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A First-Timer’s Guide to Québec City, Canada
It’s true. Québec City does give off enchanting European vibes. With cafes and restaurants spilling onto cobblestone streets and the French language filling your ears at every turn you’d think you landed in France. And yet, there is something distinctive to Québec City – something you can’t quite name, but you can feel – that makes it a place all its own. After spending 4 days exploring Québec City for my (Alyssa’s) first time on a girl’s trip, I honestly can’t believe I didn’t visit here sooner.
If you haven’t yet traveled to Québec City or need some North American travel inspiration, then you must read this first-timer’s guide to Québec City. In it, I share my top recommendations, highlighting the tourist essentials you won’t want to skip while exploring the city. I also suggest some local favorites, where to stay, and day trip options to pair with the main sights for a trip that would make any Québécois proud.
Bonus! Towards the end of this guide, you’ll find my list of Instagrammable spots in Québec City that are sure to impress all your followers.
Québec City is captivating and littered with historic landmarks and impressive 17th-century architecture. Most of the city’s iconic sights are in Vieux-Québec or Old Québec. This section of the city is considered the historic district. It is about 135 hectors in size and is made up of two parts (1) an upper town (also sometimes called Haute-Ville) and (2) a lower town (Basse-Ville). You’re going to want to check out both. Here’s what we loved in each part:
Vieux-Québec’s Upper Town
The upper town sits on top of Cap Diamont and is fortified by city walls built in the 17th century when the French settled in Québec. For some time, Québec City was a pawn in the chess match of New World conquests, and while Canada technically recognizes the British monarch as their Head of State (under the Commonwealth of Nations), I found the city’s soul to be more deeply French. In this upper part of the city, you’ll weave in and around the city’s most stunning historical infrastructure and many of its landmark sights. I think it’s best to explore this part of the city on foot.
Walk the City Walls – take a walk on the famed city walls that surround Québec City’s upper town. These city walls, also called ramparts, make up the last complete city fortification in North America and offer fantastic city views from up high. It is completely free to walk on the city walls which span almost 3 miles. We accessed the city walls from Porte Saint-Jean/St. Jean Gate.
Did you know? In 1985, UNESCO named Historic Old Québec a World Heritage site, describing it as “a remarkable example of a fortified colonial town and by far the most complete north of Mexico.”
Get a close-up of the Château Frontenac – a glamours anchor along the “Fleuve Saint-Laurent” since 1983, this fairytale-castle on a cliff is a classic Québec City landmark. It’s also said to be the most photographed hotel in the world! Château Frontenac dominates the skyline for miles and is a spectacle both day and night. Visitors who are not staying overnight at the hotel can enter the building but only during certain times. (We hear Bar 1608 is a worthwhile pitstop). Be sure to check this out prior to arriving.
Stroll the Dufferin Terrace – this is a giant wooden sidewalk located next to the Château Frontenac. It is free to access and provides unmatched views of the St. Lawrence River. It’s also a great place to grab a seat on a bench and people watch (there are street performers here in the summer). In the winter, an ice slide for toboggans is installed on the terrace!
Shop and dine on Rue Saint-Jean – a main thoroughfare in Québec City’s Upper Town, Rue Saint-Jean is always bustling with action and people. In the summer months this street closes to traffic and you will see restaurant tables and chairs spilling into the street beckoning passersby to stop and stay awhile. It’s quite the scene.
Why is Quebec City divided into an upper and lower town? Nowadays, this distinction is purely geographical. But when the French and British had high colonial aspirations, this division had important economic and strategic implications.
Vieux-Québec’s Lower Town
Tucked up and under Cap Diamont, Québec City’s Lower Town is a whole other vibe. This part offers you the chance to check out artisan boutiques and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Old Port. Here’s what we loved best about the Lower Town:
Traverse Breakneck Steps – locally named, “Escalier Casse-Cou”, this 59-step staircase is the oldest in Québec City, dating back to the start of the French colony. It serves as the link between the Upper and Lower parts of the city. It’s the best way to travel between the Upper and Lower parts of Old Québec.
