Things to Do in Quito
20 curated spots from Quito itineraries
Activities & Attractions
11 curated experiences
Basílica del Voto Nacional Tower Climb
Walk up through the neo-Gothic basilica and climb the towers for panoramic city views; altitude makes it a bit breathy but it’s short.
1h 30m · $4-5
Calle La Ronda Evening Walk
Stroll the pedestrian colonial lane, listen for live Andean music, and browse small artisan workshops and cafes.
1h 30m · Free (drinks/snacks extra)
Free Explore: Parque La Carolina & Botanical Garden
After TelefériQo, taxi to La Carolina to wander the park, visit the small botanical garden, and watch Quiteños at play.
2h · Free (botanical garden ~$3-5)
Iglesia y Plaza de San Francisco
Visit the church and its museum, then enjoy the plaza with views toward El Panecillo.
1h · $3-5 (plaza free)
Intiñan Museum
Quirky museum a short walk from the monument with guided tours, cultural displays, and equator experiments.
1h 15m · $5-7
La Compañía de Jesús Church
Baroque Jesuit church famed for its gold-leaf interior; dress modestly and move slowly to appreciate the detail.
1h · $5-7
Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal
Browse rows of stalls selling textiles, paintings, leather goods, and souvenirs; bargain politely and in cash.
2h · Free to enter (shopping variable, $10-40 typical)
Mitad del Mundo Monument
Visit the equator monument, small museums, and surrounding plaza; good half-day with kitschy photos on the line.[1]
2h · $7-10 plus transport
Parque Itchimbía & Centro Cultural Itchimbía
Walk the park’s paths and viewpoints, then, if open, check exhibits at the glass cultural center.
1h 30m · Free (special exhibits may charge)
Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve Viewpoint (day trip stop)
Quick stop at the rim viewpoint overlooking a populated volcanic crater with patchwork fields.[1]
45m · Free (small fee for some viewpoints or parking)
TelefériQo de Quito
Cable car from western Quito up to around 4,000m on the slopes of Pichincha; walk slowly at the top and enjoy the views.
2h 30m · $9-10 round-tripRestaurants & Food
9 local favorites
Bandido Brewing Historic Center
Craft beer pub in a historic building with pizzas and bar food; you can share a pizza and try local brews.
1h 30m · $12-18 per person (excluding heavy drinking)
Café Galletti Centro
Cozy cafe near Plaza Grande with quality Ecuadorian coffee, simple breakfasts, and pastries; order a cappuccino and a bolón de verde if available.
1h · $8-12 per person
Cafe Mosaico
Restaurant-café on the hillside with sweeping views over the Old Town; salads, sandwiches, and Ecuadorian plates.
1h 15m · $12-20 per person
De La Llama
Modern Ecuadorian restaurant using local ingredients in a hip but relaxed setting; share several plates.
1h 30m · $18-25 per person
El Maple
Vegetarian-friendly spot just off Plaza Foch with hearty plates and a relaxed ambience.
1h 15m · $10-18 per person
La Casa de Los Geranios
Atmospheric colonial house restaurant on La Ronda serving Ecuadorian dishes; order locro de papas and a shared main.
1h 30m · $15-22 per person
Local Almuerzo Spots at Mitad del Mundo
Pick one of the small restaurants inside the complex for a fixed-price almuerzo (soup, main, juice).
1h · $5-8 per person
Parque La Carolina Street Food Stalls
Grab choclo (grilled corn), salchipapas, or fresh fruit from vendors inside and around the park.
30m · $3-6 per person
Tianguez Café (under San Francisco church)
Cafe-handicraft space under Plaza San Francisco; light breakfast options with good coffee surrounded by fair-trade crafts.
1h · $8-12 per person