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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.