Québec city travel guide

Must-see attractions

Libraries

Maison de la Littérature

40, rue Saint-Stanislas, Québec

https://www.maisondelalitterature.qc.ca/

Maison de la Littérature

Centre Morrin

Bibliothèque de Literacy and Historical Society of Québec

44, chaussée des Écossais, Québec

https://www.morrin.org/

Maison de la Littérature

Centre Morrin

Bibliothèque Claire-Martin (public library)

A former church converted into a public library.

755 Rue Saint-Jean, Québec

https://www.bibliothequedequebec.qc.ca/bibliotheques/lacitelimoilou/claire-martin/

Maison de la Littérature

Centre Morrin

Bibliothèque Claire-Martin

Must-see — near the Château

Rue du Trésors

This unique alleyway gives you the opportunity to meet local painters from the Quebec City region.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/yjaApubvaLN48QgA8

Rue du trésors

Marché des Artisans de la Cathédrale – Market

Just around the corner on Rue du Trésor, discover local artisans specializing in ceramics, sculpture, gourmet products and other fine crafts.

https://www.artisansdelacathedrale.ca/

Cathedrale Holy Trinity - marché artisans

Rue du Trésors - artistes

Château Frontenac

Beneath the luxury of the hotel, you can visit the lobby for free. In this universe of the past, you’ll find an antique mailbox for your postcards. If luxury is your thing, the Samuel de Champlain Bar offers one of the best views of Quebec City. Guided tours are also available to explore every nook and cranny.

A little secret:
If you’d rather not spend money, go to the end of the lobby, near the Samuel de Champlain Bar, and descend the spiral marble staircase. Along the way, you’ll find a free exhibit that traces the history of the castle.

https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/what-to-do-quebec-city/tour-chateau-frontenac

The château has also been the location for many a film set.
https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/quebec-city/movies-shot-in-quebec-city

Example:

If you’re a fan of the Goblin: The Lonely and Great God series, you’ll find the famous Goblin’s red door outside the castle.

Cathedrale Holy Trinity - marché artisans

Rue du Trésors - artistes

Château Frontenac

Citadelle de Québec

This museum offers a guided tour of the city’s ancient fortifications.

1, Côte de la Citadelle, Québec

http://www.lacitadelle.qc.ca

Cathedrale Holy Trinity - marché artisans

Rue du Trésors - artistes

Château Frontenac

Citadelle de Québec

Parlement

https://www.assnat.qc.ca/en/visiteurs/index.html

Cathedrale Holy Trinity - marché artisans

Rue du Trésors - artistes

Château Frontenac

Citadelle de Québec

Parlement - Québec

Museums

Musée des Beaux-arts de Québec

The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec showcases a rich collection of Quebec and international art, from Old Masters to contemporary works.

179 Grande Allée Ouest, Québec

https://www.mnbaq.org/

Cathedrale Holy Trinity - marché artisans

Rue du Trésors - artistes

Château Frontenac

Citadelle de Québec

Parlement - Québec

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Québec

Musée de la civilisation

This museum offers original and often interactive exhibitions.

85, rue Dalhousie, Québec

https://mcq.org/

app: https://mcq.org/en/discover/mobile-app/
webseries (only in French): https://mcq.org/decouvrir/webseries/
podcast (only in French) https://mcq.org/decouvrir/balados/

Cathedrale Holy Trinity - marché artisans

Rue du Trésors - artistes

Château Frontenac

Citadelle de Québec

Parlement - Québec

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Québec

Musée de la Civilisation de Québec

Musée des Augustines

This museum tells the story of health care since the early days of Nouvelle-France

77, rue des Remparts, Québec

https://monastere.ca/en/museum/

Cathedrale Holy Trinity - marché artisans

Rue du Trésors - artistes

Château Frontenac

Citadelle de Québec

Parlement - Québec

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Québec

Musée de la Civilisation de Québec

Musée des Augustines

Musée des plaines d’Abraham

This museum offers the chance to immerse yourself in the battles of 1759 and 1760 through fascinating artifacts and interactive exhibits. Located in the heart of this iconic park, it’s the perfect place to explore Quebec’s rich past while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

