Things to do in Quito

Activities, attractions and tours

Quito featuring landscape views and a city
Calle La Ronda showing night scenes and street scenes as well as a large group of people
La Merced Church which includes a fountain, a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture
Foch Square showing street scenes as well as a small group of people
Basilica of the National Vow which includes a city
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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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Mitad del Mundo Monument showing a square or plaza, a park and a monument

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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La Mariscal Craft Market showing markets, shopping and interior views

3. 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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Independence Square which includes a monument, a statue or sculpture and a square or plaza

4. 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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Quito Cathedral which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and street scenes

5. TelefériQo Base Station

A ride on the Quito Cable Car (TeléferiQo Quito) presents a breathtaking journey to the slopes of Rucu Pichincha, a peak on the active yet safe Pichincha Volcano. Admire the views across Quito’s sprawling city center and spot rugged Andean peaks. Follow walking trails to viewpoints and a small chapel. Afterwards, enjoy some family-friendly fun at a small amusement park. The TeléferiQo Quito is one of South America’s highest cable cars and travels from around 9,843 feet (3,000 meters) to a vertigo-inducing 13,451 feet (4,100 meters).
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Quito Cable Car which includes a gondola

What to do in Quito

Popular places to visit

Mitad del Mundo Monument showing a square or plaza, a park and a monument

Monument to the Equator

4/5(7 reviews)

Stand with one foot in each hemisphere at this monument to the site where the equator is marked, then spend time in the accompanying planetarium and museum.

Monument to the Equator
La Carolina featuring wild flowers, flowers and a park

Parque La Carolina

5/5(1 review)

Parque La Carolina is just one of the places to see in Quito, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Make time for the shops and local tours in this culturally rich area.

Parque La Carolina
La Mariscal Craft Market featuring street scenes, interior views and markets

La Mariscal Craft Market

3.5/5(2 reviews)

From Panama hats and wood carvings to musical instruments and hand-knitted items, this vibrant market offers a wide range of Ecuadorian souvenirs and crafts.

La Mariscal Craft Market
Quito Cable Car which includes a gondola

TelefériQo Base Station

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Travel through the clouds to the slopes of an active volcano to enjoy spectacular views of Quito’s city center, the surrounding countryside and Andes mountain range.

TelefériQo Base Station
Quito Cathedral which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and street scenes

Catedral Metropolitana de Quito

4.5/5(10 reviews)

Discover one of the oldest churches in South America, featuring an intriguing mix of architectural styles, magnificent Catholic artworks and a fascinating history.

Catedral Metropolitana de Quito
Independence Square featuring a square or plaza and street scenes as well as a large group of people

Independence Square

4.5/5(9 reviews)

Rows of stately colonial buildings and a 16th-century cathedral surround this historic civic square on the site where Quito’s Old Town made its humble beginnings.

Independence Square
Foch Square showing a square or plaza and street scenes

Foch Square

4/5(8 reviews)

Join Quito’s pulsating nightlife, attend free concerts and shop at an artisanal craft fair at this square in the heart of Quito’s Mariscal district.

Foch Square
Basilica of the National Vow showing interior views, religious aspects and a church or cathedral

Basilica of the National Vow

4.5/5(9 reviews)

Visit this magnificent neo-Gothic landmark to admire its fine architecture and Ecuador-themed gargoyles, and the panoramic views from its immense towers.

Basilica of the National Vow
El Panecillo which includes a statue or sculpture and night scenes

El Panecillo

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Admire an iconic statue and see panoramic views of Quito and its surrounding volcanoes from this green hilltop in the heart of the city’s Old Town.

El Panecillo

Areas of Quito

La Merced Church which includes a square or plaza and a church or cathedral

Quito Historic Center

4/5(9 area reviews)

Churches, museums and shopping are just a few things travellers like about Quito Historic Center. Sights like Independence Square and Catedral Metropolitana de Quito are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Quito area at San Francisco Station.

Quito Historic Center
La Carolina which includes a pond and a garden

La Carolina

Discover local flora and fauna at the botanical gardens and reptile house, join a game of Ecuadorian soccer and enjoy the sights at this central urban park.

La Carolina
Quito featuring heritage elements, interior views and a church or cathedral

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.

Centro Histórico
Foch Square featuring dining out, street scenes and café lifestyle

La Mariscal

4/5(16 area reviews)

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 Mariscal
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Batán Grande

While you're in Batán Grande, take in top sights like Botanical Garden of Quito and jump on the metro at Carolina Station to see more of the city.

Batán Grande
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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.

La Floresta
Photo by Cotopaxi Travel

Machachi

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.