Quito’s Old Town has long been distinguished as South America’s best-preserved, largest, and consequently, most appealing colonial center. This guide breaks down that claim, letting you in on why, how, and what you must see for yourself with the most comprehensive guide out there!
The first plan of Quito was designed in 1734, and despite the passing of nearly three centuries, Quito’s Old Town today is a near-perfect copy of its original. The center’s infrastructure, architecture, and art have withstood the test of time and nature. Its distinction as a UNESCO World Heritage site (Quito was in fact the first city to receive it) has highlighted its cultural value and promoted its protection, making it the most extensive and best-preserved Old Town in the Americas.
The distinction owes itself to various factors, among them: 1) the world’s largest contribution of Spanish American art through the Baroque School of Quito, which is appreciated mainly through 2) the numerous churches and monasteries that showcase it; 3) an infrastructure loyal to its original urban plan; 4) architecture representative of its colonial influence and the use of original materials. Finally, the criterion that puts the icing on the cake for this world capital’s Old Town is the convergence of all these characteristics — right on the slopes of the Andes. A true cultural gem, Quito’s Old Town literally edifies history at the rugged edges of one of nature’s most beloved mountain ranges.
This all translates to a few things for the traveler: mainly that you won’t want to pass up a chance to visit Quito’s Old Town during your visit to Ecuador. But also, that it offers visitors a unique immersive experience. You’ll feel the rhythm of local life around you, as well as vestiges of the past (such as craftsmen and traditional trades that you thought only existed in historical novels!). You’ll also quickly realize just how extensive Quito’s Old Town is, with the colonial architectural patterns and colors extending up into the foothills of the adjacent slopes. To new visitors, it can seem like an endless labyrinth. But if you’re a go-getter when it comes to exploring, this is your place!
The sheer extension and concentration of all this colonial detail also means that much of its genuine charm can go unnoticed if not planned carefully. With Quito being a short transit point for many tourists, many run up against time when visiting its Old Town. If you have the time, we encourage you to explore it thoroughly. Either way, we hope our guide is helpful in your attempt!
How to get there and what to bring
For directions, we will assume that Community Adventures (on Pedro Fermín Cevallos & Olmedo streets) is your destination/starting point for Old Town. You’ll be a few steps away from the heart of Old Town and we can properly point you in the direction of the route you want to pursue! Plus, this is the point of departure for the Free Walking Tour AND the exclusive pedestrian Plaza route that we present only in this guide.
Getting here:
- Bus ($0,25): Quito’s blue buses are a fast, cheap way to move within the city, but you have to be sure what you’re doing. We won’t go into a rabbit hole on how to use this transit system, but keep these simple facts in mind: the blue buses titled “Alborada”, “Trans Alfa”, “Quiteño Libre” going SOUTHBOUND reliably stop on Avenida Pichincha, right next to the Mercado Central and a stone’s throw from Community Adventures.
- Ecovia ($0,25): These are the long red accordion buses that have their own designated lanes, and that run longitudinally from South/North, primarily cutting through the well-transited 6 de Diciembre. If you’re using this option it is very likely you are taking it Southbound, so make sure to get on the bus that says “La Marín”. You will get off at that station and be a short walk from Community Adventures.
- Trolebus ($0,25): Quito’s trolley, or cable car, is also a good option but will drop you off just a tad further from Community Adventures. As a general rule, if you’re trying to get straight to the heart of Old Town (Plaza Grande), take the Trolebus southbound and stop at Plaza Chica. For Community Adventures, Ecovia is a more direct route.
- Taxi ($2.50 – $3): To get dropped off at Community Adventures, mention “Coliseo Julio Cesar Hidalgo” as a reference point, which is also on the corner of Pedro Fermín Cevallos & Olmedo. CA is right across the street. For reference, a taxi hailing from La Mariscal should not run you more than $2.50, perhaps $3 if traffic is busy.
- Quick Tip: If you’re coming from La Mariscal, the fastest and cheapest way is via Ecovía, getting on at Mariscal Foch station and taking it Southbound to La Marín.
Here are our suggestions for what to bring:
- A small map
- Good walking shoes
- Camera or phone for photos
- Cash (many local shops and museums only accept cash). FYI: If you need an ATM nearby, we recommend the Banco Pichincha ATM right on the Southeast corner of Plaza del Teatro (Manabí & Guayaquil streets).
- Be prepared for the weather – layers are always recommended (you can get various seasons in a day here!)
