Quito - Post Report Question and Answers
What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
With the crime rate and the consistent 6:30 pm sunsets, there isn't a vibrant nightlife here. The streets tend to get pretty quiet in the evening--at least in the more residential parts of town. If you enjoy hiking in the great outdoors, it's easy to find groups/excursions -- and the nearby nature is truly stunning. However, you won't find much by way of cultural venues. I find Quito to be pretty sleepy in general. - Jul 2023
The embassy has a bunch of clubs that you can join and they have been pretty active. People have been able to connect with the local community through churches and charitable organizations. Some have joined social clubs which are expensive but people seem to love. - Jul 2023
People socialize here like they do anywhere...BBQs and picnics at the park, restaurants and bars, tennis, soccer, hiking, volleyball etc. With a good sized group of people without kids and a good sized group of people with kids, there are lots of opportunities. - Jul 2019
Sports clubs, get-togethers, dinners, bars, etc. - Jul 2018
Quito has a healthy backpacker scene in La Mariscal, I think that's the closest thing to a real nightlife that you'll find here. It isn't a party town, but there's enough to get you by if you're into that. Head down to Montañita on the weekends if you want more. - Mar 2017
There are clubs, salsa dancing, restaurants, home parties. People party well into the night. - Sep 2016
Go to concerts (all kinds of music), dancing, restaurants--you name it. - Aug 2015
Hiking, biking, bars and restaurants, sports, soccer games, you name it! Check out La Ronda and the historic center, and there are modern movie theaters and malls throughout the city. - Aug 2014
Ecuadorians are very family-oriented and don't seem terribly eager to welcome in foreigners. But I had a great time with my expat friends...good bars, restaurants, in-home entertaining, day-trips. - Jul 2012
We go to a lot of restaurants and bars, especially in Mariscal. - Jan 2011
Opportunities abound to entertain in-house or go out to restaurants, picnic and hike at Parque Metropolitano (shelter houses are for rent), or attend concerts or cultural events. - May 2010
You're pretty much on your own here, as the expat community is not very tight. That said, there are house parties, barbecues, etc. on a fairly regular basis, so go out and make friends. Going out to restaurants/bars is easy, although it's necessary to keep in mind parking and security issues. Movie theaters are modern and show first-run films, often in both subtitled and dubbed versions. The arts scene is limited, don't expect lots of world-class plays and ballets. - Jan 2009
