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Have to visit the plaza. Bring your guide book or take the free walking tour to hear and learn about the history of all the área and buildings around the plaza. Lots of people selling coco leaves and paintings etc. Funny enough - got the best prices for the small paintings here from everywhere else we saw them.

Went here and sat in a bar and people watched in the glorious sunshine with a beer.Nice square and very busy as we went on a weekend. This seems to be the heart of old town Quito.Lots of people and some nice restaurants just off the main square to explore .

This is the main plaza at Quito´s hitoric center. Sorrounded by the Cathedral, the Archbishop´s Palace, The Government Palace, a hotel and some Government offices. It is the typical Latinamerican plaza, with sitting benches, sellers of ice creams, craft candies and souvenirs from the region. Nice to visit

I liked the arquitecture you can find in the surroundings of this place, something I didn´t like was the amount of people, but you always find that in this kind of places.

Nice plaza to people watch and have a snack and enjoy watching others. Get location to meet others. Right in the middle of so much to see and do

The plaza is a great part of the old town. Where a lot of Quito has graffiti you'll see none here. The plaza is surrounded by little cafes to sit relax and do some people watching. It was very busy during our visit as it was Easter weekend. The president was giving a speech from the balcony to locals gathered on the square

I asked the taxi driver to take me to Old Town Quito and he dropped me off at Plaza Grande. It was full of people enjoying the afternoon weather ( no rain ). There is so much to see - the government buildings, museums, churches and old buildings. Lots of little side streets with shops and restaurants. If you want local cuisine and really good service, try Cafe Plaza Grande in the hotel on the square. If not, grab a sandwich at one of the little places on the square with outside seating.

Surrounded by history this plaza is Quito. A place to rest, have coffee and appreciate the past. Comfortable, safe and busy.

If you are interested in colonial history and architecture it is excellent, sucre is buried in the church on the plaza.

Really enjoyed this central plaza, lovely vibe about the place by day, a bit deserted by night. Great arty shops dotted about, some lovely crafts in the Tourst Information Office.Lots of friendly locals about by day, some guy was preaching using a megaphone! But dead at night so make sure you go by day to experience the place at its best.

The many benches and density of people on the Saturday we were here made this Plaza a good place to sit and rest. Surrounded by the Cathedral and the government palace, and within blocks of many museums and churches, it's the heart of the Centro Historico.

Lots going on around this plaza. Watching the people go about their business is fun. Nice cafes and restaurants. Interesting buildings all around.

We loved sitting down here for a rest. They have a large police presence so that was interesting. Musicians playing. People selling fruits...I bought a little bag of cherries, wow, yummy. We were here for a bit, took some fun photos. It is the heart of the city and well worth the walk over.

Amazing place surrounded by cool historic buildings. Full of people all day long. Especially elderly who sit there and people watch non stop:)

On Monday's at 11 AM (arrive about 10) the President of Ecuador 🇪🇨 comes out and waves in a ceremony. At 2:00 tickets are handed out free to tour Plaza de la Independencia. A tour worth taking!

You could call this the heart of the Historic Quito. The atmosphere is fairly relaxed with locals just hanging out and chatting. There is the presidential place on the one side and a beautiful cathedral with good walls on the other. Lots of restaurants that are priced fairly and vendors that don't really bother you to much. I was on my own and truly enjoyed the hour I had. I could have hung around a while longer if the rain has not arrived. I highly recommend exploring this UNESCO site.

Plaza de la Independencia, also known as Plaza Grande, is a historic place in the city of Quito (Ecuador), located in the heart of the old town. It is the largest square of the city and symbol of the executive power of the nation. Its main characteristic is the monument dedicated to the heroes of the independence of August 10, 1809, date remembered as the First Cry of Hispano-American Independence. The surroundings of the square are flanked by the Carondelet Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, the Municipal Palace and the Plaza Grande Hotel.

Sit down amongst the locals and watch the world go by as you muster up the energy for the next cultural visit.

There is constant activity at the plaza including displays, demonstrations, stand-up shows, and just many people peacefully hanging out. There is a considerable police presence and the area is kept extremely clean. I never felt any fear and enjoyed the activities. I watched the flag rising at the Presidents Palace...

First thing to do in Quito is ride the primary bus routes and get the lay of the city. Then take a full day or two to walk Old Town The churches are amazing and the architecture will blow your mind.

