Datasets:

Kinjal123

/

rat10000

like 0

Beautiful plaza with lots of interesting buildings. The Presidential Palace was interesting. Watched the changing of the guards.Visited with our Gate 1 tour of Quito.

A pretty square to lounge about it, and a nice café on one side to drink teas made with real leaves. Less good is being asked often to have one's shoes polished which can be a bore after a while.

A great square in the midst of government and church authority where Ecuadorans gather to relax, to protest, to play games, and sing. We enjoyed our many encounters with the people of Quito and Ecuador. Its a great place to relax between visits to the many historic sites within walking distance of the plaza. There are a number of good eateries in the vicinity as well.

This central square in the old colonial city is a must see. It definitely is flanked by all the symbols of power... the Presidential Palace, which is the seat of power for Ecuador, beautiful and colourful colonial buildings that are identified as the Archbishop's Palace /Hotel (flags decorate the sides for the length of it), the Cathedral of Quito and the Municipal Building. Quito's municipal building definitely pales in comparison to the other three in terms of architectural design.In the centre of the square is a huge manicured park with flowers, shrubs, trees and sculptures, the centre one of Ecuador's heroes being the most prominent. This central statue has a lion at its feet. Apparently it was designed with an arrow in the lion, but someone pulled it out, seeing it as animal cruelty. You can still see the grommet where it used to be.The park is always busy, but I did not see, on either visit during two days, the music and entertainment others have talked about, However, there were a lot of people trying to sell you coca tea (in loud annoying voices), scarfs and shoe shines. The buildings in the area used be occupied by the Franciscan order, including nuns, and the buildings on either side of the Presidential Palace have signs on them to show that, though their use has been long converted.

We enjoyed several visits to this fun, music-filled plaza near the President's Palace. Good restaurants nearby.

The view from the Mayor's office was lovely. You get the life and energy of the people of Ecuador there.

This is a great plaza. You can see many of the important sites of Old Town in this plaza. We spend time sitting and watching people coming and going.

A really typical South American square. Absolutely beautiful. As it was getting near Christmas there were performers and bands playing….it was a Sunday…it felt lovely. An absolute must visit. We only had two days in Quito…wish we had been there longer but it was a visit on way back from Galapigos…..another MUST. A wonderful part of the world.

While visiting old town, the Plaza Grande is a must. Bring your camera. The area is know for pick-pocket activity so know who's around you! It's not dangerous, but if not careful you could lose your purse or wallet.

A good place to pass through and mingle with locals and tourists. There are some cafes at the corner with desserts, local sweets and coffee. Across the street the tourist center office is available for any questions, maps, souvenirs and clean bathrooms! a good stopover but not a lot to do except hang out and enjoy local sights and sounds.

This Plaza Grande is almost as beautiful as the others I have seen in South America and Madri. I felt save in this place. It's very clean. You can seat and watch people coming and going. Interesting!

Bordered by the Presidential Palace, and the Cathedral, this square is certainly worth a stroll. Maybe you will see the presidential motorcade! A peaceful place to relax for a few minutes, but do not wear leather shoes, or you will be pestered by the shoeshine boys!

The plaza is lovely, but look out for pick-pocketers, especially the little children, they will gang up on you. Aside from that, it's a lovely spot to buy a juice from a vendor and have a sit in the shade.

A lot of things go on here from protests to cultural activities, depending on when you are there. There are some great shops in very interesting dungeon like alcoves. Would have liked to have a beer and snack in a patio as it seems the perfect place but there was very little choice. One of the alcoves shops had nice food and drinks but was not reliably open and the alternatives seemed to be an expensive hotel but everyone was great and the plaza felt safe. Even the stray dogs were nice - especially a couple who were obviously bonded.

Every Monday at 1100, there is more pomp and circumstance than at Buckingham Palace. The President of Ecuador even comes out to watch the ceremony.

A pleasant open square, with a few cafes, but nothing on the scale of similar squares in other South American / Spanish cities. Definitely worth visiting whilst in Quito, but don't expect to spend hours here. In terms of safety, like many of the key attractions in Quito, there was a very visible Police presence, which probably kept some of hawkers at bay. Be mindful of the unofficial shoe shine boys, who were working as a bit of a pack and who gave the impression of using shoe shining as a sideline to their main activity. We sat at a cafe and watched a couple of them edge closer and closer to a tourists camera bag, despite being repeatedly shooed away by the cafe owner.

