Top places to visit in Quebec City

• Old Quebec (Vieux-Quebec)

  historic-district · 4.8 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate

  A UNESCO World Heritage historic district and the only fortified city north of Mexico. Cobblestone streets, 17th- and 18th-century architecture, ramparts and gates.

• Château Frontenac

  historic-hotel · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate

  The most photographed hotel in the world, this grand 1893 Fairmont railway hotel towers over Old Quebec on Cap Diamant. A National Historic Site and the icon of the city skyline.

• Quartier Petit-Champlain

  shopping-district · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  One of North America's oldest commercial districts, a charming pedestrian quarter of narrow cobblestone lanes, boutiques and cafes in Lower Town beneath Château Frontenac.

• Montmorency Falls (Chute Montmorency)

  waterfall · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate

  At 83 metres, these falls are 30 metres higher than Niagara. A suspension bridge crosses the top, a cable car climbs the cliff and a panoramic staircase descends the gorge.

• Place Royale

  historic-square · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate

  The birthplace of French America, this cobblestone square in Lower Town is where Champlain founded Quebec in 1608. Home to Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church.

• Plains of Abraham (Battlefields Park)

  urban-park · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  A vast urban park atop the cliffs where the pivotal 1759 battle decided the fate of New France. Now used for walks, picnics, festivals and winter activities.

• La Citadelle de Quebec

  fortress · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  A star-shaped active military fortress completed in 1850, still home to the Royal 22e Regiment. Features the Changing of the Guard ceremony in summer and panoramic views of the St. Lawrence.

• Terrasse Dufferin

  boardwalk · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate

  A grand wooden boardwalk perched on the cliff beside Château Frontenac, offering sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River and Lower Town. Connects to the Promenade des Gouverneurs.

• Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral

  cathedral · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate

  The primatial church of Canada and oldest parish north of Mexico, founded 1647. A grand baroque cathedral with a gilded interior and a Holy Door, one of only a handful worldwide.

• Ile d'Orleans

  rural-island · 4.6 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate

  A bucolic island in the St. Lawrence just east of the city, dubbed the Garden of Quebec. Six villages, heritage farms, orchards, vineyards, cider houses and chocolate makers.

• Musee de la civilisation

  history-museum · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate

  A modern, highly regarded museum in Lower Town with engaging exhibits on Quebec history, Indigenous cultures and world civilizations. Architecturally striking and family-friendly.

• Parliament Building (Hotel du Parlement)

  government · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate

  The seat of Quebec's National Assembly, a Second Empire-style edifice from 1886 with a 52-metre tower and a facade lined with bronze statues of historical figures. Free guided tours.

Things to do

• Old Quebec Walking Tour Walking Tour · 2 h · from CAD 35 per person
• Montmorency Falls & Ile d'Orleans Tour Sightseeing · 4 h · from CAD 95 per person
• St. Lawrence River Cruise Cruise · 1.5 h · from CAD 45 per person
• Quebec City Food Tour Food Tour · 3 h · from CAD 89 per person
• La Citadelle Guided Tour & Changing of the Guard Guided Tour · 1 h · from CAD 22 per person
• Whale Watching Day Trip to Tadoussac Wildlife · 11 h · from CAD 199 per person
• Ghost Tour of Old Quebec Walking Tour · 1.5 h · from CAD 28 per person
• Horse-Drawn Caleche Ride Sightseeing · 0.7 h · from CAD 110 per person

Day trips and tours

• Montmorency Falls & Ile d'Orleans Half-Day Tour 4.5 h · from CAD 95
• Tadoussac Whale-Watching Full-Day Excursion 12 h · from CAD 199
• Charlevoix Scenic Drive Day Tour 9 h · from CAD 159

Where to stay in Quebec City

• Old Quebec (Upper Town) about CAD 280 per night

  The historic walled heart of the city, atop the cliff. Most atmospheric and central, surrounded by landmarks - but pricier and hilly.

• Petit-Champlain / Lower Town about CAD 250 per night

  The picturesque riverside quarter below the cliff, with cobblestone lanes, boutiques and the Old Port. Charming and romantic.

• Saint-Roch about CAD 170 per night

  A revitalized downtown district outside the walls, with hip restaurants, bars, shops and better-value hotels. Lively and local.

Hotels

• Auberge Saint-Antoine 4.5-star · CAD 320 to CAD 700 per night
• Fairmont Le Château Frontenac 4.5-star · CAD 350 to CAD 900 per night
• Hotel Le Germain Quebec 4-star · CAD 200 to CAD 360 per night
• Hotel Le Vincent 3.5-star · CAD 110 to CAD 200 per night
• Hotel Champlain 3.5-star · CAD 150 to CAD 280 per night
• Hotel Manoir Victoria 4-star · CAD 170 to CAD 320 per night

Where to eat

• Chez Ashton Quebecois, Fast Food, Poutine · about CAD 16 per person
• Le Cochon Dingue French, Bistro, Brunch · about CAD 35 per person
• Cafe du Monde French, Brasserie · about CAD 45 per person
• Aux Anciens Canadiens Quebecois, Canadian, French · about CAD 55 per person
• Paillard Cafe, Bakery, French · about CAD 18 per person
• La Buche Quebecois, Comfort Food · about CAD 35 per person
• Le Lapin Saute French, Bistro, Quebecois · about CAD 45 per person
• Le Clocher Penche Quebecois, Bistro, French · about CAD 45 per person

Getting to Quebec City

Airport: Quebec City (YQB)

Getting around

• Bus
• Ride Hail
• Walking

Safety and scams to avoid

• Overpriced caleche (carriage) rides

  Place d'Armes and around Château Frontenac

  Some carriage drivers quote a vague price then charge per person or for extra time, inflating the final fare for tourists.

  How to avoid it: Confirm the total price and duration in writing before boarding - caleches are priced per carriage (up to ~4 people), not per person.

• Tourist-trap restaurants on Rue Saint-Louis

  Rue Saint-Louis, Old Quebec

  A few spots on the busiest tourist street push mediocre, overpriced set menus and aggressive upselling to passersby.

  How to avoid it: Check reviews, look where locals eat (Saint-Roch, Saint-Jean-Baptiste), and be wary of staff hawking deals on the street.

More in Canada

• Toronto
• Vancouver
• Montreal
• Banff
• Niagara Falls
• Whistler

Frequently asked questions about Quebec City

What are the top-rated places to visit in Quebec City?

The highest-rated places in our Quebec City guide are Old Quebec (Vieux-Quebec), Château Frontenac, Quartier Petit-Champlain, Montmorency Falls (Chute Montmorency), Plains of Abraham (Battlefields Park).

Where should I stay in Quebec City?

Our guide covers these areas to stay in Quebec City: Old Quebec (Upper Town), Petit-Champlain / Lower Town, Saint-Roch.

How do I get around Quebec City?

Ways to get around Quebec City covered in our guide: City bus, Ride-hailing app, Walking.

What scams should I watch out for in Quebec City?

Scams reported to us for Quebec City include Overpriced caleche (carriage) rides; Tourist-trap restaurants on Rue Saint-Louis. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.

Which airport is nearest to Quebec City?

The nearest airport to Quebec City has the code YQB.