Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and active volcanos, Quito was the first city I ever visited abroad and is one of the most scenic metros I’ve ever been to. It will (literally) take your breath away!
Quito’s an ideal destination for all travelers, but especially those interested in history and architecture. There are a plethora of museums, art galleries, restaurants, and public squares to keep anyone occupied for a couple of days.
This is a big city though – one that hosts over 2 million inhabitants. Sorting through all of the neighborhoods and deciding where to stay in Quito can actually be a little intimidating…
To help you out, we’ve put together this guide on the best places to stay in Quito. We’ve included something for a variety of interests and budgets, so you can find the perfect base for your travels.
Photo: @Lauramcblonde
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Top Accommodation in Quito
Old Town
Old town Quito is one of the largest and best preserved colonial centers in Latin America. It’s definitely where to stay in Quito for the first time as you’ll be just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the most important landmarks in not only Quito but all of Ecuador.
La Ronda
La Ronda is actually a small neighborhood within the Historic Center of Quito, but it’s so special that it deserves its own category for places to stay in Quito. The accommodation options you’ll find below are quite inexpensive, making La Ronda where to stay in Quito on a budget.
La Mariscal
La Mariscal is the ‘hood for backpackers! This area has the highest concentration of hostels as well as a vibrant nightlife. All of the action is centered around Plaza Foch.
La Floresta
La Floresta is Quito’s hip, bohemian neighborhood chock full of coffee shops, independent movie theaters, locally owned restaurants, and art boutiques. It’s home to artists, writers, universities, and students.
La Carolina
La Carolina is the most modern area of Quito. It’s also the financial district so you’ll mostly find young executives and families. The neighborhood is centered around a park of the same name, which is a great place for relaxing, getting some exercise, and people watching.
A Guide to Quito’s Best Neighborhoods
If you’re backpacking through Ecuador, there’s pretty much no way around Quito. It was founded in 1534 and built on the ruins of an ancient Inca city. Today, it’s home to over 2 million people. It was one of the first cities (along with Krakow) to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.
Now, let’s take a look at each of these areas in more detail. We’ve included our top accommodation and activity picks in each, so you know exactly what you’re getting. These are particularly safe areas too.
1. Old Town – Where to Stay in Quito for your First Visit
Quito’s Old Town is one of the largest and best-preserved colonial centers in South America. It’s definitely where to stay in Quito for your first visit as you’ll be just a stone’s throw away from the most important landmarks in Ecuador.
Most of the historical buildings have survived almost unchanged throughout the centuries, earning the Historic Center the title of World Heritage Site by the United Nations.
This is where you’ll find vintage churches, theaters, monasteries, and convents. In Old Town, you can get your culture fix during the day and some nightlife in from classy bars and restaurants at night.
There are a couple of important plazas dotted with cafes, that are perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Plaza de la Independencia (aka Plaza Grande) was my personal favorite!
- Best For: First timers, a trip kickoff, architecture lovers
- The Vibe: Colonial charm, UNESCO heritage sites, local energy
- Proximity to Airport: About an hour from (UIO), Quito’s main airport
- Transport Level: Easy – lots of ride shares, buses and even a cable car
- Budget: Budget, there’s lots of affordable hostels, guesthouses and Airbnbs along with tons of cheap food.
- Crowds: High. This is the most touristy part of Quito.
Photo: Sasha Savinov
Things to See and Do in Old Town
- Watch the incredible changing of the guard ceremony in the Plaza Grande, where the president comes out to greet the crowd.
- Enjoy a cheap and delicious meal after perusing all the fresh food on offer at Mercado Central.
- Join a walking tour and learn the history of Quito and its historic landmarks.
- Take a tour of the presidential palace and get a first-hand look at the art & architecture inside.
- Get a better view of Plaza Grande and Quito from the roof of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito.
- Admire the architecture of Teatro Sucre in Plaza del Teatro.
- Take in the incredible collection at the Museo de la Ciudad which chronicles Quito’s history.
- Challenge your fear of heights by climbing to the top of the towers of Basilica del Voto.
- Gawk at the impressive beauty inside the Church and Monastery of San Francisco, Quito’s oldest church.
- Take in the best view of Old Town while enjoying tasty cocktails and dinner at Vista Hermosa.
Suite in Quito’s Old Town | Best Airbnb
This modern apartment is located right in the heart of Quito’s Old Town and has all the comforts of home, including a full kitchen and epic patio. Top attractions, shops, and bars are all a short walk away.
