Where to Stay in Quebec City, Canada

people standing in front of a large building

Where to Stay in Québec City

Located along the banks of the mighty St. Lawrence River, Québec City is one of North America`s most beautifully scenic cities, an authentically French-Canadian metropolis filled with history. Museums, ancient manors, and places of worship abound, illustrating past events, but most visitors are drawn to savoring a cup of coffee in the Parisian style without crossing the Atlantic.

Québec is one of the oldest European colonies in North America, having been founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain. Today, the focal point of tourism in the city – and most of its hotels – is Vieux-Québec, also referred to as Old Québec, the birthplace of French North America. This encompasses the area known as “Haute-Ville”, the upper town surrounded by the old city walls and dominated by the iconic hotel Château Frontenac, a collection of historic streets, and numerous museums. We`ve also included the part of Basse-Ville (Lower Town) around Place Royale and Petit-Champlain, one of the earliest shopping streets in Canada. Basse-Ville also features the Old Port, the section of the city along the St Lawrence with a few historic attractions of its own. Just outside Old Québec`s walls are the Plains of Abraham and Parliament Hill, eventually blending into the Montcalm district, best known for the excellent Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec and the Grande-Allée, lined with some of the city`s best restaurants. To the north lies the bohemian neighborhood of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, a student quarter most renowned for its cheaper restaurants and great nightlife. Further northwest, Saint-Roch is where most Quebecois work today, a non-touristic business district that`s also a great place for authentic cuisine.

• Old Québec is relatively compact, so walking is the finest way to get around. For sights further out, community buses are pretty dependable. You can also hire àVélo e-bikes at 10 different stations.

While most lodgings are in Vieille-Québec, opting to stay outside the walled town can offer more affordable prices – rates for rooms and bed and breakfast typically decrease and apartment leasings increase, as does parking ease and cost savings.

• Québec City is one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations and a growing port for cruise ships – reservations for all lodging need to made well in advance, especially in the summer (or during Carnaval in February).

We’ve outlined our preferred neighborhoods to visit and lodge in more thoroughly below, but with additional time, these areas just outside the city are also worth exploring:

– Lévis: A small, attractive town located across the St Lawrence River from Québec City – the primary attraction here is the stunning view back toward Old Québec. With extra time available, it’s worth lingering to immerse oneself in the historic atmosphere and wider perspectives afforded from the Terrasse de Lévis, atop the cliffs. The ferry to Lévis (operating 2–3 times hourly) departs from the waterfront near Place de Paris. Some of our preferred lodging options here include the Auberge de la Visitation,Au Manoir de Levis,Le Plumard, and Gîte Kezako.

– Wendake: Northwest of Quebec City proper lies Wendake, the sole Huron reservation in Canada. The primary attraction for visitors is the Musée Huron-Wendat, showcasing Huron-Wendat culture, as well as Onhoüa Chetek8e, a replica of a 17th-century Huron village. The best lodging here is the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations.

– Île-d`Orléans: This island located northeast of Québec City in the St. Lawrence River retains aspects of 18th century French Canadian culture, seen through ancient stone churches, cottages, and mansions of rural landowners. Activities related to local agriculture – fruit farms, maple syrup production facilities, and wineries – add to its appeal. Some of our favorite lodging options in the simple guest houses and bed and breakfasts here include Au Vieux Foyer,Auberge L`Ile Flottante,Gîte Au Toit Rouge, and Bed and Breakfast Panorama.

