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 · 6.5km from downtown
Carondelet Palace
Carondelet Palace, also known as the Carondelet Palace, is the seat of government in Ecuador, formerly the royal palace during the Spanish colonial period. Carondelet Palace’s facade stretching along the square is quite striking. A row of small shops with triangular pediments on the ground floor have been rented out for business since the colonial era, and souvenir shops still occupy them today. Climbing the steps, there is a colonnade supported by Doric columns, and the top-floor balcony faces the Independence Monument in the center of the square, where the president stands to greet the public during national celebrations. Inside, visitors can see portraits of past presidents and works by local artists in the Yellow Hall. The North Wing Banquet Hall sets the tone for state occasions with its precious wood floors, ceilings, and sets of antique furniture.Quito · 6.6km from downtown
Middle of the World
Middle of the World stands in the San Antonio area, and locals call it "Mitad del Mundo," meaning "Middle of the World". The country name "Ecuador" in Spanish literally means "equator". In 1736, the French Academy of Sciences sent a geodetic surveying team here to measure the meridian arc and calculate the Earth's shape. To commemorate that scientific expedition, Ecuador erected an old monument approx. 10m high in 1936. The old monument was later moved intact to the town of Calacalí a few kilometers away. The 30m-tall pyramidal monument you see today was built in 1982, following the old monument's design but on a much larger scale. The monument's structure is iron and concrete, clad in cut and polished andesite. Its four faces are aligned with east, south, west, and north, each marked with the corresponding Spanish letter for the direction and inscriptions honoring the French and Spanish scientists of the expedition. Atop the monument sits a metal globe approx. 4.5m in diameter, with the continents shown in relief and a metal band encircling it at the equator. The globe's axis is aligned with the Earth's axis. Inside the monument is a small ethnographic museum displaying the traditional dress and daily life of Ecuador's various ethnic groups. An elevator takes visitors up to an observation deck on the monument's top, offering views of the whole site and the distant Andean valley. Busts of the expedition's scientists line both sides of the avenue from the entrance to the monument. A yellow marker line runs straight from the center of the front steps across the plaza, dividing the ground into two — standing with one foot on each side to take a photo with one foot in the northern hemisphere and one in the southern is a common activity here. Around the spring and fall equinoxes, at noon the sun is nearly overhead and shadows almost disappear. On weekends the plaza often features music and dance performances. Interestingly, modern GPS measurements show that the true equator is actually a little over 200m north of the marker, so the line is more symbolic.Quito · 19.9km from downtown
Basílica del Voto Nacional
Basílica del Voto Nacional is located on the north side of Quito Old Town and is one of the largest Neo-Gothic churches in the Americas. It originated from the "National Vow" of 1883, when Ecuador consecrated the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Construction began in 1892, and after approx. a century, it was consecrated in 1988. Its twin towers are 115 m high and can be seen by looking up from many streets in the old town. The details of this basilica that are particularly worth noting are hidden on the walls and towers: the gargoyles commonly used in European Gothic churches have been replaced here by native Ecuadorian animals such as armadillos, pumas, iguanas, sea turtles, and blue-footed boobies, and a sculpture of the Andean condor, a national symbol, stands atop the tower. The crypt also houses the National Pantheon of Ecuador, where several former leaders are laid to rest. Climbing the tower is the highlight of a visit here: follow the stairs all the way up, first crossing the wooden bridge suspended above the nave, then continuing through the bell tower to the Condor Tower, where you can take in the panoramic view of the old town's rolling red-tiled roofs, the statue of the Virgin on El Panecillo hill, and the distant Pichincha Volcano. The second half of the climb consists mainly of steep stairs and wooden ladders. Visitors with a fear of heights should assess their own abilities, as stopping at the bell tower also offers a wide, open view.Quito · 5.8km 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 · 6.9km 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 · 1.9km from downtown
Parque El Ejido
