Cerro San Cristóbal
Dwarfing houses in the Rímac district is the volcano-shaped hillside of Cerro San Cristobal. On a clear day (rare in Lima), it affords views of the sprawling city, all the way to the ocean in one direction and to the Andean foothills in the other. The summit of San Cristóbal is topped by a huge illuminated cross where locals leave petitions and candles. There is a cafe and small museum at the summit. Due to its reputation for muggings, a taxi to the summit is recommended.

Cerro San Cristobal, Rímac
Free admission.

Miraflores and Barranco
One of the main attractions of Lima is its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. In the last century, many of its richest families built summer houses in the seaside suburbs of Miraflores and Barranco, then well outside the city centre. Miraflores is a perfect base from which to visit the rest of Lima. Parque Kennedy, a pretty tree-lined park, surrounded by pavement cafes, offers a sanctuary from the noise and pollution of the city centre. As well as a large multiplex cinema, Miraflores has a number of excellent shops selling local arts and crafts. When the sun sinks into the ocean, head for a ‘sundowner' at the Rosa Náutica, a bar and restaurant that juts into the sea, on its very own pier (see Restaurants).

Barranco is where Lima's party-lovers head to at the weekend, for its lively restaurants and nightlife. During the week, a peaceful, family atmosphere returns to the suburb. Many of the large colonial houses built for the city's richest families remain in use, but all that remains of Barranco's tram system is a beautifully restored, solitary tram car. Visitors can take a short ride on the car, which leaves from the small Museo de Electricidad.

Museo de Electricidad (Museum of Electricity)
Avenida Pedro de Osma 105, Barranco.
Tel: (01) 477 6577.
Website: http://museoelectri.perucultural.org.pe
Admission charge.