Where to stay in Quito, Ecuador → 5 UNBEATABLE Areas

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A panoramic view of a city situated in a valley, surrounded by green hills under a blue sky with scattered white clouds. A statue is visible on a hillside on the left.

Ecuador’s capital city is rich in culture and history and home to many architectural marvels. No wonder it was the first World Heritage Site City named by UNESCO! Yes, Quito has so many interesting aspects, and I’m sure you’ll love every minute of your holiday here. So, the next thing you need to think about is where to stay in Quito!

To make your decision easier, I compared all the neighborhoods in Quito, Ecuador, and picked out the 5 top spots.

Now, I can tell you that the best place to stay in Quito is Old Town or the city’s historic center. This is where you’ll find all the top attractions, amazing restaurants, and many of the best hotels in the city.

I’ve also looked through hundreds of hotel lists and found the best options in each recommended area. Better yet, I provide an option for every price category – from luxury to budget! But I’ve noticed that all the accommodations are booking up super fast here, so I highly recommend securing yours in advance to avoid any issues.

Come on, Quito’s Old Town is waiting for us!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Don’t have the time to read the whole post? Check out the best hotels in Quito Old Town:

budget hotel

Masaya Quito

Best affordable accommodation in the center

NOTE: Quito is a hilly city, so you won’t be able to walk everywhere – unless you want to be tired all the time! Consider renting a car, but you can also rely on Uber and taxis. There’s also an extensive public transportation network – it’s reliable and inexpensive. In short, you have plenty of choices for getting around Quito – pick what works best for you!

This map will help you visualize the 5 Quito neighborhoods featured in this post:

1. Old Town – where to stay in Quito for the first time

Elevated view of a bustling city plaza with people walking, surrounded by historic white buildings, trees, and greenery, with a backdrop of city buildings and mountains under a sunny blue sky.

Opening the door to the past for its tourists, the Old Town (Centro Historico/Historic Center) is, as the name suggests, the focal point of Quito, and it’s filled with tourist attractions and restaurants. As you can imagine, the Old Town is always bustling with energy, and there’s a constant flow of people exploring the city for the first time.

Luckily, Quito’s stunning buildings have survived to the present without many ‘injuries,’ helping the Historic Center become a Unesco World Heritage site.

If you choose to stay in Old Town, you’ll be within walking distance of Plaza Grande (map), also known as Independence Square. You’ll also be close to two historic churches – the Church of the Society of Jesus (map) and the Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy (map), both very impressive buildings.

You also can’t miss a visit to Iglesia de San Francisco (map), Quito’s oldest church, and the Basílica del Voto Nacional (map), one of the city’s most imposing landmarks.

The Historic Center is one of the best places to stay in the city if you want to learn more about the country’s history. Here, you will also find La Ronda (map), a pedestrian street occupied by the best restaurants in the city and offering a buzzing nightlife scene.

A cityscape features a central statue in a park with cobblestone paths, surrounded by multi-story buildings and rolling hills under a cloudy sky.

Museum buffs will also find plenty to do in the area! There are quite a few museums around here, but I would single out the Museum of the City for a bit of history and the Yaku Water Museum for some fun time!

Finally, for some shopping, head to Centro Comercial El Tejar (map), a shopping mall that offers a wide variety of clothes at affordable prices. It’s also a good place to grab a quick bite and see how the locals live!

I can’t forget to mention that the hotels in this neighborhood sell out super fast! It’s one of the best areas to stay in Quito, so naturally, all the tourists will want a spot here! I highly recommend booking your room a few months early if you can.

Finally, the best for last! Go on a 45-min drive North of the Quito Old Town to reach the Middle of the World City (map) monument. This stone monument is placed directly on the equator, so you’ll have the unique opportunity to place one foot in the Southern Hemisphere and one in the Northern!

TIP: You can rent a drive and make the drive to the Middle of the World City, but I recommend going on a guided tour (I like this one) so you don’t have to worry about transport or tickets!

Luxury hotel

Hotel Casa Gangotena

Located in Quito’s San Francisco Plaza, this hotel has a chic design, offers great views of the city, and provides free breakfast! The rooms are super spacious, and you can sign up for different activities or relax all day long at the spa center.

Other accommodation options in Old Town

Mid-Range

Casa Hotel Las Plazas

This boutique hotel has a great location near La Ronda, and it offers room service, a terrace, and free Wi-Fi

Budget

Masaya Quito

You can play tennis at this hostel, and you’ll also be super close to San Francisco Plaza and La Ronda

Airbnb

Colonial Apartment

Located in a colonial house, this apartment has 2 spacious rooms, a kitchen, and a balcony

Things to do in the Historic Center

Check out the colonial architecture in Plaza Grande
Stop by the Church of the Society of Jesus and the Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy
Admire the architecture of Iglesia de San Francisco and Basílica del Voto Nacional
See some pre-Columbian art at Casa del Alabado
Grab a drink on Calle De La Ronda in Quito
Explore Quito’s best attractions during a guided tour
Visit the Museum of the City and the Yaku Water Museum
Do some shopping at the Centro Comercial El Tejar
Embark on a guided tour to the Middle of the World City

2. La Carolina – where to stay in Quito for families

Aerial view of a large, green urban park with winding water features, surrounded by various buildings and trees. People are seen enjoying the open space and walking paths throughout the park.