- If you tend to carry around a daypack, keep it small – the streets are narrow!
Now that you’ve done the prep work, onto the good stuff!
Plazas & Architecture
Note: The order in which the following plazas are presented follows our suggested pedestrian route, using Community Adventures as a point of departure. If you visit them in the following order by foot, we promise you will wander upon many more appealing sites on your way!
The architecture and infrastructure of Quito’s Old Town are a colorful contrast to the city’s modern north. The pastel-colored façades lined along narrow streets will frequently lead you to plazas that conveniently serve as microcosms of the area’s offerings — culture, architecture, history, and food!
We suggest visiting one or two plazas so you can get to see a little bit of everything in one square. Remember that the architecture you’ll be appreciating ranges from the 16th to the 20th centuries, so although everything may seem solely Spanish-influenced, keep your eyes peeled for the architectural influences that were introduced to Quito throughout the centuries.
Plaza del Teatro
(Vía Trolebús: Plaza del Teatro Station; By foot: Manabí Street, between Flores & Guayaquil)
First case in point, this plaza is home to the Teatro Nacional Sucre, Old Town’s prime example of the neoclassic character that marked Quito at the closing of the 19th century. The theatre’s white Corinthian columns are an outward contrast to the otherwise strictly Spanish aesthetic. This is a great corner to have a coffee or appetizer while watching the bustle of nearby Guayaquil Street. If you take Manabí Street on your way there and exit through Flores, you’ll witness an array of street vendors displaying the best of Ecuadorian produce!
Plaza Grande, aka Plaza de la Independencia
(Vía Trolebús: Plaza Chica Station; By foot: Chile Street, between Venezuela and García Moreno)
This is Quito’s flagship Plaza, and decidedly, the nucleus of its Old Town. At its center sits the Monumento a La Libertad, perhaps the most important in the country, as it celebrates the national heroes that declared Latin America’s very first independence from Spain. Plaza Grande is saturated with options, so if there is a plaza you want to dedicate more time to, this is probably it. We’ll need to break it down for you:
- Palacio de Carondelet (the Presidential Palace): on García Moreno Street, this civic building faces the Plaza Grande and was formerly the residence of presidents. On Mondays at 11 a.m., you can watch the changing of the guards, and with your passport, you can take a peek inside its corridors and appreciate some of the art and artifacts housed in it.
- Centro Cultural Metropolitano (CCM): On the South corner of the palace, also on García Moreno, is the CCM, an architectural gem, museum, and library that almost eclipses the prominence of the palace itself. Its outward architecture is singular, and inside you can find a café, co-working spaces, and permanent and rotating exhibitions.
- Catedral Metropolitana: Right across the street from the CCM, the cathedral sits along the South side of the plaza and its first sections date back to 1565. It flaunts an impressive stone arch at its entrance, and its stone work is most notable at its base on the ground floor, lined with cafés and ice cream shops.
Aside from these three buildings, the immediate vicinity is marked by the vibrant ambience put on by all the locals, street performers, and shoe shiners. There is an abundance of sitting room here, so it really is the perfect place to make your afternoon host!
Plaza San Francisco
(By foot: Sebastian de Benalcazar & Av. José de Sucre Streets)
Rivaling Plaza Grande in its grandeur, Plaza San Francisco houses Iglesia San Francisco and its adjoining museum, which is one of the many churches you won’t want to miss! Iglesia San Francisco is a work of monumental significance, physically and figuratively. It houses thirteen cloisters, three temples, one grand atrium, and over 3,500 works of colonial art in its museum. As a bonus, find out about the legend behind its construction! Outside, in the spacious center of the plaza sits Tianguez, an outdoor café that is essentially an extension of the church’s groundwork.
Plaza San Marcos
(Junín & Javier Gutierrez Streets
Though Plaza San Marcos is the outlier here in terms of dimension and grandeur, we’re including it because there isn’t a quieter and more pristine Plaza in town. The walk to it is a treat in and of itself, with the most quaint shops and bright color patterns lining the adjacent streets. Iglesia San Marcos is the central church here, but unlike the other plazas, there’s actually more art than an excess of catholicism. It has recently been a hub for the promotion of art and culture for locals, and its immediate vicinity houses the following museums and cultural centers: Museo Manuela Sáenz, Museo de Acuarela y Dibujo, and Casa de la Danza. Plaza San Marcos is small, but its tranquil vibe make it one of Old Town’s best-kept secrets!