Explore Rue de Petit Champlain – the prettiest street in all of Québec City, Rue de Petit Champlain is downright iconic. It’s a picturesque pedestrian street lined with charming shops and cafes housed in historical buildings. At the end of this street is where you will find a very large mural depicting life in Québec City’s working-class neighborhood, Cap-Blanc. The mural is called Fresque du Petit-Champlain and it is impossible to miss – it is huge!
Visit Québec City’s birthplace at Place Royale – this charming cobblestone plaza, surrounded by a mix of French and English architecture, marks the very spot where Québec City was founded in 1608 when Samuel de Champlain successfully build New France’s first permanent settlement in the city. It’s the literal heart of Québec City that was renovated back to its former glory in the late 1960s (the British army destroyed most of it when they gained control of the city). Even if it’s not all original, it’s a spot that exudes an air of elegance and yore; a place that feels as if history is about to be made here and now. The part of Québec City that is firmly anchored in nostalgia.
Be sure to look for the outline on the ground near Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church, marking the exact spot of Samuel de Champlain second house. And don’t miss the “Fresque des Québécois” another large mural that tells the story of the city.
Eat French Onion soup in the city’s oldest pub – located off Place Royale is where you’ll find Pub L’Oncle Antoine, Québec City’s oldest pub serving up an incredible bowl of French Onion Soup (which is simply called “Onion Soup” in Canada). It’s a small, cavernous space that had a former life as a 17th-centry storehouse. It’s the ideal spot for a bite in this part of Old Québec. I suggest arriving right when they open if you can. As for that Onion Soup, it’s a meal for pure enjoyment. Costing about $14 (USD) the broth is made fresh using beef stock and red ale. It’s both salty and buttery at the same time; plus, the amount of bubbly mozzarella cheese was impressive. They do not skimp on the flavors with this one which is sure to be a foodie highlight of your trip.
Walk through Umbrella Alley – in the Petit Champlain quarter during the summer and even into the fall you can walk under a long line of colorful umbrellas hanging between very well-preserved buildings. It’s a fun photo opp, free and isn’t time-consuming.
Get a cultural lesson at the Musée of Civilization – located a 15-minute walk from Saint Jean Gate, the Museum of Civilization offers visitors a modern museum experience complete with interactive, multi-media exhibits. I think the museum did a great job reimaging how visitors look at the city’s past and connect with it in the present. Overall, it’s a great place for a quick history lesson on Québec and makes for an excellent rainy-day activity. Bonus! The actual iron cage that was used to display the corpse of Marie-Josephte Corriveau, a notorious murderess, is part of the museum’s collection. However, it is not always on display or available to view. I was told you could potentially see the real iron body cage if you arranged a viewing in advance with museum staff. If anyone knows if this is indeed true, please let me know!
Looking for a unique way to see both the Upper and Lower part of Old Québec City? Try this Animated Crime Walking Tour in Old Québec! It’s one of the top-rated activities/attractions in Québec City and allows you the chance to see all parts of Old Québec while a local expert – with a flare for theatrical storytelling – shares sinister stories and New France folklore that will make your hair stand on end. If we had not gone on this tour we wouldn’t have seen the unique, Rue Sous-le-Cap, one of the oldest streets in Old Québec or the Côte du Colonel Dambourgès which is a lesser visited street that is extra enchanting at night. We also wouldn’t have learned of Marie-Josephte Corriveau and the Musée of Civilization
Places to Play Outside the Old Québec
Go for a jog or walk the Plains of Abraham – this verdant, urban park is in fact the most patriotic site in all of Québec City. Plus, it’s completely free to explore! As you walk through the grounds and maybe even grab a fancy coffee at the pavilion here, it will make you dizzy to think how the entire course of North American history changed at this very spot in 1759 when the British defeated the French in a battle. That battle effectively ended the time of New France and marked the beginning of Canada as a colony of the British Empire. I almost feel foolish admitting this, but I had no idea that Québec City – the actual heart and soul of French Canada – was once ruled by any country other than France. And, as I mentioned earlier in this post, Canada is presently a voluntary member of the Commonwealth of Nations and recognizes the British monarch as their Head of State.
