Old Quebec
Old Quebec
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Neighborhood: Downtown Quebec City
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765 within 3 miles
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282 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- 1francophileKitchener, Canada1,995 contributionsPicturesque Old City in a commercial setting!Old Quebec has it all from old style design, long history and culture that is quite enjoyable and edifying for the discerning traveler! However, it’s commerciality aspect with a constant flow of people on the narrow streets, who are seemingly only concerned with themselves or taking selfies or pictures in front of landmarks, is a bit irritating at times. My recommendation to the those considering traveling to this wonderful destination, is to go on a walking tour to learn and fully appreciate the experience, patronize the merchants, visit galleries and museums to have a full and enriching experience. I wrote a glowing review of our outstanding experience with the Tours Voir Quebec community recently for your information. Also, when I submitted my review of the Chateau, if was remiss in mentioning the shops on the lobby level including one owned and operated by a fine artist named Annie Pelletier whose works are colorful and lively. Old Quebec is a great walking town with many historic sites and monuments with great vistas of the St. Lawrence River, but to fully appreciate this unique town, please go inside to understand and patronize the quality merchants in order to a have a full experience while in Old Quebec. Highly Recommended!Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 22, 2023
- FPC91192 contributionsAwesome place to visit with tons to do!What a magical place Old Quebec is. We worried about not speaking a bit of French but it wasn’t a problem whatsoever. The locals jumped at the opportunity to show off their English skills. Everyone spoke really good English and the locals were very kind and welcoming. Make sure to visit the Basilica which is breathtaking. Old city Quebec is also a must with its rich history and cobblestone streets, shops and restaurants. Pop into the Frontenac Hotel and go downstairs.. there’s a small museum with artifacts found on-site and old pictures (and history (it’s free) and walk the boardwalk to Governors Promenade and on to the Citidel. What awesome views. My favorite was umbrella alley. So quaint. But most importantly take your time and just wander around and take it all in. There’s something around every corner .. it’s like being in Europe! Well worth the visit!!Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 29, 2023
- Shirley K7 contributionsBeautiful CityOld Quebec City is beautiful and just like being in Europe. The architecture, both English and French, is beautiful. It was quiet (and cold) when we first got there on a Wednesday but by Friday, people were everywhere and this was May! I can't imagine what it's like in the summer. There was music on the streets, and everything was lit up. Everyone we met was friendly and helpful. There are some good tours to go on - try a walking tour and a food tour. We stayed in a B&B in the old town which was very convenient. Many excellent restaurants are there.Visited May 2023Written May 29, 2023
- ZespyChandler, Texas250 contributionsDefinitely a must see!We toured old Quebec by car due to mobility issues. Our tour guide was excellent and took us everywhere a car could go. He stopped multiple times to allow us plenty of time to see the site and take pictures. Fascinating architecture! Definitely a must see!Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 14, 2023
- Thomas VOakland, California16,074 contributionsPicturesque and HistoryOne of the most picturesque cities in Canada, maybe the most picturesque combined with colonial history. Also a food-lovers paradise, plus lots of great cafes. Also parks, great walks. One must visit here at least once.Visited June 2023Written June 15, 2023
- Lisa ClareMyrtle Beach, South Carolina19 contributionsFantastic day of exploring, eating, shopping and just being together with people you love.Very Romantic, fun place to visit. We'd suggest visiting with partner, friends, etc. Wonderful restaurants, bars, shopping. I'd suggest not bringing your pets (not very dog friendly) and kids might not enjoy as much as adults would.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 23, 2023
- Brendan SArlington, Virginia2,009 contributionsCharming walled townThe biggest downside that Old Quebec has is that everyone has figured out that it’s charming and picturesque, and the streets, restaurants and shops are crowded as a result. I can’t blame a place for being popular. The shops and restaurants are local rather than corporate. There’s history and archaeology here; not just shopping and dining. It’s clean and relatively sedate considering how busy it is. There are views of colonial streets and houses, the castle-esque Fonterac Hotel, the St. Lawrence River and the old town walls set up with cannon. It’s modern but still authentically historical. Definitely worth the trip to visit.Visited July 2023Traveled soloWritten July 3, 2023
- CharlieinTexasAustin, Texas5,112 contributionsLots to see … Architecture, St Lawrence views, and moreBit of France in North America. Charming city, great views of the St Lawrence River and lots of room to roan, if you can avoid the midday and afternoon tourist crunch. Get there early and be ahead of the crowds.Visited July 2023Traveled soloWritten July 5, 2023
- wayne BMaryborough, Australia49 contributionsBeautiful buildingsTook the ferry across to Old Quebec, well priced for a return trip. From there on we walked along the boardwalk and made our way around the La Citadelle de Québec and the various viewing points along the way. The buildings in and around Old Quebec were just amazing. The architecture the history, made for an enjoyable walk. We sat at one of the sidewalk restaurants, relaxed and had some enjoyable food and drinks. We continued to walk around and take in some more of this fascinating place. We left on the ferry with more views of the city behind us and will remember this for a long time to come.Visited June 2023Written July 11, 2023
- Lori4740113 contributionsOld Quebec is Incredible!Incredible! The architecture throughout the Old Quebec was absolutely incredible. If you appreciate old buildings and details of architecture, this area is a must to see. Lots of food and shopping options. Although a hillside, it is fairly easy to walk around as they provide many resting spots to enjoy the scenery.Visited July 2023Traveled with friendsWritten July 16, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
13,671 reviews
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copejenney
Carlsbad, CA452 contributions
Jan 2020
I traveled during winter so it was a bit frigid but still nice to walk around--be sure to layer up. Extra breezy once you reach Saint Lawrence river but walk down or take the funicular to the oldest part of the city. You will be glad you did!
