Where to stay in Quito
Quito is a long, thin city squeezed into an Andean valley. The geography dictates your experience: the historic center in the south offers colonial architecture and steep climbs, while the modern north, specifically La Carolina and La Floresta, features flat, expansive parks and contemporary dining. Choosing where to stay depends on whether you prefer immersive cultural heritage or proximity to the city's business hubs, upscale shopping, and convenient transit links for excursions.
Centro Histórico
The area is a dense grid of steep, cobblestone streets dominated by grand cathedrals and colonial plazas. Staying here means you are steps from the Plaza de la Independencia and the ornate La Compañía de Jesús church. It feels lively during the day, though the streets quiet down significantly once the heavy wooden doors of the colonial homes shut at dusk.
La Floresta
La Floresta is a residential neighborhood filled with eclectic architecture and a strong community feel. It is perfectly walkable, with streets lined by trees and intimate bistros. You are close to the Orellana street transit corridor, making it an ideal base to explore without being trapped in a purely tourist-focused zone. It feels authentic and lived-in.
La Carolina
Dominated by the sprawling La Carolina Park, this area is the heartbeat of modern Quito. It is flat and highly walkable, perfect for morning jogs or visiting the Botanical Garden. You are surrounded by sleek office towers and the upscale shops of Avenida Amazonas. It is the most convenient area for accessing international standard amenities and high-rise hotel views.
La Mariscal
Centered around Plaza Foch, this neighborhood is the city’s primary entertainment district. The streets are packed with pubs, dance clubs, and international eateries. While noisy, it is highly walkable and acts as a central transit hub for various tour operators. It is less about quiet comfort and more about being in the middle of the transient social scene.
Guápulo
Guápulo feels like a separate town tucked beneath the city, connected by narrow, winding lanes leading down toward the valley floor. It is known for its historic sanctuary and the bohemian studios of local artists. You will walk a lot here, often on inclines, but the views of the surrounding mountains and the lush greenery provide a peaceful escape from urban chaos.
Rent a car in Quito
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Avoid booking accommodation directly on the main arterial roads like Avenida 10 de Agosto. These streets suffer from relentless bus traffic, high noise pollution, and heavy exhaust fumes that make opening a window impossible. They are transit veins, not places for restful overnight stays.
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Quito are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Top tours & activities in Quito
Common questions
Is it difficult to get around Quito without a car?
Not at all. The city has an efficient bus rapid transit system, the Ecovía and Trolebus, which connects the north and south affordably. For late-night trips or door-to-door convenience, ride-sharing apps like Uber are widely used, inexpensive, and generally considered the safest way to navigate between neighborhoods after dark.
Do I need to worry about the altitude when picking a neighborhood?
Yes, Quito sits at 2,850 meters. If you are sensitive to altitude, avoid staying in the deepest parts of the historic center where walking involves constant, steep stair-climbing. Choosing flatter areas like La Carolina can make your first few days much easier as you acclimate to the thinner air while walking to breakfast or parks.
Are there specific areas I should skip for dinner?
Avoid eating at the restaurants immediately adjacent to the primary bus stations or the most aggressive tourist traps in the central plaza. These venues often overcharge for mediocre food. Instead, head a few blocks into residential pockets like La Floresta or northern La Carolina, where locals actually eat and prices reflect genuine value.
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