Best things to do in Quito

Weather in Quito

Quito sits at an altitude of 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level, with temperatures typically ranging from 9°C to 19°C (48°F to 66°F). The city experiences two main seasons: the rainy season (also known as winter) and the dry season. The rainy season dominates most of the year, from October to April, with frequent rain and occasional hailstorms. The dry season increases temperatures from June to September due to longer sunny hours.

How to get to Quito?

The Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito is the main gateway to Ecuador. It is located in the Tababela area, approximately 43 kilometers (27 miles) from Quito’s Historic Center. From the airport, you can reach Quito by public bus, taxi, Uber, or Aeroservicios.

We have over 20 years of experience in tourist transport; we work with professional drivers who know the city well and drive safely. Our drivers are Ecuadorians and will gladly tell you more about our country. Additionally, we have modern, comfortable, and safe vehicles so you can enjoy your trip the best. Quito - Airport: Transfer in and out

For more detailed information, check out this link: How to get from the airport to downtown Quito.

More information about the Transport Quito - Airport: In / Out

Is Quito safe?

Quito is safe and considered a leading destination in South America. Thanks to its majestic historic center, it attracts an increasing number of tourists yearly. Like any city worldwide, Quito is not immune to safety concerns. Therefore, certain areas should be avoided, and precautions should be taken. Check out this link for the safety recommendations for tourists in Quito.

Best time to visit Quito

The best time to visit Quito is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. During this period, there is a lower chance of rain, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the snow-capped peaks and volcanoes. However, the other months of the year, particularly from October to February, are also excellent for exploring the city. Thanks to Quito’s proximity to the Equator, it enjoys sunny days and pleasant temperatures, even if occasional rain showers occur.

Read more: Best time to visit Quito

What to Do in Quito’s Historic Center

Thanks to its invaluable colonial architectural treasures, Quito was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Among its many charms, Quito boasts South America’s largest and best-preserved historic center.

The city offers a range of tourist attractions that are well worth visiting. If your time in Quito is limited, we would recommend that you prioritize these activities and destinations. By including these places in your itinerary, you’ll gain a solid appreciation of the city’s cultural, architectural, artistic, and scenic richness.

Basilica of the National Vow

The Basilica of the National Vow, an emblematic work of Ecuadorian Neo-Gothic architecture compared to St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York and Notre Dame in Paris, began construction in the 19th century. It took more than a hundred years and remains unfinished. According to legends, completing it would cause a cataclysm or the end of Ecuador.

El Panecillo

El Panecillo, a natural elevation of 3,000 meters in the center of Quito, is the city's main viewpoint. It is crowned by the emblematic Winged Virgin, a giant aluminum sculpture and an iconic symbol of Quito, recognized for its architectural and artistic value in Latin America

The Monastery of Santa Clara

The Monastery of Santa Clara Founded in 1596, the Monastery of Santa Clara is one of the most prominent religious monuments in Quito and the second oldest monastery in the city. Home to the Order of the Poor Clares, it is the most significant female cloister in Quito, reflecting a life of seclusion and contemplation.

The Santo Domingo Convent

The Santo Domingo Convent, located in the historic center of Quito, is managed by Dominican friars. Its notable features include the church, its 38.25-meter tower with a clock, and the Chapel of the Virgin of the Rosary, considered a jewel of 18th-century colonial Baroque and Ecuadorian religious architecture.

The Metropolitan Cathedral

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito, also known as the Primada Cathedral, is Ecuador's most important Catholic church and an iconic symbol of the city due to its colonial design. Located in the Plaza de la Independencia, it dates back to the 16th century and is an architectural and cultural treasure of Quito's historic center.

The Church of the Society of Jesus

The Church of the Society of Jesus in Quito is an icon of Latin American Baroque and one of the most beautiful churches in the region. Built between 1605 and 1765 by Jesuits, its interior was finely decorated with 23-karat gold leaf by artists of the Quito School.

The Church and Convent of San Francisco in Quito

The Church and Convent of San Francisco in Quito, built in the 1530s, was the first Franciscan temple in the Royal Audience and the first Catholic church in the city. It is the most significant architectural complex in the historic centers of the Americas, reflecting its historical and monumental importance.