We were there during a terrible rainstorm, but even still it was beautiful and can only imagine sitting there enjoying a nice day.

You should not miss the changing of the guards in front of the Presidential Palace on Mondays at 11 AM. Wonderful display of military costumes including horses.

The Plaza Grande is great for strolling around with your camera. All the surrounding buildings are very well maintained. A great place for photography.

Really enjoyed our short time in the Plaza.There are bigger Plazas both in the Americas and Europe.But this one has that old colonial feel to it.Surrounded by quite beautiful buildings.Contrary to what we read about crime, we found the people are very nice. A few people tried to sell things, but none were pushy. Very refreshing to see in a tourist place.

This place is a must as you are central to all of the major attractions. Everyone seems to be going somewhere but really nowhere. A great place to people watch and get a feeling of the Quito way of life. Many eateries and small shops.

We sat on a bench and watched life and the pace of Quito go on -- children playing, men feeding the birds, vendors selling everything from kitchen utensils to scarves, and men tending to the landscaping.While it's worth a visit I would make it a pass-through on your way to one of the churches. Do keep a close eye on your personal belongings...we were told that pick pockets are abundant in Quito.Several good restaurants on the perimeter of the square. Sit outside to watch the world go by.

There was a group singing in Spanish (likely Christian group) but it as nice to see their comradery and see the area. the Presidential Palace is across from the Plaza and provides free pictures upon completion of the free tour. Lots of people were in the plaza sitting, visiting with friends and family. It was fascinating to observe a bit of Quito culture.

Go on a Saturday when it is crowded with locals selling stuff, strolling around, listening to sidewalk preachers and watching street performers. A typical Spanish square with interesting architecture.

There's lots of activity on this plaza. The vendors were not obnoxious. And there are many historical buildings right off of the plaza.

This plaza is the heart of the Old Town in Quito and surrounded by a collection of older churches, government buildings, arcaded walkways with various shops and restaurants. The center of the plaza is a park with the statute presumably representing the spirit of the people and freedom in dramatic contract to the surrounding mountains and skies.Lots of people gather to visit with each other, sell goods, conduct business in the surrounding buildings as well as assemble for tour groups. Impressive as an open area in an otherwise maze of narrow streets and close buildings, the tourism impact on what the stores have to offer is abundantly evident and may be disappointing.An interesting area is an interior courtyard off of one of arcaded walkways that is dedicated to various restaurants on three levels and sharing a common seating area of tables under an open sky. The food selections and prices vary but it is fun to buy an inexpensive lunch in one shop and a glass of wine in another, then, take a seat as my wife and I did. You don't have to carry anything since the staffs of each store will bring your purchases to you. When you are done, you leave. Couldn't be simpler!Off the square are more stores and attractions such as older cathedrals (San Francisco) and more buildings with some interesting 19th century architecture. It is fairly comfortable to walk the surrounding streets and mingle with the crowds. Always wise to protect your wallets and purses.The historical feeling in the Plaza is decidedly different from the contemporary boom of New Town and La Mariscal district. While the tourism element may be a let down, just feeling the vitality and energy is rewarding in itself.

Wasn't expecting too much, but was very crowded and was harassed by sales people. Not partciuary enjoyable!

The Plaza is the hub of Centro Historico. Plan to sit for awhile, you may need to shoo away the pesky but cute shoeshine boys, but simply absorb the sight. Old and young, families and lovers.

This is a perfect example of the quintessential South American square in the middle of a quintessential South American Old Town.

Now this is a Grand place, not only for its position in front of the 'palace', but because, every day it is full of people reading the paper, chatting, drinking coffee, children playing and its cleanGreat place to start your tour of Old town.

Great place to people watch. There are many beggars here and they can be aggressive! Good central location to see Old Town.

A crowded place but has a lot of historical places around. You can seat there and talk to locals, people in Ecuador is very nice

The square is clean and interesting. This a good location to get dropped off by taxi to begin a walking tour. Streets are clean and the locals are friendly.

