Perched high in the Ecuadorian Andes, Quito is a city of contrasts. It’s where colonial charm collides with dramatic volcanic landscapes, and ancient traditions and buzzing modern life coexist. As the world’s second-highest capital, Quito is one of the most unique and intriguing cities I have visited. 

This 3-day Quito itinerary is here to help you make the most of your time there. I have also included my personal recommendations about where to eat and drink, and answered some common questions you may have about Quito.

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Day 1 AM: Quito’s Historic Heart

Wake up early on your first day in Quito and fuel up with a hearty Ecuadorian breakfast – humitas (steamed corn cakes wrapped in husks) or empanadas de viento (cheese-filled and sugar-dusted delights) and a rich local coffee. Ecuador has really fantastic coffee and the city centre is full of cosy cafés, like Huma Chocolate and Coffee Experience.

Once you’ve filled your belly, it’s time to explore Quito’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is extremely photogenic, with an attractive blend of colonial façades, grand cathedrals, cobbled streets and lively plazas. The city is made even more striking by the snow-capped peaks that surround the city. 

Start at Plaza de la Independencia (also known as Plaza Grande), a sprawling plaza full of fountains, trees, statues, and plenty of benches – perfect for relaxing or people-watching. The plaza is surrounded by important historic and governmental buildings like the Presidential Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de Quito). Pop into the cathedral for a moment of calm. Dating back to the 16th century, the domed cathedral is a stunning example with neoclassical architecture, with four dramatic, colourful chapels.

Afterwards, explore the pretty surrounding streets. Despite being relatively small, Quito’s Old Town really packs a punch. The are so many beautiful buildings around every corner, such as the Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy and the breathtaking Church of the Society of Jesus (Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús), a stunning example of Baroque architecture where gold leaf coats nearly every surface. Built by the Jesuits in the 17th century, it is one of Quito’s most beloved buildings. With its richly decorated dome, geometric ceiling patterns, and the lavish use of gold and detailed frescoes, it is easy to see why!

The nearby San Francisco Church and Convent (Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco), one of South America’s oldest religious sites, is also well worth a visit. Before you leave, duck into Tianguez, a winding artisan shop below the convent, selling colourful crafts and souvenirs.

All of these sights are within easy walking distance, so you can explore them on your own. But if you’d like a richer understanding of Ecuadorian culture and history, I recommend joining a guided tour – here are some highly rated options worth considering:

Day 1 PM: Central Market and Art Gallery

After you’ve finished exploring the beautiful Old Town, it will be time for some lunch. There are plenty of nice restaurants in this vicinity serving Ecuadorian specialities, many of which advertise lunch specials that cost just a couple of dollars. Just look for a sign saying “Almuerzos”.

For your first day, though, I recommend eating at Mercado Central. Located around 10 minutes on foot from Plaza Grande, this large covered market is full of places to eat, making it a great place to be introduced to the local cuisine. Pull up a plastic stool and dive into a bowl of ceviche de camarón or a plate of hornado (slow-roasted pork with crispy skin). Another popular dish found in Quito markets is corvina y papas, which consists of fried seabass fillets with potatoes served alongside ceviche. A stall I wholeheartedly recommend for this dish is Las Corvinas de Don Jimmy.

Once you’ve had lunch, walk straight down Esmeraldas until you reach Museo Camilo Egas. This is a small but fascinating gallery dedicated to one of Ecuador’s most important modern artists. Egas (1889–1962) is best known for his bold paintings that highlight indigenous life and culture in Ecuador. My husband and I stumbled across this museum by chance, and it turned out to be one of our favourites in Quito. Quiet, beautifully curated, and free to enter, this is a must-visit for art fans.

Afterwards (or instead of if you don’t fancy an art gallery), stroll to the Basilica del Voto Nacional, the largest neo-Gothic church in Latin America. The beautiful stained glass windows and views from its towers are jaw-dropping, and the climb – up narrow ladders and across wooden bridges – is an experience in itself. There’s also a great gift shop inside!

As the sun dips behind the mountains, head to Calle La Ronda, a charming cobblestone street lit with lanterns and brimming with artisan shops, galleries, and live music. This street is known for its lively restaurants and bars where you can try some local food and drinks. Don’t be shy to try canelazo, a hot spiced cinnamon drink with aguardiente – it’s perfect for Quito’s cool nights.

You can round off your first night in Quito with a beer or two at nearby Bandido Brewing, a craft-beer brewery and restaurant that has earned a place among the top-rated breweries in the city.

Day 2 AM: Cable Car Ride up Pichincha Volcano

Start your second day by ascending Pichincha Volcano on the TelefériQo – a glass cable car that whisks you to 4,000 metres above sea level. From the top, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the city and the surrounding Andean mountains.

Go as early as possible for clearer views and fewer crowds, but keep an eye on the weather. It was really misty during our visit, but seeing the city peeking through the clouds was magical in its own way. You may want to take a rain coat or umbrella too, in case the weather turns.