Independence Square

Plaza de la Independencia, also known as Plaza Grande, is the main square of Quito and the heart of its historical heritage. Emerging in colonial times, it is an ideal starting point for exploring the historic center and a key venue for political events and social gatherings in the city.

Explore the Historic Center of Quito

The Historic Center of Quito, the cultural and heritage heart of the city, is one of the largest and best-preserved in Latin America. This makes it well worth a thorough exploration.

Exploring the most significant historic center in South America aboard the city’s only double-decker tour bus is a must-do activity during your visit to Quito.

The Quito City Tour, offered by Quito Tour Bus, invites you to discover the city’s main attractions. Starting from Av. Naciones Unidas, in the financial center north of the town, the tour crosses South America’s most significant historical center and ends at the Guápulo viewpoint.

Quito has several tourist attractions that are well worth visiting. If your stay in the city is limited, we recommend prioritizing these activities and visiting these destinations. We are confident that if you include these places in your schedule, you will get a pretty good idea of the city and its cultural, architectural, artistic, and scenic richness.

Mitad del Mundo

Just an hour from Quito, the Middle of the World pays homage to the French Geodesic Mission of 1736 and highlights the importance of the Equatorial Line, which gave Ecuador its name. This unique site offers a museum, interactive exhibits, and photo opportunities, blending Ecuadorian history, geography, and culture.

Intiñan Museum

The Intiñan Museum, near the Middle of the World, offers unique experiences such as phenomena at latitude 0° and photos on the equatorial line. With archaeological antiquities and guided tours, it explores Ecuadorian traditions and art. You will also visit the Agave House in the Middle of the World Tour.

Casa Agave

The Casa Agave Museum highlights the culture of the Andean agave, reclaiming its heritage and ancestral uses. Explore its history and the "chawarmishky," a sacred elixir known today as Miske, the first beverage with a designation of origin in Ecuador.

Cable car - TelerefiQo

If you want to marvel at the scenic richness of the Andean páramo and enjoy the view of the city of Quito surrounded by mountains, you should take the city cable car. It is considered one of the highest in the world, as at the end of the ascent, you will reach an altitude of 3,945 meters above sea level.

La Capilla del Hombre

The Chapel of Man, created by the famous painter Oswaldo Guayasamín, is a cultural center recognized as a "Priority Project for Culture" by UNESCO and as "Cultural Heritage of the State" in Ecuador. In addition to exhibiting iconic works, it includes the Casa-Taller Museum, which reveals the intimate life of the artist.

Like any other city, Quito has several places worth visiting despite needing to be more widely advertised. While there are many more places than we have here, we offer you some ideas for visiting them.

Quito Botanical Garden

The Quito Botanical Garden is a space dedicated to environmental education and conserving the floristic resources of Ecuador's inter-Andean region. Its many plants showcase the country's immense biodiversity. The Garden also features orchidariums, Quito's first Japanese garden, and recreations of native ecosystems.

The Quito Botanical Garden is located inside La Carolina Park, next to Los Shyris Avenue and Rumipamba Passage. It is open Monday through Friday from 08:00 to 16:45 and on weekends and holidays from 09:00 to 16:45. Quito is a city that offers stunning landscapes and rich colonial history. It is also a cultural destination with a diverse museum collection, from archaeology to contemporary art. If you are a curious traveler looking to connect with the essence of the places you visit, don't miss the opportunity to explore these fascinating museums.

Quito Markets

Visiting city markets is always a great way to get to know and immerse yourself in them. Quito has countless markets to explore, where you can delight in the vibrant colors of an endless variety of fruits and vegetables that will take your breath away. You can enjoy the typical dishes offered there and witness the craftsmanship of local artisans.

Some of the most notable markets in Quito include La Mariscal Artisan Market (selling crafts from all over the country), Iñaquito Market (unparalleled cuisine – don’t miss the famous hornado), Tianguez (market, café, restaurant), Central Market (unique gastronomy), and many others.