We didn't have time for a tour of the Plaza, so I cannot speak to its history. It is clean, beautiful, well kept and a central spot in Quito, especially since the presidential palace is at one end of the square. We had food and drinks in the cafes. The people were friendly and helpful.

A people place. Always active. Crawling with police to protect tourists but still pickpockets abound. An essential part of any visit to Quito. Marvellous and animated. Splendid views and many services for tourists as well.

This is a great place to people watch ! It is also a stones throw from shopping, restaurants, post office, a church to visit and an occasional strolling minstrel!

A fine example of colonial architecture all around, this is the place where everyone seems to be lazing around or loitering aimless. There's plenty of churches, eateries and souvenir shops around

Great area for walking on way around old town.Lots of protesters for upcoming presidential electionsInteresting restaurants

The 'changing of the guards' is a spectacle not to miss. Band, color guard and of course the President himself. Some protesters but they were peaceful, but most seem to adore their President.

This is the main square in Quito's historic district. It is not a large square as Plaza de Armas in Lima, Peru. It has though the same buildings: the Presidential Palace (Carondelet Palace), the Cathedral and the Archbishop's House and City Hall. Free 40-minute guided visits can be taken of the Presidential Palace, once you get tickets next to the palace. Visits can also be taken without tickets by lining up next to the entrance at 6 PM. In the center of the tree lined square there is a monument to Ecuador's independence heroes.

Plaza Grande is not only in the middle of Quito Old Town, it also has so many lovely people and music inside. Local people are all around and there is music almost all the time. There are nice, small, and inexpensive restaurants in the Plaza.

If your timing is right you can find a variety of celebrations going on here. It is a place that brings tourists and locals together and is a bit of an oasis in old town. It is a good place to find out what is going on in the area and to just rest and look around.

This plaza marks the center of the Old town, and it is really close to everything else you want to do in the Old Quito such as visit churches, eat locally, even shop a little.

Very well kept, nice day and night, we went both during the day and at night. Loved it as so many other places in the old town.

many small cafeterias around the Plaza. Try the pernil sandwich with coffee or ice cream with quesadillas...many local delicious treats!!

We had a stopover in Quito after returning from the Galapagos boat tour and we wished we had more time as it is a beautiful Unesco city and this square is a treat

Every Monday at 11 am there is the changing of the guards. Very pompous and grand and a must see. It takes about an hour and if the President is in town you will be able to see him on the third floor balcony waving to the people that have gathered at Plaza Grande and the Presidential Palace.

It was meaningful statue as someone explained that the animal figures were used for protection.A true hero's memorial in front of the President palace who was a Venezuelan who fought in Ecuador. Apparently there is a open coffin in Venezuela for the body to be returned of their hero.It's a beautiful well kept place in a historic setting.

Magnificent plaza in Old Quito. Much more ornate than most of the others, government buildings at one end, surrounded by shops and restaurants, with the Independence Monument in the middle. You can see so much within a 15 minute walk in all directions from here.

You can make lunch here, theres a few nice places with Ecuatorian food, you can make a nice walk as well or eat an ice cream

While you wait to visit the presidents palace enjoy the beauty of the square! There is a sandwich shop (try the traditional) or the pernil at oposite side (little shops under the church) and enjoy the culture! The plaza is known for retirees hanging there. Also the amazing monuments!

Nice place to be. There are many people, also locals. It feels like the centre of the old town where people come together. There are some little food stores.

So much to see over there, the people the beggers, the buildings. Just sit down and relax and enjoy everything around you.

Plaza de la Independencia, known as Plaza Grande to the locals, was Quito’s main square in the 16th century, serving as central market and bullfighting area.We visited this plaza and our guide gave us the history behind what the statute represented. It is on a Monday morning so we were able to find a spot to see the changing of the guard at the Governor's Palace.

This Plaza offers a wonderful place to hang out and enjoy the ambiance of Quito's Old Town. Surrounded by beautiful historic buildings and very lively, you can't go wrong here! Just enjoy the very best of Quito!

Nice plaza surrounded by magnificent buildings. President Palace, Cathedral, Archbishop Palace all the old nicely preserved buildings.

