Quito Old Town
Quito Old Town
4.5
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This historic district was the first city named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is noted for its narrow streets, Spanish colonial architecture and historic attractions.
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- robert-not-home2,384 contributionsWorth a visit, it is the Old Town After allYou're in Quito and as with many cities the Old Town is a nice place to take in some history and enjoy the architecture and Quito is no different. I was there during the daytime and with a guide who told me to flip my backpack to the front and carry it on my chest as well as moving and securing anything (wallet, etc.) in my pockets to my backpack where it was tightly under my control. She is a local and a native so followed the advice and had no problems. I felt safe in general but do appreciate that she was looking out for me.Visited November 2023Traveled soloWritten December 5, 2023
- Luisa FOrlando, Florida69 contributionsQuito, Carita de Dios.Quito Old Town is the best Spanish Old Town in the Americas! It has overwhelming architecture, its churches are amazing. It has a natural outlook (El Panecillo hill) from where you can observe the city and its majestic Andes! Every time I go to Quito I continue to fall in love with this unique city surrounded by green beautiful mountains and snow capped peaks!Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten March 1, 2024
- Liz W5 contributionsFascinating CityWe really enjoyed our stay in Quito. The Old City is fascinating and there are so many good restaurants. We had a private guide and recommend doing a guided tour. The churches are spectacular and and not to be missed. Spend time ambling the streets to get a good feel for the City.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 10, 2024
- Larraine K38 contributionsLovely SquareSitting in the square by the San Francisco Church was a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Lots of street food on offer , the devil preaching ! Wedding parties and children having a great time. People watching with a coffee and there was a fantastic atmosphereVisited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 11, 2024
- Uday TLondon, United Kingdom1,926 contributionsVery interesting visitWe spent 5 days mainly walking around the Old Town. The architecture is very interesting and historic. The chuiches magnificent. Great eating places with lots of interesting shops and chocolate tasting etc. Really worth spending time hereVisited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 20, 2024
- Angel F20 contributionsExploring Quito through sights and tastesWalking through Quito's Old Town is indeed a delightful experience. The cobblestone streets add a historic charm, transporting you back in time. The well-preserved buildings, with their colonial architecture and intricate details, showcase the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Around each corner, you’ll find quaint places to explore and enjoy a taste of their world-famous chocolate paired with delicious pastries. Quito will not only immerse you in visual sights but also in tasteful charm.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 9, 2024
- Martin KOstrava, Czech Republic78 contributionsSafe and interestingReally worth seeing, take a guide and listen about interesting history of Quito and also about nowadays situation, troubles, politics. You can manage almost all the major places in half day / day. Enjoy a cup of cocoa on your wayVisited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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blacklocus
Chesley, Canada74 contributions
Dec 2019
You can easily visit this quarter either staying locally at one of the Hostals (inexpensive) or hotels or take one of the bus lines to this area. Buses are very cheap US 25 cents for adults. Wise to run the three main networks from one end of the city to another in non peak times. It is so cheap and you can visit parks or sites and for another quarter jump on again. Best deal around and way to get an overview.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victoria W
Houston, TX126 contributions
Feb 2022
I have been to a ton of different cities colonized by the Spanish that lead to a similar type of architecture more or less - Bogotá, Cartagena, Lima, Arequipa, Havana, San Juan, Granada, León, Ciudad de Panamá, Ciudad de México, Mérida, etc.. I can confidently say that Quito has some of the most extensive and well preserved networks of buildings. There's a reason it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site! I would recommend spending weekdays here as that's when it's most busy - on the weekends it gets kind of desolate and there aren't a lot of businesses open.
Written February 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Faye G
Brea, CA488 contributions
Feb 2020
We had a nice, long walk through the Old Town. It was extremely hot & humid in late February, but did not rain. Many beautiful building to feast our eyes upon. Love the architecture. Love the park place. Unique area.