Hostel Revolution | Best Hostel in Old Town
Hostel Revolution is a hostel made by backpackers for backpackers. Its smaller capacity makes it easier to make friends and feel at home.
It’s conveniently located near several restaurants, but there’s also a fully equipped kitchen for those who would rather cook. There are three common areas: a TV lounge with lots of DVDs, a rooftop terrace, and a bar.
Hotel Casa Ecuatreasures | Best Hotel in Old Town
Located in the heart of Old Town, Casa Ecuatreasures offers a nice breakfast that’s included in the room price. Each room comes with a TV and some even have a private balcony.
The owners go the extra mile for their guests, so you’ll feel right at home. It’s a great choice for where to stay in Quito within Old Town!
2. La Ronda – Where to Stay in Quito on a Budget
La Ronda is a small neighborhood within the Historic Center, but it’s so special that it deserves its own category for places to stay in Quito that’s especially suited for slow travel.
La Ronda dates back to pre-Colonial days. In the 17th century, the Beatniks of the day began to flock there in droves. It also served as a meeting point for prominent members of the revolution against the Spanish.
By the 19th century, it was a popular area for nightlife full of decadent bars, restaurants, and brothels. Then it fell into disarray and was ultimately forgotten about until 2006 when the city started the recovery efforts, restoring it into one of the coolest areas in Quito.
The lantern-lined streets and balconies make visitors feel like they’ve been transported to Spain. Most of the traditional homes open up to courtyards that have been turned into art galleries, museums, and elegant restaurants.
Photo: Sasha Savinov
- Best For: Couples, culture seekers, photographers, travelers who want low-key nightlife
- The Vibe: Touristy but uniquely Ecuadorian, cobblestone streets, live music
- Proximity to Airport: About an hour from (UIO), Quito’s main airport
- Transport Level: Easy with ride shares, buses and sidewalks
- Budget: Budget – Many epic accommodations for less
- Crowds: Busiest on weekends
Things to See and Do in La Ronda
- Try a Canalazo: an adult beverage served hot, made from aguardiente, local citrus fruits, and cinnamon.
- Shop til you drop at the boutique shops that line the main street selling clothing, crafts, and other specialty items that aren’t found anywhere else in the city.
- Learn the history of the neighborhood by reading the boards full of information in both English and Spanish.
- Take in the exhibits of new Quiteño art at the Casa de Arte Museum and Art Gallery.
- Dance to the live music on the street and many of the restaurants on La Ronda.
- Taste local specialties, such as empanadas and chorizo on a stick.
- Enjoy the sweeping views of Quito from the top of El Panecillo then climb to the top of the Virgen of El Panecillo (the tallest aluminum sculpture in the world) for an even better view.
Traveler’s House | Best Airbnb in La Ronda
This beautiful home was built over 200 years ago, and is the ideal place to stay in Quito for both comfort and culture. You’ll find two bedrooms with stunning mountain views, but the real selling point is the incredible backyard, which gives you a rare green space in the middle of a historic center.
Viajero Quito Hostel | Best Hostel in La Ronda
Viajero Hostel was designed with busy travelers in mind. The dorm beds are very private; each one is its own little cubicle with a light, power outlet, and USB plug. Even the private rooms are rather luxurious for a hostel and privates include breakfast.
There’s also a beautiful garden with bean bags. The modern kitchen and daily activities are just some of the awesome facilities on offer, making this one of the best hostels in Quito.
Hotel Casa Montero | Best Hotel in La Ronda
Hotel Casa Montero is located in Santo Domingo Square, just a quick walk from Calle La Ronda. Their on-site restaurant has incredible views of the neighborhood and offers a free continental breakfast.
The rooms are spacious and very clean. They offer a very reasonable price for the excellent quality here.
3. La Mariscal – Where to Stay in Quito for Nightlife
La Mariscal is the ‘hood for budget backpackers! This area has the highest concentration of hostels as well as vibrant nightlife. All of the action is centered around Plaza Foch.
It’s a nice, chilled-out square to enjoy a cup of coffee or lunch during the day, but at night it becomes a wild party scene with locals and foreigners alike.
La Mariscal was the first neighborhood to expand northward from the colonial center. It used to be a rural cattle grazing land. First, they built a few houses and a race track. Then it became a commercial hub, which brought in tourism, and from there, it morphed into the hotspot that it is today.
