La Ronda
Calle de la Ronda
A restored colonial-era cobblestone lane in the southern Old Town, where bars, handicraft workshops, and traditional snack shops sit beneath balconies draped with flower baskets.
Calle de la Ronda is one of Quito's oldest streets. It was once a bohemian quarter frequented by poets and musicians, and after renovations in the 2000s it became the Old Town's nightlife destination. Along the narrow lane, whitewashed colonial buildings with blue windows and wooden balconies line both sides. Shops sell handmade hats, wood carvings, and chocolate, while small stalls serve humitas (corn tamales) and canelazo, a warm drink flavoured with cinnamon and sugarcane liquor. Street musicians often perform on weekend evenings. Police patrol the area at night, but it's best to take a taxi in and out.
Opening hours
Open all day; most shops 10:00–23:00
Nearby sights
- Museo de la Ciudad
- Casa del Alabado Museum
- Santo Domingo Church & Plaza
- Church of the Society of Jesus (La Compañía)
- Basilica and Convent of San Francisco
- Centro Cultural Metropolitano
- Plaza Grande & Metropolitan Cathedral
- Historic Center of Quito