We missed the presidential palace tor by 5 min. A busing center of Historical Town. Lots to see around.Very surprised to find out the place shut sdown by 6:00 PM

It's a good place to start a walking tour of the center of Quito. It's pretty and has must see buildings. The plaza itself was crowded when I went in the middle of the day.

Always lively, day or night, a great place to enjoy the action, whatever it might be. For us it included a demonstration, so extra police were on hand. The police, by the way, make Old Town a safe place to visit, and are very helpful with directions.

Ecuador's and its capital Quito have their focal point in this plaza. Full of history and legend, surrounded by the most important political and religious buildings and monuments . The change of the presidential guard each Monday morning is must see.

This was a more interesting event than I expected. They had a band, a group of horses and many soldiers dressed for the occasion. The show went on for at least half an hour. The band played national anthem and other songs, the people were attentive and the poor guy who had to keep the street clear had a busy time. A nice cultural experience.

We were there for the Changing of the Guard but almost all the time this place was alive with people, day & night, & the atmosphere was vibrant.

My favorite place to visit on sundays when families, youngsters and old people are walking around. There is always music and quite often various dances performed by semi professional groups. Reserve at least a full hout. Don't rush , just sit down on a bench and enjoy your time. In the afternoon it will be very crowded.

The Grande plaza and the streets adjacent to it are the heart of Quito - and the gathering place for locals - particularly on Sunday. Many nice shops, curio shops and street vendors selling all sorts of interesting stuff are here. Great place for people watching. The Plaza also affords a very nice view of El Panecillo - you can get some great photos from the plaza so no need to go up there. Didn't notice any obvious tourist - mostly Ecuadorians... Photo ops abound!

I was blown away by how well lit this plaza was at night. There are restaurants and cafes surrounding the plaza that make this place a great place to visit for a meal and a walk. It's not too far from Old Town as well.

Don´t miss it. very nice plaza, with beautiful surrounding monuments. See it during the day, when doing a tour to old town.

This square is the centre of a lot of action, great for people watching during the day, but watch your backpack! There are frequent protests outside the presidential palace, when the square is filled with police , some in riot gear, and a very large police presence at all times. However, take some time in the afternoon to sit on a bench in the sun and watch the world go by!

Apparently every Monday morning (I think it was 11.30ish) there's a parade and the president comes out to wave hello. The atmosphere is great and the square is beautiful so lots of good pictures too. Not to be missed!

Our group had an evening tour. It was just about getting dark, but we were able to see the great plaza, which is beautiful. We were able to see the main buildings and the metal railings that are on the presidential palace that were brought from Versailles after the French Revolution! I am sure it would be best to visit earlier in the afternoon so as to be able to enter some of the buildings. A lot of the architecture is mid-late 1500's when the Spaniards arrived.

This is a great spot to people watch. Lots going on and overlooked by the presidential palace.Stop here and spend some time.

The square is lively and a good place for people watching. The presidential palace is on one side (you can go inside if you plan a bit ahead) but you can peak through the gates and see the guards, there's also the cathedral, and some cafes to sit outside and enjoy a coffee and relax.A lovely spot

Although everyone warns you that Quito is unsafe at night, you should rslly go and look at this amazing Plaza. At night it is well lit and they shine lights on all the beautifull buildings surrounding it, definitely worth a visit!

This was a place where there were always people gathering. many retired men still wear business suits, and one fell into conversation with us about British politics. Excellent central location for visiting sights, and good and cheap restaurants a-plenty

Plaza Grande is nice but not beautiful. If you tire of people watching in the square and fending off street vendors, start visiting the cathedrals and churches adjacent to the plaza. Pay the small entry fee and wait for a guide who will be very informative. I was struck with the fabric shops and stores which had fashionable clothes on side streets. The traffic can be problematic , so watch out for cars, motorcycles and bikes which have their own codes of conduct. The two guards in colorful uniforms and hats at the Presidential Palace are somewhat hidden from sight. Look up! Several times I was told to guard my bag so let this be a warning. For a real cultural treat, visit Parquet Ejida across from Hilton Colon Hotel on a Sunday. Quiteños fill the park with foods, bicycles, flea markets, walking with the family, flirting and enjoying nature and life inside the big city.

