Old Town
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Lonely Planet review for Old Town
If you're short on time head straight to the old town. It's here that Quito distinguishes itself from all other cities in the world. Be certain to see the Plaza and Monastery of San Francisco, the Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza Grande), La Compañía de Jesús and the Museo de Arte Colonial.
With its narrow streets, restored colonial architecture and lively plazas, Quito's Centro Histórico (aka the old town) is a marvel to wander. Built centuries ago by indigenous artisans and laborers, Quito's churches, convents, chapels and monasteries are cast in legend and steeped in history. It's a bustling area, full of yelling street vendors, ambling pedestrians, tooting taxis, belching buses and whistle-blowing policemen trying to direct traffic in the narrow, congested one-way streets. The area is magical, and one in which the more you look, the more you find.
Churches are open every day (usually until 18:00) but are crowded with worshippers on Sunday. They regularly close between 13:00 and 15:00 for lunch.
Traveller reviews for Old Town (1)
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Quito's Old town
mishiringato recommends this,
Quito holds the most well preserved colonial town in America. It is the first"Cultural Patrimony of Humanity" of the world and was the religious center of The Virreynato de Lima before it's independence of Spain, due to this, Quito has the biggest amount of catholic monasteries and churches in America.
You can get to the Old Town in a Taxi USD$3 from hotels or hostals in the center-north of the city, Bus 0.25 USD the ride (trole bus-ecovÃÂa), walking, or in rented bycicles (yellow bike) USD$10-15 depending the hours rented. Do not carry any valuable belongings.