Best Places to Stay in Québec City

Best Neighborhoods in Québec City for…

  • Best Neighborhood to Stay for First Timers/Sightseeing: Old Québec
    Naturally, selecting accommodations in Old Québec makes the most sense if your aims are to immerse yourself in the historic ambiance, shop, or visit the primary attractions: the cathedral,Citadelle, old walls and fortifications, Terrasse Dufferin,Château Frontenac,Place Royale, and Petit-Champlain. It is certainly touristy in nature, but something is always happening and there are plenty of decent restaurants and cafés to enjoy. Remember, however, lodging options beyond the walls are likely to be somewhat cheaper and will not require much additional travel time The original text contains “
  • Most Romantic Neighborhood: Old Québec
    Once more, it`s tough to outdo Old Québec when it comes to European charm – intimate, old-fashioned French restaurants and lovely streets – particularly in winter when everything is covered in snowfall. There are plenty of charming bed and breakfasts here as well as stylish lodging (starting with the fairytale Château Frontenac)
  • Best Areas for Nightlife: Saint-Jean-Baptiste & Saint-Roch
    Even though nightlife in Québec City cannot match Montréal`s, Rue St-Jean in Saint-Jean-Baptiste is a good place to begin. In addition to classic French-Canadian bars like Bateau De Nuit,Le Sacrilège, and Fou-Bar, there’s an obligatory (and fairly decent) Irish pub, Nelligan’s, and acclaimed LGBT hangouts such as Le Drague).”.Saint-Roch is also worthwhile exploring, though it caters more to local residents. One of our favorite spots is La Barberie, a top microbrewery (or “microbrasserie”), and there is also plenty going on along Rue Saint-Joseph as well as quality local and touring performances (mostly in French) at Théâtre de la Bordée.
  • Best Neighborhood for Food and Restaurants: Saint-Roch
    Eating well is possible anywhere in central Québec, but Saint-Roch stands out as a top picks for real foodies. The options are diverse, with contemporary innovators alongside very authentic French-Canadian bistros (such as L’Affaire est Ketchup and La Gueule de Bois) and cafés (like La Boîte à Pain), all mainly frequented by a local crowd. Japanese cuisine is highly popular – we suggest trying local favorites Tora-ya Ramen and Honō Izakaya – while JJacques is an excellent oyster and cocktail bar. Le Clocher Penché remains our top pick for a French restaurant treat
  • Best Neighborhood for Shopping: Old Québec/Saint-Roch
    While it has grown increasingly oriented towards cruise passengers, Petit-Champlain continues to be one of the top shopping districts in Québec City, stocked with boutiques offering locally crafted boots and moccasins, fine jewelry, authentic maple syrup, designs by regional fashion houses, and Québec-themed souvenirs. The art vendors along Rue du Trésor mainly target travelers, but are worth browsing for drawings and paintings depicting the city.
  • Kritikos – Ouranoupoli: One of two prestigious and long-standing dining spots in Ouranoupoli, Kritikos specializes in seafood. Oysters, mussels and shrimp also feature, as well as local specialties. • Location • Phone: +30 237 707 1222
  • Most authentic neighborhood experience: Saint-Sauveur
    To genuinely get away from tourists and experience an aspect of typical Québécois life, go to the Saint‐Sauveur neighborhood, western of Saint-Roch along Route Saint-Vallier West. “Saint-So” has a casual vibe, with a sprinkling of eccentric shops, local dining establishments, and bars. We suggest checking out Diner Saint-Sauveur,Le Philtre Café, and the La Boîte à Fripes vintage apparel store. La Baraque à Frites is justly famous in Québec for its deep-fried chicken. There are no quality hotels here, though there are good flat rental options, and the neighborhood is easily accessible from Saint-Roch
  • Unsafe Areas of Québec City
    Central Québec City – including all the neighborhoods referenced here – is generally quite safe, though the usual precautions should be taken at night.

The 6 Best Neighborhoods in Québec City for Tourists

1. Old Québec

people walking down a city street

Old Québec is the historic core of Québec City, comprising the Upper Town (“Haute-Ville”) and Lower Town (“Basse-Ville”) along the St Lawrence River, though the Old Port section previously outlined much of Basse-Ville. Enclosed by 2.85 miles (4.6 km) of fortifications, Old Québec features numerous historic sights and is dominated by the fairytale castle of Château Frontenac still serving as the city’s top hotel. The most enjoyable activity here is casually exploring the narrow streets, absorbing the atmospheric and architectural history. However, there are also plenty of indie boutiques, cafés, and points of interest to examine. Notable attractions include the St Lawrence River perspectives from Dufferin Terrace, the 19th-century Citadelle fortress, Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, 17th-century Monastère des Augustines, Rue du Trésor art market, and the city ramparts themselves, largely intact and walkable. Connected to the upper town via the old Québec Funicular or Escalier Casse-Cou (“Breakneck Steps”), the streets of the Petit-Champlain district and Place Royale are the prettiest in the city, dating back to the early 17th-century French settlement: Notre-Dame-des-Victoires is North America`s oldest stone church.

