Quito’s Old Town has a handful of rooftop bars with genuinely spectacular views — colonial church towers, Volcán Pichincha, and El Panecillo hill all visible from a single rooftop table. Here are the best rooftop bars in Quito’s Historic Center, including our own, with real hours and what to expect from each.
Quick answer: best rooftop bars in Quito Old Town
- Community Hostel Rooftop Bar & Restaurant – skyline, Basilica and El Panecillo views, open daily, no reservation needed
- Vista Hermosa – open-air 360° views over Plaza Grande, on Calle Mejía
- Origen Rooftop – 360° panoramic rooftop with cocktails
- El Santo Que Da Marido – atop Hotel Mama Cuchara, Ecuadorian flavors with classic cocktails
Community Hostel Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
Our own rooftop bar and restaurant looks out over Quito’s skyline, the Basilica del Voto Nacional, El Panecillo, and the mountains that ring the city. Big communal tables make it an easy place to share a meal or a drink with other travelers, whether you’re a guest or just visiting for the view.
Hours:
- Monday–Saturday: breakfast 7:30am–1pm, dinner 1pm–10:30pm
- Sunday: breakfast only, 7:30am–1pm
No reservation is required, though it’s recommended for groups of 6 or more. If you’re celebrating something, ask about the birthday perks — a courtesy French toast at breakfast, or a free cocktail and a bottle of champagne for groups of 6+ at dinner. Add-ons like a DJ or decorations can be arranged for private events.
Vista Hermosa
One of Old Town’s original rooftop spots, Vista Hermosa sits on Calle Mejía between Venezuela and García Moreno and delivers an open-air, 360-degree view straight over Plaza Grande and the surrounding rooftops of the Historic Center — a classic sunset spot.
Origen Rooftop
Origen Rooftop bills itself as the only true 360° rooftop in Quito, with a cocktail-forward menu and panoramic views over the Centro Histórico. It’s a good pick if you want a slightly more upscale, cocktail-bar atmosphere.
El Santo Que Da Marido
Set on top of Hotel Mama Cuchara, this rooftop pairs Old Town views with cocktails that lean into native Ecuadorian flavors alongside the classics — a good stop if you want to try something more local than a standard mojito.
Why Old Town rooftops feel different from La Mariscal bars
Quito’s Historic Center has a more relaxed, atmospheric rooftop scene compared to La Mariscal’s club-heavy nightlife strip — think good views, good conversation and a drink in hand, rather than loud music and dancing until 3am. If you’re staying in Old Town and want a livelier night out, La Mariscal and Plaza Foch are about a 10-minute taxi away.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best rooftop bar in Quito’s Old Town?
Vista Hermosa and Origen Rooftop are the best-known independent rooftop bars in the Historic Center, both offering 360-degree views. Community Hostel’s rooftop bar and restaurant is a strong pick if you want communal tables, food service, and no reservation hassle.
Do I need a reservation for a rooftop bar in Quito?
Generally no for walk-ins, though it’s recommended for larger groups. At Community Hostel’s rooftop, reservations are only necessary for groups of 6 or more.
What views can you see from Old Town rooftop bars?
Most Old Town rooftops offer views of the colonial church towers, Plaza Grande, the Basilica del Voto Nacional, El Panecillo hill, and the Andes mountains surrounding the city.
Are rooftop bars in Quito expensive?
Old Town rooftop bars are generally mid-range by Quito standards — cocktails and food are priced closer to a casual restaurant than an upscale hotel bar.
Can non-guests visit Community Hostel’s rooftop bar?
Yes, the rooftop bar and restaurant is open to the public, not just hostel guests, from breakfast through dinner Monday to Saturday and breakfast only on Sundays.
Staying in Old Town and want a rooftop table with a view included? Book your stay at Community Hostel Quito, or just stop by the rooftop for a drink.
