Centro Histórico (Old Town)

Quito, Ecuador

The UNESCO-listed colonial core of gilded churches, monasteries and grand plazas around Plaza Grande — the finest in the Americas. The city's magnificent…

Explore Quito

Quito — current status

Open. (Status checked 2026-08-30.)

Quito — TL;DR

Quito sits at 2,850 metres in a long Andean valley beneath the volcano Pichincha, and it holds one of the best-preserved and most beautiful colonial centres in the Americas — a UNESCO-listed old town of gilded churches, cobbled lanes and grand plazas.

Quito at a glance

What are the best things to do in Quito? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Quito trip feel like more than a checklist.
How many days do you need in Quito? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Quito — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a nearby…
When is the best time to visit Quito? June to September (the dry season) for the clearest weather.
Where should I stay in Quito for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport.
How do you get around Quito? The old town is walkable but steep and high — take the altitude slowly.

Quito overview

June to September (the dry season) for the clearest weather. The wet season (October–May) brings afternoon showers but green landscapes. The altitude keeps it spring-like year-round — take it easy on arrival and pack layers.
The old town is walkable but steep and high — take the altitude slowly. The new Metro line, the Ecovía/Trole bus lines and cheap taxis (or Uber) cover the long, narrow city. The TelefériQo cable car climbs Pichincha for volcano views.
US Dollar ($)
Spanish. English is limited outside tourism.
ECT (UTC-5)
A rising modern-Ecuadorian dining scene drawing on Amazonian and highland ingredients; a serious specialty-coffee culture (Ecuador grows fine beans); the restored La Ronda street reviving old-town nightlife; and boutique heritage hotels in colonial mansions.

Where to eat, drink & do in Quito

Quito neighborhoods

Centro Histórico (Old Town) The UNESCO-listed colonial core of gilded churches, monasteries and grand plazas around Plaza Grande — the finest in the Americas. The city's magnificent heart.
La Mariscal The 'Gringolandia' backpacker and nightlife district, of hostels, bars and the Mariscal craft market, lively but rougher after dark. The budget-traveller hub.
La Floresta A leafy, bohemian district of cafés, independent cinemas, galleries and the city's best modern restaurants. Quito's creative, hip quarter.
La Ronda A restored, lantern-lit colonial street of courtyards, art galleries, traditional restaurants and canelazo (hot spiced-alcohol) bars. Enchanting after dark.
Guápulo A steep, artsy hillside neighbourhood tumbling into a valley below the city, with a beautiful church and bohemian bars with views. A hidden, romantic pocket.

Practical info for Quito

Getting around in Quito? The old town is walkable but steep and high — take the altitude slowly. The new Metro line, the Ecovía/Trole bus lines and cheap taxis (or Uber) cover the long, narrow city. The TelefériQo cable car climbs Pichincha for volcano views.
When to go in Quito? June to September (the dry season) for the clearest weather. The wet season (October–May) brings afternoon showers but green landscapes. The altitude keeps it spring-like year-round — take it easy on arrival and pack layers.
What's changing now in Quito? A rising modern-Ecuadorian dining scene drawing on Amazonian and highland ingredients; a serious specialty-coffee culture (Ecuador grows fine beans); the restored La Ronda street reviving old-town nightlife; and boutique heritage hotels in
Seek out El Panecillo & the Virgin in Quito? The hill topped by a giant winged Virgin statue gives a 360-degree view over the whole valley and old town (go by taxi for safety). The best overview of Quito.
Base yourself in Centro Histórico (Old Town) in Quito? The UNESCO-listed colonial core of gilded churches, monasteries and grand plazas around Plaza Grande — the finest in the Americas. The city's magnificent heart. Known for colonial architecture, churches, plazas.

Frequently asked questions about Quito

What are the best things to do in Quito? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Quito trip feel like more than a checklist. Book any high-demand entries in advance, keep evenings loose for a proper dinner, and leave at least one afternoon completely unplanned for the small discoveries Quito tends to reward.
How many days do you need in Quito? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Quito — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a nearby day-trip or a slow morning. Extend to five or six days if you plan to combine the city with the surrounding region.
When is the best time to visit Quito? June to September (the dry season) for the clearest weather. The wet season (October–May) brings afternoon showers but green landscapes. The altitude keeps it spring-like year-round — take it easy on arrival and pack layers.
Where should I stay in Quito for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport. Avoid staying next to the main transit hubs unless convenience trumps atmosphere for your trip.
How do you get around Quito? The old town is walkable but steep and high — take the altitude slowly. The new Metro line, the Ecovía/Trole bus lines and cheap taxis (or Uber) cover the long, narrow city. The TelefériQo cable car climbs Pichincha for volcano views.

Practical notes for Quito

Best time to visit: June to September (the dry season) for the clearest weather. The wet season (October–May) brings afternoon showers but green landscapes. The altitude keeps it spring-like year-round — take it easy on arrival and pack layers.
Getting around: The old town is walkable but steep and high — take the altitude slowly. The new Metro line, the Ecovía/Trole bus lines and cheap taxis (or Uber) cover the long, narrow city. The TelefériQo cable car climbs Pichincha for volcano views.
Currency: US Dollar ($)
Language: Spanish. English is limited outside tourism.
Timezone: ECT (UTC-5)
Current trends: A rising modern-Ecuadorian dining scene drawing on Amazonian and highland ingredients; a serious specialty-coffee culture (Ecuador grows fine beans); the restored La Ronda street reviving old-town nightlife; and boutique heritage hotels in colonial mansions.

Other neighborhoods in Quito

La Mariscal — The 'Gringolandia' backpacker and nightlife district, of hostels, bars and the Mariscal craft market, lively but rougher after dark. The budget-traveller hub.
La Floresta — A leafy, bohemian district of cafés, independent cinemas, galleries and the city's best modern restaurants. Quito's creative, hip quarter.
La Ronda — A restored, lantern-lit colonial street of courtyards, art galleries, traditional restaurants and canelazo (hot spiced-alcohol) bars. Enchanting after dark.
Guápulo — A steep, artsy hillside neighbourhood tumbling into a valley below the city, with a beautiful church and bohemian bars with views. A hidden, romantic pocket.

Read the full Quito guide