What to do in Quito

Activities, attractions and tours

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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.

Quito Tourist Attractions & Activities

If you’re searching for an exciting holiday, count on Expedia.com.au to help you find interesting attractions, enlightening experiences, and tons of other fun things to do in Quito AU$8. From first-rate tours to incredible deals on sightseeing trips – our extensive selection of local things to do and places to visit is just a few clicks away.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re travelling alone, alongside your main squeeze, or with your favourite friends or family members, Expedia has the inside scoop on what to see and do while in this corner of the world. And our search tool makes it simple to score the best deals around. So regardless of if you are on a tight budget or prefer to spare no expense, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for by browsing over 589 activities in Quito, Pichincha.

The intuitive booking system here on Expedia.com.au makes planning your holiday easier—and more affordable—than ever before. And not only can you discover all the best Quito attractions from AU$8, but you can also book flights, hire cars, and reserve hotel rooms all in just a few moments. A world of wonder awaits you and your travelling companions. Count on Expedia.com.au to help you plan the holiday of your dreams, and you’ll have the time of your life.

Activities

Night Tour in Quito with free time at La Ronda Street

Night Tour in Quito with free time at Old Town

AU$21
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Night Tour in Quito with free time at Old Town
Quilotoa Lagoon

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

AU$89
per adult
Quilotoa, Culture and Hiking from Quito !!!! ALL DAYS !!! BY ECUADORTREASURE
Quito: Middle of the World, Intiñan Museum, Cable Car, Craft Market

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

AU$93
per adult
Quito: Middle of the World, Intiñan Museum, Cable Car, Artisan Market
Private Tour Explore Quito’s Old Town

Private Tour Explore Quito’s Old Town

AU$64
per adult
Private Tour Explore Quito’s Old Town
Otavalo Shopping

Full-Day Otavalo and Cotacachi Market Tour

AU$106
per adult
Full-Day Otavalo and Cotacachi Market Tour
Quito Old Town Free Walking tour Cacao taste included Small group

Quito Old Town English Free Walking tour Cacao taste Small group

AU$7
per traveller
Quito Old Town English Free Walking tour Cacao taste Small group
Indigenous Otavala

Full Day Otavalo Indigenous Market from Quito

AU$129
per adult
Full Day Otavalo Indigenous Market from Quito
Experiential Walking tour in Quito's Old Town

Experiential Walking tour in Quito's Old Town

AU$57
per adult
Experiential Walking tour in Quito's Old Town
From Quito: Cable Car, Intiñan Museum, & Colonial Town Tour

From Quito: Cable Car, Intiñan Museum, & Colonial Town Tour

AU$93
per adult
From Quito: Cable Car, Intiñan Museum, & Colonial Town Tour
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Top places to visit

1. Monument to the Equator

The Mitad del Mundo is a fascinating site that stands on the equator with a planetarium and a museum. The site distinguishes Quito as one of the few large cities worldwide that lie in both the southern and northern hemispheres. A 30-metre (98-foot) monument is erected where a French explorer calculated the exact position of the equator in the 18th century. Most visitors enjoy standing with a leg on either side of the line.
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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. 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.

3. Catedral Metropolitana de Quito

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito is a 16th-century church with a fascinating history and a rich blend of religious, political and artistic features. As one of South America’s oldest churches, it combines several styles of architecture, from Gothic-Moorish to Baroque and neoclassical. Attend the majestic spiritual structure to appreciate its golden altar, elaborate naves, chapels and acclaimed 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.

4. 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".

5. Independence Square

Independence Square (Plaza de la Independencia) is a spacious area with stately colonial buildings and a church that dates back to the 1500s in the centre of the Old Town. Some of the highlights around the square include the Carondelet Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito and the Municipal Palace. The plaza is an ideal spot to gather before exploring the sites in the Quito Old Town.
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A monument with a statue, surrounded by buildings and palm trees.

Recommended things to do in Quito

Number of things to do
589
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Quito Old Town English tour small groups Cacao Taste!: AU$8
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

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.
See properties

Our guide on where to stay in Quito

Find the best Quito areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Quito
Learn more about Quito
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.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Quito

A panoramic view of a city with a river, surrounded by mountains and greenery.

Sangolqui

A snow-covered mountain peak under a partly cloudy sky.

Lasso

An aerial view of a city with a river, mountains, and a highway.

Tumbaco

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

San Antonio de Pichincha

A snow-capped mountain with a prominent peak and a cloud of dust or smoke rising from its base.

Mulaló

A cityscape with densely packed residential buildings, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains in the background.

Nayon

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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