15 Best Things To Do In Quito
Ecuador is a beautiful country, particularly the capital city, Quito, which blends old-world elegance and new-world glamour. Nestled high in the Andes, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers travelers a treasure trove of experiences. Quito is a place for everyone, whether you are more into history, nature, or maybe cuisine. Here is a list of 15 of Quito’s best things to do.
1. Explore Quito’s Historic Center (Centro Historico)
Overview
Quito’s Historic Center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts colonial architecture, narrow streets paved with stones, and magnificent church buildings. It is one of the best-preserved historic centers in Latin America, with fountains, magnificent edifices, and markets. This area houses some of the most important buildings, such as Plaza Grande, Independence Square, and the Quito Cathedral.
My Visit
Wandering through Quito’s Historic Center felt like stepping back in time. The streets were crowded, but seeing the old-world architecture and the people’s energy was good. I especially liked Plaza Grande; it was a great place to watch the pedestrians and capture views of the other significant monuments. Two places that stood out on the tour were the Quito Cathedral, which had beautiful designs on the walls and a serene environment. It was evident that every corner of this historic center had a story to tell, which every history lover would love to learn.
2. Relax at Plaza Grande
Overview
Square, or Plaza Grande, is the central point of the city of Quito. They are lively and relaxing and are located close to important structures such as the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. The main attraction is a statue of Sucre, one of Ecuador’s most prominent liberators.
My Visit
During my free time one particular day, I decided to visit Plaza Grande and was overwhelmed by the energy of the place. The square was completely filled with people of different ages and origins, and the beautiful surrounding architecture completed the picture. Sightseeing included watching the changing of the guards at the Presidential Palace, which gave the day a more adventurous air. The calm of the garden zones was intriguingly juxtaposed with the liveliness of the square.
3. Check Out the Presidential Palace
Overview
The Presidential Palace, also known as Palacio de Carondelet, is an icon of the government and history of the Ecuadorian nation. Situated in Plaza Grande, it is possible to tour the palace, where the main halls, ceremonial rooms, and the changing of the guard can be observed.
My Visit
I had an opportunity to visit the Presidential Palace, and I found it quite interesting. The guided tour offered a wealth of historical and political information about the palace. The ornate detailing and the opulent design of the rooms were remarkable. It was quite interesting to see the ceremony of changing the guards, which showed that even in the palace, there were traditions.
4. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito
Overview
The Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito is an excellent example of colonial architecture and the oldest cathedral in Ecuador. It contains many paintings, sculptures, and gold leaf artwork.
My Visit
As soon as one enters the Metropolitan Cathedral, one feels like one is in an art gallery or museum. The calm environment and the beautiful artwork fascinated me. Every painting and sculpture depicted a story of Quito’s religious culture. Some of the parts of the cathedral were gilded in gold, which was a nice touch that made the place look rich.
5. Admire the Interior of the Church of the Society of Jesus
Overview
The Church of the Society of Jesus, locally known as La CompañÃa de Jesús, is described as baroque in structure and design, with a gold-gilded interior. Many people consider it one of Quito’s most beautiful churches.
My Visit
Indeed, the Church of the Society of Jesus left me completely astounded. Amazingly, ninety-five percent of the interior was covered with gold leaf. The patterns and the royal feeling were the primary reasons why a visit to this building was so enjoyable. One can only spend hours gazing at the beauty of the building and the design of this great cathedral.
6. The Church and Convent of San Francisco
Overview
The Church and Convent of San Francisco is also one of the largest for the Franciscan order in South America. It has a vast collection of religious art and is currently used as a museum.
My Visit
Visiting the Church and Convent of San Francisco was like returning in time. Combining artworks with religious and historical themes gave a better understanding of the existence of the Franciscan order in Quito. The church was beautiful, and the museum was full of relics and displays that gave an overview of the Franciscans in Ecuador.
7. Stroll Down La Ronda Street
Overview
La Ronda Street is an enchanting, cobblestone street that is closed to traffic in Quito’s historic district. Painted buildings, art studios, and coffee shops are situated along the street; thus, it is ideal for a leisurely walk.
