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Expat Exchange - Discover the Best of Quito 2024
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Parque La Carolina in Quito, Ecuador


Discover the Best of Quito

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: Discover the charm of Quito with our guide to the city's top attractions, culinary hotspots, and vibrant nightlife. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, we'll also help you find the best recreational activities to enjoy, and offer advice on making lasting connections with the friendly locals.

Welcome to Quito! If you're planning to move to Quito, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Quito has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Quito.

Quito is a vibrant city full of culture, history, and adventure. Tourists and locals alike can find plenty of sites of interest to explore. The historic center of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The Plaza Grande is the main square of the city, and it is surrounded by the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Municipal Palace. The Basilica del Voto Nacional is a stunning neo-Gothic church, and the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús is a stunning baroque church. The Panecillo is a hill overlooking the city, and it is home to a giant statue of the Virgin Mary. The TelefériQo is a cable car that takes visitors to the top of the Pichincha Volcano for stunning views of the city. The Mitad del Mundo is a monument that marks the equator, and it is home to a museum and a planetarium. The Parque Metropolitano is a large park with plenty of trails for hiking and biking, and the Parque La Carolina is a large park with a lake, a botanical garden, and a zoo.

Quito is also known for its vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. Some of the most popular restaurants in the city include La Ronda, a traditional Ecuadorian restaurant, and Zazu, a modern restaurant serving international cuisine. La Mariscal is a popular area for nightlife, and it is home to some of the city’s most popular bars and clubs. La Bipolar is a popular bar with live music, and La Casa de la Cerveza is a popular beer bar. La Ronda is a popular bar with a lively atmosphere, and La Rumba is a popular salsa club. La Mariscal is also home to some of the city’s best restaurants, such as La Boca del Lobo, a traditional Ecuadorian restaurant, and La Casa de la Cerveza, a popular beer bar.

Quito is also home to plenty of recreational activities for tourists and locals alike. The Parque Metropolitano is a great place for hiking and biking, and the Parque La Carolina is a great place for swimming and boating. The TelefériQo is a cable car that takes visitors to the top of the Pichincha Volcano for stunning views of the city. The Mitad del Mundo is a monument that marks the equator, and it is home to a museum and a planetarium. The Parque Itchimbia is a large park with plenty of trails for hiking and biking, and the Parque El Ejido is a large park with a lake, a botanical garden, and a zoo. The Parque El Ejido also has a cable car that takes visitors to the top of the hill for stunning views of the city.

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Insider Tips from Expats in Quito: Making the Most of Life and Connections

"DAMAS - Damas Norteamericanas y Britanicas - meets once a month and does service projects for the community, we have an English book library and a play group for moms with young kids. English Fellowship Church - all English speaking Advent St. Nicholas Church - 3 services in English, Spanish, and German," said one expat living in Quito.

"Expats living in Quito have the opportunity to join many different clubs and activities, such as book clubs, hiking groups, language lessons and art classes. Additionally, there are many meetup groups and expat activities that are organized on a regular basis. For those that are interested in joining a church, there is also a range of religious and spiritual organizations that offer a great way to meet new people and make connections. Additionally, expats can attend local sporting and cultural events or go to pubs and restaurants. Meeting people from other cultures or backgrounds can also be achieved by participating in volunteering activities or joining a gym, yoga studio or martial arts class," wrote a member in Quito, Ecuador.

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"The Latino life focuses on family and friends. The Expat community focuses on service projects, mountain sports activities, and traveling around the country," commented an expat living in Quito.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Quito is generally quite pleasant. The city is known for its vibrant culture, friendly locals, and stunning natural beauty. Expats and digital nomads can find a wide variety of activities to enjoy, from exploring the city's colonial architecture to hiking in the nearby mountains. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The city also offers a variety of coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants, making it easy to stay connected and productive. Overall, Quito is an excellent destination for expats and digital nomads looking for an exciting and affordable place to live," said an expat in Quito.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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Parque La Carolina in Quito, Ecuador

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