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Quito Nightlife

Quito is a cultured city with a bevy of large and small musical venues, theatres and cinemas. Mariscal Sucre is the area where you find most dancing and drinking venues, along with swarms of Western backpackers and young Ecuadoreans moving between them. The corner of Reina Victoria and Pinta is the epicentre of Quito's nightlife. It's worth noting that bars and clubs stop serving alcohol after 0000 during the week, and at 0200 on the weekends. Police are also known to randomly check for identification in bars and clubs.

Bars in Quito

Dirty Sanchez

One of the trendiest bars in town, this Mariscal favourite mixes hip art with hard drinking. It lies in the noisy, bar-packed and colourful Plaza Foch in the centre of Mariscal. It often hosts live bands, but punters can sit outside and soak up the atmosphere. The wide range of inventive cocktails will have you coming back time and again, as will the fantastic happy hour offers such as two-for-one drinks.

Address: Mariscal, Joaquin Pinto E7-38 with Reina Victoria, Quito,
Telephone: +593 2255 1810.
Website: http://www.dirtysanchezbar.com

Kings Cross

For some strange reason, British-style pubs are 10 a penny in Quito. Though rather dark and cluttered, Kings Cross is amongst the most popular. Expats and backpackers can often be found propping up the bar, but Kings Cross' great selection of beers, terrific burgers and quirky décor (with an eclectic mix of English-themed framed photographs and poster on the wall) attract a hip local crowd too.

Address: , Reina Victoria 1781, Quito,
Telephone: +593 2252 3597.

Naranjilla Mecanica

Attracting a hip crowd, this cool chameleon of a venue becomes a different beast every night. Swing by one evening to find an art exhibition on the cards, while another visit might serve up a live band or a film projection. For all things cultural, the 'Little Clockwork Orange', as its names translates, is the place to be. Whatever's on, there'll be some bohemian folk around sipping a few beers.

Address: , Tamayo 22-43 with Veintimilla, Quito, 170517
Telephone: +593 2252 6581.
Website: http://lanaranjillamecanica.blogspot.co.uk

Clubs in Quito

BPM Club

Since the closure of the beloved Blues nightclub, BPM Club is now the choice club night in Quito. The modestly-sized venue is open most weekends, often until the early hours, and operates a strict 18+ door policy.

Address: , Pradera E8-55, Quito,
Telephone: +593 95 873 0799.

Bungalow 6

A favourite amongst expats, this club in the heart of Mariscal features Latin music and international pop hits. There is foosball, pool tables, a lounge area and some good bar food, including burgers and chicken wings. But people really come here for the epic clubbing – three floors hosting various types of music including funk, reggae and electro. The ladies night is particularly popular.

Address: Mariscal, Diego de Almagro N24-151 with Calama, Quito,
Telephone: +593 2254 7957.
Website: http://www.bungalow6ecuador.com

Salsoteca Lavoe

You can't say you've really experienced Quito's nightlife without spending an evening in a salsa club. Salsoteca Lavoe claims to be the biggest of its kind in the country and is probably the best place to see live salsa in the city. Even if you're a novice, grab a slice of homemade pizza and a cold cocktail and watching the masters at work. It is a pleasure in itself.

Address: Iñaquito, Iñaquito E2-17 with Naciones Unidas, Quito,
Telephone: +593 2243 5429.
Website: http://www.salsotecalavoe.com

Live music in Quito

El Pobre Diablo

Popular with artistic and creative types, this intimate venue serves great food. But, of course, it's really all about the music here. Meaning 'The Poor Devil', El Pobre Diablo specialises in jazz and blues, but visitors will also hear plenty of world music and some experimental and improvisational acts too.

Address: , Isabel La Católica E12-06 with Galavis, Quito,
Telephone: (02) 223 5194.

La Liebre Video Café

Masquerading as a video rental shop, La Liebre Video Café is a small restaurant, mini cinema and music venue squeezed into a tiny space that's tarted up with 1970s wallpaper and colourful bunting. This spot welcomes great jazz musicians, hosts cool jam sessions and is known for its chilled out vibe. Order food early in the night to take advantage of the enormous portions that will keep you going through a long night of compelling tunes and gentle boozing.

Address: , Avenida Gonzalez Suarez 31-54, Quito, 170109
Telephone: +593 2381 8160.

Teatro Sucre

Fresh from restoration, the historical Teatro Sucre is the city's main venue for classical and jazz music. It is also Ecuador's national theatre. This is where the National Orchestra performs every week, but there are numerous other events including some operatic works and performances of indigenous music and dance.

Address: Historical centre, Manabí N8-131, Quito,
Telephone: +593 2257 2823.
Website: http://www.teatrosucre.com

Classical music in Quito

Dance in Quito

Theatres in Quito

Music and Dance in Quito

Culture in Quito

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Featured Hotels

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Hilton Colón Quito

Close to the historical district and Quito's airport, Hilton Colón Quito is a large compound, complete with the excellent Italian Portofino restaurant and a sushi bar. The main 19-storey tower overlooks Edijo Park and the Old Town. Large rooms have all the expected amenities. The hotel also boasts a fitness centre, a spa with Turkish bath and sauna, and an outdoor heated pool.

Swissôtel Quito

Set dramatically on top of the cliff overlooking the picturesque Guaopolo valley, this hotel offers luxurious rooms as well as apartments for a prolonged stay, complete with all amenities one might expect from a high-class business hotel. It has six restaurants specializing in Swiss, French, Japanese and other international cuisines. The Amrita Spa centre boasts a gym and two pools - indoors and outdoors.

Hostal de La Rábida

Everything is white in this friendly Italian-run, middle-range hotel: the mansion house which it occupies, the rooms and the rabbit that lives in the little garden into which rooms open - hence the name. There is a cosy little restaurant serving Italian and Ecuadorean meals. Wireless Internet is available.

Hotel La Cartuja

This mansion house with a large green patio occupies the site of the former British Embassy. The US and French embassies are both next door. Rooms are spacious, with comfy beds. The kind if somewhat hectic service creates a homey feel. Laundry service and Internet are available.

Hostal El Taxo

This no-frills guesthouse offers a range of private rooms and shared dorms, most with shared bath. Everything is a bit ramshackle, but the atmosphere is great and it attracts a cool crowd of hip young travellers. Breakfast is not included.

The Secret Garden

One of very few accommodation options in the historical centre, this small Australian/Ecuadorian-run hostel is of outstanding value. Full of plants and flowers (hummingbirds feeding on the nectar), it is decorated with murals - the creation of visiting artists from all around the world. The terrace on the fifth floor overlooking the colonial district is unbeatable for a late-afternoon beer.