I fell in love with Quebec, truly. It is a magical fairytale place where every street is paved with cobblestone. Around every corner is another surprise making each street feel uniquely beautiful. The architecture of old Quebec is a French and English colonial mix, and it is the only remaining fortified city within the USA and Canada.
My husband and I celebrated our anniversary there and It is perfect for a romantic weekend to walk around the city. You truly forget you are not in Europe.
How long do I need?
You should plan at least 2-3 days to enjoy and see the most important parts of Old Quebec City. It is so beautiful that you could easily lose track of time there.
Where should I stay?
The Château Frontenac is the most photographed hotel in the world!! That can give you an idea of how beautiful it is on the outside and how important it is for the city. It is full of history and if you stay there you can ask for a tour of the place. I highly recommend this hotel to stay in Quebec especially if it is your first time visiting, or if you are celebrating something special like I was.
However, if your plan is to just sleep in the hotel there are other hotels and B&B’s surrounding the Château.
When should I visit?
All year round! Quebec is such a beautiful city that any time of the year is good to go, unless you hate the cold and the snow then definitely go late spring, summer or early fall. During Christmas time the city has a beautiful German Christmas market with lights everywhere, it is said to be uber romantic. Plus there are ton of winter activities to enjoy.
Do I need a car?
If you are staying in Old Quebec it is very walkable, you don’t need a car to move around the city; you can get everywhere by foot. Just make sure to bring some comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking in a lot of cobble stone. Worst case scenario there is Uber & Taxis available.
What should I eat?
Quebec is most famous for their maple syrup, poutine and their crepes. You can’t go to Quebec City and not eat these.
Check my post on the foods and places I recommend to eat in Quebec City.
What to do
Terrasse Dufferin
This long terrace wraps around the Château Frontenac and overlooks the St. Lawrence River and the city of Quebec. The good part of staying at the Chateau Frontenac is that the terrace is right outside the hotel. It is also nice spot to go for a run in the morning.
Take the Funicular
The Funicular is an electric cableway that takes you back and forth from the Terrasse Dufferin down to the beautiful cobbled streets full of shops and restaurants. The price is around $3 CAD each way per person, and since the funicular is glass-walled you have a beautiful view of the river and the city, it is a short, beautiful, and fun little trip (not to mention that it beats taking the stairs).
Quartier Petit Champlain
This area is located at the foot of the cliff, under the Château, just as you leave the funicular.
It is beyond beautiful; it truly feels like the streets have been taken straight out of an enchanted fairy tale. The streets are full of restaurants, shops and beautiful ambience. It is too hard to describe, one must simply experience it in person.
Place Royale
It is a square where the city of Quebec was founded, there is a beautiful 17th-century stone church, shops, little cafes and restaurants all in a mixture of French and English architecture.
Parliament Building
Oh and what a beautiful Parliament Building it is!! It’s surrounded by gardens and ever hour you can hear the bells around the city. The architecture of the parliament and the details on the structure are amazing to see. Every statue and the gardens are enough in themselves to make visiting the building worth it. However, you can also go inside and have a free tour in French or English.
Montmorency Falls
I highly recommend taking the time to see the falls, they are just outside of Quebec. It is only 15 minutes by car and it is totally worth it. There are also buses that can take you there. There are several spots from where to admire the falls, it can be from the bottom where the water reaches the river, or from the top.
There is a suspension bridge above the waterfall, so you can actually stand over the drop. And there is a beautiful view of the whole St. Lawrence River from the top. There is also a tiny museum inside the Manoir, with a gift shop and a restaurant overlooking the river.
Read: Most instagrammable places in Quebec City.
Pin for later
Wow, I have to go to Quebec and spend a few days in the summer. Those streets look awesome to walk by and definitely eat local food, it looks so yummie. What a great review….. Congratulations!!!
Thank you!! I’m glad you liked it!