Churches & Monasteries
Did you know Quito’s Old Town has over 25 churches and monasteries combined? The true stars of the show, they exemplify the artistic singularity of Quito’s Baroque School, which is a mosaic of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish, and indigenous art. Here’s a listing of the must-sees:
Iglesia La Compañía de Jesús
(on the corner of García Moreno & Sucre Streets, next to CCM/Plaza Grande)
This is Quito’s most famous, visited, and decidedly, most impressive church. Built by the Jesuits starting at the beginning of the 18th century, it is most famed for the thorough coverage of gold leaf in its interior. However, it is also unique in its fusion of art forms: conceptualized by European architects, but constructed by indigenous masons, you can appreciate images of native flora and fauna on renaissance-inspired façades. Its massive portal made of volcanic stone gives it a nice, austere, finishing touch!
Iglesia de la Merced
(Cuenca & Mejía Streets)
If you keep taking Chile Street north of Plaza Grande, Iglesia de la Merced will make an appearance on Cuenca Street. It houses a convent and the country’s most important historical library, both also named after the church. Two things in particular make this a unique triad of buildings: it exemplifies 18th century construction, and it demonstrates a unique collective of Incan and Arabic inscriptions on its main tower.
Iglesia de San Agustín
(Chile Street, between Guayaquil & Flores)
This church and convent is right across the street from the Plaza Chica trolley station. Its adjacent convent was actually built before the church itself, which was finished in 1617. Its main façade reveals Spanish and indigenous motifs, with an overall edge of neoclassicism.
Iglesia de Santo Domingo
(Flores & Rocafuerte Streets)
If you keep taking Flores street southbound, you’ll come across yet another spacious plaza, named after this prominent 16th century church. On the Rocafuerte side stand its well-known arch and adjacent chapel, Capilla de la Virgen del Rosario, which together are a testament to the ingenuity of architects who found creative solutions to the terrain’s unevenness.
Iglesia del Carmen Alto
(Rocafuerte & Garcia Moreno Streets)
Continue east on Rocafuerte from Iglesia Santo Domingo, on Garcia Moreno Street you’ll find yet another joint church, convent, museum, and chapel(s). Its unique in its beautiful adjacent Arco de la Reina, but most enticing in the convent that today houses 21 cloistered nuns. Its museum holds artifacts from Ecuador’s only saint, Mariana de Jesús.
Basílica del Voto Nacional
(Venezuela & Carchi Streets)
Finally, the black sheep of Old Town’s churches, the Basílica stands out in both size and style. While the others in this list embed themselves nicely into Old Town’s characteristic architecture, this one is the only Neogothic church, and the biggest in the Americas. It’ll be hard to miss, as it is distinguishable even from a bird’s eye view. And you won’t want to miss it — the views of Old Town from its towering heights are breathtaking.
Whew, that’s a lot of history in architecture to take in. We’re sure your tastebuds want to venture out as well, so check out some of our foodie recommendations below!
Coffee
Let’s be real, if you’re serious about your coffee, this merits its own category. Make sure to try some of these places if you want to kickstart your morning — or afternoon (who are we to judge?) — with bold flavors.
Galletti
(Pasaje Espejo, between Guayaquil & Flores Streets)
This coffee shop prides itself on producing some of Ecuador’s best liquid gold. They embrace coffee as a lifestyle, and their ambience definitely translates that. This is also a very co-working friendly space, so if you need to buckle down for some time to either work or continue to plan your travels, it’s your place!
En-Dulce
(on the corner of Olmedo & Guayaquil Streets)
This bakery and café brings you quality coffee and baked goods, arguably some of the best in Old Town. While they mainly pride themselves on their bread and pastries, we can’t help but highlight their perfect pairing with a carefully crafted cup of coffee. If you’re the kind of traveler that likes to have both, you must visit!
The coffee strip at Plaza Huerto San Agustín
(along Mejía Street, between Flores & Guayaquil)
This new Plaza is the result of an effort to create more shared public spaces in Quito’s Old Town, while preserving its urban memory. We think they did a fantastic job, but what we love most about it is that it also doubles as Quito’s own little café row. With various sit-down and to-go options, it is the perfect place to stop by for a cup o’joe!
Food & Drink
If your taste buds didn’t experience it, did it really happen?! Whether you’re a true foodie or just looking for bites on a budget, your options will be varied and plentiful. Quito’s Old Town really accommodates a variety of palates and budgets, and once you start walking around you’ll notice that the only difficult part is picking a spot!