Quito has a number of tourist attractions that are well worth a visit. If your time in the city is limited, we recommend prioritizing these activities and visiting these destinations.

Quito offers many lodging options. One of the favorites is the Historic Center, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. In this area, considered the city’s heart, you can enjoy the unmatched colonial architecture of churches, theaters, monasteries, and convents. However, if you prefer a more modern area, you can opt for the region stretching from La Carolina Park to El Ejido Park, where you’ll find many hotels, bars, and restaurants.

This link tells you about the best areas to stay in Quito.

View the interactive map of areas and more details.

Museums in Quito

Quito offers an impressive variety of museums that will transport you through time, from pre-Columbian times to the present, and immerse you in the city’s rich heritage and its evolution. By visiting them, you will discover the blend of cultures that have influenced Quito, from ancient indigenous civilizations to Spanish and colonial influences.

Quito es una ciudad que no solo ofrece paisajes impresionantes y una rica historia colonial, sino que también es un destino cultural con una oferta museística diversa. Desde la arqueología hasta el arte contemporáneo, hay algo para todos los gustos. Si eres un viajero curioso que busca conectar con la esencia de los lugares que visitas, no te pierdas la oportunidad de explorar estos fascinantes museos.

Museums in Quito that we recommend visiting.

The Quito Festivals are much more than just a celebration. They represent a tribute to the rich history, culture, and traditions of the Ecuadorian capital. These festivals blend religious traditions and popular celebrations, and during this time, the city transforms into a space of collective joy, where the past is honored, the present is lived with enthusiasm, and the future is embraced with hope.

Fiestas de Quito

These festivities celebrate the Spanish founding of Quito, a historic event that marked the beginning of the colonial city as we know it today. Although Quito already existed as an indigenous city before the arrival of the Spanish, the official establishment of the city under Spanish rule is commemorated.

The festivals of Quito are celebrated annually on December 6th, a symbolic date in the heart of all Quito residents. The celebrations in the city typically last several days before and after this date, meaning that for more than a week, the city is adorned each year to celebrate its founding festivities.

Learn more about the Quito Festivals.

Experience the Quito night​

Although the temperature can drop considerably at night in the Ecuadorian capital, don’t miss out on exploring the city. If you dress warmly, you can visit the illuminated historic center, a light show that is worth seeing, or head to other areas of the city, such as La Floresta, La Mariscal, or Guápulo.

On Isabel La Católica Street, in the northern part of Quito, in the traditional neighborhood of La Floresta, you can find a variety of bars and restaurants for all tastes, offering national and international cuisine. If you’re drawn to local food, nearby in the La Vicentina neighborhood, you can find the famous “Parque de las Tripas,” where the renowned tripa mishqui is prepared—a delicious and typical dish made with pork intestines that is definitely worth trying. In the heart of the La Floresta neighborhood, you can also find several cafes, restaurants, bars, independent movie theaters, and more.

Another area not to be forgotten is the Whymper sector, which is not far from La Floresta, in the northern part of the city. This is a bustling street that comes alive mainly at night. On Whymper Street, you can find various craft breweries, international restaurants, home decor shops, and more.

Another popular spot to enjoy Quito’s nightlife is the La Mariscal area, where you can find a wide range of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Another great option to visit at night is Guápulo, a bohemian and colorful neighborhood that also offers a variety of cafés, bars, and restaurants. Additionally, it has tourist attractions like the Guápulo viewpoint and church. No matter where you choose to visit in Guápulo, you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the valley.

Lastly, another great option is to take a night tour of Quito and explore the illuminated historic center. And what better way to do it than aboard the city’s only double-decker bus! Enjoy the historic center at night and discover the traditional La Ronda street. You can find all the information about our tour here: Quito at Night.

Night Life

The heart of Quito’s nightlife settled for several years in the La Mariscal area, where many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs could be found. Nightlife has shifted to various parts of the city, such as Whymper Street and the Cumbayá Valley, where many young people gather.

With the arrival of the Quito metro, several cafés and bars within the historic center have also become popular.

Wherever you choose to visit, don’t forget to enjoy a delicious cocktail or a craft beer.