It's a beautiful plaza just to relax and watch people or feed the birds. There's a lot of street vendors where you can try local food and buy some souvenirs

My husband and high had been walking forever, wandering the streets of the Old Town tourist district. We were relieved to find the pleasant Independence Plaza so we could simply sit and people watch. Could not be done. My husband had on black leather walking shoes and the shoeshine boys are relentless. A simple No would not work. After five minutes of having your feet grabbed in an attempt to give my husband a shoe shine, we left for a nearby restaurant with outdoor seating. They came there are were just as aggressive. The waitress couldn't get rid of them. The restaurant manager finally got them to go away after threatening to call the police. Wear white shoes and you should have a pleasant people watching experience.

The colonial architecture combined with the activity of local people provided a great opportunity for photos. A local guide adds good info on the past history & current political actives.

There was a lot of people around. Somebody was talking about politics and economy and as he was going deeper in this talk I realized in other place next to it some older people was tales and myths about Quito history. Very interesting place to know about Ecuadorian people and culture.

Absolutely gorgeous! If you are in town on a Monday, catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony that happens at 11:00 a.m. each Monday, rain or shine.

We love to people watch and this is the place. When we first arrived the steps of the Bailica were filled with children for some kind of demonstration.We walked around the park a bit and then sat on the steps of the Basilica watching the people. It was great vantage point to see people reading, children playing, women talking. Some playing games. Women were selling scarves. The weather was perfect. There is a small Café at the base of the Basilica with There is supposed to be a tourist info center in this square but we never found it. Suggest you take exact directions with you to find it.If you fund this review helpful please vote below. Thank you.

My favorite plaza in Ecuador, this square bubbles with activity. Our first day, there was (1) a military band playing on the steps of the Cathedral, (2) a group of children having their picture taken in front of the band, (3) a loud protest for the disappeared, (4) dozens of pensioners eating their ice cream cones, (5) ubiquitous shoeshine kids, (6) bright pink flowering trees, and (7) the bluest sky ever. The simple, original Cathedral, the bishop's palace, and the President's residence surround a square full of flowers and shrubs. This is one of the most alive squares you'll see, with a street life that is much more than just tourists. Grab an ice cream, get your shoes polished, and soak up the atmosphere of Quito.

Plaza Grande was our favotie spot in Old Town! we had the best food there also the souvenier shop onthe first level is the best ! bought a lot fo ncie gifts from there! Highly recommend a trip there in the evening as they light up the cathedrals and churches so well its very pretty!

Always packed, very often with protesters in front of the Presidential Palace. You absolutely must visit the palace. You learn about the current president, Rafael Correa, and you get a unique viewpoint over the Plaza from the large balcony.

If in Quito you need to visit the main square. History plus! Always best to have a guide for all the historical tidbits.

Being near to the presidential palace and other government buildings, the security is pretty tight around the place and then if you stay around you could actually watch the change of guard ceremony. This plaza is one of the liveliest part that you will get to see in Quito. There is so much going around at this place that you will get to see the colors of quito. Also there are lots of restaurants and cafés around as well.

Great place, safe day or night. It has shops and places to sit and watch people. We enjoy going there with family or friends.

I have been to just about all the Latin American countries or capital cities. For each of them, they have a central plaza that stands as the symbolic figure and pride for the respective history. This plaza is the central public square of Quito. Don't you want to learn how Ecuador earned its independence? If yes, then come visit.

We went to see the changing of the guard. Get there early for a good seat. Very interesting and longer than necessary, but glad we went.

Lots of local activity. On one visit there was an eco demonstration going on. Very peaceful. But always a large security presence, including one group of 25 police dogs and their 25 individual handlers.

Spent an enjoyable few hours here in the sun.lots of people busy doing very little but watching the world go by.while we were here, the soldiers came out to bands playing, los of political dignitaries on the balcony, including el presidente, national anthem playing, flag hoisting. Loved it

This plaza has a good police presence since the government business is done there. There is a statue in the middle of the plaza and it is near the catherdal.