835, avenue Wilfrid-Laurier, Québec

https://www.ccbn-nbc.gc.ca/en/plains-abraham-museum/information/schedule-and-rates/

Cathedrale Holy Trinity - marché artisans

Rue du Trésors - artistes

Château Frontenac

Citadelle de Québec

Parlement - Québec

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Québec

Musée de la Civilisation de Québec

Musée des Augustines

Musée des Plaines d'Abraham

Suggested walks+

Promenade des Gouverneurs

The path along the cliffs offers beautiful views of the Château, the St. Lawrence River and a glimpse of the Plaines d’Abraham park.

For an easier stroll, it’s best to start at Avenue Georges and head down to Terrace Dufferin, where you’ll only have to descend a few stairs to finish near the château. On the other hand, if you start from Terrace Dufferin towards Avenue Georges, you’ll encounter several flights of stairs.

Tip: Grab a lunch before you set off on your stroll, and pause halfway along to enjoy it.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/tbKDqae4tsYZTBvD8

restaurants nearby to buy a lunch: Épicerie – Intermarché, Paillard, Galette Libanaise

Côte de la Montagne – Backneck steps – Quartier Petit-Champlain

This tour takes you through the heart of Old Quebec City, beginning with a descent of the iconic Escaliers Casse-Cou. As you stroll through the historic Quartier Petit-Champlain and Place Royale, you’ll be captivated by the charming cobblestone streets and well-preserved architecture. Stop for a coffee at Maison Smith on Place Royale or take a moment to relax at La Cale, a quiet spot along the St. Lawrence River where you can take in the picturesque views.

Continue your exploration with a visit to the Musée de la Civilization, where you can immerse yourself in the region’s history and culture. When you’re ready to return, you have two options: take the comfortable funicular for $5 per person or challenge yourself with a climb up the famous Backneck Stairs for a satisfying workout and rewarding views.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/bYb6bqav3S3nPZ5Z7

nearby restaurants: Maison Smith at the Place Royale, La Cale, and Café du Monde on the St.Lawrence river shore.

Rue des Remparts – Old Port Place Royale- Quartier Petit-Champlain

This scenic route begins with a stroll past the historic Grand Séminaire, North America’s oldest university, where you can admire antique cannons and enjoy picturesque views of the Old Port. As you gently descend into the lower city, you’ll find yourself on a charming street lined with antique dealers.

Stop at the Buffet des Antiquaires for a classic diner-style snack, then retrace your steps a bit to discover a hidden alleyway. Next, relax with a refreshing drink at the riverfront La Cale. Continue your exploration to the picturesque Place Royale and the charming Quartier Petit-Champlain.

For your return trip, you can either take a leisurely ride on the funicular for $5 per person or tackle the famous Escaliers Casse-Cou for a satisfying workout with great views.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q8xmAaw8EzvdhJsDA

nearby restaurants: Chez Victor (Rue St-Paul), Buffet des Antiquaires, La Cale, Café du Monde on the St.Lawrence river shore, Maison Smith at the Place Royale.

Quartier Petit-Champlain – Bike rental

If you feel like exploring further, you can rent a bike and ride through the streets of Old Quebec and along the river on the Promenade Samuel de Champlain.
(helmet included)

https://www.echosportstours.ca/en/summer/bike-rental-scooter-rental/

nearby restaurants: Chez Victor (Rue St-Paul), Buffet des Antiquaires, La Cale, Café du Monde on the St.Lawrence river shore, Maison Smith at the Place Royale.