• Price: Full-price return tickets cost $9 USD (concessions available).
• Opening Times: Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri 8am-6pm, Sat & Sun 8am-7pm

Day 2 PM: Artisanal Markets and Culture Fix

Once you’ve finished admiring the view from the top of Pichincha Volcano, take a taxi to Mercado Artesanal La Marisca. This enormous market is filled with hundreds of small craft stalls selling various trinkets that would make great souvenirs. There are also plenty of clothes stalls here, so it might be a good place to pick up a snug alpaca or llama wool poncho for when the cold sets in. Don’t forget to haggle though, as the listed prices will be inflated.

There are plenty of places to eat around here too if you get hungry, such as La Casona. This casual eatery serves up wonderful bowls of encebollado, a hearty and flavourful Ecuadorian fish stew that is regarded as the national dish. 

After a bit of shopping and eating, make your way to the Museo Nacional del Ecuador. This museum is located in a beautiful colonial building and has a wide variety of exhibits on the country’s rich history and indigenous cultures. There are thousands of artworks and objects to admire here, including the impressive Gold Sun God Mask.

After a nice dose of culture, take a taxi or the metro up to La Carolina Park, one of Quito’s largest urban parks, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You can rent a paddleboat on the park’s lake or visit the Jardín Botánico de Quito. This botanical garden is home to a wide variety of plants and flowers from Ecuador and around the world. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy nature.

In the evening, head slightly south of La Carolina Park to neighbourhoods like Batan Alto or La Paz. Here you’ll find plenty of upmarket restaurants as well as nice bars. A great spot in this area is Andes Brew Pub – La Pradera, a bustling craft beer pub known for its friendly vibe, creative décor, and excellent selection of locally brewed beers on tap. Or you could make your way to Quito’s famous nightlife hub Plaza Foch in the La Mariscal district. 

If you’d prefer to be in the Old Town for dinner, I recommend Mote Colonial. We enjoyed colourful sharing bowls of chicharrón, mote pillo, mote sucio, and chicken-filled empanadas. The restaurant also offers vegetarian options (or happily adapts dishes), with charming décor and friendly bilingual staff.

Day 3: Mitad del Mundo or Day Trip to Otavalo

For your third day in Quito, I have two suggestions:

Mitad del Mundo

One of the most popular excursions from Quito is a trip to Mitad del Mundo, the iconic monument that marks the equator. About 40 minutes from the city, it’s a rare opportunity to stand in both hemispheres at once!

The 30-metre-high monument, built in the 1700s, is photogenic –  but here’s a fun fact: the real equator line is actually a few metres away at the Intiñan Equator Museum. This quirky spot has interactive exhibitions, balance tests, and fascinating cultural displays, plus sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Both stops are well worth visiting if you want the full “middle of the world” experience.

For a stress-free experience, join a Mitad del Mundo guided tour which usually includes both the monument and the Intiñan Museum, along with round-trip transport from Quito.

Day Trip to Otavalo

If you’re itching to escape the city, head two hours north to the adorable town of Otavalo. Famous for its indigenous market (one of the largest in South America), Otavalo is bursting with vibrant textiles, handmade jewellery, quirky artwork, and colourful woven bags. Saturdays are the best day to visit, when the market is in full swing.

Nature lovers should also check out the nearby Peguche Waterfall or enjoy a peaceful walk around Cuicocha Lagoon, a crater lake surrounded by lush greenery.

Getting there: Buses leave Quito’s Terminal Carcelén roughly every 30 minutes and take about two hours. If you’d rather skip the hassle, join an organised day tour to Otavalo. Many also include Peguche Waterfall and Cuicocha Lagoon, so you can enjoy a mix of culture and nature without worrying about logistics.

Quito Travel Tips

Where to Stay in Quito 

Choosing the right neighbourhood can make a big difference to your stay. Many visitors opt for La Mariscal, which is lively and central, though it can feel a bit noisy at night. For a calmer and more upscale vibe, La Floresta is a great choice – it’s known for its artsy cafés, safe streets, and boutique hotels. González Suárez and Bellavista are also good options if you’re looking for quieter, residential areas with great views.

My husband and I stayed near Parque La Carolina. This area has a lot of restaurants and hotels, with good public transport connections. We stayed in this apartment; it is one of the best Airbnbs we’ve rented to date, with fantastic views! 

If that Airbnb isn’t available for your visit, here are three well-rated options for different budgets:

• Hostal Casa San Fernando Tumbaco (£) This peaceful guesthouse offers clean rooms, breakfast included, and friendly hosts. A great choice for travellers on a budget who don’t mind staying a little outside the centre.
• Hotel Finlandia Quito (££) – This modern hotel in the La Carolina district is popular for its comfortable rooms, safe location, and easy access to parks, restaurants, and transport.
• Hotel Patio Andaluz (£££) – This boutique hotel inside a 16th-century mansion oozes elegance and history. With its arched courtyards, gourmet restaurant, and luxurious rooms, it’s the perfect choice for travellers who want comfort and character in the heart of Old Town.