Photo: Sasha Savinov
- Best For: Backpackers, nightlife lovers, comfort-oriented travelers
- The Vibe: Social, high-energy, pre-game and party energy
- Proximity to Airport: About an hour from (UIO), Quito’s main airport
- Transport Level: Easy with ride shares, buses and sidewalks
- Budget: Budget – cheap places to stay, eat and drink
- Crowds: High, especially in the evening/night
Things to See and Do in La Mariscal
- Party til the sun comes up in the bars and nightclubs around Plaza Foch. Just be wary of pickpocketers!
- Stroll around El Ejido Park while admiring the painting by local artists on display.
- Shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs at the Artisanal Market.
- Try the most authentic Latin American chocolate at Republica del Cacao.
- Learn about the history of Ecuador from the first inhabitants to the present day at the Central Bank National Museum.
- Shop for CDs of Adean Musicians as well as traditional Ecuadorian instruments at Saucisa.
- Head to Plaza Borja Yerovi to dazzle your senses by admiring the surrounding street art and children playing in the fountain.
- Check out the arts and crafts at the Plaza Foch Saturday Market.
Luxury Modern Suite | Best Airbnb in La Mariscal
This luxurious apartment provides comfortable accommodation for up to three guests. It’s stylish and contemporary throughout, with large windows letting in plenty of natural light. The flat is in the heart of Quito’s liveliest nightlife district, so you’ll have bars, clubs, and restaurants on your doorstep.
Secret Garden Quito | Best Hostel Near La Mariscal
I’ve stayed at Secret Garden before, and yes it may be a few km outside of La Mariscal, but it’s undoubtedly one of the best hostels in the city. They also have another location in Cotopaxi that’s still on my mind nearly 9 years later. Like – perhaps the best hostel in Ecuador if I’m being honest.
I wouldn’t call it a hostel as much as a community, but it’s still good for cheap dorms. Things it’s even better for are: working in their coworking space, yoga on their yoga deck, watching movies in their cinema room, making friends at their bar, seeing the city on one of their many tours, and partying at one of their frequent events.
Casa Joaquin Boutique Hotel | Best Hotel in La Mariscal
Set in a restored Colonial house, Casa Joaquin is a perfect choice for where to stay in La Mariscal. Each room has a unique design as well as flat-screen TVs and modern bathrooms with a rain shower.
You can relax in the bar, on the patio, or on the rooftop terrace. Breakfast is included and the property is within walking distance to many entertainment options.
4. La Floresta – Coolest Neighborhood in Quito
La Floresta is Quito’s hip, bohemian neighborhood full of coffee shops, independent movie theaters, locally-owned restaurants, and art boutiques. It’s home to artists, writers, and students.
This is the perfect area for foodies as it’s the local’s favorite district for eating. There are all kinds of restaurants, as well as a new food truck park.
It’s also the best place in Quito to try street food. Every night the main plaza fills with street food carts local specialties. There’s even a farmer’s market every Friday.
During the day, visitors can get a glimpse into the past, thanks to the neo-classical mansions that remain from the early 20th century. Then at night, there are jazz clubs, taverns serving craft beers, and other fun activities.
- Best For: Creatives, foodies, hipsters, digital nomads
- The Vibe: Authentic and lived in, relaxed sophistication, coffee over shots
- Proximity to Airport: About an hour from (UIO), Quito’s main airport
- Transport Level: Easy with ride shares, buses and sidewalks
- Budget: A bit more mid range, though budget travelers can still find somewhere relatively cheap
- Crowds: Pretty low and manageable, with a weekend peak
Things to See and Do in La Floresta
- Join a walking tour with Quito Street Tours and learn the history plus taste all the amazing food in La Floresta.
- Spend a day wandering the nearby neighborhood, a Guapulo, a small community tucked into a steep hillside.
- Sample Ecuador’s exotic fruits at the weekend Farmer’s Market.
- Catch an indie film at Ocho y Medio Theater and grab a cerveza at the on-site tavern.
- Relax on the furniture made from old bike parts while sipping on a cup of Joe at La Cleta Bici Cafe.
- Shop for high-quality handicrafts at Olga Fisch Folklore.
Beautiful 9th Floor Apartment | Best Airbnb in La Floresta
This modern suite is beautifully furnished and is ideal for couples or solo travelers. There’s a huge window in the lounge area boasting spectacular views over the city. The studio has a full kitchen, wifi, and a workspace.
Posada del Maple | Best Hostel in La Floresta
This hostel has 30 years experience in hosting travelers from all over the world – so you know you’re in good hands! Rooms are comfortable, and there are numerous communal areas to chill out in. There’s free wifi throughout, a fully equipped kitchen, and a self-serve cafe. Breakfast is included as well!
