, Textiles and Ceramics.
+Where is the best shopping in Lima?
Avenida Petit Thouars, Miraflores: A string of craft markets (mercados indios) selling textiles, ceramics and souvenirs from across Peru.
+What are the best markets in Lima?
Mercado de Surquillo and Mercado Central.