Centro Histórico Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Centro Histórico
Popular places to visit
Catedral Metropolitana de Quito
Admire an exciting combination of architectural styles, explore gilded chambers and appreciate stunning paintings in one of the South America’s oldest churches.
Independence Square
This picturesque square, featuring flowerbeds and fountains, is surrounded by colonial architecture, street vendors and monuments to its long history.
El Panecillo
Use this iconic Quito hill as an ever-present landmark point when navigating the city or climb to its peak to enjoy panoramic views of the Andes alongside the Virgen de Quito statue.
St. Francis Catholic Church
Discover blends of Moorish and Baroque interior design, browse artworks and visit a converted catacomb in this expansive church complex, which was built at the foundation of Quito.
Calle La Ronda
Visit artisan shops, bohemian cafés and centuries-old houses as you wander this quaint cobblestone street on the edge of Quito’s historic center.
Carondelet Palace
Discover centuries of Ecuadorian presidential history and an interesting art display as you explore the rooms of this 17th-century palace.
Activities
Quito City Tour Double Decker Bus
Full-Day Tour to Quilotoa Lagoon From Quito with Lunch
Quilotoa, Culture and Hiking from Quito !!!! ALL DAYS !!! BY ECUADORTREASURE
Full Day Hike and Bike Experience Cotopaxi Volcano with Lunch
Quito's Cultural Tour & Indigenous Perspectives of Old Town
Our pick of the best Centro Histórico Hotel Deals
Hotel San Francisco de Quito
A beautiful and quaint hotel in the historic district. A nice inner yard with plenty of greenery an flowers. Unfortunately there is no bar or dinner restaurant in the hotel, only a breakfast area. Breakfast is also a bit sparse, but will still recommend a stay. Plenty of bars and restaurants close ...
Reviewed on 7 May 2026
Hotel Plaza Grande
Hotel location directly on the central plaza is amazing. All Old Town Quito attractions are within easy walking distance. The hotel itself is stunning, beautiful historic decor. Room was beautiful. The best part of our stay however was the staff, so warm and welcoming. They paid attention to every ...
Reviewed on 26 Apr 2026
Casa Gangotena
Expensive for old hotel
Reviewed on 21 Apr 2026
Friends Hotel & Rooftop - Historic Center & Museums
Fresh breakfast, excellent service
Reviewed on 6 May 2026
La Casona de la Ronda Boutique Hotel
We chose to stay here on both ends of our Galapagos trip. With no preconceived ideas of Quito, we weren’t sure what to expect, from the city or the hotel itself. We were more than pleasantly surprised by both. The hotel was perfectly located within the Centro Historico, and provided easy access to ...
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2026
Hotel Casa Alquimia
Everything was according to my needs.
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Check Centro Histórico hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Centro Histórico
The Street of the Seven Crosses
Shopping, churches and restaurants are some highlights of The Street of the Seven Crosses. Make a stop by Carondelet Palace or Independence Square while you're exploring.
Quito Historic Center
Churches, museums and shopping are just a few things travellers like about Quito Historic Center. Sights like Carondelet Palace and Independence Square are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Quito area at San Francisco Station.
San Juan
You'll enjoy the museums and monuments in San Juan. You might want to make time for a stop at Centro de Arte Contemporaneo or Palacio de Gobierno.
Miraflores
If you're spending some time in Miraflores, TelefériQo Base Station and Liga Deportiva Universitaria Stadium are top sights worth seeing.
La Mariscal
La Mariscal is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Foch Square and La Mariscal Craft Market while in the area.
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.
