San Francisco Square: Quito's Historic Heart
Discover Quito's vibrant culture and colonial history in San Francisco Square, a historic landmark in the heart of the Old Town.
San Francisco Square, or Plaza de San Francisco, is a major public plaza in Quito's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is known for its stunning colonial architecture and rich history. The square is surrounded by historical buildings, including the iconic San Francisco Church.
A brief summary to San Francisco Square
- QFHM+JX3, Quito, Centro Histórico, 170401, EC
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the best photos of the square and the San Francisco Church.
- Explore the shops beneath the church to discover unique Ecuadorian goods and even former catacombs.
- Try local delicacies like Ecuadorian blackberry juice or Pilsener beer at one of the cafes surrounding the square.
- Be aware of your belongings, as pickpockets and scammers can operate in tourist areas.
- Visit on the weekend to experience local street performers, indigenous music, and dance.
Getting There
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Walking
San Francisco Square is easily accessible on foot from many attractions in Quito's Old Town. From Plaza Grande, walk west along Calle Chile, then turn left onto Calle Cuenca. Continue for two blocks, and you'll find the square on your right. No costs are associated with this approach.
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Public Transport
From the Quitumbe Terminal, take the Ecovía bus line towards El Recreo. Alight at the 'San Francisco' station. From there, it's a short walk to San Francisco Square. Follow the signs towards the Centro Histórico. The bus fare is approximately $0.25.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Quito. Simply input 'San Francisco Square, Quito' as your destination. A taxi from Quito Airport (UIO) to Plaza de San Francisco takes about 38 minutes and costs $26 - $32. A taxi from the Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe to Basilica and Convent of San Francisco costs $7–10.
Discover more about San Francisco Square
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Casa Gangotena
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La bodega de Cantúña
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Arco de La Reina
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Museo Casa de Sucre
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Quito
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Quito Historic Center
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Pasaje Tobar
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Explore the historical charm of Pasaje Tobar, a stunning passageway in Quito, where colonial architecture meets vibrant local culture.
Monumento a la Independencia
0.3 km
A towering tribute to Ecuadorian independence, the Monumento a la Independencia stands as a symbol of freedom in Quito's historic Plaza Grande.
Monumento Mariscal Sucre
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A historic monument in Quito's Plaza de Santo Domingo honoring Mariscal Sucre, a hero of Ecuadorian independence.
Arco De Santo Domingo
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Garcia Moreno
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San Agustin
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Basílica del Voto Nacional
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Unmissable attractions to see
Plaza de San Francisco
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San Francisco Catholic Church
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Casa del Alabado Pre-Columbian Art Museum
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Church of the Society of Jesus
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Explore the stunning Baroque beauty of La Compañía, a must-visit church in Quito's historic center, rich in history and artistry.
Museum of the City
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Discover the captivating history and cultural heritage of Quito at the Museum of the City, a must-visit attraction for all travelers.
Church of the Tabernacle
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Centro Cultural Metropolitano
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Catedral Metropolitana de Quito
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Carondelet Palace
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Experience the historic charm and architectural beauty of Carondelet Palace, the heart of Ecuador's government in Quito's vibrant Centro Histórico.
Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy
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Independence Square
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Calle La Ronda
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Museo de Arte Colonial
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Palacio Arzobispal
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Iglesia de Santo Domingo
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Essential places to dine
Restaurante Casa Gangotena
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La Capilla Restaurant
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San Ignacio
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Nuestro Legado
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Claroscuro Gastro Bar
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La Negra Mala
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La Vid Restaurante
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Hasta La Vuelta Señor
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Vista Hermosa (Centro Histórico)
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La Caponata
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Govinda Gopal Restaurante Vegetariano
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El Ventanal Restaurant
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Pim's
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Las Corvinas de Don Jimmy
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Vista Hermosa (ITCHIMBIA)
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Ecuador Shops
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Sombreros López
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Cira Boutique
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Discover stylish clothing and accessories at Cira Boutique in Quito, where local fashion meets modern trends in a chic shopping experience.
Fancy Shop
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Discover the elegance of Quito at Fancy Shop, where modern style meets local craftsmanship in women's fashion.
Alta Tendencia Boutique
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Explore the heart of Quito's fashion scene at Alta Tendencia Boutique, where local craftsmanship meets contemporary style in a chic setting.
MAAZ STORE
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Urban Store
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Lokuras D' Boutique
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Chimborazo Store
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Tienda De Recuerdos Local 27
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Novedades Brithney
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The Shopping A Sueños Dorados
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Souvenirs Ecuador
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Quitus Craft Market
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Amazonas Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Sinners Microcerveceria - Centro Historico
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Whiskey A Go Go
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Imbabura
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EDISON BAQUERO
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LICORERIA EL AMANECER
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Andes Brew Pub - Plaza del Teatro
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MOR-Ō Resto-Pub
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Bandido Brewing
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Community Hostel
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RIDER'S BAR KARAOKE
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Zona Seven
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Vibes Oasis Pub
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Xenial
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La Oficina Brew Pub
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Cafe Mosaico
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