Staircase challenges

Quebec City is full of shortened staircases. Every year, the Défis des Escaliers, a 19 km race, zigzags up and down all the stairs in Old Quebec. The race may be over, but its route can inspire your own trail of discovery.
Have fun!

https://www.jecoursqc.com/en/defi-escaliers/races/

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1j3gmKcUfrJoZ7e7TRswhf5EiqhMuNns (Some stairs are longer than others, check the “Escalier” section of this map to find out the number of steps between brackets.)
https://www.jecoursqc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/carte_defi_escaliers2024_19KM.pdf

Restaurants suggestions

Restaurants — Rue Saint-Jean

Chez Victor

A great burger restaurant, especially the veggie and vegan options.

145 Rue Saint-Jean
(second location: 300 Rue Saint-Paul, Québec)

https://en.chezvictorburger.com/restaurants

Rue St-Jean , Chez Victor

Microbrewery – Pub le projet

This microbrewery has good beers and snacks

399 Rue Saint-Jean, Québec

https://publeprojet.com/

Microbrasserie Le Projet

Le Billigs

Crêpes — all day long!

481, Rue Saint-Jean

https://www.lebilligqc.com/

Le Billigs - crêperie

Bistro le Hobbit

Elegant cuisine, discover their daily menu

700 Rue Saint-Jean, Québec

https://lehobbit.com

Le Hobbit

Tutto Gelato – ice cream

The first Italian creamery in the Quebec City region with local flavors.

716 Rue Saint-Jean, Québec

https://www.tuttogelato.ca/

Tutto Gelato

Épicerie – Intermarché de la Rue Saint-Jean

Grocery store for an affordable snack.
850 Rue Saint-Jean, Québec

L'intermarché St-Jean (grocery - store)

Poutineville

For a taste of the famous Poutine!

810 Av. Honoré-Mercier, Québec

https://poutineville.com/restaurants/poutineville-vieux-quebec/

Poutineville - Rue St-Jean

Le Petit Café latin

With its charming flower-filled terrace, this little café is sure to give you a change of scene!
(menu)

8 1/2 Rue Sainte-Ursule, Québec
http://petitcafelatin.ca/

Petit Café Latin

Galette Libanaise

Tasty Kebab at low cost.

1061 Rue Saint-Jean, Québec
(second location: 641 Grande Allée Est, Québec )

https://lagalettelibanaise.com/

Galette Libanaise - Rue St-Jean

Chez Boulay – Bistro boréal $$$

for unique Quebec flavours (menu)

1110 Rue Saint-Jean, Québec

https://chezboulay.com/

Chez Boulay

Paillard

Bakery and ready-to-eat, perfect for lunch on the go.

1097 Rue Saint-Jean, Québec

https://www.paillard.ca

Paillard - Bakery

Chez Temporel

At the end of rue Saint-Jean – walk down rue Couillard to find this secluded restaurant. If you’re lucky, they might have a jazzy music band to entertain you.

25 Rue Couillard, Québec

https://cheztemporel.com

Chez Temporel

Restaurants — Grande-Allée

Here are some dining options near Grande-Allée.

Bistro Ciel tournant

On the rooftop of the Loews Concord Hotel, this place might look like a tourist trap, but it’s not. It’s really delicious and has the best view in Québec City. (brunch menu $$ – dinner menu $$$)

1225 Cours du Général-de Montcalm

https://www.cielbistrobar.com

Bistro Ciel Tournant

Galette Libanaise

Tasty Kebab at low cost. Perfect for a picnic!

641 Grande Allée Est, Québec
(second location: 1061 Rue Saint-Jean, Québec )

https://lagalettelibanaise.com/

Galette Libanaise - Grande-Allée

Restaurants — near the Château Frontenac

Here are some dining options near the Château.

Aux anciens Canadiens

Don’t let their website fool you, they’re probably too busy at this historic restaurant. It’s name “Anciens Canadiens” refers to the title of a book by the famous author Philippe Aubert de Gaspé.
If you’re interested in stepping back in time, this place won’t disappoint with delicious Nouvelle-France recipes. To my surprise, they even offer a vegan option these days.

34, rue Saint-Louis, Québec

https://www.auxancienscanadiens.qc.ca/en/index.htm