Plaza San Martín

Peru Lima Lima Metropolitan AreaPlaza San Martín

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The 4-star rating is due to several factors. First, the plaza is a rather newer addition to the City of Kings whose history approaching a six hundred years mark; Plaza San-Martin was opened 98 years ago, in 1921, the hundred-year, centenary, anniversary of Peru's independence from Spain. Unlike other areas in the historical center of Lima, there are no colonial buildings with its carved Moorish balconies or hundreds of years old churches. Moreover, Plaza San Martin has definitely seen its better days, the best example of which is Hotel Bolivar, opened in 1924, where Hollywood celebrities used to socialize 60 or 70 years ago. As generally the historical center of Lima became less and less habitable, 95% of all city visitors would stay in Miraflores, Barranco or, to a lesser degree, in San-Isidro. And even though there are some restaurants around the plaza, the prevailing trend are the touristy chain outlets, such as Pizza Hut or KFC, for visiting which one doesn't have to travel thousands of miles. Also, the inevitable sense of decay is heightened by the charred remains of the historical four-story Giacoletti building (built in approximately 1912), across the street (Avenida Nicolás de Piérola) from Hotel Bolivar, that burned down in October 2018 and still (June 2019) remaining in the same condition. Still, the east and north sides of Plaza San-Martin feature buildings with beautiful arcades, resembling Piazza San-Marco in Venice or place des Vosges in Paris, great for taking unhurried walks or finding shelter on bad weather days. The equestrian statue of the Argentinian General José de San Martín, known as "El Libertador" ("The Liberator") in Peru, is one of the city's historical landmarks. Facing Hotel Bolivar, on the right, there is a pedestrian street Jiron de la Unión, the main shopping thoroughfare of downtown LIma, lined with mostly budget stores. Walking up Jiron de la Unión you will get to the main plaza of the city, Plaza de Armas (rechristened Plaza Mayor now), crossing on your way such worthy landmarks as the amazing Iglesia de La Merced, completed in the richly ornate Churrigueresque style in 1765, and Casa Courret (the elegant 1906 Art Nouveau building), both on your right.

RGSOUNDFRGSOUNDF

Plaza San Martín is a true hidden gem in the vibrant city of Lima. Tucked away amidst the bustling streets of the historic center, this plaza is a soothing retreat that transports you to a different world. The well-manicured gardens, tall palm trees, and blooming flowers make this plaza a visual delight. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely walk or a relaxing break in the midst of your urban exploration. The equestrian statue of General José de San Martín at the heart of the plaza is a majestic piece of art that pays homage to Peru's history and adds a touch of grandeur to the setting. One of the best things about Plaza San Martín is its central location. It's within walking distance of many major landmarks, museums, and shops, making it the perfect starting point for your Lima adventure. Plus, the convenient access to public transportation ensures that you can easily reach other parts of the city from here. I was fortunate to stumble upon a local cultural event during my visit, and it was a wonderful surprise. The plaza buzzed with life, and the mix of locals and tourists created a vibrant, communal atmosphere. It's a testament to the lively spirit of Lima. Whether you're a traveler seeking a slice of history or a resident looking for a serene escape in the heart of Lima, Plaza San Martín is a must-visit. It's a picturesque oasis that offers respite from the city's energy and an opportunity to immerse yourself in Peruvian culture. Don't miss this extraordinary gem in the heart of Lima; it's an experience you won't forget!

Elias Chelala (Chewy)Elias Chelala (Chewy)

Beautiful place with small restaurants around the Plaza - there is a shopping street that leads to the Plaza de Armas which is very nice to walk by and even more restaurants and small cafes you can enjoy a bite in. We tried to come from San Isidro by Uber but had one cancellation after the other so we took a normal Taxi for 12 soles. I prefer to come in the morning and explore in daylight and with more safety feeling - I visited around 6pm for the first time and it was really crowded and didn't feel very safe. Also there are less people in general amd the shopping street and plazas won't get overcrowded.

Alice ZymelkaAlice Zymelka

Nice park, there's a big police presence due to protests that happened in the last few years. This area was safe during the day and a beautiful park. Interestingly, many of the Buildings are conserved by large companies and only the first floor in them are used. The statue was meant to be modeled like the statue of liberty with fire on it's head. Due to confusion of the artist, similarities between Llama and fire. They accidentally based off the roman lady of liberty and has a Llama on her head.

