The New Town: Nightlife, Shopping, and Modern Comfort
Most visitors base themselves in the New Town, where the energy of the city concentrates around restaurants, bars, and the district of La Mariscal. This is where you'll find the bulk of Quito's nightlife, and where staying puts you within walking distance of entertainment and dining. The New Town sits closer to the airport than the Old Town, making it practical for those with early flights or late arrivals. Accommodation here ranges from backpacker hostels starting at a few dollars per night to mid-range guesthouses and splurge-worthy luxury hotels with pools and spas. La Mariscal itself is the neighbourhood within the New Town that draws the most visitors—lively, compact, and walkable.
- Suits first-time visitors, solo travellers, and anyone seeking evening entertainment and social atmosphere
- Budget options from around $6 per dorm bed to $50 for small hotels with character
- Mid-range properties in the $46–70 range offer converted mansions and full breakfasts
- Luxury hotels with restaurants, pools, and spas available in the higher price brackets
La Mariscal: The Heart of the New Town
Within the New Town, La Mariscal is the neighbourhood that pulses with foot traffic and social energy. Small hotels and hostels cluster here, many occupying restored houses and mansions. You can walk to cafes, restaurants, and shops without needing transport. Some properties occupy beautiful early-20th-century buildings that have been carefully preserved, giving the neighbourhood a blend of history and contemporary convenience. If you prefer quieter edges of this neighbourhood—away from the college-crowd atmosphere but still in reach of nightlife—several guesthouses cater to visitors over 30 or those seeking a more tranquil base.
- Budget hostels with dorm beds, kitchen facilities, and rooftop terraces
- Family-run guesthouses in restored period houses, many with included breakfasts and courtyards
- Walking distance to shopping, restaurants, and the Metro Bus station
- Some properties offer free cultural events, Spanish lessons, and bike rental
Between Old and New: San Blas and Transitional Neighbourhoods
If you want a middle ground—close enough to Old Town sightseeing (8 minutes' walk to the historic centre) but not in the thick of New Town nightlife (20 minutes to the main entertainment district)—neighbourhoods between the two offer quieter traditional character. San Blas sits in this zone, accessible to major public transport and to both districts on foot. These areas work well for families or travellers who want to see colonial architecture without the constant buzz of bars and clubs.
- Budget hostels and small hotels with basic but clean rooms and good value
- Rooftop terraces with city views and proximity to both historic and modern Quito
- Traditional neighbourhood feel with easier sightseeing logistics than staying far out
- Near San Blas church and walking routes to the Plaza Grande in the Old Town
The Old Town: History and Heritage at Your Door
Staying in the Old Town puts you directly in Quito's UNESCO-listed historic centre, surrounded by colonial churches, convents, and plazas. This is where you wake to narrow cobbled streets and centuries-old architecture. The Old Town is a sensible base for sightseers who want to spend their days exploring buildings and museums without travelling. Fair warning: exteriors of even the best hotels can look humble and weathered from the street—the real comfort and charm reveal themselves once you step inside. Budget options here are genuinely cheap. The Old Town is quieter at night than the New Town, which suits those seeking early starts and cultural immersion over club-hopping.
- Suits heritage-focused visitors and families with daytime sightseeing plans
- Budget hostels and small hotels in the $5–20 range, often with helpful staff and book exchanges
- Four blocks or less from the Plaza Grande and major colonial landmarks
- Note: some rooms facing the street can pick up traffic noise; ask for quieter interior rooms
Near the Airport: Tababela and Puembo for Minimal Transit
If your visit is defined by very early departures or very late arrivals at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (a 25-km journey from central Quito), consider staying near the airport itself in Tababela or Puembo. A handful of mid-range hotels operate in this zone specifically to serve transit passengers and those continuing elsewhere without entering the city. These aren't neighbourhood experiences—they're functional overnight stops—but they eliminate the pre-dawn rush or the need to stay awake waiting for a late flight.
- Mid-range suites with hot water, TV, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour staff
- Airport transfers included or easily arranged
- Restaurants and basic facilities on-site
- Only practical if your stay is fewer than 12 hours
Start browsing accommodation on booking sites to compare live prices across these areas. Filter by your budget tier and length of stay, then read recent traveller reviews that mention location and noise levels. If you're arriving at Mariscal Sucre International Airport and heading to the New Town or La Mariscal, ask your hostel or hotel about the simplest transport link—many properties can advise on the walk to the nearest bus station or recommend a cab ride. The character and pace of your Quito experience hinges as much on neighbourhood choice as on the property itself, so pick the area that matches your rhythm first, then book a place within it.