Probably Quito’s greenest and safest area to stay in, La Carolina is a neighborhood located 4 miles (6 km) Northwest of Old Town. I recommend this as the best area to stay in Quito for families planning a trip to Ecuador’s capital.

La Carolina is focused around a park with the same name as the neighborhood. La Carolina Park (map) is super huge and is the perfect place to bring the kids to play, have a picnic, or relax. The Quito Botanical Gardens are also located within La Carolina Park and are well worth a stop.

In addition to the gardens, you will also find a few other cool things to explore with the family. The Vivarium is home to various Ecuadorian amphibians and reptiles, while the National Institute of Biodiversity has a great exhibition on the many animal species living in Ecuador.

As it is located near the park, there’s a sort of peacefulness that you encounter only in natural spots, making the neighborhood the perfect place for tourists who aren’t big fans of the city noise.

At the same time, this is also one of the more modern areas and the city’s financial district, so you’ll find all the facilities you and your family need here, plus some excellent restaurants and shopping malls, like the Centro Comercial Iñaquito (map) and El Jardín Mall (map).

Willing to venture outside the area? I hope you are because one of the best things to do in Quito awaits – a ride on the TelefériQo Cable Car! The cable car will take you to Pichincha Volcano, an active stratovolcano (not dangerous!).

The cable car departs from the outskirts of the city (map), but it’s just a 20-min ride from La Carolina. You can either get a taxi through WelcomePickups or rent a car, depending on your plans for the rest of the trip. Believe me, it’s totally worth it – you’ll get the absolute best views of the city!

Luxury hotel

Dann Carlton

Go for a swim in the pool after a day of exploring the tourist attractions and restaurants in Quito! This fantastic hotel has a fitness area, family rooms, and a buffet breakfast for its guests.

Other accommodation options in La Carolina

Mid-Range

Wyndham Garden

Enjoy your stay in Quito, Ecuador, in this hotel that offers room service and family suites

Budget

Hotel Republica

Have a family dinner at the restaurant of this Quito hotel that has a spa center and spacious rooms

Airbnb

Modern Apartment

Admire the city views and chill in the jacuzzi while staying in this apartment with a shared pool

Things to do in La Carolina

Spend a fun day with the kids in La Carolina Park
Visit the Quito Botanical Gardens
See some reptiles at the Vivarium
Learn about Ecuador’s animal species at the National Institute of Biodiversity
Go shopping at Centro Comercial Iñaquito or El Jardín Mall
Venture out of the neighborhood and go for a ride on the TelefériQo Cable Car

3. La Mariscal – the best place to stay in Quito for nightlife

A view of a densely built cityscape with a prominent Gothic-style cathedral in the foreground, surrounded by various buildings, with hills in the background.

Looking for the hub of Quito nightlife? Well, you’ve come to the right place because I’m about to talk about the La Mariscal area. Also known as Mariscal Sucre, this is the best area to stay in Quito for backpackers and people who want to bar hop!

Located 2 miles (3 km) Northwest of Quito’s Historical Center (Old Town), La Mariscal promises the best of both worlds, meaning that you can easily spend a quiet afternoon at one of the cafes or restaurants, do some people-watching, and explore the area. Then, during the night, you can drink cocktails and listen to some live music!

Plaza Foch (map) in La Mariscal is the place to be once the sun sets over the city. That’s where you’ll find the most significant concentrations of clubs and restaurants. Whether you like rock music or want to hear some Latino music, you’ll find every genre here!

Because it’s such a hip place, La Mariscal is filled with foreigners and tourists alike, so you will never feel alone. You’ll most likely find fellow travelers, and what better way to make new friends than over a glass of wine?

FUN FACT: Panama hats actually come from Ecuador! The country started producing straw hats and named them Panama hats because they were shipped to Panama and worn by the people working on the Panama Canal!

But if you want to immerse yourself in a more local atmosphere, you need to check out La Mariscal Artisan Market (map). This covered market hosts an abundance of vendors selling clothes, jewelry, and other cool crafts – the perfect place to get a souvenir!

For some extra cultural immersion, head North to the outskirts of the neighborhood to visit Mindalae (map), Ecuador’s ethnohistoric and crafts museum. Through fun exhibitions, you can learn a lot about the country’s history.

Luxury hotel

Mercure Alameda Quito

Situated just steps away from Quito’s Artisan Market, this 5-star hotel features an elegant restaurant serving local and international cuisine, a French bakery, and a coffee station. Other facilities for guest use include a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, and a 24-hour business center.