D WD W

Plaza San Martin is one of the most important and iconic squares in Lima, Peru. It was named after General José de San Martin, a key figure in South America's struggle for independence from Spanish rule. Visiting Plaza San Martin allows you to immerse yourself in Lima's rich history, experience its vibrant culture, and witness the grandeur of its architecture. It's a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the fascinating city of Lima, Peru.

Lima GourmetLima Gourmet

El centro de Lima tiene mucha historia y gran parte de su encanto son las plazas. La plaza San Martín, al igual que La Plaza Mayor (antes Plaza de Armas), es una de las más destacadas y bonitas, rodeada de edificios al estilo europeo con grandes portales. Tiene como símbolo más importante, ubicada en el centro de la plaza, la estatua del General José de San Martín montado sobre su caballo, quien declaró la independencia del Perú en 1821. Allí se han pronunciado grandes discursos políticos en las tantas jornadas electorales republicanas, que ahora se perennizan en el acervo histórico de nuestra patria. En el día a día se puede observar que la plaza es muy concurrida y concentra a público de todo tipo, nacionales y extranjeros. Se puede encontrar gente vendiendo de manera ambulatoria diversos productos, de igual forma grupos variopintos que debaten sobre temas de coyuntura, que recaban firmas, que "intentan" resolver los problemas del país, colectivos cristianos que predican el evangelio, y otros que tratan de manera desapercibida hacer algún contacto personal o afectivo. Como dice el dicho popular se encuentra "de todo como en botica". Pero al margen de todo se aprecia la imagen del Perú actual, llena de contrastes, de carencias pero al mismo tiempo de esperanzas. Altamente recomendable.

Ronald NoronhaRonald Noronha

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Address

Av. Nicolás de Piérola cdra. 9, Lima 15001, Peru

Map

Overview

4.3

(17.1K reviews)

outdoor

family friendly

Description

The Plaza San Martín is one of the most representative public spaces of the city of Lima, Peru. It is located at the ninth block of Colmena avenue, within the Historic Centre of Lima which was declared a World Heritage Site in 1988 by UNESCO.

The 4-star rating is due to several factors. First, the plaza is a rather newer addition to the City of Kings whose history approaching a six hundred years mark; Plaza San-Martin was opened 98 years ago, in 1921, the hundred-year, centenary, anniversary of Peru's independence from Spain. Unlike other areas in the historical center of Lima, there are no colonial buildings with its carved Moorish balconies or hundreds of years old churches. Moreover, Plaza San Martin has definitely seen its better days, the best example of which is Hotel Bolivar, opened in 1924, where Hollywood celebrities used to socialize 60 or 70 years ago. As generally the historical center of Lima became less and less habitable, 95% of all city visitors would stay in Miraflores, Barranco or, to a lesser degree, in San-Isidro. And even though there are some restaurants around the plaza, the prevailing trend are the touristy chain outlets, such as Pizza Hut or KFC, for visiting which one doesn't have to travel thousands of miles. Also, the inevitable sense of decay is heightened by the charred remains of the historical four-story Giacoletti building (built in approximately 1912), across the street (Avenida Nicolás de Piérola) from Hotel Bolivar, that burned down in October 2018 and still (June 2019) remaining in the same condition. Still, the east and north sides of Plaza San-Martin feature buildings with beautiful arcades, resembling Piazza San-Marco in Venice or place des Vosges in Paris, great for taking unhurried walks or finding shelter on bad weather days. The equestrian statue of the Argentinian General José de San Martín, known as "El Libertador" ("The Liberator") in Peru, is one of the city's historical landmarks. Facing Hotel Bolivar, on the right, there is a pedestrian street Jiron de la Unión, the main shopping thoroughfare of downtown LIma, lined with mostly budget stores. Walking up Jiron de la Unión you will get to the main plaza of the city, Plaza de Armas (rechristened Plaza Mayor now), crossing on your way such worthy landmarks as the amazing Iglesia de La Merced, completed in the richly ornate Churrigueresque style in 1765, and Casa Courret (the elegant 1906 Art Nouveau building), both on your right.

