Things To Do in Quito, Pichincha

Activities, attractions and tours

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

Quito Attractions

As the capital of Ecuador, Quito's past extends for centuries beyond its founding in 1534 to its status as a kingdom of the Incan Empire. Known by nicknames such as the Light of America, the City of the Heavens, and God's Face, Quito attained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1978 in recognition of the superb Spanish Colonial buildings in its ancient heart.

Most of the attractions in Quito are centered around the Old Town, where nearly 500 years of history are played out in the ancient buildings and winding streets. There are excellent Quito tours, which provide sights of the Old Town, but visitors will find the sheer number of must-see places requires them to allow more than one day to properly enjoy them all. Top highlights include the Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesus, one of the most beautiful churches in the Americas. And one of the most popular spots in the city for tourists is the hill where La Vírgen del Panecillo is located. This famous statue depicts the winged Virgin and provides a stunning focal point above the city.

Another local tourist favorite is the Museo de la Ciudad, or City Museum. With interactive displays detailing Quito's history, it's popular with children and adults alike. Quito also offers visitors a veritable shoppers' paradise of well-made goods crafted by artisans and sold right from their workshops on the street. There are also several malls dotted around the city giving visitors the opportunity to purchase familiar brands at reasonable prices.

With Expedia, it's easy to find things to do in Quito. With just a few clicks of your mouse, you'll have all the information on Quito activities making your trip especially memorable. Expedia can also help you map out some of the best Quito excursions, with information on opening times, admission price, and points of interest for activities outside the city. Using Expedia as your travel resource will provide you with all the information you need to plan the excursion of a lifetime in this wonderful and historic South American city.


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What to do in Quito


Discover the most popular places to visit in Quito

Explore areas of Quito

La Merced Church showing a square or plaza and a church or cathedral

Quito Historic Center

4.5/5(51 area reviews)

Churches, museums, and shopping are just a few things travelers 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 showing a park and a pond

La Carolina

4/5(1 area review)

Consider a visit to El Jardin Mall and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in La Carolina. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Carolina Station or Iñaquito Station.

La Carolina
Quito featuring interior views, heritage elements 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 which includes dining out, modern architecture and cafe scenes

La Mariscal

4.5/5(28 area reviews)

La Mariscal is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Foch Square and La Mariscal Craft Market while you're in town.

La Mariscal
Guapulo featuring a castle

Itchimbia

While you're in Itchimbia, take in top sights like General Rumiñahui Coliseum or House of Ecuadorian Culture, and hop on the metro to see more the city at El Ejido Station or La Alameda Station.

Itchimbia
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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

 

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Day trip destinations from Quito