The 10 Must-See Places in Quito: The Definitive Guide to Exploring the City from the Heart of the Historic District

Quito, known as “The Face of God,” was the first city to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978; its historic center is rich in history, art, and living culture. And best of all, thanks to its strategic location, many of the city’s wonders are close to our accommodation, Rincón Familiar Hostel Boutique. Here’s a list of what you can’t miss on your visit to the city:

1. EL PANECILLO

It is a hill located over 3,000 meters above sea level. A natural viewpoint where you can see the entire city spread out before you, it is home to the Virgin of El Panecillo, the only winged Virgin in the world; this sculpture is even taller than Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer (Virgen del Panecillo, 2018).

From the top of El Panecillo, the city stretches out before your eyes like an endless landscape nestled among the mountains. This iconic spot not only offers one of the best panoramic views of Quito but is also home to the majestic winged Virgin, unique in the world.

Whether during the day or at sunset, this spot is perfect for taking photos, breathing in the Andean air, and feeling the essence of the Ecuadorian capital from above—all just a 15-minute drive from the Rincón Familiar Hostel Boutique.

Travel tip: Visit at sunset to watch the city gradually light up.

2. MIDDLE OF THE WORLD

Where the planet is divided into two hemispheres, this site brings science to life, as visitors can conduct experiments that defy logic and gravity; it is also significant to the cultures that once inhabited the area (Mitad del Mundo, 2024).

This destination combines three experiences in a single day. Just 200 meters from the official monument lies the Intiñan Museum, which will amaze you with incredible phenomena like an egg balancing on a nail or water spinning in opposite directions. To top it all off, nearby is the Pululahua volcano, one of the few inhabited craters in the world (Pichincha es Turismo, 2025).

Travel tip: Set aside a full morning to enjoy the entire experience.

3. BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL VOW

It is the largest Neo-Gothic structure in Ecuador and one of the most significant in Latin America. This building is characterized by featuring the country’s endemic fauna—such as Galápagos tortoises, blue-footed boobies, caimans, monkeys, and armadillos—instead of European gargoyles (Basílica Quito, 2023).

At this church, you can also climb its towers, where the view of the historic center is worth every step; inside, you’ll find colorful stained-glass windows, which are a work of art in themselves.

Travel tip: Visit on a clear day to see the volcanoes surrounding the city from the towers.

4. COMPAÑÍA DE JESÚS CHURCH

The most beautiful church in the Americas. Considered one of the jewels of American Baroque architecture, this church took 160 years to build. Its interior is covered with over 7 tons of gold leaf; so much so that when the sun streams through its windows, the central nave glows so brightly that it leaves everyone in awe (Fundación Iglesia de la Compañía, 2026). Best of all, it’s located on Calle de las 7 Cruces, just a 5-minute walk from the Rincón Familiar Hostel Boutique.

 

Travel tip: Take the opportunity to visit in the morning when the natural light is best.

5. QUITO METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL

One of the oldest churches in South America, it blends architectural styles such as Neoclassical, Baroque, Mudejar, and Rococo. This is the Primate’s Cathedral of Ecuador, making it the seat of the Archdiocese of Quito and the highest-ranking Catholic church in the country (Pichincha es Turismo, 2025).

You’ll be dazzled by its art, featuring works by Caspicara, Miguel de Santiago, and other representatives of the Quito School of Arts.

Travel tip: Be sure to visit the domes as well for the full experience.

6. THE CABLE CAR

One of the highest cable cars in the world, it ascends from 3,117 meters above sea level to the Cruz Loma viewpoint at 4,100 meters above sea level. From there, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city, the Los Chillos and Tumbaco valleys, and on clear days, snow-capped mountains such as Cotopaxi, Antisana, and Cayambe—the only snow-capped mountain in the world crossed by the equator.

At Cruz Loma, you can enjoy various activities such as viewing the city from a swing, sipping hot chocolate, or hiking to Rucu Pichincha, which stands at 4,696 meters above sea level—though you must be physically prepared for this hike. but along the way, you can observe flora and fauna representative of the Andean region, such as the curiquingue or the chuquiragua, considered the mountaineer’s flower (Teleférico Quito, 2026).

Travel tip: Go in the morning and on weekdays to avoid long lines, and bring warm clothing.

7. SAN FRANCISCO DE QUITO CHURCH

The San Francisco de Quito architectural complex is the largest religious-colonial complex in Latin America; it includes the church, the Fray Pedro Gocial Museum, the convent, and the plaza, all spread over more than 3 hectares. On the church’s central altar stands the Virgin of Quito, the sculpture that served as the model for the Virgin of El Panecillo (Quito Turismo, 2026).

The Fray Pedro Gocial Museum is considered one of the greatest examples of the Quito School; it houses approximately 250 works, including paintings and sculptures from the 17th to the 19th centuries (MVSEO Fray Pedro Gocial, 2026). It is undoubtedly a must-see during your visit to Quito and is just a 5-minute walk from the Rincón Familiar Hostel Boutique.

Travel tip: Admission to the church is free, but there is an additional fee to visit the museum and the towers.

8. LA RONDA STREET

This was the heart of bohemian life in the 18th century, serving as a home and refuge for many artists. It was here that songs like “El Chulla Quiteño” and “Esta Guitarra Vieja” were born, and they continue to be part of the city’s cultural fabric to this day. Today, the street is called Juan de Dios Morales and is located 450 meters south of the Rincón Familiar Hostel Boutique.

Here you can visit the Museum of Arts and Crafts, where you’ll learn about life in colonial Quito. There’s also the Quito School Workshop, the King of the Spinning Top, and Silvia’s Tin Workshop. But what you definitely can’t miss here is the local cuisine, featuring giant empanadas de viento with morocho or the traditional “Canelazo,” a hot alcoholic drink (Pichincha es Turismo, 2025).

Travel tip: Visit at night to experience the true essence of Colonial Quito.

9. SANTO DOMINGO CHURCH

Part of the architectural complex that includes the Plaza, the Santo Domingo Arch, and the Fray Pedro Bedón Museum. Located on Guayaquil Street between Rocafuerte and Flores Streets, 200 meters from the Rincón Familiar Hostel Boutique.

Notable for its unmistakable sky-blue domes. Inside the church, you’ll find cedar woodwork covered in gold leaf, as well as numerous paintings and carvings that adorn it. The Chapel of the Virgin of the Rosary is the best known part of the complex (Primicias, 2026).

Travel tip: Go in the afternoon to watch the sunset over its domes and then head to La Ronda.

10. MAIN SQUARE

Located in the heart of the Historic Center. Also known as Independence Square due to its historical significance in the famed “Quito, Light of America.” Adjacent to it stands the Carondelet Palace, the seat of government, and you can also see the Independence Monument (Chiriboga, V. 2026).

Travel tip: Relax on the benches in the plaza and watch the daily life of the people of Quito.