圣弗朗西斯科广场 (plaza de san francisco)

This is also a good square to visit with its impressive church and museum. Next to these is a café with a selection of food and drinks. Very good is the coca tea which I found did help with my altitude problems. It's a nice place to sit and see the world go by. Less good was being constantly asked to buy scarves by locals dressed in traditional costume.

the plaza is located in front of the San Francisco church; it is teeming with street vendors who can be annoying, but most understand "no". It is a good place to people watch after visiting the church. many shops and restaurants in area.

If I would have understood the extent of the history of San Francisco Plaza on the days that I was there, I may have paid less attention to the shops that surround the plaza, and more attention to the feeling of awe that comes with being in such an historic place. It is a huge cobble-stoned plaza - absolutely massive - in the centre of colonial Quito. It used to be a meeting place for traders and travelers dating back to pre-Columbian times. Not only that, but it is amazing to imagine that the plaza sits atop the ruins of the palace of the last Incan ruler, Atahualpa, so is the very place where power reigned. History has it that supporters of the ruler set fire to the palace upon hearing of his capture and execution. If you notice, the plaza has quite a slope away from the San Francisco Church that takes up an entire side. Roads, shops, cafes and other historical buildings take up the other three sides.Pigeons abound in the square, and they will take flight in the hundreds, swoop around in a flurry, only to come back again for another round. In the 'need to know' department, bathrooms can be found at the end of the shops closest to the right hand side of the church.

I liked that there was always something going on in this plaza; music, acrobats, a wedding or other celebration. Great tea and empanadas at the cafe and good local shopping at the Fair Trade Store.

Lots of commerce and trading. Enjoyed the plantain chips from the roadside vendor. Persistent female scarf vendors can be a nuisance sometimes.

This plaza is where the Iglesia San Francisco is located. It is large and is frequented by many people. We enjoyed taking a break here just before going into the church

There isn't much happening here, but it's in the center of town and so many cool things are around it you really have no excuse for skipping it.Lots of vendors, but the women selling scarves for $3 are the most impressive.

Sit outside at Tianguez and watch the world go by. Seemingly attacked to this restaurant is a huge local craft shop which is fun to explore although appeared expensive but good quality.

A very nice colonial square, well proportioned, with a pleasant slope away from the Casa Gangotena Hotel. It's marred only by the crazy whistler who seems to be selling something designed, by a tone-deaf engineer, to imitate a bird. Or possibly a squeaky machine.

Outside seating and indoor seating, in Old Town. Menu was very good and I wanted to go back but was not able too.Pricing very reasonable. Local and tourist were there. Busy so was slow in service and I don't speak their language, yet. In an area you should visit.

Very nice. You have no choice but to enjoy the Plaza scenery as you need to visit the sites around it. Neat to see all the people around it attending to their regular business.

This is the place to go to watch daily life. Surrounded by historical buildings, it is a beautiful square with lots of interesting things going on and lots of people to watch. You really feel this is the center of twon.

Unfortunately a lot of Quito old town is quite grubby in the daylight.at night it seems to light up (literally!!) There seems to be quite a good atmosphere around here in the evenings with quite a lot of the locals congregating to make it that way. Some of the old town streets can seem a little edgy but this plaza seems to be more safe.

Great place to people watch. Lots of ecuadorians walking about going to work, doing what they do every day.

This church blew my mind & I'm not normally a massive church fan - everything else paled in comparison to the unbelievable ornate decorations inside - don't miss this even if you only have 5 minutes...