RGSOUNDFRGSOUNDF

Plaza San Martín is a true hidden gem in the vibrant city of Lima. Tucked away amidst the bustling streets of the historic center, this plaza is a soothing retreat that transports you to a different world. The well-manicured gardens, tall palm trees, and blooming flowers make this plaza a visual delight. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely walk or a relaxing break in the midst of your urban exploration. The equestrian statue of General José de San Martín at the heart of the plaza is a majestic piece of art that pays homage to Peru's history and adds a touch of grandeur to the setting. One of the best things about Plaza San Martín is its central location. It's within walking distance of many major landmarks, museums, and shops, making it the perfect starting point for your Lima adventure. Plus, the convenient access to public transportation ensures that you can easily reach other parts of the city from here. I was fortunate to stumble upon a local cultural event during my visit, and it was a wonderful surprise. The plaza buzzed with life, and the mix of locals and tourists created a vibrant, communal atmosphere. It's a testament to the lively spirit of Lima. Whether you're a traveler seeking a slice of history or a resident looking for a serene escape in the heart of Lima, Plaza San Martín is a must-visit. It's a picturesque oasis that offers respite from the city's energy and an opportunity to immerse yourself in Peruvian culture. Don't miss this extraordinary gem in the heart of Lima; it's an experience you won't forget!

Elias Chelala (Chewy)Elias Chelala (Chewy)

Beautiful place with small restaurants around the Plaza - there is a shopping street that leads to the Plaza de Armas which is very nice to walk by and even more restaurants and small cafes you can enjoy a bite in. We tried to come from San Isidro by Uber but had one cancellation after the other so we took a normal Taxi for 12 soles. I prefer to come in the morning and explore in daylight and with more safety feeling - I visited around 6pm for the first time and it was really crowded and didn't feel very safe. Also there are less people in general amd the shopping street and plazas won't get overcrowded.

Alice ZymelkaAlice Zymelka

Nice park, there's a big police presence due to protests that happened in the last few years. This area was safe during the day and a beautiful park. Interestingly, many of the Buildings are conserved by large companies and only the first floor in them are used. The statue was meant to be modeled like the statue of liberty with fire on it's head. Due to confusion of the artist, similarities between Llama and fire. They accidentally based off the roman lady of liberty and has a Llama on her head.

D WD W

Plaza San Martin is one of the most important and iconic squares in Lima, Peru. It was named after General José de San Martin, a key figure in South America's struggle for independence from Spanish rule. Visiting Plaza San Martin allows you to immerse yourself in Lima's rich history, experience its vibrant culture, and witness the grandeur of its architecture. It's a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the fascinating city of Lima, Peru.

Lima GourmetLima Gourmet

El centro de Lima tiene mucha historia y gran parte de su encanto son las plazas. La plaza San Martín, al igual que La Plaza Mayor (antes Plaza de Armas), es una de las más destacadas y bonitas, rodeada de edificios al estilo europeo con grandes portales. Tiene como símbolo más importante, ubicada en el centro de la plaza, la estatua del General José de San Martín montado sobre su caballo, quien declaró la independencia del Perú en 1821. Allí se han pronunciado grandes discursos políticos en las tantas jornadas electorales republicanas, que ahora se perennizan en el acervo histórico de nuestra patria. En el día a día se puede observar que la plaza es muy concurrida y concentra a público de todo tipo, nacionales y extranjeros. Se puede encontrar gente vendiendo de manera ambulatoria diversos productos, de igual forma grupos variopintos que debaten sobre temas de coyuntura, que recaban firmas, que "intentan" resolver los problemas del país, colectivos cristianos que predican el evangelio, y otros que tratan de manera desapercibida hacer algún contacto personal o afectivo. Como dice el dicho popular se encuentra "de todo como en botica". Pero al margen de todo se aprecia la imagen del Perú actual, llena de contrastes, de carencias pero al mismo tiempo de esperanzas. Altamente recomendable.

Ronald NoronhaRonald Noronha

Plaza San Martín

Plan your stay

Pet-friendly Hotels in Lima Metropolitan Area

Affordable Hotels in Lima Metropolitan Area

The Coolest Hotels You Haven't Heard Of (Yet)

Trending Stays Worth the Hype in Lima Metropolitan Area

Posts

Nearby Attractions Of Plaza San Martín

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Parque Universitario

Teatro Municipal de Lima

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Norky's

Piano Bar Munich

RESTAURANTE CORDANO

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