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin
Clinton, MA87 contributions
May 2019
There is no place in North America that feels more European than old town Quebec City. The buildings, shops, restaurants, and overall culture here just makes you feel like you are in Europe. Take the time to walk up and down the different streets, explore the beautiful parks, marvel at the statues, and of course admire the Chateau Frontenac
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
173suzanner
Scituate, MA17 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We were fortunate to have a New Year’s visit that was relatively balmy at 0 Celsius or about 30 degrees Fahrenheit. This allowed us to walk all over this magnificent city. Fabulous! Children were sledding with their parents, visitors queued up to take a toboggan run. There were outdoor vendors selling “sugar on snow”. Quebec in winter is just magnificent.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole MF
Kansas City, MO120 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Very picturesque and like a storybook. What makes it so cute and like a step back in time, is also why some people should avoid this part of town. Very hilly, lots of cobblestone and uneven streets. Steps to get into every single business. It gets very crowded when the cruise ships come in so you need to get reservations to eat at any restaurant. Most people do speak English in the old Quebec part and most menus have English underneath the French. Ubers are hard to find if you want to go somewhere not in walking distance. Every time we ordered an Uber, it was a 15-20 min wait.
Written October 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VoyageVoyage
2 contributions
Jan 2021
What a beautiful city. Just walk around and enjoy the old stones, the charm of this romantic city. Don’t visit only the part of the city inner walls, go on St. Jean street outside the walls to discover boutique and restaurants that area very different than the chain stores that we see everywhere.
Written January 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
asiecom
Ottawa, Canada127 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
Even after a good number of visits over the past decade, there’s always something new to discover, be it a new road, or the relatively new Quebec Museum of Fine Arts. And of course, the multiple choice of walks on the famous Plains of Abraham and its surrounding. It was the first time in years, I was there during the summertime. How pleasant was to wander the streets, and enjoy the view over the St.Lawrence River. I would definitely recommend to venture outside the downtown core and discover some interesting neighborhoods and restaurants. If you happen to visit Quebec City over the next few weeks, both Picasso at the Museum of Fine Arts and Maya at the Museum of Civilization worth the trip.
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy C
Los Angeles, CA251 contributions
Aug 2021
Quebec City in the summer was undescribably amazing. I fell in love with it in the first minute. Those who say it is like being transported to France are exactly right. The older part of the city is built on a hill with quaint cobblestone streets and buildings up to 500 years old! Being there felt like a dream. I suspect it is only the harsh winters there that keep the tourists from staying forever.
The streets are steep and the sidewalks are narrow. If you have recently had knee, leg or hip surgery, this may not be the year for you to visit Old Quebec. As an overweight 58 year old with achey knees, the many hilly streets were a challenge, but somehow I made it, and it was worth it. I found myself taking photos at every turn -- something I haven't done as a traveler in a long time. Each street, each shop, each historic site, was more exciting or beautiful than the last.
Take a walking tour, a bus tour and a boat tour if you can, in that order. There is so much history to learn, you will be overwhelmed and need to hear things again. Most people you will meet are bilingual, but some familiarlty with French will definitely help you navigate through town.
There is a museum in the basement of the Hotel Frontenac which is completely free. Check it out.