Casa Aliso Hotel Boutique | Best Hotel in La Floresta
Set in an old home built in 1936, the Casa Aliso is a great choice for where to stay in Quito outside of the touristy areas.
Each room has a private balcony and there is a garden and a reading room where guests can relax and read the free newspaper.
5. La Carolina – Where to Stay in Quito with Family
La Carolina is the most modern area of Quito. It’s also the financial district so you’ll mostly find young families executives. The neighborhood is centered around a park of the same name, which is a great place for relaxing, getting some exercise, and people watching.
There is a fantastic assortment of restaurants selling international and local cuisine. As this area is located in the center of the city, it’s a great jump off point for exploring other areas.
- Best For: Business travelers, people who prefer modern over colonial
- The Vibe: Exercise focused, organized, comfort over chaos
- Proximity to Airport: About an hour from (UIO), Quito’s main airport
- Transport Level: Easy with ride shares, buses and sidewalks
- Budget: Mid-range to luxury accommodations, no hostels here
- Crowds: Daily urban flow of people but not particularly touristy
Things to See and Do in La Carolina
- Play any number of sports in the park including football, basketball, rollerskating, aerobics, horseback riding, and running.
- Rent a boat and row on the lake in La Carolina Park.
- Gain an understanding of the treatment of Indigenous people by visiting Capilla del Hombre (the Mans Chapel).
- Visit the Botanical Garden and relax amongst the exotic flowers and trees.
- Head to the Museo de Ciencias Naturales to acquaint yourself with Ecuador’s flora and fauna.
- Check out the abandoned Ecuadorian Airforce airplane that flew in the 1940s.
- Cheer for the local football team at Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa.
- Catch a buzz a dazzle your taste buds by sampling craft beers from all over Ecuador at Viva Cerveza.
- Get some (more) exercise by strolling around the massive Parque Metropolitano.
Loft in La Carolina | Best Airbnb
The apartment is perfect for two people and situated right across from La Carolina Park. The hot tub was really my favorite part, along with the truly incredible rooftop with epic Quito views. With a fully equipped kitchen, fast Wifi and a huge TV, it’s the ideal place to crash after a side quest.
Republica del Salvador Coliving | Best Budget Hotel
This backpacker-budget-friendly hotel in La Carolina has everything you could possibly need while in Quito for less! You get to choose between a ton of different apartment styles that all give you access to a bunch of communal amenities. A fitness center, terrace, garden, bar, hot tub and games room truly put this in “unmatched” territory.
Wyndham Garden Quito | Best Hotel in La Carolina
The Wyndham Garden in Quito is great splurge options for travelers looking for a bit of extra comfort. They have a fitness center as well as a terrace. Some rooms offer incredible city views.
The on-site restaurant serves a beautiful buffet breakfast and is famous for international cuisine. The staff is kind and helpful making this a great option for where to stay in Quito.
Questions People Usually Ask Us…
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Quito and where to stay.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Quito
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
What Area of Quito is Best?
Quito is an EPIC city that offers excellent dining, green spaces, mountain views and endless cultural attractions.
If you’re still not sure where to stay in Quito, we highly recommend La Floresta. This awesome neighborhood is full of cool places to explore, markets, restaurants, and more.
Secret Garden is our favorite hostel Quito. It’s got an awesome location, friendly atmosphere, comfortable rooms, and plenty of activities to keep you entertained.
For something more upmarket, check out Traveler’s House, one of the coolest Airbnb’s in Ecuador!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Ecuador.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Quito.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth South America backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
The article didn’t say that Quito is the highest capital, but actually it is the highest, since Bolivia’s capital is Sucre, not La Paz. Anyway, the safest areas in Quito are the ones in the North, the South and Downtown areas are quite dangerous if you don’t speak Spanish and wonder around at night.
Thank you for pointing that out.
Hello, the highest capital city in the world is La Paz and not Quito.
The article didn’t say Quito was the highest capital, they said second highest capital.
Hi Rachel – this is an amazing post, thank you! My boyfriend and I will be spending 3 nights/days in Quito in March following a trip to the Galapagos. I believe we have settled on staying in the La Ronda neighborhood. We have several churches, Fundacion Guayasamin, riding the Telerifico, etc., on our list – but are there any unique, off the beaten path activities/experiences you might recommend? Our interests are broad and varied, so open to any and all suggestions. Thank you in advance!
Coffee at Cafe Galletti! Also, get a day tour to the Antisana Paramo for birdwatching and crisp mountain air!
Very helpful post, thanks. I am just organizing my trip to Quito in December. 🙂