If the weather is nice, a stroll through the Plains is a must. This green space provides respite from the surrounding city and serves as a calming backdrop to a serious history lesson. For those interested in learning more about the history of this park, check out the Plains of Abraham Museum.
Observatoire de la Capitale– when I visit a place, I always make it a point to seek out the best panoramic view. In Québec City, that view can be enjoyed at the Observatoire de la Capitale. From the 31st floor of the Marie-Guyart building, you can enjoy an iconic view. Spend time playing an impromptu game of “I spy” – scanning across for views of the Ille d’Orleans, the St. Lawrence river and the Plains of Abraham. It’s said to be an amazing place to enjoy a bird’s eye view of Québec City’s changing colors during early fall and dazzles in the winter when everything is snow-capped. Pro Tip! Tickets can only be purchased online. Learn more and book tickets here.
Shopping on Rue Saint-Jean– this is a bustling main street in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. It’s filled with vintage shops, bookstores and bars. It’s a truly dynamic shopping scene with small shops packed with a bevy of treasures. My personal favorites were the eclectic boutiques crafting bespoke jewelry and the houseware shops teaming with eye-catching glassware.
Ride the ferry to Lévis – grab a seat on the Québec-Lévis Ferry and watch as the best views of the city unspool before you. As the river gently laps at the sides of this commuter ferry, you’ll notice the Château Frontenac jutting into the sky and crowds gathered along the Rue de Petit Champlain in lower town. It’s an enduring image worth every cent of the ~$8 (USD) one-way ticket.
After the 10-minute ride you will arrive in Lévis and quickly discover that there is nothing to do on this side of the river. Beyond a nice riverwalk trail/bike path, Lévis really is a residential area and sleepy community. We hi-tailed it on the very next ferry back to the city. The highlight of this experience is the view – both there an back- plus it is a nice break from all the walking you’ve likely been doing since arriving in Old Québec.
Honorable Mentions
If you’re looking for even more to do and see in Québec City, here are a list of other sights you may want to consider checking out. Full disclosure, we did not visit these places during our first visit to Québec City, but we did see these continually pop-up when we were researching the city and planning our trip:
- La Citadelle– this is an easy add-on if you plan to spend any time at the Plains of Abraham since the two sights saddle up to one another. The Citadel is an old, star shaped fortress built by the British to defend against invasion against the Americans. Today, it’s an active military base. You can pay to take a guided tour, if you’d like.
- Parliament of Québec– this is located close to Old Québec and offers visitors a variety of things to enjoy including a library, two restaurants and even a boutique that sells locally made products. A lot more than just prestigious assembling happens here!
- The Morrin Centre – located in Old Québec, this building housed the first jail in Canada then it morphed into a college and today is houses an impressive Victorian library. It’s considered a cultural center and is the meeting point for the Animated Crime Walking Tour in Old Québec that I recommended earlier!
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Québec – originally built in 1647, this Basilica is seat to the Catholic Church in Canada and boosts an elegant interior. We also heard that you can take a guided tour to the crypt for a small fee here (summers only). It’s located in Old Québec.
- Artillery Park – this park looks out over the St. Charles River and is made up of four separate buildings and a whole lot of cannons. The most “impressive” of the buildings is said to be the Dauphine Redoubt. I’m not sure what this building was used for, but you can see a nice view of it from the top of the St. Jean Gate.
Where to Stay in Québec City
First-timers will likely aim to stay in Old Québec City. It’s a great way to situate yourself centrally in the city’s charming, historic center. As shared above, Old Québec is made up of an upper and lower part or “towns” which are connected by a funicular or the Escalier Casse-Cou staircase, affectionately referred to as “Breakneck Stairs.” In short, you will have no problem moving between both parts of Old Québec regardless of what section you stay in.