The streets are steep and the sidewalks are narrow. If you have recently had knee, leg or hip surgery, this may not be the year for you to visit Old Quebec. As an overweight 58 year old with achey knees, the many hilly streets were a challenge, but somehow I made it, and it was worth it. I found myself taking photos at every turn -- something I haven't done as a traveler in a long time. Each street, each shop, each historic site, was more exciting or beautiful than the last.
Take a walking tour, a bus tour and a boat tour if you can, in that order. There is so much history to learn, you will be overwhelmed and need to hear things again. Most people you will meet are bilingual, but some familiarlty with French will definitely help you navigate through town.
There is a museum in the basement of the Hotel Frontenac which is completely free. Check it out.
Written August 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TERRAvelista
London, UK18,016 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
My first time in Quebec city during our 3000km driving trip all the way to PEI and old Quebec city is truly a gorgeous place with many architectural influences left by the British in a true European style. Most surely we will be back due to finding it so romantic and 'calm' similarly to the towns of Seville or Venice when most of the tourists are gone.
We arrived here mid September and were fortunate to have some very nice, sunny weather. We managed to find all the turns via my mobile google satellite view (as we drove from the western part of the city where they still build massively) where we also found some good parking, underneath a building off rue Saint Louis for around 22 CAD/day in a special designed multi level parking space: you cannot simply park on the cobbled streets so research this in advance and yes, parking is expensive here, just like everything else.
All is walking distance, make sure you have non slippery flat shoes or at least wedge shoes, as I tend to wear (I learned this the hard way after cutting my ankles on the cobbled streets of Santorini, however sporty I am) and plan in advance what you want to visit. Most of the indoor places of interest have an entrance fee, except the Notre Dame cathedral (Notre Dame in Montreal is around 18 CAD if I remember correctly, by contrast) and I will be writing reviews about everything worth visiting. I hope this helps in organising your day.
We arrived here mid September and were fortunate to have some very nice, sunny weather. We managed to find all the turns via my mobile google satellite view (as we drove from the western part of the city where they still build massively) where we also found some good parking, underneath a building off rue Saint Louis for around 22 CAD/day in a special designed multi level parking space: you cannot simply park on the cobbled streets so research this in advance and yes, parking is expensive here, just like everything else.
All is walking distance, make sure you have non slippery flat shoes or at least wedge shoes, as I tend to wear (I learned this the hard way after cutting my ankles on the cobbled streets of Santorini, however sporty I am) and plan in advance what you want to visit. Most of the indoor places of interest have an entrance fee, except the Notre Dame cathedral (Notre Dame in Montreal is around 18 CAD if I remember correctly, by contrast) and I will be writing reviews about everything worth visiting. I hope this helps in organising your day.
Written October 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arthur M
Hamilton, Canada1,418 contributions
Oct 2022
As this is the only walled city in the Americas north of Mexico, they have managed to preserve the European character of Old Quebec. That gives this city a certain European charm that Montreal just doesn't give, let alone any North American city.
Lots of small (but expensive) businesses within the walls and at the lower part of the old city, there are a lot of souvenir shops as well. The core is very walkable and parking is hard to find, so we have parked in a building just beside the provincial legislative building.
I'm glad that this site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it deserves that designation. We will always keep on coming back. This city is beautiful in spring, summer, fall, or winter.
Lots of small (but expensive) businesses within the walls and at the lower part of the old city, there are a lot of souvenir shops as well. The core is very walkable and parking is hard to find, so we have parked in a building just beside the provincial legislative building.
I'm glad that this site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it deserves that designation. We will always keep on coming back. This city is beautiful in spring, summer, fall, or winter.
Written October 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
big_g047
Vaughan, Canada29 contributions
Aug 2019
Quebec City is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and for very good reason. It is historically rich in architecture, culture, food and tradition. If you enjoy walking you will be pleasantly rewarded with discoveries such as the iconic Chateau Frontenac, the gates which outline the once walled city, the vast boardwalk of the Dufferin Terrace, the artists selling their goods on Rue de Tresor, the Augustine Monastery of Hotel-Dieu and much more. Take advantage of the City Food tours for a sampling of the local cuisine or just enjoy yourself at the many restaurants. There is much more to enjoy at this "must see" North American city with so much European flavour.
Written April 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tourista0906
Chicago, IL
What to do with children in Quebec City?
