Quito sits at nearly 2,850 meters, so take it slow on your first day, drink plenty of water and go easy on the alcohol until you've adjusted.
Discover Authentic Quito: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
At Mercure, we believe you shouldn't need a guidebook to feel like you belong somewhere. That's the idea behind Discover Local: since 1973, every Mercure hotel has been built around its neighbourhood, not just dropped into it — from the décor on the walls to the flavours on the menu. Step into any Mercure and our teams are on hand with the kind of tips you won't find in a guidebook: the market stall locals queue for, the bar where nobody speaks English, the walk that skips the crowds. They live here. They know. Discover Local isn't a generic city guide — it's a short, honest list of the restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods our own hotel teams actually recommend to guests, updated as the city changes around us. Below, you'll find our picks for Quito, an interactive map to help you find your way, and answers to the questions travellers ask us most. So — where will Discover Local take you?
Our map pins local favourites such as the historic centre, the Basílica del Voto Nacional and La Mariscal Artisan Market, alongside our Mercure hotel.
Top 5 Things to Do in Quito
La Ronda
This cobbled colonial street lights up at dusk with lanterns, live music and canelazo stalls. Duck into a doorway workshop to watch an artisan press chocolate or bind a book by hand, then grab an empanada de viento fresh off the griddle.
Centro Histórico de Quito
One of the largest and best-preserved historic centers in the Americas, all gilded churches and steep stone streets. Start at Plaza Grande, then follow the crowds into La Compañía de Jesús to see its gold-leaf interior glow.
Mercado Central de Quito
Skip the tourist menus and eat where the market porters eat. Locro de papa (potato and cheese soup) and fresh-pressed juices line the stalls from early morning, and nobody looks twice if you eat standing up.
Mitad del Mundo
Straddle the equator line at the monument built to mark 0°0'0", about 25 minutes north of the city. Bring a coin and try the egg-balancing trick locals swear only works right on the line.
TelefériQo
Ride the cable car up the slopes of Pichincha volcano for views over the whole Quito valley. Mornings are clearest before the clouds roll in, so go early and pack a jacket - it's cold up there even on a warm Andean day.
Explore Quito's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Quito
We've mapped local spots around Quito, from colonial streets to stargazing.
Historic Quito
Quito Historic Centre
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and among the best-preserved colonial cities in the Americas. Wander from Independence Square and the Presidential Palace to gilded La Compañía de Jesús and San Francisco Church.
Old town · Historic centre · Perfect for history
Basílica del Voto Nacional
The largest neo-Gothic basilica in the Americas, with stained glass and gargoyles shaped like armadillos and condors. Climb the steep tower steps for huge city views.
Historic centre · Basilica · Made for views
Quito Astronomical Observatory
Founded in 1873, one of South America's oldest observatories, with a small museum of historic instruments. Book a night session and look up.
Parque La Alameda · Observatory · Great for science lovers
Parks, culture & crafts
La Mariscal Artisan Market
Alpaca blankets, ponchos, Panama hats, jewellery, local chocolate and coffee under one roof – an easy way to support Ecuadorian artisans.
La Mariscal · Craft market · Perfect for souvenirs
Parque El Ejido
Everyday Quito in one park: football games, musicians, snacks like chifles plantain chips, and art shows at weekends.
Near the centre · Park · Ideal for a local stroll
Centro Cultural Benjamín Carrión
Writer and arts patron Benjamín Carrión's 1939 neocolonial mansion, now buzzing with workshops, concerts, dance classes and literary gatherings.
Quito · Cultural centre · Perfect for culture
Telefériqo
An 18-minute cable car ride up the slopes of Pichincha to 4,050 metres. Trails at the top, and Quito and its volcanoes below. Breathe slowly.
Pichincha · Cable car · Made for views
Mitad del Mundo
One foot in each hemisphere at the 30-metre equator monument, next to the Intiñan Museum.
North of Quito · Monument · Great for families
Parque La Carolina
One of Quito's largest green spaces, with a botanical garden of Ecuadorian plants, an orchid greenhouse and a vivarium.
La Carolina · Park · Perfect for a stroll
Achiote
An elegant family-run restaurant giving Ecuadorian classics such as ceviche, hornado and llapingachos a fine-dining twist.
Restaurant · Ideal for local cuisine
FAQ
It's about a 40-minute drive from the historic center, but it's an easy half-day trip if you want to say you've stood in both hemispheres at once.
Start with locro de papa or hornado - both are Quito comfort food staples you'll find in nearly every market and traditional restaurant.
Yes. It is considered the best-preserved colonial city centre in the Americas, with plazas, palaces and churches such as La Compañía de Jesús.
Climb the tower of the Basílica del Voto Nacional in the historic centre for sweeping city views.
La Mariscal Artisan Market sells alpaca textiles, ponchos, Panama hats, chocolate and coffee from local producers.
Where to Sleep in Quito
This Mercure hotel appears on our map:
- Mercure Alameda Quito