2. Parliament Hill & Plains of Abraham

Just outside the city walls of Old Québec lies Parliament Hill. It houses several government centers, particularly notable is the Parliament Building itself, finished in 1886 and considered one of Canada’s finest architectural works (it drew inspiration from the Louvre in Paris). Nearby, on the highest floor of the tallest building in the city (the brutalist Édifice Marie-Guyart standing at 132 meters), the Observatoire de la Capitale offers a 360-degree sweeping vista of the entire region. The neighboring Plains of Abraham acts as the city’s leafy central park, though it was where the pivotal Battle of Québec occurred in 1759 which saw Wolfe’s British troops decisively defeat Montcalm’s French army and effectively end French control in North America. The park’s Musée des Plaines d’Abraham recounts the event. The area’s main street is the Grande Allée, filled with sidewalk eateries and coffee shops along with many bars that fuel a lively nightlife.

  • The hotels here generally cluster together along Grande Allée just outside the old city walls. Remaining here is usually quieter, and a bit cheaper, but there`s less variety and quality may not be as high as Old Québec. Then again, it`s only a brief walk or ride from Old Québec, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars on Grande Allée.
  • Travelers that like to run or walk on holiday will appreciate the proximity of the Plains of Abraham – there’s no comparable green space anywhere else in the city center.
  • Highest Rated Accommodations:L’Adresse • Hôtel Château Laurier
  • Reasonably Priced/Mid-Range Hotels of Good Value: Manoir de la Tour – B&B Manoir Mon Calme – Unilofts Grande-Allée – Relais Charles-Alexandre – Le Widor
  • Best Hostel: Auberge Jeunesse QBEDS Hostel

3. Old Port (Basse-Ville)

Québec City’s Old Port extends along the St. Lawrence River and houses a marina, cruise ship terminal, and numerous picturesque streets, just below Old Québec itself. Squeezed up against the cliffs of the old town, it’s a lengthy yet narrow neighborhood, with an unusual blend of historic cobbled lanes mixed with more featureless modern avenues. The Musée de la Civilisation is situated here, one of the city’s finest museums (with exhibits on Québec history), as is the peculiar Îlot des Palais, the city’s original brewery, and the tiny Musée naval de Québec, a poignant memorial for the province’s naval heroes. Trips on the river are also available from the wharves of the Old Port which are especially striking in winter, when huge ice floes float downstream.

4. Saint-Jean-Baptiste

West of Old Québec is an historic neighborhood known as Saint-Jean-Baptiste, seen as the city’s artistic quarter. While there aren’t many attractions to see, the restaurant and bar scene is quite good, and the main street, Rue Saint‐Jean, has character and brightly painted homes. It’s another area perfect for leisurely wandering, taking in the bakeries, chocolate shops, bookstores, record shops, and independent boutiques. Notable mentions include Épicerie J.A. Moisan, a grocer and café established in 1871, and Érico, a chocolate shop with an on-site Musée du Chocolat. The district’s prime architectural feature is the handsome Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, a church finished in 1882 in grand Second Empire style.

    • Remaining in Saint-Jean-Baptiste implies by and large more affordable inns and B&Bs with a great deal more character. It’s a hip neighborhood all alone right (with a considerable measure of eating and drinking choices), and it’s truly not far from Old Québec.

Some premier hotel options in Quebec City include:

5. Montcalm

Montcalm lies between Saint-Jean-Baptiste and the Plains of Abraham, giving access not solely to the city’s biggest park, but in addition to its premier art museum, the Musée national des beaux‐arts du Québec. There are a lot of dining places and bars along Grande Allée, and as well on Avenue Cartier, the neighborhood’s opulent main drag, adorned with monumental lampshades which serve as giant art installations. The strip is a fun spot to stroll, taking in the stores and the separate Cinéma Cartier. Close by lie Grand Théâtre de Québec and Théâtre Périscope, 2 of the city’s top entertainment venues.

6. Saint-Roch

Trendy Saint-Roch is Québec City’s workaday neighborhood, about as far removed from Old Québec as possible. Once the most deprived area in the city, it’s been booming since the early 2000s. Like Saint-Jean-Baptiste, major sights are lacking, but it’s worth exploring for the culinary and bar scenes alone. The main pedestrian avenue is Rue Saint‐Joseph Est, lined with dining establishments, furniture and décor stores, brew pubs, and vintage boutiques. The main church, twin-towered Église Saint-Roch, is the largest in Québec City.

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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