We went on christmas and it was very crowded. Watch some of the artistic shoe cleaners . If you like to watch other people you are on the right spot there.

all trips to Quito should start and end here. See the president at the palace, view the changing of the guard on Mondays, visit the church or the archbishop palace. best way to see it is Quito Free Walking Tour

Quito is one of the most visited cities in Ecuador, its architecture, its history, its customs, its food are characteristics that attract foreign tourists. My family and I toured downtown Quito, one of the places we visited was the “Plaza de la Independencia”, it is part of the places that are full of Quito history and culture, many people go to the Independence Square because you can rest relax, watch many pigeons and feed them, in the surroundings there are places of typical food, sweets and coffee. It is usual to see many retired people sitting here, some have chosen to have a place to play cards, others just sit down to chat with friends or go and look after the pigeons that day after day arrive. Near the Plaza is the Government Palace which also functions as a museum. It is a very nice place. Within the Government Palace, there are many years of our history, articles that belonged to past presidents.

Plaza full of locals and vendors, and tourists. Surrounded by local buildings that houses local businesses from restaurants to shops of different flavors.

This place is always pack with locals and visitors. There are always people selling food, beverages, or crafts. You will also find different kind of groups dancing or playing local music.

Monday at 11:00am is the changing of the guard, well worth seeing. The president appears on a balcony, lots of locals singing the national anthem.

Typical Sur American plaza. The tone of it is warm, viral.The palaza is full with local peoples. Feeling safe.

Good meeting place. Not a lot of seating area. Presidential palace decorated for visiting Chinese president.

Beautiful center of old town Quito. 1st world heritage site. Plan to spend several hours here so you can enjoy the park, people watch, eat at local eateries and visit the numerous church cathedrals in the area. We were there for Former Ecuadorean President Sixto Duran-Ballen's funeral procession and visit by China's president so several things were closed for security purposes. Plan to return tomorrow when everything should be back to normal. Beautiful!

Beautiful plaza filled with locals, tourists and street sellers trying to sell you all sorts of things including the coca leaf. Plaza is surrounded by hotels, shops, cafes and churches and with a lot of shoe cleaning stalls. If you can make it on a Monday morning at 11:00 am they change the guard at the Presidential Palace you will be able to see the dignitaries, President/Vice President?, on the balconies plus a military band and both infantry and cavalry soldiers the nice thing being you can get very close to them.Take a bit of time and watch life go by a great place for people watching.

In this square you can find people who are cleaning your shoes, restaurants and coffee/chocolate houses, and a lot of people. Nearby there is also a street where you find free wifi of Quito.

Beautiful plaza lined with cafes and shops. If it's possible, go there on a Monday at 11am to catch the changing of the guard. It lasts about a half hour. You'll get to see the president, a marching band, soldiers mounted on horses, and all sorts of other pageantry.

Beautiful plaza especially at night. I never had time to visit during daytime but went twice at night. Many sighgtseeing, museums, cathedrals and restaurants to keep you busy

Just a nice place to find some sombra (shade) and feel a bit local. Lots of strolling and families, and a few hawkers for the tourists. Several police stroll and keep an eye on things. I had a nice older man approach and ask if I wanted a panama hat ...how many in our group, etc. Wish I'd have had time to check further. Close to many shops and eateries.

Typical of plazas and parks in most cities of Ecuador, Plaza de la Independencia is a hive of activity. Boarded by the municipal government house, shops and other buildings the park square is always filled with hustle and bustle, a linkage point for the hop on hop off city bus tour route, the line ups for a popular church to be seen there is also activity and people. The gardens are a popular sitting areas for local folks who chat the day away and watch the tourists pass. They are beautifully designed and manicured. It's a great point to start off on your city bus tour ... especially if you're staying in the barrio Historico. Definitely worth a walk through for those who enjoy people watching.

One of the central plazas in the centro Historico. From here you have access to a lot of the churches and attractions within the old center. People watching. There are also many shoe shiners working, locals sitting, meeting, reading the newspaper.

A lovely spot to people watch and get a sense of the Old Town. Good restaurants and easy access. Nice meeting spot.

Take a copy of your passport & you can tour the presidential palace here. Inexpensive cafes line the South end of the square ; good stopping point for a coffee or Gelato.

The plaza is nice but the real attraction occurs on Mondays at 11.00am when they have the changing of the guard and the President comes out on the balcony of the Palace to wave to the people.It's a bit of old world ceremony that is worth seeing.

As prt of our tour we saw and heard the history of Ecuador and Quito. Kind of amazing to see how little security is needed for the President. Interesting area with lots of shops and historical buildingsYou would need a guide or do research I. Order to take full advantage of what is there. However nice area to walk around in Quito.