Lots of people doing lots of stuff. Rallies decrying the deforestation of the amazon, politicians pontificating, young couples sitting on benches beside old men. Kids running every direction... a very fun little plaza.Avoid the restaurants / ice cream for sale along the plaza - very expensive for what you get and the quality isn't great. Lots of people selling cocoa and scarves.

A sizeable and clean square. If anything , almost too many tourist police. but abuzz with people walking around; buildings to visit on all sides. Good views. And other squares and buildings in all directions. An overwhelming choice of where to go.

This plaza was always full of people. The street vendors, Quiteños, children, etc. we're varied and fun to watch. The President's Palace offers a free tour and is worth the hour. Go on a weekend to see the real city life. We happened across a wedding. Explore all the side streets, too. And make the trek uphill to the Basilica and climb to the top for a great view. It's beautiful. On Sundays, they close some streets for bicycle traffic. It's a great plaza where you can meet the real Quito.

Take a tour guide or speak fluent Spanish. The signs are not in English. The police are very present. Very popular place to be.

Plaza Grande has been the highlight of our stay in Quito. There are so many places to sit and rest and just watch the world go by. If you want to watch the local Ecuadorians enjoying their life, then this is the place to be. There is something happening here all the time, from brass bands, to fitness classes, local dancing, and also street performers. No matter what time of the day it is, there is always something to enjoy here.

Plus restaurants, shopping, and events in the area. Our first trip to Quito we saw a very colorful procession which originated at the church entrance on Wednesday evening.

Located right in the center of Old Town. In the center of all that happens in Ecuador. Politicians, lawyers, congress, and the offices of the church. Everyone who runs Quito is here. The plaza is a nice place to stop for a break while shopping and touring.

This was part of our old city tour, the plaza has a distinctive feeling to it, took some great panoramic pictures. i loved how easy it was to walk around to different churches and places in the surroundings.

This is a beautiful small plaza (not my idea of a plaza grande) that offers a nice bench stop and rest while walking around old town Quito. It is very picturesque, so, have the camera at the ready.

Interesting buildings around plaza. Was there when changing of the guard ona Monday at midday. Guards on horses and bands. President came out on balcony. Demonstration do national dancing, women and men dressed in national costume.

You will pass through this plaza as you commence your activities in Quito. The Cathedral is there, the palace, some statues, shops, and annoying street vendors. It's fine for what it is, with local pride being its most important characteristic.

Lots of locals....nice area to walk around. We stayed downtown, so this was our starting point with a taxi (only $5 from downtown). We walked around, then took the double decker bus tour of Quito from this point (which, I think was the 3rd stop for the bus, which stops at about 12 locations)

Very interesting historic site. Does not take long to see. We were interested to compare it to Lima which we had just visited the week before.

It's a square block. That said, you probably ought to see it if you're in old town quito. The presidential palace is on one side, former archbishops palace on another. Try to time your visit for a weekend when there's a lot of activity, or a Monday morning for the changing of the presidential guard. There's a clean public bathroom for 15 cents in the archbishops palace.

The square was very manicured and beautiful. It is always full of people, but with the amount of police monitoring the area it is extremely safe. We did not find many tourist shops to buy souvenirs as we had expected from a main square. I also like that people were not as aggressively trying to sell things like they had in Cusco, Peru.

Plaza Grande is the busiest square in Quito. It is blocked in on all sides by huge buildings. The Presidential Palace on one side, Cathedral on the other. In the South east corner you will find the main tourist office of Quito. You can get handy maps and books with walking tour suggestions. On the cathedral steps there are a host of street performers. If you want to go in the Presidential Palace you will need to bring your passport, there are guided tours and it closes at 4pm. Out the front are two colourful guards with expressionless faces, they occasionally switch positions. In the middle of the square is the independence monument, with its carved lions and condors.

What a great place to sit and appreciate the people of Old Town Quito. We enjoyed taking in the statues and the sites of the plaza, but even more so, we loved sitting on a bench and watching the people of Quito. We learned our most important lesson in this plaza - when Quitoans run for cover at the slightest drop of rain, you should, too! One drop one second literally turned to giant hail (the size of US nickels and quarters!) the next second. Ouch!