Pros and Cons of staying in Old Québec
Pros
- Very walkable
- You’re in the center of the city’s history and charm
- You are close to everything – amazing restaurants, major landmarks, local shops and more.
Cons
- Hotel and Airbnb prices are quite high in this part of the city and properties sell out fast especially during peak seasons.
- Many properties are carefully designed to make the most of tight quarters and small spaces. This oftentimes results in rooms with only one queen sized bed. If you need a room with two beds you will likely be looking at slim offerings and high prices.
- If you’re renting a car, parking can be difficult to find – if your property does not offer on-site parking options. If parking is offered, it may carry an added daily cost.
- The area can get uncomfortably crowded during the summer and holidays.
Staying Outside Old Québec
Beyond Old Québec City, the city sprawls out and quiets down. For a more local feel and oftentimes lower price points, I recommend you consider setting up home base in Saint-Roch or Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Both are lovely, more unassuming neighborhoods with their own quirks but most importantly, you can easily walk to Old Québec from either.
We stayed in Saint-Jean Baptiste and are so glad we did. In all honestly, we ended up in this neighborhood because we couldn’t find a reasonably priced hotel/Airbnb in Old Québec with two beds.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste is an artsy neighborhood that offers a more bohemian vibe compared to the sophisticated charm of Old Québec. It’s located right outside the city walls – approximately a 15-minute walk to the tower of St. Jean Gate which is one of the main entryways into Old Québec and an access point to the wall’s walkways. You’re also within walking distance of the hip, Montcalm neighborhood too. The best part is that Saint-Jean-Baptiste provides you with a more laid-back atmosphere and somewhat slower pace which is a nice juxtaposition to the more busyness in Old Québec.
Where to Eat
There is a constellation of incredible restaurants across the city which can make deciding where to dine for your next meal challenging – especially in the evening. Here are my top recommendations for places to eat in Québec City that are not located in the Old Québec. For a highlight reel of everything I ate in Québec City and more photos, check out this foodie reel on our Instagram page.
Buvette Scott – this is a Michelin starred restaurant with a rotating menu known to feature unsung local ingredients. We think the focaccia bread – which we were told is a permanent fixture on the menu – is a must try. This spot is incredibly small with seats for ~20 people so be sure to reserve a table in advance. Located in the Saint-Jean Baptiste Neighborhood, this place also serves up quite the ambiance. Think: vinyl crackling melodies being spun on a legit turntable.
Taniere3 – full disclosure we couldn’t snag a table here as they were fully booked through the year but, if you’re looking for an excellent fine dining experience this might just be up your alley. Described as “unmistakably Québec”, Taniere3 is a 2-starred Michelin restaurant that was voted to the World’s Best Restaurants 2025 list. It ranked no. 5 on the list!
Le Mezzé Taverna Grecque –authentic Greek food served up in an intimate setting with iconic Mykonos white-and-blue décor. Prices were outstanding for the quality of the food. Ditto on the drinks which were heady. They also had an excellent wine list with options for all price points. While we managed to miraculously snag a table without a reservation (we arrived exactly when they opened), I truly think it was a stroke of luck. Reservations are highly recommended.
Le Billig –for about $5 USD you can enjoy a freshly made crepe with authentic Canadian maple syrup. It’s truly unbeatable. They also serve cappuccinos in bowls. Picture for proof.
And then there is Poutine, which is the name of a dish, not a place/restaurant. It’s a concoction of French Fries, cheese curds and gravy that is close to the French-Canadian soul. You can order poutine at many places throughout Québec. We binged on it and it doesn’t matter where you order it from, it’s going to be delicious. It’s the classic, must-eat dish when you’re anywhere in Canada, especially if you’re a first-time visitor to the country. Many – locals and tourists alike – enjoy the poutine served up at Chez Ashton.