I would suggest you go at the changing of the guard ceremony and also see the president out on a balcony addressing the people. Where else can you see a president in public?

We went here as part of a tour. Worth going to as part of a tour but not if you're going there only for that. A ton of people there. Great gathering place but you gotta be careful. I would imagine there is more activity at night. We went during the afternoon. Worth going to but similar to other parks with statues around the area. Average.

This place is like the Statue of Liberty for Americans, althugh not very big it is surrounded by the core buildings of the country: The Carandelet Palace where the president lives, the municipality building where the major of the city works and the Archbishop's palace. Every Monday they change the president's guards with a fiesty ceremony, sort of like London does. This quad has a monument which represents Ecuadr's first attempt to be free from the Spaniards

This attraction is the central point of historic center of Quito.mAround it are beautiful churches, museums, shops, government buildings, etc. Enjoy your visit.

This beautiful plaza represents the heart, soul, and spirit of colonial Quito. It's moods change frequently during the day along with the weather. Always full of life representing a fusion of the many indigenous and Spanish cultures. Music, dance, artesans, political rallies, parades, or simply relaxing under a shady tree can be enjoyed. Watch the changing of the guard at the Presidential Palace. Flanked by the Presidential Palace, City Hall, the Museo de Cathedral, Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus, former archbishops palace, with the Independence monument in the centre. Stroll along the quaint collection of shops along the lower levels, or enjoy comida tradicional de Quito like humitas, quimbolitos, con cafe and helados de paila.As the sun sets, and the crisp air cools, the plaza becomes a romantic setting magical lit with colour.

Beautiful plaza surrounded by churches, city hall and the President's house.Lots of activities take place here.

the locals all seem to gravitate to the shade of the trees and enjoy some music and singing and dancing, an interesting collection of sites and shops and restaurants along the edges of the squares

Pretty standard plaza where a lot of people like to hang out. There are many restaurants near the plaza.

Here is where it is all happening in the Old Town. Surrounded by churches and public buildings, It seems to be the place to meet. The atmosphere is excellent and the surroundings beautiful with blooming trees. There are any number of restaurants, ranging from the simplest dishes to high end cuisine.

This is a great place to start your visit of the historic part of Quito. Check out wall where Gabriel Garcia Moreno was assassinated.

The Plaza is an amazing blend of religion, government and commercial offerings. We entered through the Cathedral so the walk to the outside was amazing. The Government palace reminded me of Santa Fe, NM with its portico on locals showing their art work. The restaurants and shopping center to the east has good food and shopping.

If you pass by Quito, you have to Visit the historical center and its central place, la plaza de la Indenpendencia (also known as plaza Carondelet). You ll be surrounded by historical buildings and the presidential building (Carondelet) which is worth visiting ! Have fun !

Numerous historic buildings and churches - should see. Lots of activities going on with local indigenous people selling their wares.

We visited on Independence Day and obviously the square was busy. Otherwise, this is a popular square with lots going on. If you go on a Monday at 11:00 am, then you can watch the Changing of the Palace Guard - very worth while. The tourist information office is also in this square as is the tourist police office - useful if you need to report anything stolen (be aware!).

Not to be missed-especially if the weather is beautiful. All the citizens of Quito come here as well as tourists. The flowers and fountain are beautiful. On one side the presidential palace in on another side the archbishops palace are both worth visiting.

We visited the Plaza with the intention of resting. Full of people having public debates and musicians playing and singing. Police everywhere and the plaza was buzzing. We visited the la cathedral and had a coffee in the plaza. It was a great people watching experience and the buildings are interesting. Good reference point for a walking tour.

So we came here as part of one of our daily tours. This area is incredibly pretty and has been restored to a new fabulous look. the new government takes the country's history seriously and makes sure everything is done well. the history and the entire area is truly beautiful. I would definitely go. I would suggest going on a sunny day. the city does not do well when it rains. everything is cooped up.

Beautiful park surrounded by the buildings of Old Town Quito. It can get busy with lots of people wandering around but a great mix of locals and tourists.

