Independence Square in Muisne

If possible try get there when they are changing the guard. Normally Mondays at about 11 am

Beautiful spot in the central zone

Always busy. Full of protestors, workers on break, families. It’s a really nice place to sit and watch people. A very good place to hang out with an ice cream and listen to music on a Sunday afternoon.

Some beautiful trees. Historical buildings to see. It was a bit crowded

The best square in old town Quito. A must stop when visiting the capital. Many locals sit in the shades and people watching. You cab also get your shoes shined by a dollar.

Our tour allowed us to stroll along the square’s tree-lined paths to admire the surrounding colonial buildings and the tall independence monument. Admire the gardens dotted with charming flowerbeds and fountains. The square’s shaded seats are popular with students enjoying a recess, locals partaking in some people-watching, and street vendors selling souvenirs and snacks.

Beautiful! This was our first day in Quito and we loved exploring Centro Histórico. The square was gorgeous, lots of live music, stores, street food, etc. Something worth visiting if going to Quito!

Well, if you are in town you should check out the main square. This one is ok, not going to wow you like CDMX Mexico, or Villa de Leyva Colombia.If you dont have a local sim yet, this is the place to get a good plan from the official companies (Tuenti, Movistar, may be Claro too). I passed many phone shops on the way to the main square, but they either dont have the plan I wanted or price was high, beside I like to deal directly with the company if possible. Youll spot usually a team of 2, wearing uniform with the companys logo and in their companys color, and a placard behind their back over their head with the name of their company. I went with Tuenti, $7 for 30 days, 7 GB, free data for WhatsApp and Spotify, all in, including the sim. After activating your chosen plan, they will install their official app to show the data allowance and for you to monitor your usage.If youre interested in observing the Cambio de la Guardia Presidencial (Changing of the Guardceremony, its on the first Monday of the month at 12pm. Beware, I was not able to attend and thus verify if this information is correct. After talking to no less than 7 policia stationed at the square and getting all different answers, and none of them proved to be correct, this is the latest information I got without being able to prove correct or incorrect.- 2022/09/07

Love the architectureBest to visit at nightLess crowded and the lights makes it magic

Old city at Ecuador Quito, great place to walk around and get to know more about the history of this country. Safe place to walk around but important to ask locals about which places not to go as not all streets are safe.

Nice place to visit, lots of history and knowledge surround this plaza. The best time to visit is first thing in the morning! Highly recommend. The picture was taken from the roof of the cathedral, very interesting museum!

Its rhe best meeting point in "centro", you can do some tour, eat, do some people watching abd know the most important sites of quito from the past and up to date.

Good service, large rooms, nice tv. Hated the art work and the shower.They dont have a pool or hot tub now as seen in some photos.

This is why I live in Latin America.... Black Face and no one could care less. Stop fanning the flames, drop the hate, move forward.

Immerse yourself in the reality of a past that brought Spaniards to Ecuador. See how the people expressed their love for God in the stunning work of their hands. Ecuador seems to tell us to slow down. It asks you to pause to see faces passing by while you sip fresh fruit drinks. This is worthy of your time.

Beautiful Plaza. You can find amazing historic buildings, the presidential palace, the bishop palace. Plenty of places to eat and have a great time.

Walked the plaza, sat and observed and enjoyed the weather.

A wonderful open air experience. There were street vendors throughout.

Sparkling coziness. The Plaza de la Independencia or Plaza Grande is the heart of the Centro Historico where it is always busy and cozy. The square was created in 1534 when the city was founded. The square was and is the center of the city as it houses the most important buildings of power: the Government Palace, the Cathedral, the Town Hall and the Archbishops Palace. You are guaranteed to come here!

Good place to hangout, you can also visit the local market and try some local food.

Good vibes, feels safe, strong police presence as of February 2022 when Im writing this. Good restaurants and beer all around it. Chill place to see and interact with locals and take some photos. May not be safe late at night.

Lovely but scary, there is a lot of people begging on the streets and venezolan. Police presence is great. Makes you feel more secure

It really is interesting to see there arent any fences, secret service guards or any guards for that matter in front of the presidential palace. Instead you see a barbershop and some other shops right on the ground floor of the Palace. Quite interesting indeed. Beautiful area and the heart of the Plaza Grande. I was told you have to be careful with pickpockets and keep your phone locked

We loved the colonial architecture and the fact that a lot of people use the park. We also had an excellent meal in the square.

The plaza didnt disappoint but it is rather small compared to other plazas in Latin America. The food is cheap but not high quality like around Parque Carolina. Overall would visit again for the changing of the guard and to see the President, than call it good for the rest of human life span.

