Quito Old Town Night Tour: Walking, Cafés & Local Flavors

Summary

Quito’s historic center lights up at night with stories, music and chocolate

You’ll feel Quito shift as dusk falls—first from above on a double-decker bus, then up close during a guided walk through Old Town’s plazas and quiet streets. Taste local chocolate or canelazo in cozy cafés before wandering on your own. This night tour includes transport, a bilingual guide, and enough free time to let you follow your curiosity wherever it leads.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the city to feel so different after dark. We met at Naciones Unidas Boulevard—honestly, I was a bit nervous about finding the right bus, but our guide spotted me first and waved me over. The double-decker bus rumbled through Quito’s streets, headlights bouncing off old stone walls. Even before we reached the Historic Center, you could smell wood smoke drifting from somewhere nearby. People on the sidewalks bundled up in scarves, laughing in little groups. It felt safe, somehow—maybe because everyone seemed to know each other.

Our guide (María—I hope I’m spelling that right) started pointing out buildings as we rolled into Old Town. She told us about San Francisco Church and how its stones have seen centuries of processions and protests. When we got off for the walking tour, the air felt cooler—almost sharp—and Plaza Grande was lit up like a stage. We wandered down the Street of the Seven Crosses; I tried to count them all but lost track when María stopped to tell us about an old legend involving one of the doorways. She laughed when I asked if it was true (“Maybe!” she said), and her laugh echoed a little in the quiet street.

After that, we had free time to wander or grab something to eat. I ducked into a tiny café where two older men were playing cards by the window—one of them nodded at me like he’d seen me before (he hadn’t). The hot chocolate tasted darker than what I’m used to back home—almost spicy—and there was this faint scent of cinnamon in the air. I tried canelazo for the first time too; it’s warm and sweet and kind of makes your cheeks tingle. Honestly, I still think about that drink when it gets cold here.

I almost missed the bus back because I lost track of time watching people in Plaza San Francisco—kids running around while their parents talked quietly under yellow streetlights. There’s something about Quito at night that sticks with you; maybe it’s how old everything feels but also alive at the same time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening tour of Quito Old Town

• Arrive at Naciones Unidas Boulevard
• Board bus and receive city overview
• Travel through Quito Old Town
• See San Francisco Church and art center
• Walk with guides at Plaza Grande and Seven Crosses
• Enjoy free time at cafes and chocolate shops
• Explore main plazas and try local dishes
• Drink traditional canelazo

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Quito night tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at Naciones Unidas Boulevard for boarding.

How long is the walking portion in Quito Old Town?

The guided walking part lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes before free time begins.

Are food or drinks included in the price?

No, food and drinks are not included—you can buy them during your free time in Old Town.

Is this Quito night tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transport options and most stops are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants join this evening tour?

Yes, infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap; strollers are allowed too.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks both English and Spanish during the tour.

Where does this Quito night tour start?

The meeting point is Naciones Unidas Boulevard at bus stop 1 in Quito.

Do you visit San Francisco Church inside?

You’ll see San Francisco Church from outside during your walk but do not enter as part of this tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes double-decker tourist bus transport from Naciones Unidas Boulevard, a bilingual English-Spanish guide leading you through Quito Old Town highlights like Plaza Grande and Street of the Seven Crosses, plus plenty of free time for cafés or chocolate shops before returning together later that night.