The best way to explore the Old Town is on a walking tour. Most sights are within strolling distance of the main squares—Plaza de la Independencia (aka Plaza Grande), Plaza Santo Domingo, and Plaza San Francisco—making it easy to check off top attractions such as the Central Market (Mercado Central), the Independence Monument (El Monumento a la Independencia), and the Archbishop’s Palace (Palacio Arzobispal).
Many Quito city tours combine a walking tour of the Old Town with a view from Panecillo hill, a ride on the Teleferico to the top of Pichincha Volcano, or a visit to the Middle of the World monument, Ecuador’s equator line.