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Quito is a city characterized by its scenic beauty and UNESCO World Heritage significance. Which combines a series of colonial and contemporary styles. Many people who visit Quito wonder about the best things to do in Quito. So Real Dream Tour Operator has made a list of the best activities to do in Quito. And make your visit unique and unforgettable. Whether you are planning a short layover or a longer stay, there are plenty of things to see and do in Quito Ecuador. This guide covers all the essential things to do in Quito Ecuador for every type of traveler.
Before exploring things to do in Quito, it helps to understand some key facts about the city. It is necessary that you first know the following facts about Quito:
Climate
Quito is the capital of Ecuador. This city is located at 2850 m (9350.39 ft) on the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano and is located very close to the Equator. Too, Quito has a subtropical climate with temperatures ranging between 9°C and 19°C.
How to get to Quito?
Once at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito. It is located approximately 1 hour from the Historic Center of Quito. To get there you can make use of the following transportation services:
- Public bus
This is the most economical option to get from Quito Airport to the Historic Center of Quito. This service is provided by the companies Sotrano and Cosibo. Which connect with the Inter-parochial Terminal Rio Coca (north of Quito). And Interprovincial Terminal Quitumbe (south of Quito) respectively. The cost of this service is USD 2.00.
- Aeroservice
An appropriate transport if you like more comfort (air conditioning and WiFi). Departs from Quito airport. Monday to Friday, every 30 minutes. And on weekends and holidays every hour. The cost of this service is USD 8.00.
- Cab, Cabify, Uber
Outside Quito Airport you can find yellow cabs. You can also make use of mobile transportation apps like Cabify or Uber. Any of these three options give you the ease of moving to a specific point in the city. The cost from Quito Airport to the city center can be between USD 25 and 35.
How much time to visit Quito?
Quito is a very large city with many things to see and do in Quito Ecuador. Which means that you have a large list of activities for all tastes. Among the top things to do in Quito Ecuador, you will find colonial churches, vibrant markets, and stunning viewpoints. So it is recommended that your visit is not less than three days.
So, What Are the Top Things to Do in Quito?
There are countless things to do in Quito city, from exploring historic plazas to tasting local cuisine. Real Dream Tour recommended you to include these activities in your itinerary. You will have a wide perspective of the cultural, architectural, artistic, landscaping and gastronomic experiences that make things to do in Quito city truly memorable.
Best Things to Do in Quito: 10 Tourist Attractions You Must Visit
Basilica of the National Vow
Did you know that the Basilica of the National Vow is also known as the “Church of the End of the World”?
That’s right! According to Ecuadorian tradition, if it’s ever fully completed, the world will come to an end. This stunning neo-Gothic temple is guaranteed to leave you speechless, watched over by gargoyles shaped like iguanas, condors, and armadillos.
From its towering spires, you won’t just get a breathtaking view of Quito—you’ll also have the chance to explore hidden passageways above the vaulted ceilings.
Afraid of heights? Go ahead and challenge yourself, because the reward is worth every single step.
Location:
Carchi 122 & Venezuela 11-263
Prices:
• Ecuadorian adults: $2
• Foreign adults: $4
Hours:
• Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday & Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
La Compania Church
Gold everywhere! The splendor of Baroque architecture reaches its peak in the Church of the Society of Jesus, a must-visit landmark for anyone traveling to Quito. Its construction took more than 160 years, and its interior—covered in 23-karat gold leaf—dazzles with intricate details.
Within this architectural complex stood the San Gabriel School, the site of one of Quito’s most famous traditions: the Miracle of the Dolorosa, when several students claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary blink. Don’t miss the striking painting of the Last Judgment, and if you get the chance, climb up to the domes for a breathtaking view.
Among golden details and sacred symbols, Baroque art truly comes to life in this magnificent Quito church, a testament to the dedication of the Jesuits in their spiritual mission.
Location:
Between García Moreno and Sucre streets, Historic Center of Quito.
Prices:
• General admission: $6.00
• Additional fee to access the domes.
Hours:
• Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Plaza Grande
Plaza Grande, also known as Independence Plaza, is the heart of Quito’s Historic Center. Want to take a stroll through history? Here, you’ll find the Carondelet Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and other architectural gems that have stood witness to centuries of history.
