Things to do in Quito — Explore Quito
thumb|upright=1.5|Quito's Plaza Grande Quito stretches across valleys between two mountain ranges which are part of the Andes. At an altitude of 2,850 m (9,350 feet), it is one of the world's highest capital cities. The altitude is high enough that most individuals will experience some degree of altitude sickness for the first few days, so plan accordingly. Quito is roughly divided into three parts: the Old City at the center, with southern and northern districts to either side. It was the first city to be named a… (Source: Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.)
Quito is a stop in Ecuador, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise Quito Old Town UNESCO, Basílica del Voto Nacional, Middle of the World Monument (Mitad del Mundo) instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 35–95 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal
Weather
From highland cool to tropical warmth
Quito Old Town UNESCO
Basílica del Voto Nacional
Middle of the World Monument (Mitad del Mundo)
TelefériQo to Pichincha volcano
La Compañía de Jesús Church
San Francisco Church and Plaza
El Panecillo and Virgin of Quito
Carolina Park
Quito Old Town UNESCO
Middle of the World Monument (Mitad del Mundo)
La Compañía de Jesús Church
San Francisco Church and Plaza
Carolina Park
Conjunto monumental San Francisco
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Day 1
Day 2
Prefer a full 7-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Quito itinerary guide.
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 35–95
per person / day
Luxury
USD 110–180+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Quito, Ecuador. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Typical mid-range for Quito
Estimated total (USD)
$1,935
≈ $968 per person · $276 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $70/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Quito mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 35–95 · luxury 110–180+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Local favourites
Pim's
An Ecuadorian franchise. 4 locations: Panecillo, Cumbaya, Itchimbia and Isabel La Catolica (next to the Swissotel).
Restaurant Techo del Mundo
Luxurious restaurant with a spectacular view located in the 5-star hotel “Hotel Quito”, international and Ecuadorian cuisine.
El Maple
Nice tempeh platter and hominy here at this vegetarian restaurant.
Mongos
A Mongolian Grill in the heart of trendy gringolandia new town. All you can eat buffets (vegetarian $3.99, with meats $5.99. Includes salad
Mulligan's
Need a break from all the new tastes, get a taste and comfort from home. This American style Sports Bar has great food and you can watch all
Mea Culpa
Among the best restaurants in town. Great service and food, taste the crepes de pangora (stone crab). Dishes are small, get an entry. Nice v
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Hostal Marsella
Located between New and Old Quito, just up the hill from Parque Alameda. Plenty of clean rooms with sitting areas both inside and under a ne
Casa Helbling
An old, but well preserved, large mansion where every room is different, but all are nice with a lot of light. Most are shared bathrooms. Fu
Aleida's Hostal
Aleida's Hostal is a laid-back, family-run hotel a block away from La Floresta's big 5-star hotels. The building is a beautifully restored t
La Casa Sol
A colorful, homey hostel in the best part of the neighborhood, close to shopping, nightlife and entertainment. Great amenities: cafe and int
La Casona de Mario
Single double and triple room. All rooms have shared bathrooms and there is a set price of $10 per person per night.
Photos: Asamblea Nacional del Ecuador, Cayambe, David Adam Kess, Ángel M. Felicísimo, Felipe Huaman Puma de Ayala — via Wikimedia Commons
Top picks in Quito include Quito Old Town UNESCO, Basílica del Voto Nacional, Middle of the World Monument (Mitad del Mundo), TelefériQo to Pichincha volcano. See the full list and itinerary on this Quito travel guide.
The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal.
Plan at least 2 days in Quito for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Popular stays in Quito include Hostal Marsella, Casa Helbling, Aleida's Hostal. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
On the ground in Quito (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 35–95, and luxury about 110–180+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Quito, Ecuador. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
