Things to Do in Quito, Ecuador (Best Places To Visit And City Attractions)

City Attractions

Quito offers plenty of attractions for anyone seeking adventure or culture alike, with plenty of nightclubs and museums offering thrilling nighttime fun or intimate cultural exploration. Casa Gangotena provides guided tours that take visitors through some of Quito’s top museums while teaching about its history, culture and traditions – an unparalleled experience!

Quito’s iconic Middle of the World Monument is an absolute must-see attraction for science enthusiasts, history enthusiasts, and families. Said to lie directly on the equator – though modern GPS has revealed otherwise – this monument offers visitors an easy stop from downtown Quito that allows them to straddle both hemispheres simultaneously – an unforgettable experience!

Quito Teleferiqo, one of the highest cable car lifts in the world, provides stunning vistas over the city as you climb to an altitude of 13,000 feet and beyond. From there, hike trails and picnic spots await discovery.

Monasterio Museo del Carmen Alto stands out for both its architecture and history. Dating back to 1653, this building once housed 20 Carmelite nuns; today, however, it serves as a museum featuring art and historical treasures including Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus church (Quito’s most ornate).

Quito’s Metropolitan Park is its largest park and lung, and well worth visiting even if you aren’t staying in one of its hotels nearby. Packed with walking paths and sports fields, especially during weekends when locals come out to play soccer, basketball or ecuavolley (an Ecuadorian variation of volleyball with a higher net).

Best Cities to Visit

Discover one of Quito’s great attractions is by exploring its historic center – a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with churches, museums and other attractions. Spend at least several hours wandering this neighborhood while stopping into restaurants, bars and cultural centers along the way.

La Ronda is an idyllic street located at the heart of Quito that houses many authentic artisan stores and restaurants. Strolling its narrow walkways allows visitors to experience Quito’s historic character first-hand.

Basilica del Voto Nacional is one of Quito’s iconic landmarks, towering majestically over its cityscape with neo-Gothic architecture and boasting magnificent gargoyles that represent Ecuadorian animals. For an unforgettable view over Quito, venture up one of its towers for unparalleled panoramic vistas – or climb to its rooftop if feeling adventurous enough!

Ecuadorian coffee is world renowned, and Quito’s bustling cafe scene provides the ideal environment for sampling it. Small artisan cafes can be found all throughout Quito but some of the finest are located in Plaza Grande.

Cotopaxi National Park lies just outside of Quito and features breathtaking landscapes of lakes and volcanoes, perfect for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Visitors also have the option of taking one of the highest cable car lifts available worldwide up the flanks of Pichincha Volcano for breathtaking panoramic views over Quito and its surroundings mountains.

Best Places to See

Quito boasts one of Latin America’s best-preserved historic centers, its streets lined with centuries-old buildings that create an aura of timelessness. Staying at Casa Gangotena places you at the epicenter of this area – where churches, plazas, and cafes abound!

Continue your cultural exploration at La Ronda, a lively street lined with handicraft stores and restaurants offering traditional Ecuadorian cuisine. La Ronda provides an ideal opportunity to soak in Quito’s vibrant atmosphere and sample some of its best foods such as Pacari chocolate.

Take a taxi or city bus ride out to El Panecillo, a hill in the center of Quito crowned with the iconic Virgen de Quito statue – visible throughout the city and offering spectacular panoramic views from up top! Tourists flock to this must-see monument. Climb up the Virgin for breathtaking city views or just admire it from below – either way it makes for an incredible photo opportunity!

Don’t miss your chance to ride one of the world’s highest cable cars: Teleferiqo! Enjoy incredible vistas of volcanic landscape as it winds its way up Pichincha Mountain; from its lookout platform you will also be able to spot Volcan Cayambe and Cerro Puntas volcanoes!

Mitad del Mundo is another exciting landmark, an educational monument which marks the exact equator. There are fun demonstrations including balancing an egg on a nail and an exhibit featuring Ecuador’s indigenous culture.

Tourist Attractions

Visit the Museo de la Ciudad to gain insight into Quito’s rich history through eye-opening exhibits. Visitors can gain knowledge on food traditions, legends, and much more through this impressive collection. Located in its original colonial building home, this attraction is one of the top things to do in Quito.

The Basilica de Voto Nacional stands out as an impressive fixture among Quito’s skyline, providing some of the city’s best panoramic views. Easy to spot from most points in Old Town thanks to its iconic Virgin de Quito statue that overlooks Quito, taxi rides are recommended over walking due to pickpocketing and various ticket options are available to visit either its interior or climb its spire – and don’t forget a visit of its interior!

Mitad del Mundo has become an icon for the city. While modern GPS has shown that it may have moved slightly off course, visitors still find it a thrilling experience standing and being part of both hemispheres simultaneously! Families and science buffs will appreciate its small museum as well as interactive quiz that compliment the experience.

Parque La Carolina Park is a beloved oasis for locals, offering them a respite from the hectic city center. Boasting botanical gardens, native habitats and sports courts; picnickers and birdwatchers flock to this park frequently.

The Casa Museo Guayasamin occupies Oswaldo Guayasamin’s former home and displays nearly his complete body of work alongside narratives that help understand his vision.

Best Area to Stay

La Floresta is an ideal destination if you want a central yet trendy stay in Quito. Packed full of local street art and charming locally owned restaurants and coffee shops, as well as Ocho y Medio cinema which shows alternative films. La Floresta also serves as an ideal place for purchasing unique handmade gifts or souvenirs.

Bellavista is another top choice when searching for accommodations in Quito, Ecuador. Situated 4 miles (7 km) northwest of the Old Town and providing a more laidback vacation experience, the area features mostly residential housing with ample green spaces – perfect for strolling and discovering local birds or even llamas!

El Panecillo, an iconic hill which can be seen throughout Quito, features the iconic Virgin of Quito statue at its summit and offers great panoramic views from above. For safety purposes and optimal viewing experiences, taxi rides should be used to reach this spot and try visiting on a clear day for best results.

One of the best things to do in Quito is booking a tour from a reliable guide company. A good guide company will offer unforgettable experiences while teaching about Quito’s culture and traditions – plus they’ll do all the planning themselves so you don’t have to lift a finger!