My Visit
La Ronda Street was a welcome relief from the overall noise of the city. The painted walls of the houses, as well as the small shops and cafes, made them vibrant and inviting. Walking around, I liked looking at the art galleries and trying various pastries at the cafes. This is an excellent place to stroll and enjoy the region’s atmosphere.
8. Climb the Towers of the Basilica del Voto Nacional
Overview
The Basilica del Voto Nacional is a neo-Gothic church and one of Quito’s iconic landmarks. People can go up the towers for sightseeing in the city.
My Visit
It was quite thrilling to climb up the Basilica del Voto Nacional towers. The design was neo-Gothic, and the top offered great views worth climbing. It was a stunning view of the geographical positioning of Quito and the mountains surrounding the city when I was at the top of the basilica.
9. Enjoy the Views from El Panecillo
Overview
El Panecillo is a small hill that has a vantage view of Quito. Perched on the very top is a colossal figure of the Virgen del Quito, the city’s patroness.
My Visit
One of the things that I really enjoyed was visiting El Panecillo. The views of Quito from the hill were breathtaking, which gave a different perspective for the larger view of the city. The Virgen del Quito statue was also magnificent, standing tall and looking over the city. It is a calm area that offers one a good chance to escape the pressures of life above.
10. Check Out the Views from Itchimbia Park
Overview
Itchimbia Park is one of the most visited places by both the people of Quito and the tourists. It has gardens, a lake, and even a zoo, so visitors can enjoy and spend time in this beautiful area.
My Visit
Itchimbia Park was a welcome relief. The gardens were well-manicured, and the lake was an added bonus as it was a conducive area for walking. The prospects of the city of Quito from the park were stunning, and this park was a nice touch of green in the middle of the concrete jungle. It is an ideal place to relax and have fun.
11. Try Ecuadorian Food at Mercado Central
Overview
This is one of the largest markets in Quito, offering food and other local products that visitors would want to purchase. Others include Llapingachos, Aji, and Encebollado, as foods one shouldn’t miss to taste.
My Visit
Visiting Mercado Central was like taking a tour through the gastronomic wonderland. The atmosphere was busy and, of course, sultry, with the smell of spices and flavors accompanied by delicious local dishes. Eating Llapingachos, a kind of fried potatoes with cheese, and Encebollado, a sort of fish soup was very enjoyable. The rate at which it sold food items was also impressive, and the available souvenirs made it an ideal place for shopping.
12. Find Murals and Street Art in Quito
Overview
Quito’s streets are full of diverse artworks, with murals painted on the walls of numerous buildings. Street art is more prevalent in the La Mariscal district, Guápulo neighborhood, and San Roque neighborhood.
My Visit
This was a great find when I came across street art in Quito. The murals served to beautify alleyways and other dull areas in the city. Each piece depicted a narrative, an account of the culture of the people and the ambitious present-day society. La Mariscal and Guápulo stood out among these areas, as many murals that caught my eye were painted. It was a perfect way to discover the touring side of the city in arts.
13. Visit La Capilla del Hombre and Casa Museo GuayasamÃn
Overview
La Capilla del Hombre (The Chapel of Man) and Casa Museo GuayasamÃn are dedicated to the works of Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo GuayasamÃn. The chapel, designed by GuayasamÃn, and his former home, now a museum, showcase his art and personal collection of pre-Columbian artifacts.
My Visit
It was quite emotional for me to walk around La Capilla del Hombre and the Casa Museo GuayasamÃn. Through the immensely moving artworks, the chapel was a perfect canvas for GuayasamÃn’s thoughts and themes. His former home gave the viewer a rather personal perspective on the man and his remarkable collection of pre-Columbian material culture. The unity between the arts and history ensured that it was a fulfilling cultural experience.
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Final Words
In conclusion, Quito has much to offer, including history, culture, and natural resources. From the mesmerizing historic quarter to the colorful graffiti, the city offers a rich variety of what to see and, therefore what to do. Indeed, there is a lot to do in Quito, whether visiting historical Catholic shrines dating back to the 16th century, exquisite authentic Ecuadorian restaurants, or enjoying breathtaking city skyline views.