Mercado Central
(on the corner of Pedro Fermín Cevallos & Manabí)
This market is the hub for local Ecuadorian and budget-friendly food and produce. Our personal favorite is Corvina’s de Don Jimmy, which serves the most delicious fried seabass you’ll find mountainside, paired with some fresh ceviche. Also, the juice stands are a good way to try some of the bold flavors concentrated in the local fruits. Feel free to ask vendors about their products, they love to engage!
Mercado San Francisco
(Rocafuerte & Chimborazo)
If you continue up east of Plaza San Francisco on Rocafuerte, you’ll get to the Mercado Central’s sister market on the other side of town. Just as famous for its local produce and juices, this market is perhaps more notorious for its limpiadoras, who perform plant-powered cleanses on both locals and curious tourists!
While the next options below aren’t necessarily representative of typical Ecuadorian food, these are great examples of how local and foreign entrepreneurs respond to global food trends, giving Quito’s Old Town an eclectic culinary edge:
Santa Rosa
Cerveza Artesanal (Guayaquil & Mejía Streets)
This brewery & food joint is housed in the beautiful building at the intersection of Guayaquil & Mejía streets. Both their drinks and food are tasty, and their menu does incorporate native products into some universal dishes (try their Quinoa Risotto!). And any of their beers are worthy of a try!
Bandido Brewing Co.
(Pedro Fermín Cevallos & Olmedo Streets)
Similarly, Bandido offers both locally brewed beer & food (and it’s right across the street from Community!). Perhaps the most memorable thing about this place, however, is the setting — its building used to be a chapel and the owners decided to hang onto the religious imagery. Because of that, you can enjoy a local microbrew while Jesus rolls his eyes at you! It’s ok — we approve.
Café Dios No Muere
(Flores & Junín Streets)
This café & eatery is carved into a 17th century monastery on the corner of Flores & Junín streets (right on the way towards Plaza San Marcos). Its menu offers a fusion of local Ecuadorean, International, and New Orleans creole-inspired flavors. This is a perfect place to try a variety of local specialties while enjoying the scenery, indoor or outdoor. We think it is ideal for an afternoon tea and snack (try the Ecuadorian Guayusa and their yuca fries).
Old Town’s Best View Points
After (or before!) you’ve had a feel for Old Town’s offerings, you might be interested in taking it all in from some of the most breathtaking views around. Either way, we think these view points deserve mention because they allow you to appreciate Quito’s colonial and urban layouts juxtaposed with the towering mountainside.
El Panecillo
This is the hill topped with the angel statue that anchors Old Town’s Southside. It offers some incredible north-facing views by day or night. We recommend taking a taxi to and from, since the area is a bit notorious for petty crimes. If you take a taxi, you’ll have nothing to worry about!
(More information about the Panecillo and the Virgen).
Basílica del Voto Nacional
Remember the outlier in our churches category? It doubles as one of the impressive view points in Old Town. You can take the stairs up to its towers, and if you’re particularly adventurous you can even take the spires up to one of its highest points.
Itchimbía Park
This park anchors Old Town’s Eastside, and offers yet another great view of the city. Its also a great place for running, walking, or park lounging. A big installation of letters that spell out QUITO makes for a great photo opportunity. You can reach this park easily by taxi, or if you’re in for a serious work out, follow the stairs that start at the intersection of Los Ríos & José de Antepara streets. Approximately 320 steps and you’re there! More información about the Itchimbia Park.
Before we wrap up, there’s a special place in Old Town we want to give merit to. It’s neither a plaza, church, or food joint, but sort of its own category, and certainly should be on your list:
La Ronda
(Juan de Dios Morales Street, between Venezuela & Guayaquil)
You’ve probably heard of it, as it has risen in popularity, especially with tourists who love to see the picturesque and artesanal in one place. La Ronda is a legendary sector of Quito’s Old Town, and it unites local artisans, chocolatiers, hat makers, and a special bohemian vibe. It is a must if you want to try Ecuador’s best delicacies and crafts!
We know it’s a lot to take in. But this handy guide is truly the most comprehensive out there, and will ensure that your visit to Quito’s Old Town is spent exploring rather than feeling overwhelmed about what to do.
If you want to experience as much on this list as possible with a knowledgeable and fun guide, try our Free Walking Tour, which operates rain or shine from Monday through Saturday, twice daily at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sign up today!
