Ask the locals for their favorite spots, and they’ll give you a list that’s both well-known and absolutely amazing. You’ll get recommendations for the most popular places as well as hidden gems only insiders know about. This article will guide you on how to make the most of your time in Quebec City, ensuring you don’t miss any important sights.
Trendy Spots and Shopping
Take a walk to the fortified walls for a view of both the old and the new. Instead of staying within the old city, explore the trendy areas that have recently sprung up outside it. The streets are filled with creative locals who have set up shops in these vibrant zones. Wander around and window shop. You might want to browse the vinyl at Le Knock-Out record shop right away or plan to return in the evening to play retro pinball machines and video games at MacFly Bar Arcade. If you are into games of chance, be sure to visit at least one casino Quebec City has to offer for a unique experience and special treatment. This is just one more thing the city is known for. In the evening, venture even further. Hop in a taxi and head over to Limoilou.
This diverse neighborhood is a blend of new immigrants, budding entrepreneurs, and young families. Renowned muralist Marie-Claude Grou, a.k.a. “MC Grou,” grew up here. One of her first paintings makes the perfect backdrop for an Instagram pic. Article 721 is often hailed as the best spot to find local designer fashions and products. Continue to the “bra porch,” where donated brassieres form a canopy outside Soupe and Cie, and consider leaving something in the community cooler for locals who are down on their luck.
Battuto, a small Italian eatery, is a must-visit for both locals and visitors. On a budget? Consider making a meal out of the Bureau de Poste’s famous tapas menus. Alternatively, opt for a farm-to-table offering at Le Clocher Penché, or pop into Chez Muffy for something more upscale.
Choose a different route back to the old city when you’re done. Consider it a bonus if you pass by the Maison de la Littérature – a local library set inside the former Wesley church – where you can take one last gasp at the wonders of Québécois creativity.
History and Art
Imagine looking down from a fortress in the sky. Perched high above the city, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is the iconic centerpiece of the UNESCO World Heritage area of Old Quebec. Operating as a hotel, this fortress has hosted prominent visitors, including Hollywood celebrities and politicians, for over 127 years. Recently revamped, its classic exterior now boasts a redesigned interior with marble bathrooms and Art Deco details. Want to feel like royalty? Even if you’re not staying here, breakfast at Place Dufferin is worth a visit.
Right outside your door, and just past the towering statue of Samuel de Champlain, you’ll find the entrance to the Old Québec Funicular. This cable car has been transporting travelers between Lower and Upper Town since 1878.
The cobblestone streets and steep hills in Lower Town will quickly let you know if you made the right shoe choice. Head to Place Royale, where Samuel de Champlain first settled, but take your time getting there. Wandering among the stone buildings that have stood since the 1700s is an experience you’ll never forget.
Lunchtime? Options abound. Choose the waterfront views at Le Café du Monde or the boreal cuisine at La Légende, where you’ll find plenty of healthy options perfect for a picnic.
Refueled, you’ll be ready to delve into the region’s military history. To do so, you’ll need to pass through the oldest fortified walls on the continent. Over four centuries old, they mark the boundaries of Old Québec. On the other side, you’ll find the expansive Battlefields Park overlooking the mouth of the St. Lawrence River. Home to the star-shaped Citadelle of Québec and the Plains of Abraham, this site marks the 1760 clash between the French and British. From early summer to mid-fall, visit at sunset to join historical figures from the Citadelle’s past as they recount tales from long ago.
There are various ways to explore the city’s history. Visit the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec for fine art both inside the buildings and in the outdoor gardens. Or choose a different perspective with Quebec History X Tours, where the guide shares Québec’s history through the lens of non-white individuals who arrived in the area in 1640 as slaves.
A setting sun is not the end of the journey. Consider dining on Grande Allée, where sidewalk patios and street-facing cafés have been a draw since the 19th century. Stop in for a bite now or wander back later when the café scene transitions to live music and nightclubs. After dinner, stroll around the National Assembly, the Parliament Building. Free guided tours of the building’s interior, designed in the Second Empire style and constructed between 1878 and 1887, are available, though you might want to save that for another visit. You can’t miss the intricate Fontaine de Tourny out front—a gift from Quebec’s famous Simons store to celebrate the city’s 400th anniversary in 2008.
Rural City
When you’re ready, rent a car for an easy 15-minute drive to the 82-meter-tall Montmorency Falls. Take a cable car to the top before heading over a stunning suspension bridge to Île d’Orléans. Before leaving the island, be sure to stop for a photo at the statue of the beloved French-Canadian poet and singer-songwriter Félix Leclerc.
Back on the mainland, stay on the highway and head west towards Anse du Cap-Rouge. Celebrate venturing further than most travelers with a special fish tartare and a glass of wine at Quai 1636, overlooking a serene, marsh-like landscape. Stroll along the waterfront, admiring the beautiful homes, before heading back to Old Québec.
Street performers in Québec City are amazing. Save time to catch a show in one of the open squares by keeping dinner simple. The Québécois classic of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy is served at spots ranging from local fast-food giant Chez Ashton to chic hotel restaurant offerings with creative culinary twists. At Le Chic Shack, you can add a boozy milkshake, with options like Kahlua and whisky, to your meal.
Take in the skyline at sunset from aboard the Québec-Lévis ferry. The 15-minute trip to Lévis offers fantastic views of Québec City and costs just a few dollars each way. Still not ready to head back to your hotel? Take an evening stroll along the Promenade des Gouverneurs to visit some local shops in the beautifully illuminated Quartier Petit Champlain and pick up some souvenirs.
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