The BEST places in Québec City for Instagram Pics
If you have a penchant for capturing the most eye-catching moments on your camera roll while traveling, Québec City is your playground of picturesque possibilities. From charming cobblestone streets to whimsical doorways, this city is a treasure trove of Instagrammable gems that will make your followers green with envy. Here’s our list of the top spots to level up your Insta game while in QC:
Aboard the ferry which crosses the St. Lawrence River / travels between Québec City and Lévis
From on the Funicular or standing at the base of the funicular along Petit-Champlain – the view is the best from top, and it make for great Instagram reel content too.
Anywhere with Château Frontenac in the background. Those green copper turrets atop the Château can be glimpsed from so many parts of the city. A benefit of being built on the highest point in town. We loved this little paved space we found in front of city walls/ cannons. This is an Instagram essential photo spot!
On the steps of Escalier Casse-Cou (aka Breakneck Steps) with Petit-Champlain in the background
Standing in Place Royale – the historic square located in the heart of Old Québec’s Lower Town
In front of the City Gates – either in front of the St-Jean Gate (pictured) or the Saint-Louis Gate
Under umbrella alley (if the installation is up when you visit)
From inside Ciel – a revolving restaurant with 360-degree views of the city
Day Trips from Québec City
If you’re looking to escape the city for a day or even a few hours, here are some stellar spots worthy of a road trip or short detour:
Île d’Orléans: only a 15-minute drive from Québec City by way of a free bridge. This idyllic island reveals a pastoral side of Québec, offering visitors ample green spaces, orchards and vineyards that are perfect for getting lost in.
Montmorency Falls – located 15 minutes away from the city center by car with spectacular falls which are taller than Niagara. Click here to read my take on the falls and learn more about the park the falls are in.
Sanctuaire Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré– about 30 minutes from Québec City by car. Drive north along the Cote de Beaupre to the pilgrimage church at Ste-Anne de Beaupre. You can’t miss the church’s two towering steeples that dwarf everything surrounding it.
This is Québec’s most sacred church, and some say the most impressive Basilica in all of Canada.Some historians claim this to be the oldest pilgrimage site in North America and known for attracting visitors seeking spiritual healing.Inside you can enjoy 214 lovely stain-glassed windows and impressive tilework and glittering ceiling mosaics depicting the life of St. Anne.
Jacques-Cartier National Park – located about 45 minutes (~50 kilometers) north of Quebec City, this national park offers glacial valley vistas, incredible views of the Laurentian Massif (or Laurentian Mountains) plateau, and breathtaking hikes through a coniferous forest dominated by deciduous trees. It’s worth even a 1-day visit. Check out our personal guide to make the most of one day at Jacques-Cartier National Park.
FAQs about Québec City
What currency is used in Québec City? The Canadian Dollar ($). With the Canadian dollar (CAD) currently weak against USD, that means all the more fun to have on a shoestring budget. We only used credit/debt cards during our visit and never had an issue nor did we run into the “cash only” situation.
What languages are spoken here? Québec is Canada’s French speaking province so you will hear a lot of French here and some English.
How does tipping work? Standard practice with the normal restaurant tip being 15-20%
When is the shoulder season? May, Sept and Oct but popular fall foliage areas including Québec remain busy this time of year.
How do you get to Québec City? To get here by car from Montreal (est. 3 hours) or Trois-Rivières (est. 1.5 hours), you will have to drive through a patchwork of farms that overlook sweeping bays on the St. Lawrence River making for a memorable road trip. Or you can arrive by way of Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) which is about 10 miles from downtown. We flew into YQB via Chicago (ORD) on a direct, short United flight. The airport is on the smaller side and clean but there are very limited shops and restaurants inside the departure terminal. This surprised us. We highly recommend you bring food/snacks with you if you get peckish while waiting to board a flight. And be sure to do any souvenir shopping in the city proper. Your belly and wallet will thank us.
