Lima's climate is moderate, with soft winters and humid summers. The summer takes place December to March where it is often warm and humid. Temperatures on average are 27°C. However it can be very cloudy and in the capital it can rain often. 

The best time to visit Lima is during the winter from April to November, being drier and temperatures around 15-22°C.

Arriving from the Airport, there is  now a new recently introduced express bus which takes around 60 minutes to reach central Lima, and has 6 stops around Miraflores, the most popular area for tourists. The cost is 20 soles ($6) one way. Buy your tickets at the arrivals, after the customs clearance but before you leave the arrival hall, you will see lots of  transport offices. Buy the ticket from the blue counter, which says Airport Express. 

Another option is to take a taxi which can cost around 30-50 soles ($15-20) depending on the company. Agree the fare before you travel and be aware than taking luggage will often cost more. They are also planning to build the metro, to reach the airport in the future. 

Once in the city, the public transportation comprises metro, metrobus (dedicated bus lanes) and micro busses. The most common transport is however the micros and combis. The micro's are small busses whilst the combis are more like vans.The destination of the services is written at the front of the bus or by a number. This can be daunting for a visitor and a little unsafe they are, trying to figure out if it goes to your destination might attract pickpockets. Also drivers will not speak any English and drive very quick, starting the journey even when you have just got in! If this wasn't enough to put you off from combis or micros, they are often very full and having to stand in a reduced space. 

Clearly it's not recommended for tourists to venture on them unless you travel with the locals. 

Many pickpockets travel on the combis specially if you are going to other poorer districts of Lima. The fares are very cheap however, less then $0.25, but it's risky transport.

There is now a Metro system called Metropolitano, consisting of only 2 lines at the moment till more lines are built and completed. However it does not pass by places of interest under a tourist point of view. In the future it will link with the airport which will make the commute a lot easier for visitors. Also the Metropolitano includes the busses, which use dedicated expressways and lanes in the city. To buy the e-card for Lima it costs 4.50 Soles and you can upload load it with cash for multiple journeys. It can be used on metropolitano busses (express and normal) plus the metro. (Single trips costing from 1.50 to 2.50 Soles).

✔️Tip: Bus line 301 operates from the historical city centre right down to the popular upmarket area of Miraflores and the Larcomar shopping centre. For 1.50 Soles it's a very economical trip, around 40 min and safer than other local busses or vans. Get it from the centre at this location on Google maps.
Another tip is to use the website or APP Redbus.pe for travel information, bus times and fares all over Peru.  

Below you will find the timetables of the airport express, the Metropolitano Bus Express maps and the lines 1 and 2 of metro plan.

Lima being the capital of Peru attracts a lot of lower classes which sadly have resorted to crime and violence. Also there is an added level of immigration now in Lima from other countries, specially Venezuela which has made the city increase dramatically its population without being able to cope with the demand for employment, aid and resources. 

However, Lima should still be visited and included on your itineraries. Just watching out and paying some extra care will result in a trouble free experience.

There are some things to consider when you visit and specially, most importantly the areas which you are staying and moving around. 

There are safe neighborhoods in Lima that tourists should remain in for accommodation like Miraflores or San Isidro. But even here, thieves roam the streets looking for tourists to target. If you get approached by a “friendly” stranger, be very careful. And, if the person asks you to get in a taxi to visit another part of the city, do not get in the taxi. This could be a scheme to rob you. Never be lured to unknown areas by anyone that you do not know, no matter how friendly the person appears to be.

At night, the central historic district is dangerous. It’s best to stay in the suburbs like Miraflores to spend your night there. However, always be aware of where your wallet, ID, and passport are if you take them with you while in Lima. Its' probably a better idea to leave any valuables in the hotel and only take small cash.

Areas to be totally avoided in Lima are San Juan de Miraflores, Callao and La Victoria amongst the most central. Naturally, all other suburbs have a moderate level of crime and danger for foreigners.

There are also numerous road hazards in Lima. This is because traffic is a concern plus taxi drivers have a reputation for taking advantage of tourists. If you only speak English and do not have a specific price in mind for your fare, you could pay as much as triple the standard rate. Be firm and be willing to negotiate the price, even if the driver is initially resistant.