My sister, brother-in-law and I all headed to Independence Plaza (where I had been several times before just to wander) at 10:30 AM on a Monday and waited on one of the grassy areas until 11:30 for the show to start. We were treated to schoolchildren singing the national anthem as a huge flag was being raised over the Presidential Palace, a great view of the balcony where the President and Cabinet came out to see the crowd, as well as a full military band marching out and playing throughout the plaza. It was a grand spectacle, one that appears most Mondays. I was thrilled to see it!

This is a great plaza in the center of the city. It has the equivalent of the White House and on Mondays, there is a changing of the guard which is full of pomp and circumstance. Definitely something to see (mornings!). The pageantry and the patriotism is truly amazing!

The plaza is a very pretty spot to rest and people watch. There are several cafes and restaurants nearby and it is directly across from the Presidential Palace.

Great square with fabulous gardens all in flower trees and plants. It has lots of seating and vendors wandering round selling ice cream and eats. Great place to while away an hour.....

Had a great atmosphere.Excellent place to sit and soak up the surrounding architecture.Much action by the locals with music ,dancing and singing .Some people just sitting, some spruking and some selling hats ,scarves,drinks etc.Great.

I enjoyed walking around the Plaza and visiting the various shops and restaurants around the square.

The Plaza de la Independencia offers a great view of the locals minding the day to day activities while the foreigners are at awe of the beautiful architecture surrounding the plaza. There is so much to see, it is starting point to appreciate the rich history of Quito and Ecuador. The Plaza in itself is a buzzing area where older folks sit and talk or play, indigenous merchants offer their crafts, small cafes can delight you with their local favors, little shops offering souvenirs and more, even the old barbershop is a classy place reminiscing of old times. People rushing to meet daily activities and there is always the reliable shoeshiners ready to help you to shine your shoes while you read the newspaper. Enjoying the local folklore is an wonderful experience in itself. Let's also talk about the rich history of the place and the building of a nation. There is plenty of monuments, churches and buildings to take you back in time with a visit. It is indeed a great place to start your visit of the Historic District.

The surrounding buildings are well lit and dramatic as darkness falls on the plaza. A quaint, Colonial Spanish look to the entire area and a great statue in the center of the plaza dedicated to a brave battle against the Spanish in 1809.

Always full of people. Nicely illuminated at night.with the cathedral of Quito built in middle 1500.

This is a spectacular bustling square. The presidential palace is imposing, and when I was there, they were changing the guard - a large impressive ceremony. This is a square to admire and relax within. Beware of pickpockets.

The Plaza de la Independencia is a good spot to rest after a walk up Quito's hills. People watching is excellent.

Nice place for pics in front of the Carondelet Palace (the President's house) you can walk and buy artisan ice cream

When you want to see the very local daily life... Go to Plaza Grande! There you can find all kinds of people taking a rest, hanging out, children playing around, others playing some music and dancing. It's like the heart of Quito, it is very worth to see!

Plaza de Independencia is awesome because it is so well laid out. I really felt I was in Ecuador when we went there. It was so classy, yet simple.

Go on a Monday at about a quarter to 11 am to see the changing of the guard in the plaza in front of the presidential palace. It takes place from 11-11:30. The crowd is diverse but not overly large. Wear sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, light covering. This is good for kids. The guards march to patriotic music including on horseback right in front of the palace. The president steps out onto the balcony although someone near us said he wasn't up there the day we went. We couldn't tell. There were clearly officials up there. Eat lunch in the area right after. Watch your handbags closely though (we were advised by our server at a little restaurant right on the plaza).

This plaza is always full with people. But on Sunday it is even more busy as streets around here are closed for pedestrian and cyclist.You will find a lot of local street vendors that still wear traditonal dresses selling foods, snacks, desert, handicraft, and etc.It is quite fun to walk around or stop here for a coffee at one of the coffee shop here.

This is a beautiful plaza to just people-watch in. It's a good go-to for relatively inexpensive food on the south side, and pricier food on the north side. There are shops on the west side, and a tourist info office on the west side where you can buy tour bus tickets. And you can also tour the President's Palace, as well. Great location for a meeting place, close to lots of stores and other restaurants in the historical center, as well. Just be aware, some of the beggars here are a bit more verbally agressive than I've encountered in other parts of town.

The main square in Quito is surrounded by colonial era buildings. The day we were there there was street theater going on which was interesting. The guards at the presidential palace do the stoic, no smile thing very well. A must visit in Quito

We were there on a Sunday when there was much music and activity. Read up on the history of Ecuador to appreciate the monument and statues.