Plaza de Armas / Historic Center

The safest, most tourist-heavy area in Cusco with police everywhere and English spoken in every restaurant. You'll pay double for everything but get maximum security and convenience.

Everything in Cusco happens around Plaza de Armas - tourists photographing the cathedral, vendors selling artwork, street performers, pigeons everywhere. The cathedral dominates one side while balcony restaurants line the other three, menu hawkers competing for attention. Police are everywhere, including Tourist Police who speak English and actually help with directions or problems. The square stays busy late with diners on balconies watching the scene below. Every place here speaks English and takes cards, but you're paying tourist prices - often double what you'd pay a few blocks away. Sitting alone in the balcony cafes is normal, you can camp out for hours over coffee watching people. Streets within two blocks stay well-lit and feel safe until around 10pm, then take a taxi. It's touristy and overpriced, but convenient and secure if that's your priority.