GrandTour452506
329 contributions
I would say it depends on the age and interest of the kids. You could walk the Duffin Terrace and go west to the Citadel and Plains of Abraham. The views from there are really cool. There is a lot of history there to be learned. On the way up if you walk up you can visit Montmorency historical park. All of these places are very walkable. They also have plaques in both French and English talking about the history of the area. You can catch some of the murals around town too.
Tracey C
Rockford, IL
I would need use my power wheelchair. How would it be on the streets in Quebec City? Thnx
Robert G
Bar Harbor, ME22 contributions
Old Quebec would be difficult but not impossible, Very steep hills, streets and walkways. Additionally, the old cobblestone streets may present problems. I have two artificial knees and some respiratory problems so I took breaks every 45 to 60 minutes and managed to tour Old Town for about six or seven hours. Good luck.
Is overnight parking available in old Quebec City ?
David B
Delray Beach, FL1,108 contributions
Unsure, came by ship. Might check port parking as it is close by?
Jeff
2 contributions
We are travelling there mid September for one week staying at l'Hotel du Vieux Quebec. Are tours still available this time of the year and what services have been curtailed by COVID? Is Rue St. Jean still pedestrian only? W e are hoping shops and restaurant are not cut back.
keshme
Los Angeles, CA61 contributions
Traveling 2nd week of December and curious if we need to rent a car to get around or if taxis/ubers would suffice for 4 days?
krista_lu
Muskoka District, Canada30 contributions
Curious how the crowds have been in Old Quebec? Planning to come next week (August 2021) with my daughter who is too young to be vaccinated. Is it crowded everywhere or will we be able to feel safe touring around?
Chris
Bowmanville, Canada10 contributions
Was just there August 8-9, and there are areas less busy and other areas, with narrow streets that are very busy and full of people. Restaurants were also busy, but you could stick to the patios, if the weather is nice.
YonathanG
Miami, FL17 contributions
Hi! I’m going to quebec city next month December 27-January 1st. I was wondering, is a trench coat warm enough to wear at that time of the year? And is it acceptable?
ALM
Halifax, Canada37 contributions
I went last January and found it very cold (even to a fellow Canadian)! It was parka, hat, mittens, boots weather for certain!
Jennifer D
2 contributions
Hi
How was the weather? we are traveling there this week and I am still deciding if I should bring my wool winter coat? TIA
Lise Steinhauer
Jupiter, FL10 contributions
I was just notified about your question and trust you had a wonderful trip. I took layers and used them all. When I travel, I consult (not until I pack) a 5- or 10-day forecast that shows morning, noon, and PM temps.
Elaine N
3 contributions
Are there horse drawn carriage tours of the old town? If so, cost and length of ride?
Love Fine Dining
Indian Shores, FL136 contributions
Yes. We loved it. We picked them up in front of the hotel Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. We paid 90 CAD. We thought it was inexpensive for experience. Also, it depends on the exchange rate.
Chris M
Laval, Canada39 contributions
Where is the best place to park in Quebec City for a day trip? Driving up for a day trip to walk around the Old Port area of QC city. Wanting to park someplace as centrally located as possible, or any other ideas would be greatly appreciated,.
1bigred
Toronto, Canada184 contributions
We took the hotel shuttle, and it drops you off right in the heart of the old city. You take it back from there as well. It is in front of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.
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Claim your listingOld Quebec - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Old Quebec
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Old Quebec:
- Quebec City Sightseeing Tour (From $41.85)
- Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip from Montreal (From $104.63)
- Private Tour: Quebec City Walking Tour (From $74.74)
- Quebec city & Montmorency Falls 1 Day Tour (From $45.00)
- Quebec City Shore Excursion: Grand Walking Tour of Quebec City (From $26.90)
- Hotels near Old Quebec:
- (0.09 mi) Auberge Place D'Armes
- (0.07 mi) Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
- (0.08 mi) Auberge du Tresor
- (0.13 mi) Hotel Le Priori
- (0.05 mi) Hotel Manoir Morgan
- Restaurants near Old Quebec:
- (0.02 mi) Terrace Restaurant in the Fairmont Frontenac
- (0.03 mi) Starbucks
- (0.04 mi) Le Champlain Restaurant - Fairmont Château Frontenac
- (0.11 mi) Restaurant Taniere
- (0.04 mi) Mary's Popcorn
- Attractions near Old Quebec:
- (0.01 mi) Monument Samuel De Champlain
- (0.03 mi) La Venus Spatiale
- (0.03 mi) Boutique Loulou
- (0.07 mi) Tours Voir Quebec
- (0.09 mi) Quartier Petit Champlain