At the center of the square rises the monument to the First Cry of Independence, which took place on August 10th, 1809. This pivotal event marked the beginning of the region’s fight for freedom and established Quito as a pioneer of independence in Latin America.
But Plaza Grande isn’t just about the past—it’s a lively, vibrant space where tourists, street vendors, musicians, photographers, and locals all come together. Between culture, politics, and tradition, you can feel the special energy that blends history with everyday life.
If there’s one place where the soul of Quito reveals itself, it’s right here.
Location:
Historic Center of Quito, bordered by García Moreno, Chile, Venezuela, and Espejo streets.
The Government Palace
The Government Palace, known as Carondelet Palace, serves as the seat of the executive branch and stands as a national heritage treasure. Its name honours Francisco Luis Héctor, Baron of Carondelet, the last president of the Royal Audience of Quito, and it is believed that Simón Bolívar helped popularise the name.
A guided tour allows visitors to explore historic halls, admire presidential gifts, and step onto its balconies overlooking Plaza Grande. Inside, highlights include the presidential office, artwork from the Quito School, and furniture used by figures such as Gabriel García Moreno.
Beyond being a political building, it is a living museum where history, art, and power converge.
Location:
Plaza Grande, Historic Center of Quito.
San Francisco Church
Visiting San Francisco Church is like looking into the soul of Quito. Every corner blends Indigenous history and colonial tradition in a way that only time can achieve. Here, art isn’t just admired—it tells the story of mestizaje, the fusion of cultures.
San Francisco Church in Quito is much more than a temple; it is a living testament to the encounter between Indigenous and European traditions. Built atop the remains of an ancient Inca temple, this monumental complex reflects the cultural and spiritual syncretism that shaped Ecuador’s colonial history.
Its striking façade combines Renaissance and Mannerist influences, while inside, you’ll find a breathtaking mix of Mudéjar ceilings, Baroque altars covered in gold leaf, and more than 3,500 works of art. Many of these pieces, created by the Quito School, incorporate Indigenous symbols—such as suns and ancestral figures—coexisting with Christian iconography.
Location:
Benalcázar & Chile Streets, Historic Center.
Prices:
• Museum entry: $3.00 (includes Fray Pedro Gocial Museum and Beer Museum).
City Museum
Just a few steps from San Francisco Metro Station, the City Museum of Quito stands as a gateway to the past and present. Inside, its halls bring to life the daily routines of early inhabitants, the first neighbourhoods, forgotten trades, and the voices that have shaped this city from its pre-Hispanic roots to today.
Housed in what was once the San Juan de Dios Hospital—a place of care that operated for more than 400 years—the museum remains dynamic through temporary exhibitions that foster dialogue and cultural exchange in a contemporary setting.
Its courtyards, gardens, and library preserve the essence of a vibrant past, while its exhibitions offer an intimate and reflective journey through the soul of the city. A true cultural landmark in Quito that you won’t want to miss.
Location:
García Moreno S1-47 & Rocafuerte, near the Arco de la Reina.
Prices:
• Adults: $4.00
• Children/Students: $2.00
• Seniors/People with disabilities: Free
Hours:
• Wednesday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry at 3:45 PM)
• Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry at 4:45 PM)
Panecillo
From afar, El Panecillo stands as one of Quito’s most iconic landmarks. This hill offers a privileged panoramic view of the city, especially at sunset. It is a historic site that was once an Indigenous ceremonial center, known as Yavirac or the Temple of the Sun.
What is the name of the Virgin atop El Panecillo? She is the Virgin of Quito, a massive aluminium statue considered one of the tallest in Latin America. Based on the work of sculptor Bernardo de Legarda, she represents the apocalyptic Virgin stepping on a serpent, in true Quito School style.
At the base of the statue, you’ll find a small museum that tells its story and provides access to indoor viewing platforms, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience.
Location:
El Panecillo Hill, accessible via Melchor Aymerich Avenue.
