Quebec City in 3 days

North America's most European city, where a walled old town, a fairytale castle hotel and French cobblestones perch above the St Lawrence. Best time to visit: June-September (summer) and December (Christmas). Average daily budget: $120 to $220 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Upper Town (Haute-Ville), The walled clifftop core: Chateau Frontenac, the Dufferin Terrace and the city ramparts.

Morning: Old Town & Chateau Frontenac. Wander the cobblestone Upper Town, the boardwalk Dufferin Terrace and the iconic castle hotel.

Afternoon: Explore Upper Town (Haute-Ville), The walled clifftop core: Chateau Frontenac, the Dufferin Terrace and the city ramparts.

Evening: Quartier Petit-Champlain. Stroll the photogenic Lower Town lanes of boutiques and cafes, the oldest shopping street in North America.

Eat: Poutine, the Quebec original of fries, curds and gravy

Day 2, Go deeper

Base: Lower Town (Basse-Ville), The oldest streets: Petit-Champlain, Place Royale and the riverside Old Port.

Morning: City ramparts & Plains of Abraham. Walk the only fortified city walls north of Mexico, then the historic battlefield park along the river.

Afternoon: Explore Lower Town (Basse-Ville), The oldest streets: Petit-Champlain, Place Royale and the riverside Old Port.

Evening: Montmorency Falls. Visit the waterfall taller than Niagara, just outside the city, with a cable car and suspension bridge.

Eat: Tourtiere, the traditional Quebecois meat pie

Day 3, Hidden side

Base: Saint-Roch, The hip, regenerated district downhill: cafes, microbreweries and a younger local scene.

Morning: Wander Old Quebec. Explore the only walled city north of Mexico, cobbled lanes, the fairytale Château Frontenac and Petit-Champlain's charming shops, like stepping into a slice of old Europe.

Afternoon: Explore Saint-Roch, The hip, regenerated district downhill: cafes, microbreweries and a younger local scene.

Evening: Stroll the Dufferin Terrace and ramparts. Walk the boardwalk beneath the Château Frontenac for sweeping views over the St Lawrence River, then follow the historic city walls.

Eat: Maple-glazed everything and sugar pie

Hidden gems

The mural Fresque des Quebecois, a giant trompe-l'oeil painting of the city's history in Lower Town.
Ile d'Orleans, a rural island of farms, cider houses and strawberry stands a short drive away.
The Morrin Centre, a former prison turned English-language library with atmospheric old cells.
Winter tobogganing down the Dufferin Terrace slide beside the Chateau Frontenac.

Getting around

The Old Town is small and made for walking, though it's hilly; the funicular links Upper and Lower Town to save the stairs. RTC city buses cover the wider area, and Uber operates. Most visitors don't need a car within the centre, but one helps for Montmorency Falls and Ile d'Orleans. The airport is about 20 to 30 minutes from the Old Town by taxi or rideshare.

Safety

Quebec City is extremely safe, with very low crime and a relaxed atmosphere; standard precautions are more than enough. The cobblestones and steep hills can be slippery in winter, so wear good footwear. French is the main language, but most people in tourist areas speak English. Winters are very cold and snowy but magical.

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