If you’re in the La Mariscal area, visit Plaza Borja Yerovi on Av. Carrión and 9 de Octubre are unmissable spots where several muralists have painted the city’s identity on the houses and walls, giving it charm and color.

Another great option to visit at night is Guápulo, a bohemian and colorful neighborhood with a wide variety of cafés, bars, and restaurants. No matter which spot you choose in Guápulo, you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the valley.

Family vacations should become unforgettable experiences. The interests of parents and children should not conflict, which is why it is important to choose places that are interesting for children and create good moments for parents.

If you’re in the city of Quito with your kids and wondering what to do in Quito with children, don’t miss these fun activities:

• Visit the city’s museums

• Go to the city’s zoo

• Ride the city’s only double-decker tourist bus

• Visit the Nayón Xtreme Valley Adventure Park

If you want more information about what to do in Quito with kids, we recommend reading our article on the topic.

Although the temperature can drop considerably at night in the Ecuadorian capital, don’t miss the chance to explore the city. If you dress warmly, you can visit the illuminated historic center, a light show that is worth seeing, or head to other areas of the city such as La Floresta, La Mariscal, or Guápulo.

There’s nothing better than spending time with your loved one. While traveling can be exhausting, you can always make time for a romantic activity with your partner. So, if you’re in the capital of Ecuador and looking for things to do in Quito as a couple, you have several options, such as:

• Share a kiss that unites both hemispheres at the Middle of the World
• Have dinner at one of the many romantic restaurants in the historic center
• Take a nighttime walk through the city
• Hang a lock at the Guápulo viewpoint
• Share a “espumilla” (a traditional meringue-based dessert)

If you’re interested in doing romantic activities in the capital, don’t miss out on reading about places to visit as a couple in Quito.

The Quito City Tour, by Quito Tour Bus, invites you to discover the city’s main attractions, starting from Av. Naciones Unidas is in the financial center to the north, crossing South America’s most significant historical center to the Guápulo viewpoint.

In summary, the best things to do in Quito are:

• Take the Quito City Tour and discover the main attractions of Quito aboard the city’s only double-decker bus, the Quito Tour Bus. On this journey with 7 stops, you can explore Quito’s iconic sites at your own pace using the Hop On – Hop Off system for a full day.
• Walk through the most significant and best-preserved historic center in South America with the Quito Walking Tour, a stroll through the nation’s invaluable historical jewel with a bilingual guide.
• Climb to the El Panecillo viewpoint, an iconic spot where you can get a closer view of the world’s tallest aluminum sculpture, a giant statue of the Virgin of Quito.
• Enjoy Ecuadorian cuisine at the wide range of restaurants, bars, markets, and, of course, the city’s traditional “huecas” (local eateries).
• Visit the churches in Quito’s historic center. The most notable are the Church of the Society of Jesus, the Quito Cathedral, the Basílica del Voto Nacional, and the Convent of Santo Domingo de Guzmán. We recommend joining our tours to explore the secret spots of Quito’s churches: Dome Tours of the Cathedral, Dome Tours of Santa Clara, Basílica del Voto Nacional Tour, and Dome Tours of Santo Domingo.
• Explore the city’s markets: Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal, Mercado de Iñaquito, Mercado de Santa Clara, Mercado América, Mercado San Francisco, and Mercado Central.
• Ride one of the highest cable cars in South America, the Quito Cable Car. It is a perfect spot to admire the city’s beauty and surrounding mountains. You can also hike to Rucu Pichincha, Guagua Pichincha, Cerro Ladrillos, and Padre Encantado.
• Visit the Middle of the World and experience a range of activities on the equator line. We recommend visiting this site on the Middle of the World Tour.
• Take day trips to nearby destinations from Quito. We recommend visiting Cotopaxi Volcano, Quilotoa Lagoon, Mindo, Baños de Agua Santa, and Otavalo with our company.
• Enjoy the city’s nightlife in various zones. You can take a night tour of Quito and explore the illuminated historic center aboard the city’s only double-decker bus, the Quito Tour Bus.
• Have a romantic experience in Quito with your partner.
• Engage in activities in Quito with children in specially designed places.