Old Quebec

Québec City
Le Château Frontenac showing heritage architecture
This walled, historic district is internationally recognized as a World Heritage Site and contains Québec’s oldest and most famous buildings and attractions.

Enjoy the ambience of Old Québec when you walk its narrow cobblestone streets, admire its traditional French architecture and visit its boutiques and bistros. The old city rises from the Place-Royale on the banks of the St. Lawrence River all the way up to Château Frontenac at the top of the Cap Diamant promontory. 

Old Québec is the only walled city in North America and is carefully preserved as a World Heritage Site. Covering 333 acres (135 hectares) the quarter is divided into two parts: the Lower Town (Basse-Ville) and the Upper Town (Haute-Ville). The district contains many of Québec’s oldest and most significant buildings, many of which date from before 1850.

Walk along the streets of the Lower Town. Check out the museums and old buildings of the Old Port (Vieux-Port), and go shopping for antiques along Rue Saint-Paul. Sit down for a meal at one of the bistros lining the pedestrian-only Rue du Petit-Champlain. To get to the Upper Town, take a ride on the cable railway or climb the adjacent stairway on the north end of this street. 

The Upper Town sits on the promontory of Cap Diamant, high above the St. Lawrence River, and is dotted with fortifications. Walk the circuit past the walls, towers, bastions and gates that once kept invading American armies at bay. Take pictures of the turreted Château Frontenac, the grand hotel dominating Québec’s skyline.

Explore historic sites such as the Citadelle of Québec, a star-shaped fortress. This massive structure houses a regiment of the Canadian Army, which regularly performs a Changing of the Guard ceremony. Walk along Dufferin Terrace, a long promenade. Take a seat on a bench and watch the boats glide by on the river below.

Old Québec is best navigated on foot or by bike. You can also explore the district by using the small Écolobus, a cheap, electric city bus that moves between the Upper and Lower towns. Alternatively, take a taxi or rent a car. Note that parking is metered and limited and some of the streets are narrow and crowded.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Old Quebec Hotel Deals

Hôtel Manoir Vieux Québec
Hôtel Manoir Vieux Québec
3.5 out of 5
6 Rue de la Porte, Québec City, QC
The price is ¥19,826 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥19,826
per night
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Québec City. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (591 reviews)
"Nestled in the heart of Old Quebec, Hôtel Manoir Vieux Quebec is an intimate that gem exudes an unexpected charm. Our room, with its cozy ambiance, was clean, spacious and modern. It provided a serene retreat after a day of exploring the cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. The staff’s genuine ..."

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Hôtel Manoir Vieux Québec
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
4.5 out of 5
1 rue des Carrieres, Québec City, QC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥43,993 per night from May 14 to May 15
¥43,993
per night
May 14 - May 15
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Québec City. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,762 reviews)
"Beautiful city and hotel’s rich history and ambiance reminded us of Paris. Room with view of river was clean and cozy. Staff were very courteous and friendly. Would stay here again."

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
Hôtel Palace Royal
Hôtel Palace Royal
4 out of 5
775 Honoré-Mercier Ave, Québec City, QC
The price is ¥21,472 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥21,472
per night
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Québec City. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,155 reviews)
"Great hotel. Will select inside balcony next time."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Hôtel Palace Royal
Hotel Port Royal
Hotel Port Royal
4 out of 5
144, rue Saint-Pierre, Québec City, QC
The price is ¥23,176 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥23,176
per night
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Québec City. Enjoy free WiFi, a marina, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,847 reviews)
"Great location and beautifully appointed room!"

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Hotel Port Royal
Monsieur Jean, Vieux Québec
Monsieur Jean, Vieux Québec
4 out of 5
2 Rue Pierre Olivier Chauveau, Québec City, QC
The price is ¥27,380 per night from May 26 to May 27
¥27,380
per night
May 26 - May 27
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Québec City. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
"Great location and wonderful staff"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Monsieur Jean, Vieux Québec
Hotel Manoir Victoria
Hotel Manoir Victoria
4 out of 5
44, Cote du Palais, Québec City, QC
The price is ¥24,028 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥24,028
per night
May 12 - May 13
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Québec City. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,053 reviews)
"In the heart of the city, close and convenient to anything! Rooms were clean, staff was helpful. Would stay there again."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Hotel Manoir Victoria
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Old Quebec

Old Quebec which includes street scenes, signage and a city

Upper Town

While visiting Upper Town, you might make a stop by sights like Quebec City Town Hall and Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec.

Upper Town
Quebec showing signage, street scenes and a city

Vieux-Québec-Cap-Blanc-Colline Parlementaire

If you're spending some time in Vieux-Québec-Cap-Blanc-Colline Parlementaire, Quebec Cruise Terminal and Quebec City Town Hall are top sights worth seeing.

Vieux-Québec-Cap-Blanc-Colline Parlementaire
Quebec showing a city as well as an individual male

Old Port Quebec City

Old Port Quebec City is known for its stunning river views, and you can see some sights in the area like Quebec Cruise Terminal and Agora Port de Quebec.

Old Port Quebec City
Parks Canada\'s Dufferin Terrace which includes landscape views, a castle and a city

Lower Town

The ample dining options and beautiful river views are top of the list for many visitors to Lower Town. A stop by Quebec Cruise Terminal or Museum of Civilization might round out your trip.

Lower Town
Upper Town featuring a park

Saint-Jean-Baptiste

While visiting Saint-Jean-Baptiste, you might make a stop by sights like Grand Theatre of Quebec and Saint-Jean Street.

Saint-Jean-Baptiste
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Saint-Roch

4.5/5(110 area reviews)

Saint-Roch is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Marina Saint-Roch and The Museum of L'Isle-aux-Grues while you're in town.

Saint-Roch


Old Quebec