Did you know that you can travel across all of Canada via the Trans-Canada Highway? We mention this epic road trip route because one of the stops along it is Québec City! The Trans-Canada highway is 4,847-miles long (7,800-kilometers) and runs east-to-west across Canada. It’s much too long to experience on a single journey but makes for an unforgettable collection of road trips. Beyond Québec City, other notable stops along this route include the Rockies, the Alberta Badlands, Montreal and New Brunswick. The official Trans-Canada Highway segment that connects Quebec City to Monreal is the South Shore via Drummondville and Victoriaville. You can learn more about this segment and check out travel itineraries for this specific Trans-Canada Highway segment here.
How big is Canada? Canada is the second largest country in the world (Russia is the first largest). Canada also has the largest coastline of any country in the world. Just a bit of trivia to keep in your back pocket!
Quick Q&A with Alyssa
Why did you decide to travel to Québec City? Since we were only planning a girl’s trip for 4 days, we were in the market for a place we could get to on a short, direct flight from Chicago (ORD) – preferably outside of the United State. We were attracted to several locations in Canada mainly for its vibrant food culture (in the cities) and forward-thinking conservation efforts. Québec City checked all those boxes – easy to get to, outside the U.S., a foodie paradise and surrounded by unspoiled wilderness.
What surprised you the most about Québec City? I was surprised how little English is spoken across the francophone province of Québec which truly made me feel as though I was in France! I also wasn’t expecting the streets in Old Town to be so hilly. Even the most leisurely of walks here will leave your legs feeling the burn.
What’s something you wish you had done differently on this trip? Honestly, I wish we had splurged on a cocktail at the bar inside Château Frontenac. The place is so iconic / quintessential Québec City it almost seems like it should have been one of the first things we did. I also wish we had spent a little more time exploring the Upper Town and were able to squeeze in a visit to a Nordic Spa. We talked about spending a half day at Nordique spa Stoneham while we were up that way, but we just couldn’t make it work. Or even a few hours at this Nordic Spa in the city.
When is the best time to visit Québec City? I think this part of Canada is nice to visit year-round. We loved our fall trip because it allowed us to spend full days outside shopping, sipping coffee even indulging in gelato without having to wear bulky layers and snow boots. Plus, the crowds were lesser than the city sees in the summer months. However, we’ve heard rave reviews from friends who visited closer to Christmas time when soft snow begins to fall, twinkling lights decorate the alleyways, and every picturesque neighborhood and building seems to be decked in boughs of holly.
Would you visit Québec City again? YES! I would love to return in the winter to experience Carnaval de Quebec which is said to be the world’s largest winter carnival and the “Mardi Gras of the north”. I’m told that Carnaval lasts 17 days and has plenty of events that cater to all ages. This is also when Hotel de Glace – an actual hotel made of ice – is open!
Of all the places this girl’s trip could have taken us, I’m so grateful we landed in Québec City. It’s the getaway I never even knew I needed until I got swept up in the city’s charm and slower pace. Even though European influence is everywhere, Québec City has a pronounced individuality that is unmissable. It’s a foodie’s paradise, littered with historical hotspots, teeming with architectural gems and filled with romantic corners. It’s a place best explored on foot and offers several fantastic day trip options nearby. To make your visit more memorable, consider a crime walking tour through Old Québec and get lost in stories of bygone criminals as you explore the cobblestone streets, plazas, parks and fountains.
Have you ever been to Québec City? Would you travel here now after reading this blog post? Let me know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
– Alyssa
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Think I will have to add it to my ever increasing list of places I would like to go to. Looks amazing.
I hope you’re able to make it here one day! This city surprised me and I’d love to go back in the winter when there is sledding and the Ice Hotel is open. But the fall is always a great season to travel if you can swing it.
I’d love to visit it. Great post
And I hope you get to one day! Thanks for stopping by to give this a read and for leaving a comment 🙂
I was there a couple of years ago, it’s so nice.
I would bet a lot of it is still the same too 🙂 Such a treasured corner of the globe.