Written July 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands5,839 contributions
Jan 2020
The old town was founded in 1534 by Spanish settlers on the ruins of an Inca town. 200 years later urban architect Dionisio Alcedo y Herrera designed the original city plan, which is still intact until this day. At the time a modern plan with the pattern of a chessboard, but fitting the slopes of nearby Pichincha volcano and Itchimbia and El Panecillo hills.
Not only the old colonial structures are still there, but also traditional crafts and know-how developed over centuries are preserved by the people who have been living in the old town for generations. Another reason why the old town is on the UNESCO world heritage list is the influence of the Baroque school of Quito which can be observed in the many Spanish style churches and institutions. Especially the interiors of the Church and Jesuit College of La CompañĂa is staggering.
Cars and buses were not planned to take space in the old town. Hope that the authorities will eventually take motorized vehicles out. Now only on Sunday mornings there is no black smoke and noise, as only pedestrians and cyclists are allowed in most of the old town. Wonderful to walk around in fresh air.
Keep in mind that the old town is in the 'poor' area of Quito and after 9PM almost deserted. The modern town is towards the north.
Not only the old colonial structures are still there, but also traditional crafts and know-how developed over centuries are preserved by the people who have been living in the old town for generations. Another reason why the old town is on the UNESCO world heritage list is the influence of the Baroque school of Quito which can be observed in the many Spanish style churches and institutions. Especially the interiors of the Church and Jesuit College of La CompañĂa is staggering.
Cars and buses were not planned to take space in the old town. Hope that the authorities will eventually take motorized vehicles out. Now only on Sunday mornings there is no black smoke and noise, as only pedestrians and cyclists are allowed in most of the old town. Wonderful to walk around in fresh air.
Keep in mind that the old town is in the 'poor' area of Quito and after 9PM almost deserted. The modern town is towards the north.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stefanc529
Austria96 contributions
Jan 2020
The old town of Quito is truly a must see in Latin America.
Unbelievable the will of the people who created this place.
Design with the purpose to foster religious ideas.
It is a living museum where with a little bit of imagination one can travel back to the days of the conquistadors
Unbelievable the will of the people who created this place.
Design with the purpose to foster religious ideas.
It is a living museum where with a little bit of imagination one can travel back to the days of the conquistadors
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ebert2013
Eden Prairie, Minnesota42 contributions
Feb 2020
We had a wonderful day walking in Panama’s Old Town. The buildings are beautiful with many balconies lined with flowers. There was a very quaint area Covered with flowering trees near the water front where local art and craft vendors were selling their wares. A beautiful area to get photos of downtown Panama! Take Time and enjoy walking the area with shopping and great places to eat.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George S
Miami Beach, FL1,619 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
This is an UNESCO Heritage Site and the prime destination of any visit to Quito. Here you will find the many churches, plazas, some museums, restaurants and other interesting sites. It is well preserved and just wandering its streets is a pleasant experience. It is safe, clean and very well-policed. Please note that it is hilly and in some places very steep but Uber is inexpensive and helps out. Though all the modern hotels are outside this district, there are ample smaller ones that are very charming and some inexpensive ones. I believe that 3/4 of all interesting sites of Quito are located here.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
val m
United States216 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
Quito is huge noisy, busy, horrible pollution! Couldn’t wait to leave. Couple hours in old city was about churches, yet I enjoyed 5 minutes of a couple men playing classical guitar on the street. For a country/city that depends on tourism I’m surprised how very few speak English. Means you hire a guide and their English isn’t as understandable as the price indicates, or their quality of information. Sorry, I was disappointed after months of planning.
Written May 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg C
Waterloo, Canada10 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Even though the Old Town can be hilly in areas it is very walkable. Around every corner is another unique experience. The city is alive during the day but quickly shuts down when it gets dark. Plan your large meal for lunch as many of the restaurants shut down in the evening and it can be hard to find a place to eat dinner. The museums are great, the architecture is great and the people are fantastic. Plenty of sites to see.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CasaHoffa
Huatulco, Mexico12,441 contributions
Jan 2020
We met-up with good friends in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. This beautiful colonial city is filled with wonderful architecture, churches, plazas, shops, restaurants and it is the greatest historic center in South America. Allow yourself a day or two to accommodate to the high altitude.
