Quito sits in a valley on the eastern slopes of the Pichincha volcano, at an elevation high enough that you will feel the altitude on your first day. Its historic center is one of the largest and best-preserved in the Americas, and the city as a whole is Ecuador's political and cultural hub.
For a visitor, the practical choice is between three broad zones: the New Town, the Old Town, and the ground between them. The New Town is closer to the nightlife, the Old Town is a good base for sightseers, and a few areas sit within walking distance of both. This guide covers those areas and what kind of base each one makes, so you can pick the one that matches how you plan to spend your days.
Best areas to stay in Quito
1. La Mariscal (New Town)
La Mariscal is the heart of the New Town and the most common base for visitors, largely because it is where the nightlife is. You will find the widest range of accommodation here, from dorm beds and simple private rooms to large international hotels, along with cafes, restaurants and shopping.
It suits travellers who want to be close to evening entertainment and within walking distance of a Metro Bus station. It is also the area to choose if you would rather be away from the Old Town's early-morning sightseeing crowds. Note that parts of it draw a young, lively crowd, so quieter corners of the neighbourhood exist for those who want them.
2. Old Town (Historic Center)
The Old Town is a good base for sightseers, putting the historic center's streets and plazas on your doorstep. Accommodation here tends to be smaller and more traditional, and budget options are common.
One practical point to keep in mind: in the Old Town it is hard to tell the quality of a hotel from the outside, since many of the best places have only an innocuous entry to the street, with the standard only evident once you are inside. If you stay on a street-facing room, expect some noise.
3. San Blas
San Blas is a traditional neighbourhood on the edge of the Old Town, with its own character and easy access to major public transportation. It sits within roughly eight minutes' walk of the main square in the Old Town and about twenty minutes on foot from the nightlife, which makes it a useful middle position.
It suits travellers who want to be near the historic sights without being in the middle of them, and who value being close to transport links. Budget and simple private rooms are the typical offering here, and some properties have terraces with wide views over the city.
4. La Floresta
La Floresta is a quieter residential-feeling area that sits alongside some of the city's large hotels. It is a laid-back base, with a mix of small guesthouses and family-run places.
It suits travellers who want calm and a more local atmosphere while still being within reach of the New Town's restaurants and nightlife. If you prefer a low-key base over a busy one, this is the area to consider.
5. Between the Old and New Town
The stretch between the two main zones, around the Alameda and San Blas side of the center, offers a compromise position. From here you can walk to the Old Town's main square and to the New Town's nightlife, and public transportation is close by.
It suits travellers who want to split their time between sightseeing and evenings out without committing to either end of the city. Accommodation here is mostly budget and simple mid-range, and some places sit just up the hill from Parque Alameda.
6. Tababela and Puembo (near the airport)
These are the areas to consider if you have a very early departure or a very late arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, or if you are not staying in Quito at all but continuing elsewhere. Staying here saves you the 25-km journey into the city.
This is a convenience choice rather than a sightseeing one. The trade-off is that you are away from the city's historic center and nightlife, so it only makes sense for a short stopover.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: dorm beds and simple private rooms, often in hostels and family-run guesthouses, with shared bathrooms common and shared kitchens frequently available. These are found across La Mariscal, San Blas, the Old Town and the area between the two.
- Mid-range: private rooms with private bathrooms, often in converted older houses, with breakfast sometimes included and services such as laundry, luggage storage and travel assistance on offer. La Mariscal and the area between the two towns have the most of these.
- Splurge: large international-standard hotels with extensive facilities, concentrated in La Mariscal and near La Floresta. Expect full-service amenities rather than guesthouse informality.
Best area for a first visit
La Mariscal is the best base for a first visit. It has the widest choice of accommodation across all budgets, it is where the nightlife is, and it connects easily to the rest of the city by public transport. From there you can reach the Old Town's historic sights during the day and return to a livelier part of town in the evening.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay in the Old Town or the New Town?
Choose the Old Town if sightseeing is your priority, since it is a good base for sightseers. Choose the New Town if you want to be closer to the nightlife and to a wider range of accommodation. If you want both, the area between the two lets you walk to each.
Where should I stay if my flight arrives late or leaves very early?
Consider Tababela or Puembo, near Mariscal Sucre International Airport. Staying there avoids the 25-km journey into the city and is the practical choice for very early departures, very late arrivals, or if you are continuing elsewhere rather than staying in Quito.
Is the Old Town noisy?
It can be. Some rooms facing the street in the Old Town can be a bit noisy, so if quiet matters to you, ask about the room's position before booking.
Can I walk between the Old Town and the New Town?
Yes. The area between the two is within walking distance of both the Old Town's main square and the New Town's nightlife, which is why it works well as a compromise base.
Compare live prices for your dates using the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.