This Plaza had numerous Street Performances from Ballroom Dancers, to Maypole type Dances by Local Students.The atmosphere was lively and colorful. It is located near the tourist information center and the Presidential Palace.It is truly the center of Old Quito

As part of your walk get your leather shoes shined. Great starting place. People watching and shopping. Recommended MeuterMedia

This is a square plaza celebrating Ecuadorian Independence, with a center statue and water fountains. It is a good place for a break or to people watch, and is located adjacent to the Presidential Palace and the Cathedral. The palm trees are spectacular. Also, adjacent is the former Archdiocese building, and it the court yards are interesting shops and restaurants....a good place to explore. I was a little anxious with the crowds but had no negative experiences during both times I as there.

This area is really pretty. I spent some time just hanging out on the grass. On the weekends, there are a ton of people in this area. There's a really pretty government building situated at the front of this plaza and there's a nice statue in the center of it. I especially like that there's a lot of green area and palm trees here.

This plaza really gives a feel for the city. It's where the presidential palace and change of the guard happens. It's where demonstrations and political rallies occur. Truly feels like the heart of the city and as a bonus, it has wifi! Some great little cafe's located along the edge of the plaza.

Plaza Grande was very historical, nice people, and lots of good shopping and eating with cafes everywhere. Policia everywhere makes things very safe.

This plaza is set off with a huge statue, lots of seating and a great place to people watch. From here you catch catch a cab back to your hotel for as little as $3.00. We were so dogged tired that the thought of walking back to our hotel didn't interest us!

If you have only time for 1 thing to do when in Quito choose to visit Plaza Grande. There are shops, sights and everything you want to see and expect from a South American city. Be sure to wander around a little bit to see El Angel (statue on a mountain). Tip: Let your shoes be done by a shoeshine boy - you will not regret it. It's cheap and it comes with a free newspaper (it's in Espanol of course).

To be honest my time in Quito was bittersweet. I did not enjoy the pollution, the busyness (I've learned I much prefer towns), nor the cost of taxis in and around Quito. I did however enjoy my time in and around Plaza Grande. It was here, at the Basilica, and Teleferico that I started to understand and appreciate the charm of Quito. This is a fabulous place to walk around, take pictures, buy souvenirs, and people watch. Like others, I would definitely be cautious of your surroundings here and in Quito as a whole. I don't display my belongings. I put my point and click camera around my neck with my coat over it. I only take it out to snap pictures and promptly put it back. I haven't had any problem with theft. Just be on guard and you'll be fine. So many reviews lead me to think Ecuador was scary or theft ridden. Just be on guard and you'll be fine. :)

Be careful when you are in this square. We got sprayed with 'caca' and under the ruse of trying to help us clean up a couple tried to take our stuff (camera). We held on to it and they took off. We researched this scam and found a few similar stories. Too bad this happens in such a great city but it can happen anywhere, be vigilant! There is a tourist office close to the square where we went to clean up.

A great place to relax and soak up some of the old town. On various sides, you can feast your eyes on the Cathedral, the Government Palace (Palacio del Gobierno) where the President lives and works and the Archbishops Palace (Palacio Arzobispal) which is now an assortment of shops and cafes below the colonial colonnade. After a rest in the plaza, visit the Cathedral, tour the President's palace and check out the stores.

This large plaza lies in the center of Old Quito and thus a must-visit kind of place. It has its charm, from the ubiquitous shoe shine boys and vendors, all politely seeking your custom. It is a pleasant place to sit on one of its many benches and take in the daily life of Old Quito. It is quite safe, being patrolled by ever-visible policemen.

Our hotel was close by for a week and each day, we wandered over to the plaza to enjoy the activity, food and some shopping.The local vendors with plastic bags of peas, grapes, strawberries, pears etc. ,each for $1. added to the flavor of the day.These folks wore traditional dress and sang their sales pitch . Cocoa leaves and tea also available on this square to combat your altitude issues, should you have them.

I think you feel like you are really here in Quito... the people, the shops - you must stop. You feel the spirit of the people.

Great place to hang out and people watch, and your walking tour (that I reviewed sponsored by Secret Garden Hostel) will give you information about the buildings and sculpture found there. Plenty of restaurants to choose from to eat at, some a little pricey as it is tourist central!