The other danger with taxi drivers is that some are involved in a theft scheme. Stay safe by hiding your valuable items and not keeping them in plain view. That way, if the driver is involved in a scheme, he cannot tip off a partner to smash the window and steal your items. In this scenario, it's always better to reserve a taxi via your hotel or via Uber APP.

Also, particularly for women, it's common for bike riders to snatch your bag whilst on the road. To avoid this always carry and wear bags inside to the road. 

The last warning, is to not trust people unless they are staff members or certified tour guides. Be aware of people who make claims that sound too good to be true and trying to stop you for help, signatures or random questions.. This will help you stay safe in Lima and avoid dangers.

It's a good idea to stay in the capital and take a tour or two that include some of Peru's most interesting regions like the sunny beach town of Paracas or explore Peru’s biggest protected desert reserve, the Paracas National Reserve, and the Ballestas Islands, known as the “Poor Man’s Galapagos”, home to over 400 species of wildlife! 
For more information regarding the tours and bookings please visit: Peruhop.com

Despite the repeated safety warnings Lima has a fun and varied nightlife, and its locals to love a good party. Generally speaking, they're very welcoming of foreigners. Miraflores is the best party district, and has some fantastic bars and salsa clubs. Visitors must be well-dressed to gain entrance to most seaside establishments.

The capital is easily the most progressive city in an otherwise conservative country. 🌈Many of its nightclubs welcome gay and lesbian patrons, especially in Miraflores.

Barranco's after-dark spots are also worth visiting, some of which can be found on the coast, near the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs). Bars tend to open at 8pm or 9pm, but many nightclubs and live music venues only open at 10pm or later.
Casinos are quite popular in Lima (and Peru) and many of the larger, upmarket hotels have casinos attached, specially along MIraflores area and San Isidro.

❗Attention: When going out at night, foreigners should strictly stick to MIraflores area. If you need to get back, only order pre-booked taxis or by Uber APP. Also, don't walk alone if possible and away from main streets. Attention should be given in night clubs and locals venues when taking drinks that nobody tries to "spice" them up!

The shopping scene in Lima is diverse and fits any kind of budget. The city has a few surprises tucked away and shoppers will be happy to know that there are now many new shopping malls opening up in a city. Customs are changing as locals used to rely entirely on local markets for their shopping needs.

However, to experience safe shopping, it's best to stay within the tourist areas of Lima. You will be able to find your typical western malls and high street brands with many international well known names. Avenida de la Paz in Miraflores is known for its antique shops. The biggest shopping centre in this area is Larcomar, which has great views over the ocean, in addition to offering great dining opportunities and cafes. Designer boutiques can be found at Calle de Los Conquistadores in San Isidro. Craft shops abound, offering colorful handmade souvenirs like soft baby alpaca garments.

For other shopping, you can head to Chinatown and the markets which are held there daily. But note the area is more prone for pickpockets. Don't expose valuables, cameras or phones. 

There is a big difference of accommodation options in Lima. Depending mostly where you are staying. Miraflores and San Isidro are the most expensive areas to stay, with Hotels costing around €30-40 per night. However it's also the safest area and its probably best recommended to spend the extra money for that safety comfort.
Also private accommodation like Airbnb and flats are available if you are staying longer.
Accommodation in the historic centre, generally speaking is cheaper, with budget hotels and hostels offering basic standards. Hotels in the historic centre can be as little as €20 a night.

✔️Tip: When leaving your accommodation, always its advised to lock your luggage and don't expose any valuables. Close windows and draw curtains.

If sharing in hostels ask the reception to safe-keep any valuables you have (for a charge). 

Lima is a huge city in size, but despite this, the tourist safe areas are all within the historic centre and Miraflores where most sites, museums and points of interest are located.
Staying in the city for a couple of nights is enough and then travelling onwards to other cities is the plan which most tourists make. 

Alternatively you can make Lima, your base, and travel light to other cities nearby for around a week.