For many travelers visiting Cuenca for the first time, choosing the right area can completely shape the experience of the city.
Some visitors prefer being surrounded by historic architecture, cafés, and walkable streets, while others look for quieter neighborhoods with mountain views and a slower residential atmosphere.
One of Cuenca’s biggest advantages is that several neighborhoods offer completely different experiences while still remaining relatively connected to the city center.
The Historic Center: The Most Popular Choice
For first-time visitors, the Historic Center is usually the most convenient area to stay.
The neighborhood combines:
- colonial architecture
- cafés
- plazas
- museums
- restaurants
- bakeries
- walkable streets
- cultural landmarks
Travelers staying near:
- Mariano Cueva 9-69
- Gran Colombia 6-59
can comfortably explore many of Cuenca’s best-known locations on foot.
Popular nearby areas include:
- Parque Calderón
- Catedral Nueva
- Calle Larga
- Río Tomebamba
For visitors wanting to experience the atmosphere of the city directly, the Historic Center often becomes the easiest and most comfortable option.
Staying Near Parque Calderón
Parque Calderón is considered the heart of Cuenca’s Historic Center.
The surrounding area is especially attractive for travelers who want:
- walkability
- cafés nearby
- historic atmosphere
- easy access to landmarks
- public plazas and local culture
Throughout the day, visitors naturally move between cafés, bakeries, museums, and nearby historic streets without needing transportation.
For first-time visitors, this creates a much more relaxed experience of exploring the city.
Calle Larga and Río Tomebamba
Travelers who prefer:
- cafés
- riverside walks
- nightlife
- creative atmosphere
- restaurants
often enjoy staying near Calle Larga and Río Tomebamba.
The area combines:
- historic streets
- cafés
- galleries
- scenic river views
- walkable surroundings
Many remote workers and long-stay travelers especially enjoy the balance between activity and relaxation found in these neighborhoods.
San Sebastián: A More Relaxed Atmosphere
Some first-time visitors prefer quieter and more creative neighborhoods.
San Sebastián has gradually become known for:
- galleries
- cafés
- calmer streets
- slower atmosphere
- artistic spaces
Compared to busier parts of the Historic Center, the neighborhood feels more residential while still remaining close to central Cuenca.
For travelers who enjoy slower mornings and quieter evenings, San Sebastián can be a very comfortable option.
Ordóñez Lasso and Modern Areas
Travelers looking for:
- mountain views
- quieter evenings
- modern surroundings
- easier parking
- less tourist activity
often prefer areas near:
- Av. Ordóñez Lasso
- Higuerillas
These neighborhoods feel calmer and more residential while still remaining connected to the Historic Center by short taxi rides.
Why Walkability Matters for First-Time Visitors
One of Cuenca’s biggest advantages is how naturally the city supports walking.
Visitors staying near the Historic Center can comfortably move between:
- cafés
- plazas
- museums
- restaurants
- bakeries
- riverside paths
without relying heavily on transportation.
For many travelers visiting Cuenca for the first time, this walkability becomes one of the most memorable parts of the city.
A City That Feels Comfortable to Explore
Unlike larger destinations where transportation and distance often dominate daily routines, Cuenca feels slower and easier to navigate.
The combination of:
- walkable neighborhoods
- cafés
- mountain atmosphere
- historic architecture
- public plazas
- relaxed rhythm
creates a city that many first-time visitors quickly feel comfortable exploring.
To discover more corners of Cuenca, continue with our local guide.