Written October 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HI, me, my husabnd, and my two daughters are visiting Quito this summer 2021. My daughter will be staying in La Floresta district in a homestay situation and studying Spanish. We will be staying neear-by - but haven't booked anything yet. I would love to chta ith you sirectly about your experience in Quito!
Written June 4, 2021
We are staying one night in Quito nearby the airport. I’m looking for someone to pick up and return laundry early the next morning. Does anyone know a company that provides this type of service?.
Written December 14, 2019
Hi guys I'm from India... I just want to know.. from Quito to which part of Europe country has a cheap flight fare... How much does it cost.. tell me in USD.... HOW MUCH USD... ?
Written March 14, 2019
Fernando M
Ambato, Ecuador
Hi Nathan from Quito to Madrid or from Quito to Amsterdam I think are the cheaper options at least there are daily flights to there, you can find flights from from 500 USD may be a little bit less if you are lucky and find a promotion, and in average I think they cost around 650
Written March 15, 2019
Hi Dan we are in Quito for 3 days prior to a Galapagos tour but are unsure about whether to stay in the Old Town area or closer to the Hotel we will start out tour. We love walking wherever possible but happy to get transport to places like the Middle of World /Cable Car etc. any advice. Thank-you
Written January 24, 2019
I recommend staying in the old town, there are many fabulous churches to visit and lots of great walking through the historic centre.
Written January 30, 2019
Is Monday still a bad day to do a city tour ie are all the churches and museums closed
Written January 26, 2018
There is a church in every block in old town. Most of them have wonderful art inside. They usually open for service and they usually have a sign at the door for the open hours for tourists.
Written February 5, 2018
Denise F
Quito, Ecuador
Olá Elaine,
que guia vc contratou? Vc tem o Contato?
Estou aqui a trabalho mas terei um dia livre e queria aproveita-lo bem.
Obrigada
Written November 14, 2016
Do they pickup/drop off at hotel??
Written September 9, 2016
The tour bus has a route specified by the city of Quito. You can take the city tour in the morning or at night. The points of sale is in Boulevar Naciones Unidas | Address: Av. Naciones Unidas y Shyris, La Carolina’s park, North. or
El Quinde Visitors Center | Address: Venezuela Street and Espejo Street (corner). Located in downtown front of Plaza Grande.
The pick up at 9:00 am in Boulevar Naciones Unidas
Regards,
Karla
Written September 12, 2016
Is it possible you na send me name and phone or e mail of the guide? I am going there in ten days.Thanks.
Written June 1, 2016
Very sorry Raxit; have been busy since returning from S.America and didn't see your question. Hope you had a great time!
Alan
Written June 19, 2016
As an older couple we would like a private room with ensuite bath but a reviewer said it smelled of raw sewage and never had hot water??? We would stay Nov. 1 to Jan. 4 (65 nights). We are in the initial stages of a 4-month tour plan where we would arrive:
Oct 6-7 Travel to Guayaquil-1 night on a plane-ugh
Oct 7-13 Stay in Guayaquil-7 nights
Oct. 14-21 Galapagos tour-8 nights
Oct. 22-28 Guayaquil-7 nights
Oct. 29-31-Manchu Pinchu tour-3 nights
Nov. 1-Jan. 4-Cuenca- 65 nights
Jan. 5-Feb. 1- Quito-33 nights
Feb. 2-Back to the US
The suite would be nice but the smell and tiles would not be acceptable. Has that been fixed? What would be the cost of the period above? Can you help with connections between the cities? Please note that we would have to book and find all the above available so days may vary somewhat. Looking forward to your answer we are.
Bill and Dorothy Hagan
Written June 1, 2015
Hello Bill and Dorothy Hagan,
I think you may have posted on the wrong attraction, as the one you have asked on is for the Old Town in Quito, and not a specific hotel. I hope you find the answer you're looking for.
Jake
Written June 10, 2015
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