Things to do in Quito

Activities, attractions and tours

A cityscape with a prominent hill in the background.
A cobblestone street lined with buildings, a group of people walking, and a mountain in the background.
A courtyard with a central fountain, white arches, and a domed building in the background.
A modern building with a sports bar and restaurant named 'Ploit'.
A densely packed hillside town with colorful buildings and a prominent red and white structure in the background.

Things to do

Quilotoa Lagoon

Quilotoa, Culture and Hiking from Quito !!!! ALL DAYS !!! BY ECUADORTREASURE

€54
per adult
Quilotoa, Culture and Hiking from Quito !!!! ALL DAYS !!! BY ECUADORTREASURE
Night Tour in Quito with free time at La Ronda Street

Night Tour in Quito with free time at Old Town

€13
per adult
Night Tour in Quito with free time at Old Town
Quito: Middle of the World, Intiñan Museum, Cable Car, Craft Market

Quito: Middle of the World, Intiñan Museum, Cable Car, Artisan Market

€57
per adult
Quito: Middle of the World, Intiñan Museum, Cable Car, Artisan Market
Otavalo Shopping

Full-Day Otavalo and Cotacachi Market Tour

€65
per adult
Full-Day Otavalo and Cotacachi Market Tour
Full-Day Tour to Quilotoa Lagoon From Quito with Lunch

Full-Day Tour to Quilotoa Lagoon From Quito with Lunch

€63
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Full-Day Tour to Quilotoa Lagoon From Quito with Lunch
Full Day Hike and Bike Experience Cotopaxi Volcano with Lunch

Full Day Hike and Bike Experience Cotopaxi Volcano with Lunch

€69
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Full Day Hike and Bike Experience Cotopaxi Volcano with Lunch
Cotopaxi Hike and Bike

Cotopaxi Hike and Bike

€70
per adult
Cotopaxi Hike and Bike
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Top places to visit

1. Monument to the Equator

While Quito may not be unique in its position on the equator, the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) Monument made it the most famous example of a city in two hemispheres. The monument is built on the historic site where a French explorer calculated the line of the equator in 1736. Visit the 98-foot (30-meter) monument and stand with one foot in each half of the world.
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A monument with a spherical top, surrounded by a circular garden with a star-shaped design, and a mountainous backdrop.

2. Catedral Metropolitana de Quito

Find a historical site rich with religious, political and artistic heritage at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito (Catedral Metropolitana de Quito), one of the oldest churches in South America. This 16th-century cathedral features an eclectic mix of architectural styles, from Gothic-Mudéjar (Moorish) to Baroque and neoclassical. Stroll through the historic cathedral to see its ornate naves, chapels, golden high altar and celebrated paintings from the Quito School of Art.
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An ornate church interior with rows of pews, a large organ, and intricate ceiling artwork.

3. Foch Square

Experience the wide-ranging and energetic nightlife of Quito amid the bright lights of the vivacious Plaza Foch (Foch Square). Once a rundown intersection in the Mariscal district, today this entertainment square is the beating heart of Quito’s nightlife scene. It’s where locals and tourists alike come to eat, drink, dance and mingle in the bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Plaza Foch is also the setting for live music events and a weekly artisan market.
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A colorful building with vibrant murals and a sign reading "La Carniceria".

4. La Mariscal Craft Market

Peruse intriguing handicrafts and see artisans at work while you browse the stalls of the Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal (La Mariscal Craft Market). Shop for anything from clothing and jewelry to art, children’s toys and textiles. Over 100 stall holders ply their trade in the animated Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal, one of Quito’s best markets for crafts and souvenirs.
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A shop with a variety of black and white pottery and decorative items on display.

5. Independence Square

Independence Square (Plaza de la Independencia, also known as Plaza Grande) is the civic heart of historic Quito. Flanked by historic sites such as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito, Carondelet Palace (the presidential palace), the Municipal Palace and the Archbishop’s Palace, the square is the perfect base from which to visit all the sites of Quito Old Town.
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A monument with a statue, surrounded by buildings and palm trees.

What to do in Quito

Stay near popular Quito attractions

A monument with a spherical top, surrounded by a circular garden with a star-shaped design, and a mountainous backdrop.

Monument to the Equator

9.2/10 (800 reviews)
Stand at the precise spot where the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet at this 30-meter monument. Inside, explore Ecuador's indigenous cultures through the Ethnographic Museum's immersive exhibits.
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Where to stay in Quito

Find the best Quito areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A colorful building with vibrant murals and a sign reading "La Carniceria".

La Mariscal

La Mariscal is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Foch Square and La Mariscal Craft Market while in the area.

A cityscape with historic buildings, a prominent cathedral, and a dome structure.
Photo by Sarah Mack
Open Photo by Sarah Mack

Centro Histórico

While you're in Centro Histórico, take in top sights like Calle La Ronda and jump on the metro at San Francisco Station to see more of the city.

A cityscape with a large park in the center, surrounded by buildings and roads.

La Carolina

Travellers choose La Carolina for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Carolina Station or Iñaquito Station and check out top sights like El Jardin Mall.

A historic church with a large dome and bell towers, surrounded by lush greenery and residential buildings.

Guapulo

Guapulo is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Sanctuary of El Guápulo and Statue of Francisco de Orellana.

A cityscape with a prominent cathedral, lush green hills, and a clear blue sky.
Photo by Diagnosis Wanderlust
Open Photo by Diagnosis Wanderlust

Bellavista

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Bellavista. You might want to make time for a stop at Atahualpa Olympic Stadium or Guangüiltagua Metropolitan Park.

Frequently asked questions

Is Quito worth visiting?
Providing a blend of culture and nature, there are plenty of things to do in Quito. While you're here, check out TelefériQo Base Station, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Quito?
Start your adventures with a visit to Calle La Ronda and Carondelet Palace. Then, tour different parts of Quito for a bite to eat and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Quito?
The top tourist attraction in Quito is TelefériQo Base Station, so make sure to put it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Quito?
Three days in Quito is more than enough to visit the city's leading attractions. Many travellers stay for two days on average. TelefériQo Base Station, Calle La Ronda and Carondelet Palace are among the most popular sights. Like to see more? Hang around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots like Tababela.
Is Quito a walkable city?
Some top sights in Quito, including TelefériQo Base Station and Calle La Ronda, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.64 kilometres from the city centre of Quito is La Carolina and Centro Histórico is 5 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Quito with kids?
Deciding what to do in Quito with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're taking a trip with little ones or teenagers, there are lots of family-friendly attractions to keep them entertained here.
What to do in Quito for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or outdoor explorer, there are plenty of things to do in Quito for adults including Parque Bicentenario and Government Platform for Social Development.
Are there free things to do in Quito?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Quito. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Calle La Ronda is a must for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing adventures.

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