Plazuela San Francisco
A historic plaza in Lima and Sucre, featuring colonial architecture, religious sites, and vibrant local life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful ambiance
Plazuela San Francisco
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful ambiance
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic plaza in Lima and Sucre, featuring colonial architecture, religious sites, and vibrant local life.
"Explore the historic Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, complete with fascinating catacombs."
☕ Grab a Coffee with a View
Enjoy a coffee and pastry at Ciao Coffee to Go for great plaza views.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Streets
Turn left onto San Alberto street from the plaza to find more local gems.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Religious Complex
Adjacent to the Plazuela
Explore the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, known for its stunning architecture and catacombs. A must-see for history and art enthusiasts.
Charming Cafes with a View
Around the Plazuela
Enjoy a coffee and pastry at one of the charming cafes offering picturesque views of the plaza. Perfect for a relaxing break.
Free University Wi-Fi Hotspots
Within the Plazuela
Students can benefit from free Wi-Fi, making this a convenient spot for studying or staying connected.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Navigating the Plaza and Nearby Attractions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕ Grab a Coffee with a View
Enjoy a coffee and pastry at Ciao Coffee to Go for great plaza views.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Streets
Turn left onto San Alberto street from the plaza to find more local gems.
📚 Free Wi-Fi for Students
Several plazas, including this one, offer free Wi-Fi for university students.
🏛️ Check for Renovation Updates
The plaza may be subject to renovation works; check for current status.
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Grab a Coffee with a View
Enjoy a coffee and pastry at Ciao Coffee to Go for great plaza views.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Streets
Turn left onto San Alberto street from the plaza to find more local gems.
📚 Free Wi-Fi for Students
Several plazas, including this one, offer free Wi-Fi for university students.
🏛️ Check for Renovation Updates
The plaza may be subject to renovation works; check for current status.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Plazuela San Francisco is lauded for its historical significance, particularly the impressive Basilica and Convent with its catacombs. Visitors appreciate the charming cafes offering pleasant views and the vibrant atmosphere of the historic center. However, ongoing renovation works and legal disputes can sometimes impact the visitor experience.
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Jakeline M.・
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Plazuela San Francisco is located in the historic center of Lima, Peru, between Jr. Ancash and Jr. Lampa. It's accessible by public transport or taxi. Many visitors find it convenient to walk from other central attractions.
Yes, in Sucre, it's a well-known landmark. You can use the San Francisco church as a reference point.
The historic center is best explored on foot. For longer distances, taxis or ride-sharing apps are readily available.
Parking in the historic center can be challenging. It's advisable to use public transport or a taxi to avoid parking hassles.
While specific bus routes might vary, the plaza is centrally located in Sucre, making it accessible by local transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Plazuela San Francisco itself is a public square and generally free to enter. However, access to adjacent attractions like the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco may require tickets for tours, especially for the catacombs.
As a public square, Plazuela San Francisco is typically accessible at all hours. However, the hours for the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco and nearby businesses will vary.
Yes, tours of the catacombs at the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco usually have an entrance fee. It's recommended to check current pricing and tour availability.
Renovation works can sometimes restrict access to parts of the plaza or its surroundings. It's wise to check for any advisories or news regarding ongoing projects.
The free Wi-Fi service at Plazuela San Francisco in Sucre is intended for university students and is generally free to use.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the architecture, visit the historic Basilica and Convent of San Francisco (including its catacombs), enjoy coffee at local cafes, and soak in the atmosphere of the historic center.
Guided tours are primarily available for the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, including its famous catacombs. Tours are offered in Spanish and English.
Absolutely! The historic architecture, charming cafes, and vibrant atmosphere make it a fantastic spot for photography, especially during the golden hour.
It's one of the most important religious, cultural, and artistic centers in Peru, renowned for its colonial architecture and extensive catacombs.
Yes, guided tours are available to explore the catacombs, which are a significant historical attraction.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several charming cafes around the plaza offering coffee and pastries, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxing break.
Cafes typically offer coffee, cookies, and light snacks. Ciao Coffee to Go is noted for its fresh coffee and crumble cookies.
While cafes offer a pleasant experience, exploring the surrounding streets of the historic center might reveal more budget-friendly local eateries.
The historic center of Lima has many restaurants offering traditional Peruvian cuisine. You might need to walk a few blocks from the immediate plaza area.
Chocleando, a Mexican food vendor, is located near Plazuela San Francisco in Sucre.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire plaza offers picturesque views, but focus on the colonial architecture of the convent, the charming cafes, and the surrounding historic streets.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour lighting, ideal for capturing the warm tones of the historic buildings. Early mornings are also great for fewer crowds.
Generally, photography in public squares is allowed. However, inside religious buildings like the Basilica and Convent, specific rules might apply, especially regarding flash photography.
Photography policies inside the catacombs can vary. It's best to inquire with your tour guide upon arrival.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is useful for capturing both wide shots of the plaza and details of the architecture. A wide-angle lens is great for the convent's interiors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and allow children more space to explore. The cafes around the plaza offer a good spot for a snack break. In Sucre, the free Wi-Fi could be a bonus for older students in the family.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Don't miss the catacombs for a unique historical perspective. The ongoing discussions and past renovations also add layers to understanding the site's evolution.
☕ Coffee Lovers & Foodies
In Sucre, you can also find unique food vendors like Chocleando nearby, adding a culinary adventure to your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco
One of the most compelling attractions within the complex is its extensive catacombs. These underground burial chambers hold the remains of thousands of individuals and offer a unique, albeit somber, glimpse into the past. Tours are available in both Spanish and English, providing detailed insights into the history and significance of this sacred space.
It's important to note that while the plaza is public, the convent and its catacombs operate on specific hours and typically require an entrance fee for tours. Planning your visit to coincide with tour times can enhance the experience and ensure you don't miss out on exploring these fascinating historical layers.
Renovation and Legal Disputes
This legal battle centers around issues such as the removal of a perimeter fence, which the MML argues is not of historical patrimonial value and hinders free transit. The Franciscan Order, on the other hand, has raised concerns about the heritage status and the impact of the renovations. This ongoing dispute has unfortunately left parts of the plaza in a state of uncertainty and has impacted the planned recovery efforts.
Travelers visiting Plazuela San Francisco should be aware that ongoing works or temporary closures might affect their experience. While the plaza remains a significant historical site, the current situation highlights the complexities of urban heritage management and the balance between public access and preservation.
A Hub for Local Life and Commerce
The plaza also hosts charming cafes, such as Ciao Coffee to Go, offering visitors a pleasant spot to relax, enjoy a coffee, and take in the surroundings. These establishments contribute to the lively atmosphere of the plaza, providing a space for both locals and tourists to gather.
Furthermore, the area around Plazuela San Francisco is a gateway to exploring more of the city's offerings. For instance, in Sucre, one can find vendors like Chocleando offering unique food experiences, and nearby streets lead to further discoveries. This makes the plaza not just a destination, but a starting point for deeper exploration.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit