Things to do in Quito
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Top 10 attractions in Quito
Quito Old Town
Quito Old Town is the historic core of the capital of Ecuador, situated on a plateau in the Andes at an altitude of 2850 m. It was once a key northern stronghold of the Inca Empire. In the 16th century, the Spanish rebuilt Quito on the ruins of the old city, and most of the churches, monasteries, and plazas built over the following centuries remain today, blending Spanish, Italian, Moorish, and indigenous Andean art to form a unique "Quito Baroque" style. The highlights are highly concentrated within the streets and alleys. The Church and Convent of St. Francis sits on the site of an old Inca palace, its main altar is covered in gold leaf, its courtyards and cloisters unfold in layers, and it houses thousands of colonial-era artworks, marking the birthplace of the Quito School of art. The Baroque facade of the Church of the Society of Jesus is carved from volcanic rock, and its interior is extensively gilded, earning it the name "the Golden Church." For a panoramic view, you can climb El Panecillo hill next to the old town, where red-tiled roofs and church spires undulate across the valley, and on clear days, you can even see snow-capped volcanoes in the distance. The old town is at a high altitude, and the cobblestone streets are uneven, so first-time visitors should slow down and take their time to admire the carved doors, windows, and old balconies along the streets.Quito · 6.5 km from downtown
Basilica and Convent of San Francisco
San Francisco Church is a historic religious building that was built in the 16th century. As one of the older churches in Quito, it is a model of Spanish colonial architecture, combining Baroque and Moorish styles. The exterior is a pure white giant tower, and the interior is ornately decorated with exquisite carvings, attracting many tourists and believers. The front of the church is built of stone and is magnificent. After entering the church, visitors can enjoy exquisite altars and rich religious art works. San Francisco Church is not only a religious site, but also part of Quito's Historic Center and is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Tourists can visit the church freely inside and outside. It is recommended to leave enough time to appreciate its architectural details and artistic treasures. There are many cafes and small shops around the church, where tourists can enjoy local food or buy souvenirs after the visit. San Francisco Church is located in the center of Quito, with convenient public transportation and other major attractions within walking distance. It is recommended to dress appropriately when visiting to respect the atmosphere of religious places.Quito · 6.9 km from downtown
Parque La Carolina
Located in the heart of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, Carolina Park is a popular urban green space suitable for all kinds of outdoor activities. The park covers a large area and has many trails suitable for walking, jogging and cycling. For family tourists, there is a dedicated children's play area and an artificial lake in the park, where visitors can rent boats and enjoy the fun of water activities. The park also has several sports venues, including football fields, basketball courts and tennis courts, which attract many sports enthusiasts. On weekends, the park often hosts various cultural activities and markets, providing tourists with a rich entertainment experience. The botanical garden in Carolina Park is another highlight, displaying a variety of local and exotic plants, suitable for plant lovers and photography enthusiasts to visit. The park is easily accessible and there are many bus routes nearby, making it convenient for tourists to go to other attractions in Quito.Quito · 1.9 km from downtown
Independence Square
Independencia Square is the center of Quito City. Around this square square, there are buildings full of artistic features of the late Italian Renaissance. Most of these buildings are two storeys with stone gates intricately carved. The Catholic Church at the southern end of the square, built in 1550 and completed in the 18th century, has a green tile dome and a gray and white column supporting the porch. It is a mixture of Arabic, Persian and Moorish architectural styles. The name of the founder of Quito City is inlaid with gold leaves on the outer wall, and there is the tomb of General Sucre in the courtyard. Opposite the church is the main palace, and the northwest corner of the square is the majestic government palace.Quito · 6.6 km from downtown
Calle La Ronda
Located in the historic center of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, Ronda Street is a vibrant and cultural street that attracts many tourists. As one of the older streets in Quito, Ronda Street is famous for its narrow cobblestone pavement and colorful colonial buildings. Walking along this street, visitors can admire well-preserved historical buildings and feel the strong traditional atmosphere. Ronda Street is famous for its rich cultural activities and handicraft shops. Visitors can find works by local artists here, including paintings, sculptures and traditional handicrafts, making it an ideal place to buy souvenirs. There are also many restaurants and cafes on both sides of the street, serving authentic Ecuadorian food and drinks, where visitors can taste local specialties. At night, Ronda Street becomes more lively, and street music and performances provide tourists with a rich nightlife experience. Visitors are advised to go there in the evening to enjoy the cultural atmosphere during the day and experience the vitality at night.Quito · 7.1 km from downtown
San Francisco Plaza
The Plaza de San Francisco is located in the historic center of Quito, the capital of Ecuador. It is one of the city's older and more representative public spaces.It is surrounded by colonial buildings, among which the most famous are the Church and Monastery of San Francisco, which were built in the 16th century and are examples of Spanish colonial architecture.The square's cobblestone pavement and ancient fountains add to its historical atmosphere, making visitors feel as if they were in Quito centuries ago. The Church of San Francisco is famous for its exquisite Baroque decoration and rich art collection, and the golden altar and intricate carvings inside are breathtaking. There is also a museum in the monastery that displays religious artworks and historical artifacts, providing visitors with an in-depth understanding of local history and culture.Whether exploring historical buildings or experiencing local culture, Plaza San Francisco is an unmissable destination that provides visitors with rich visual and cultural enjoyment.Quito · 6.9 km from downtown
Plaza Foch
Plaza Foch is a square in the center of Quito. There are many bars and restaurants around the square. From the evening, it becomes lively with music, laughter and the noise of the crowd. It is a popular place for young people and travelers to gather. Various activities and performances are often held in the square, such as concerts, street art performances, etc.Quito · 3.6 km from downtown
Parque Seminario
Parque Seminariosits across the street from the neo-Gothic Guayaquil Metropolitan Cathedral. Its official name is Seminario Park, but locals prefer to call it "Iguana Park." It was formerly a colonial-era Plaza de Armas. In the late 19th century, it was renovated into a French-style garden with funding from the Seminario family. The iron fences, gazebos, benches, and vintage street lamps remain in use today, and an equestrian monument to Bolívar stands in the center. What truly makes this place famous are the hundreds of free-roaming green iguanas: they hang motionless on tree branches to bask in the sun, or simply sprawl out in the middle of the lawn. Accustomed to the crowds, they don't panic or hide even when you approach them. The park also features a pond with a small waterfall, where turtles often climb onto rocks to sunbathe. Although they are docile, human food is not suitable for them, so please refrain from touching or feeding them when observing them up close. After seeing the iguanas, the cathedral across the street and the nearby waterfront promenade are great places to continue your visit.Ecuador · Guayaquil
Malecon 2000
Located in Guayaquil, Ecuador, the Malecon 2000 Riverwalk is a modern urban trail that runs along the Guayas River, blending natural landscapes with urban culture. The trail is approximately 2.5 kilometers long and is beautifully designed for walking, jogging, and cycling. There are several landscaped areas along the way, including gardens, fountains, and sculptures, which provide visitors with a rich visual experience. The trail has several important cultural and historical attractions, making it suitable for family tourists and cultural enthusiasts. There are also many restaurants and cafes on both sides of the trail, serving local cuisine and international dishes, making it an ideal place to relax. Visitors can wear comfortable shoes to walk for long periods of time on the trail. The trail has complete safety facilities and is suitable for visitors of all ages. The scenery during the day and at night is unique, and the light show at night is particularly worth seeing. There are public transportation stops near the trail for easy access.Ecuador · Guayaquil
El Faro de Guayaquil
A beautiful spot to view the city, its buildings andnd the airport. A must see place in Guayaquil, the place is reachable after climbing 444 steps with a little chapel on the hill.Ecuador · Guayaquil
Experiences you can't miss in Quito
Featured Cultural experiences in Quito
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Free things to do in Quito
Quito Old Town
Quito · 6.5 km from downtownBasilica and Convent of San Francisco
Quito · 6.9 km from downtownParque La Carolina
Quito · 1.9 km from downtownIndependence Square
Quito · 6.6 km from downtownCalle La Ronda
Quito · 7.1 km from downtownSan Francisco Plaza
Quito · 6.9 km from downtownPlaza Foch
Quito · 3.6 km from downtownParque Seminario
Ecuador · GuayaquilMalecon 2000
Ecuador · GuayaquilEl Faro de Guayaquil
Ecuador · Guayaquil
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What travellers say about Quito
zhulei831230October 19, 2020
3.0
The old town is pretty good, and the view from the top of a nearby mountain overlooking the entire old town is also very spectacular. It is densely packed with old houses of various colors. The most prominent and spectacular one here is the cathedral, which really gives people a feeling of standing out from the crowd.
Quito Old Town
翱翔的大鲨鱼February 29, 2020
4.0
It is located on one side of the Independence Square in Quito. It is a typical Latin American Baroque-style building. The exterior is very simple and the interior is also very simple. There are many tourists, most of whom are clergy and believers.
Basilica and Convent of San Francisco
乖小咪August 19, 2019
5.0
Carolina Park in Quito is a large natural national park in Ecuador. The scenery here is very magnificent, with endless peaks, long and winding coastline, and majestic valleys, all of which make it the most popular natural attraction in Quito.
Parque La Carolina
_TS***14September 27, 2019
5.0
It's so beautiful, with the ancient Inca and Spanish architecture, it's like entering Europe. The square is very comfortable and leisurely, you can bask in the sun and feed pigeons, and maybe even watch the honor guard performance
Independence Square
小凌60October 19, 2020
3.0
This is not the most popular square in the area, but it is my favorite square because you can overlook the mountains in front and the cathedral. There are also many unknown historical buildings nearby.
San Francisco Plaza
YoYo_1I8Q7O5ODecember 1, 2025
5.0
Walking through the tree fern corridor of the lizard park felt like stepping into the prelude to a Jurassic era. Green iguanas, frozen like emerald sculptures on branches, only stirred with amber eyes when I crushed the fallen leaves. As I counted the seventh chameleon at the observation deck, a small crested lizard suddenly leaped from the overhead vines into the pond, its webbed feet creating ripples reminiscent of Swan Lake. The most delightful surprise was at the feeding area—bearing dragons gently rolled mango slices with their barbed tongues, while children's hands trembled slightly as they held up lettuce leaves, as if performing an ancient ritual. As dusk warmed the red rocks like a fireplace, hundreds of lizards simultaneously turned towards the sunset, the rustling of their scales whispering, "We were survivors of the dinosaur era; now it's your countdown's turn."
Parque Seminario
Eli97January 23, 2023
5.0
A nice place to enjoy with family and friends, I totally recommend going there.
Malecon 2000
MeS~starAugust 12, 2019
4.0
Pleasant walk up the 444 steps in Las Penas and tour the ancient artistic area and enjoy the Ecuador culture from old times to now!
El Faro de Guayaquil