Beautiful colonial square. I had the chance to come one day when the plaza was closed to the general public which allowed me to take beautiful pictures. Also security is tight here with the presidential palace being directly on the square. Many soldiers and police are present so I would say it is relativeky safe to take many pictures.

Gorgeous views and architecture.Such a beautiful historical city.

The area is beautifully designed with planters, plants, and benches to allow for pleasant walking, observation, or rest. Surrounding are mostly colonial era buildings, preserved or restored. There are many little touristy shops and signage that can distract from the appeal. In the distance, like many parts of the Historical Centre of Quito, is the hill with the statue of the Virgin of El Panecillo. At night, the lighting on the buildings and hill with the statue is a lovely sight.

Its a superb placeIts a must visit place

A historic location in the center of Old Quito, the Plaza Grande is ringed by Spanish Colonial architecture, churches, and narrow, cobbled streets that are lined by shops and cafes. The square is usually filled with a mix of tourists, locals, government officials (some of the buildings around are active government offices), and street vendors. Our tourist group was not bothered by the vendors, but, as in any big city with tourists, there are some beggars. Choose to give them money or simply decline to do so, but they posed no threat to us either way. Be sure to read the inscriptions on the statuary, become aware of what each building is and its history, and the square will reveal its amazing past and its secrets.

Beautiful buildings and statues. There are a lot of people in the area so if that isnt your thing then you will want to avoid the area.

Interesting location with palace of the president, the cathedral, a column for the independence and the old palace of the bishop, now a very nice location to eat.Always a lot of people relaxing, talking, making music and blaming the government. Part of the Calle Moreno, "seven crosses", middle of the historic center

Small, but a lot of historical places around it

A beautiful square, located in the historical centre of the city, ideal for strolling and full of beautiful trees and different plants, it is located in one of the most strategic places in the city, the Presidential Palace and the City Hall are located there, as well as many churches, restaurants, cafes, etc. There are also many activities to do and places to go, an ideal place not to get bored.

Very nice historical place near a lot of other historical places in the Quito downtown. Lots of shops and restaurants in the area. Not very lively at night but crowded during the day.

This is a great historical place. It resembles the historical piazzas in Italy. However, there are a lot of spooky people and thieves around. So, I would definitely not recommend traveling around this please with a family, especially during the night.

Beggars and hustlers. Seems like what took over a beautiful place. Its a shame. Beware of pickpockets and dont take ANY paper or napkins from strangers.Otherwise its beautiful. The grass and architecture nearby. The statues. All beautiful.

I went exploring Centro Historico (Old Town Quito& fascinated with these beautiful old buildings with such details. All of the famous places are nearby: Plaza Independence, Plaza San Fransisco, the famous churches. Just walk around & you will be amazed to find new spots in the corner. Be careful with your belongings, dont wear too much. Also, wear comfortable shoes & warm jacket because weather in Ecuador is very unpredictable. It might be sunny in the morning but cold & windy in the afternoon.Instagram & Youtube: Merrie Elizabeth

Very historic area of both Quito and Ecuador

Square is always interesting but comes alive with the sunset and lighting in the buildings.

Beautiful place. Great colonial architecture. The street art and performances were also worth watching. Give yourself some time to wander around.

In Quito this is a nice square, the call it Plaza Grande... But around the plaza are government buildings, a church, and a very nice commercial center with great cafe, shops, venders, etc... Youll think youre in the south of Spain.

Wonderful experience. Beautiful churches. Cultural experience that tourists should not miss.

Located in a nice historic part of Quito, Independence Square is a very pretty center that is connected to so much history. Surrounded by the White House of Quito, the mayors office, a church and restaurants. This place is truly an important cultural and administrative part of the nation.There is so much history to tell in this city and people would be remiss to not visit this part of town.

Central square in the old town with a pretty garden and lots of locals passing the time. It is safe with guards or police around but be careful nonetheless. After I took a photo I noticed a man following me out of the square and had to lose him before walking into other streets

Nice historic square. It is the center of Quitos historical town. Many things to do neat this place like museums and other activities. I went on a Sunday morning and was surprised by a big military display in the square, with many soldiers playing military songs and marching, it was really good,

A great plaza with lots of locals selling scarfs and shining your shoes for a dollar. The cathedral is on one side the palace on the other, though not overly impressive given the names. In front of the palace is where Garcia Moreno was assassinated.

Definitely a must visit in Ecuador! A day in old downtown shows the culture and traditions of Quito! Just sit, relax, and watch how locals live, visit churches and museo

Really cool place. Plenty of good restaurants and a fair priced tourist shop. Really nice place to hangout.

Amazing vibe, safe, great place to sit and crowd surf. Try catching the 11am flag hoisting and ceremonial drum performance.