Yaku Water Museum Park
Yaku means “water” in Kichwa, and this park-museum is a tribute to its essential role in the lives of both people and the city. Located on the slopes of Pichincha, the Yaku Water Museum Park stands on the site of a former water treatment plant from 1913, in the traditional El Placer neighbourhood, where Quito’s first water collection and purification systems were installed.
This museum not only connects you with history and the environment but also offers interactive experiences, lush gardens, and a breathtaking view of the city. With both permanent and temporary exhibitions, Yaku is a space for learning, reflection, and cultural exchange about the significance of water in Quito and the world.
Location:
El Placer neighbourhood, Oe11-271, between Bolívar and Rocafuerte streets.
Prices:
• Adults: $4.00
• Students/Children: $2.00
• Free for people with disabilities and seniors
Hours:
• Tuesday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry at 3:45 PM)
• Weekends and holidays: until 4:15 PM
We know that Quito’s Historic Center has too many must-see spots to name them all, but if you want to experience it all without missing a thing, Real Dream Tours offers its City Tour Quito + Middle of the World, letting you discover the best of the city in a single trip.
TeleferiQo Cable Car
Ready to touch the sky? Quito’s cable car takes you up to more than 3,945 meters above sea level (12 943 ft)—one of the highest in the world! From this incredible viewpoint, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking: volcanoes, the city at your feet, and crisp mountain air that awakens your sense of adventure.
It’s the perfect spot for hiking toward Rucu or Guagua Pichincha, capturing postcard-worthy photos, or even riding a mountain bike downhill. Looking for even more adrenaline? This is also a starting point for an unforgettable paragliding experience. Just don’t forget warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and your best smile for the photo!
Location:
Western Quito, accessible via Occidental Avenue.
Prices:
• Ecuadorians:
- Adults: $5.25
- Under 18: $3.25
- Seniors/People with disabilities: $2.50
• Foreign visitors:
- Adults: $9.00
- Under 18: $7.00
- Seniors/People with disabilities: $6.50
Hours:
• Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Saturday, Sunday, and holidays: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Middle of the World
Stand with one foot in each hemisphere and walk along the line that divides the world. At Mitad del Mundo, this unique experience is possible. This is one of Ecuador’s most iconic landmarks and a true symbol of national tourism. In addition to taking the classic photo on the equatorial line, discover how Pedro Vicente Maldonado and La Condamine measured the planet right here.
You can explore the Monument to Mitad del Mundo, visit the Ethnographic Museum, learn about Ecuador’s Indigenous communities, or head to the Intiñán Site Museum, where science and fun come together through interactive experiments. All of this is complemented by cultural performances, craft shops, restaurants, and even a planetarium. Looking for a special souvenir? Why not send a postcard from the very center of the world?
Location:
30 minutes north of Quito, in the parish of San Antonio.
Prices:
• General admission: $5 (adults)
• Children and seniors: $2.50
• Entry to the planetarium or additional museum: $3 each
Hours:
• Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Quito
How many days do you need in Quito?
Most travelers spend 2-3 days in Quito to cover the main attractions. This gives you enough time to explore the Historic Center, visit the Mitad del Mundo, ride the TeleferiQo, and enjoy the local food scene. If you want to include day trips to Cotopaxi or Otavalo, plan for 4-5 days.
Is Quito safe for tourists?
Quito is generally safe for tourists who take normal precautions. The Historic Center and tourist areas like La Mariscal are well-patrolled. Avoid walking alone at night, use registered taxis, and keep valuables secure. The northern part of the city is considered safer than the southern neighborhoods.
What is the best time to visit Quito Ecuador?
The best time to visit Quito is during the dry season from June to September, when you get clear skies and pleasant temperatures. December through May is the rainy season, but mornings are usually clear. Quito’s altitude of 2,850m means temperatures stay between 10-20°C year-round, so pack layers regardless of when you visit.
What are free things to do in Quito?
Quito offers many free activities including walking through the UNESCO Historic Center, visiting Plaza Grande and the Presidential Palace, exploring La Ronda street, watching the sunset from El Panecillo viewpoint, and browsing the Mercado Central. Many churches are free to enter, and the changing of the guard ceremony at Carondelet Palace is free every Monday.
