Quito Historic Center Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Quito Historic Center
Popular places to visit
Catedral Metropolitana de Quito
See acclaimed spiritual works of art and a blend of architectural designs as you learn about the intriguing past of one of the continent’s oldest churches.
Independence Square
The site where the Old Town first sprung up in Quito is home to an inspiring 16th-century cathedral and rows of majestic colonial structures.
Basilica of the National Vow
Admire the Ecuadorian gargoyles and neo-Gothic architecture at this immense church before taking in the panoramic views from its towers.
St. Francis Catholic Church
Dating back to the city’s inception, this church is home to breathtaking 16th-century architecture, thousands of works of art and a converted catacomb.
Church of the Society of Jesus
This Baroque temple is remarkable in that its façade is made from volcanic stone while the interior is packed with lavish gold leaf.
Plaza de San Francisco
Take a break and learn about the culture and history of the Old Town in this spacious public square where the San Francisco Church resides.
Activities
Quilotoa, Culture and Hiking from Quito !!!! ALL DAYS !!! BY ECUADORTREASURE
Night Tour in Quito with free time at Old Town
From Quito: Cable Car, Intiñan Museum, & Colonial Town Tour
Experiential Walking tour in Quito's Old Town
Our pick of the best Quito Historic Center Hotel Deals
Hotel San Francisco de Quito
Great location! Staff very helpful and friendly
Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026
Hotel Plaza Grande
A staff was exceptional, the room was beautiful, the amenities were great, the cocktails in the tavern were out of this world.
Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026
Casa Gangotena
Staff were attentive and friendly. Delicious food. Gorgeous building.
Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026
Hotel Casa Alquimia
Lovely boutique hotel close to a street full of restaurants and the old city. It is a little challenging for taxis to collect directly at the hotel, but this is because of narrow busy streets and to be expected in this part of town. Just something to be aware of, but a good trade-off to be able to ...
Reviewed on 21 Feb 2026
La Casona de la Ronda Boutique Hotel
Location was fantastic. Such a cute hotel. Staff were so helpful and kind! Couldn’t have asked for a better stay!
Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026
Hotel Mama Cuchara by Art Hotels Ecuador
Perfect place
Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Quito Historic Center
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.
San Juan
You'll enjoy the museums and monuments in San Juan. You might want to make time for a stop at Centro de Arte Contemporaneo or Palacio de Gobierno.
El Belén
If you're spending time in El Belén, check out sights like National Assembly of Ecuador or Ecuador Central Bank Museum and hop on the metro to see more of the city at El Ejido Station or La Alameda Station.
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.
La Floresta
La Floresta is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Abya Yala Museum and Trude Sojka Cultural House.
Colón
While visiting Colón, you might make a stop by sights like Uio Microtheater and Mindalae Museum.