Parque El Ejido is located in the heart of Quito and is a vibrant public green space in the city. It serves as a place for locals to relax and is also an important destination for visitors to experience the culture and pace of life in Quito. The park features an open environment with tree-lined areas, interwoven lawns, and paths, providing an ideal space for walking, jogging, or simply relaxing. It frequently hosts art exhibitions, street performances, concerts, and craft markets, allowing visitors to enjoy the creations of local artists and the charm of folk culture while taking a leisurely stroll. The area around the park is also home to many cafes and restaurants serving authentic Ecuadorian cuisine, allowing visitors to enjoy a culinary experience while exploring. The charm of Parque El Ejido lies not only in its natural views but also in the urban atmosphere it offers. You can see locals relaxing on the lawns and feel the warmth and friendliness of the people of Quito.Quito · 4.7km from downtown
Parque Bicentenario
Parque Bicentenario is located in the north of Quito, Ecuador, and is a 125-hectare public green space created to commemorate a centennial and serve as a major recreational oasis for the city. As one of the larger urban green spaces in Quito, the park offers residents and visitors a place for relaxation, jogging, family picnics, and various cultural activities, featuring vast lawns, walking paths around the lake, and eco-friendly design. The park's more sustainable design is reflected in its rainwater harvesting system, ecological wetlands, and extensive use of native plants, which both beautify the environment and enhance biodiversity, making it an ideal spot for urban residents to enjoy leisure time near the city. With its unique geographical and cultural positioning, Parque Bicentenario has become an important urban space that connects historical memory with modern life, continuing to serve the health, educational, and cultural needs of city residents.Quito · 5km from downtown
Independence Square
Independence Square is the heart of Quito. Surrounding this square, which is square in layout, are buildings that feature the artistic characteristics of the late Italian Renaissance. Most of these buildings are two stories high and feature stone doors with intricately carved patterns. The cathedral at the south end of the square was begun in 1550 and completed in the 18th century. With its green-tiled dome and portico supported by gray-white columns, it is a blend of Arab, Persian, and Moorish architectural styles. The exterior walls bear the names of the founders of Quito inlaid in gold leaf, and the tomb of General Sucre is located in the courtyard. Opposite the church is the Archbishop's Palace, and in the northwest corner of the square stands the magnificent Government Palace of Peru.Quito · 6.6km from downtown
Virgin of the Panecillo
The Virgin of the Panecillo is an eye-catching landmark statue located atop the Panecillo hill in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Standing approx. 45m tall, the statue was designed by Spanish artist Agustín de la Espinar and completed in 1975. Constructed from aluminum panels, the statue depicts the Virgin Mary holding a rose, standing on a cake-shaped hill. It portrays her standing on the globe, with a snake beneath her feet, symbolizing the triumph over evil. The design was inspired by a 16th-century painting from Quito and is unique for its wings, a rare feature for a statue of the Virgin Mary. We recommend visiting during the day. Due to the high altitude, we suggest bringing sunscreen and water to prevent altitude sickness. The Virgin of the Panecillo is not only a religious and cultural symbol but also an ideal spot to enjoy views of Quito.Quito · 7.8km from downtown
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What travellers say about Quito
zhulei83123019 October 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
小凌6019 October 2020
3.0
The building of the Presidential Palace itself is quite ordinary, not tall and magnificent, but this place is indeed a symbol of independence and politics for the entire country, so many people come here to check in, and it is decorated quite well.
Carondelet Palace
翱翔的大鲨鱼5 March 2020
4.0
This is a popular tourist attraction in the southern suburbs of Quito. The so-called equator is the zero degree meridian. It is the boundary between the northern and southern hemispheres. There is a small museum here that you can visit. The nearby attractions are also good.
Middle of the World
韭娄11 April 2020
4.0
The National Vow Church is called "Basilica" by the locals. It is 151 meters tall and can be seen from any side of the city. It is indeed tall enough. Inside, it is very simple and there are not many things. There is an additional fee to climb to the top, which is not expensive. We were tired and did not go up. Other churches in Quito are much more luxurious than this one.
Basílica del Voto Nacional
乖小咪19 August 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***1427 September 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
