Lima: Historic Center Street Food Tour & Market Walk

Summary

Walk Lima’s historic streets tasting street food, local markets and old bars with a guide who knows every corner

You’ll wander Lima’s historic center with a local guide, starting at Plaza San Martin for tamal and pisco before diving into buzzing markets packed with exotic fruits. Taste street snacks like anticuchos and creole churros while learning stories behind each dish. You’ll leave full—of food and little moments that linger long after you’ve left those lively streets.

What’s the experience like?

"You can’t rush a good tamal," our guide Rosa grinned, sliding a warm leaf-wrapped bundle across the tiny bar table. I’d barely arrived at Plaza San Martin — still blinking at the morning light bouncing off the Gran Hotel Bolivar — when she handed me a cup of emoliente that smelled faintly of barley and herbs. The city was waking up around us: shoeshine boys whistling, someone selling lottery tickets, taxis honking like always. I took a sip (it’s sweet but earthy) and realized I had no idea what half these ingredients were. Rosa laughed when I tried to say “emoliente” properly — probably butchered it.

We wandered down Jiron de la Union, which is one of those streets where you have to dodge both pigeons and grandmas with shopping carts. The buildings are faded but proud; there’s always music leaking out of shop doors or someone shouting about fresh bread. At Lima’s largest market, things got louder — piles of fruit everywhere, colors I didn’t even know fruit could be. A vendor sliced open something called lucuma for us to try (tasted like caramel custard?) and explained how it only grows here in Peru. There was this moment when the smell of grilled anticuchos drifted over from a nearby stall, all smoky and peppery — made my stomach growl loud enough for Rosa to notice.

I didn’t expect to be so taken by the old eateries tucked between colonial facades. We ducked into one for creole churros dusted in sugar; the counter was sticky and the cook winked at me as he handed them over on wax paper. Somewhere along the way we peeked into San Francisco Basilica (if it’s open — sometimes it isn’t), which felt cool and shadowy after all that sun outside. The plaza near the Government Palace was busy with families taking photos; I just stood there for a minute, churro in hand, trying to take it all in.

Honestly? By the end I was full but also kind of wishing I had more room for another tamal. There’s something about eating your way through Lima’s historic center that sticks with you — maybe it’s the mix of flavors or just how everyone seems to know each other on these streets. Anyway, if you go, bring an appetite and don’t be shy about asking questions (or butchering Spanish). Still think about that first bite sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Lima's historic center and food

• Start at Gran Hotel Bolivar entrance
• Sightsee Plaza San Martin
• Visit local bar for tamal, emoliente, pisco
• Walk along Jiron de la Union street
• Explore Lima's largest market and taste fruits
• Visit San Francisco Basilica
• Take photos at Plaza de Armas

Top questions

Where does the Lima street food tour start?

The tour begins at the front door of Gran Hotel Bolivar facing Plaza San Martin.

Is pickup included in this Lima food tour?

No, pickup is not included for group tours; private tours with transportation are available separately.

What foods are included on this Lima street food tour?

You’ll try tamal with emoliente, anticuchos (grilled skewers), creole churros, local fruits from the market, plus beverages like pisco.

Can vegetarians or vegans join this Lima food tour?

No, unfortunately the menu cannot be adapted for vegetarians or vegans due to local specialties served during the tour.

Are children allowed on this walking food tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed but infants must sit on an adult's lap if needed.

How long does the Lima historic center food tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours including walking between stops in central Lima.

Do I need to bring my passport to join this tour?

No need to bring your passport to the tour itself but you must provide passport number and date of entry online before joining for tax exemption.

Will we visit any famous landmarks during this Lima walking tour?

Yes, you’ll see Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas), Cathedral of Lima, Government Palace, San Francisco Basilica (when open), among others along the route.

What’s included

Your day includes all snacks and drinks—from tamal with emoliente at a classic bar to fresh fruit tastings at Lima’s largest market—and guided walks through historic plazas and iconic eateries in central Lima alongside a passionate local foodie guide sharing stories as you go.