The city of Quito is often overlooked by travelers. It's a shame really as it's a beautiful area and often gets a bad reputation because of crime. Most crime is theft and pick-pocketing, but if you stay in the touristy areas and not flash any valuables you should be fine. Here are some of the things that you can see in Quito.

 

Inside Of Old Town

The majestic, historic and beautiful Old Town is where you can find many small cafes and authentic Ecuadorian restaurants for breakfast. Here you can also see the magnificent Iglesia de San Francisco, which is the city's oldest church. While the outside is beautiful with it's stunning architecture, make sure to go inside as well. Spend some time walking around and visit the adjoined museum, to soak up the history and the significance of this church to Quito. Another church only a few minutes away, La Compania de Jesus, is a Jesuit church that is famous for it's baroque and Moorish architecture and influence. You can easily spend hours walking around the church and the complex without getting bored. Then, walk a little bit to Casa Museo Maria Augusta Urrutia, which is a mansion that Pope John Paul II visited, and has some beautiful architecture and an interesting history.  The Plaza de la Independencia is the city's main square and biggest tourist attraction. This area is safe during the day, but at night, as with many parts of Quito, it is unwise and ill advised to venture too far without a big group or a local. However, by day, this plaza is incredibly beautiful and historic, and not to be missed. There are many cafes nearby with authentic Ecuadorian snacks that are delicious and relatively cheap. While in the plaza, you can enter the Teatro Nacional Sucre and walk around and, if you have time, you can go for a show. This is Quito's oldest and most historic theater and has amazing performances.

 

Outside Of Old Town

El Panecillo, which is about 10 minutes outside of Old Town, is up a large hill. Here, you can see a huge statue of the winged virgin and you will have amazing views of Old Town and Quito. This is one of the best, if not THE best, vantage point in Quito. Parque El Ejido, which is located in the newer part of Quito, sometimes has local vendors selling Ecuadorian clothing, crafts and souvenirs. Nearby, there is also a big artisan market called Mariscal Artisans Market where you can find a lot local items. Next, you can visit the country's biggest and most extensive museum, Museo Nacional de Banco Central del Ecuador. You can spend hours upon hours exploring the museum and it�¢??s many exhibits. Nearby there is Plaza Foch, which is an iconic Quito landmark where you can eat at an open restaurant. Located in the heart of Mariscal, Plaza Foch is a huge tourist attraction and has many great restaurants, shops and places to observe local culture.