Other accommodation options in La Mariscal

Mid-Range

Hotel Reina Isabel

I love the design of this boutique hotel set in a modern colonial mansion, with a bar and free Wi-Fi

Budget

Blue House Youth Hostel

Stay in one of the best Quito hostels, offering tastefully decorated rooms, a tour desk, and luggage storage

Airbnb

Modern Apartment

Enjoy your stay in Quito, Ecuador, in this spacious apartment that offers excellent city views and a kitchen

Things to do in La Mariscal

Head to Plaza Foch and check out the bars
Dance all night at Bungalow 6 (map)
Go for a walk in the nearby El Ejido Park (map)
Have a delicious dinner at Fairuz restaurant (map)
Get some souvenirs from La Mariscal Artisan Market
Visit Mindalae, the ethnohistoric and crafts museum of Ecuador

4. La Floresta – the trendiest place to stay in Quito

Skyline of a historic city with prominent white church towers, a green-domed building, and a backdrop of rolling hills under a partly cloudy sky.

Located 3 miles (4 km) Northwest of Quito’s Old Town and directly West of La Mariscal, this colorful and bohemian neighborhood is one of the best places to stay in Quito for coffee lovers, artists, and students!

La Floresta is a paradise for foodies! You’ll see so many food trucks that you’ll want to stop at each and every one. Who can’t say no to those deliciously looking fruits?

There’s even a local fair in this area of Quito. It’s called Mercado De La Floresta (map) and offers traditional Ecuadorian food! So, if you happen to be in the neighborhood on a Friday (between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.), don’t miss it!

As you explore the neighborhood on the lookout for the best food trucks, you’ll probably notice a lot of local street art. La Floresta is famous for that! You may also get distracted by the neoclassical mansions from the 20th century.

After you try a few of the food trucks, you might want to dine in a more upscale atmosphere. If so, try Casa Warmi (map), an amazing Ecuadorian restaurant with a pleasant interior. Once you’re done with your delicious meal, you can treat yourself to some dessert, and there’s no better place for it than Paccari Experience House (map)!

There’s always something to do in La Floresta during the day so don’t expect less than that at night. That’s when the tavernas and restaurants/pubs open, so if you’re up for a cocktail, you’ll find some cool spots in this neighborhood. But if you’re up for a quieter night, you can catch a movie at the Ocho y Medio movie theater.

Finally, if you still find yourself looking for activities, head to the nearby neighborhood of Guápulo (a 10-min drive from La Floresta). Once you’re here, hike up to El Mirador De Guapulo (map), a viewpoint from where you can enjoy the best views of the city.

And here are the best hotels in La Floresta, Quito:

Luxury hotel

Swissotel Quito

With 5 restaurants on-site and 2 swimming pools, it will be hard to leave the hotel and head to town to explore! Providing all the comfort you need and a great location, this hotel in Quito has a modern design, spacious rooms, and free Wi-Fi.

Other accommodation options in La Floresta

Mid-Range

NH Collection Royal

This boutique hotel has such an excellent design! Guests can order breakfast and get access to a backyard

Budget

Play House

This Quito accommodation is great for budget travelers, offering both private and dormitory rooms, shared bathrooms, and private parking

Airbnb

2BR in La Floresta

Minimalistic and simple! This spacious apartment offers amazing city views, 2 bedrooms, and a full kitchen

Things to do in La Floresta

Attend the Mercado De La Floresta
Enjoy a delicious Ecuadorian meal at Casa Warmi
Eat lots of chocolate at Paccari Experience House
Explore the area and admire the local street art
Catch a movie at the Ocho y Medio movie theater
Head to the Guapulo neighborhood and enjoy the views from El Mirador De Guapulo

5. Bellavista – where to stay in Quito for nature lovers

A hillside covered in houses with a large statue on the summit, overlooking a historic cityscape with intricate architectural buildings, under a clear blue sky.

Located 4 miles (7 km) Northwest of the Old Town, Bellavista is one of the top areas to stay in Quito, Ecuador, if you’re craving some time in nature. Although it’s primarily a residential neighborhood, this area appeals to people to spend their holiday relaxing, taking walks and spotting different animals.

A big part of the neighborhood is made up of the Metropolitan Park of Quito (map). The park is super big, though, and a large portion of it doesn’t fall within the neighborhood’s borders. You can still spend your days exploring the hiking trails and climbing the hills that overlook the city. And maybe, if you’re lucky, you may be able to spot one of the native llamas!

There are also a handful of restaurants in this area of Quito – Carmine (map) stands out for its authentic Italian cuisine and De La Llama (map) serves delicious local specialties.

FUN FACT: Ecuador is the only country in the world named after a geographical feature – the equator!

The famous Capilla del Hombre museum, which showcases artworks by Latin American artists, is also located here. The Atahualpa Olympic Stadium (map) is also nearby, so if you’re a soccer fan, you might want to check whether there are any games on the schedule.

Luxury hotel

GO Quito Hotel

A top-rated hotel offering upscale facilities such as a sauna, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. Guests can also dine at the on-site restaurant, grab a drink at the bar, or enjoy the views from the terrace.