Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Quebec City?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Quebec City?
Most visitors spend two to four days in Quebec City when visiting. The historical city offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, the food, and the shops and boutiques.
Québec City is a charming French Canadian city that is located on the Saint Lawrence River. The historic city has a beautiful Old Town with cobblestone streets and stone buildings. Many visitors say it feels like a bit of Europe in North America.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Quebec City? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Quebec City?
Three days is the perfect amount of time in Quebec City, as many visitors prefer to spend around two to four days here. You'll be able to explore the major attractions and take part in this historical town's most popular things to do such as the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, the food, and the shops and boutiques. We have some suggestions for what to do and where to start your adventure below.
How to spend 3 days in Quebec City
Quebec City is home to renowned museums and iconic landmarks, so dive into the city's famous attractions. The city's historical sites rank among the most awe-inspiring globally. Historic sites include La Citadelle de Québec and Quebec National Historic Site. There are many iconic buildings in town as well like the Parliament Building and Château Frontenac. Also make sure you visit the Musée de la Civilisation and the stunning Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.
It's worth around 2 hours for Museum of Civilization (Musée de la civilisation). Entry is approximately C$16 for adults, with discounts for students, seniors, and free admission for children under 17.. It's known for its engaging exhibitions on Quebec's history, Indigenous cultures, and interactive displays.
You'll want to have around 2 hours for Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. It's a nice activity for anyone and is known for its status as a historic pilgrimage site known for miracles and healing, stunning architecture, and beautiful stained glass windows. It's free.
The delicious food of Quebec City is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. The city offers a mix of Canadian favorites and French dishes with a local twist. Favorite dishes that you must try include tourtières, pâté chinois, pea soup, and fèves au lard. There are also many local desserts to sample. You'll find some of the best French Canadian cuisine in the Old Town.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Combo Historical and Food Tour of the Old Quebec City ($208)
- Wine Tasting on Ile d'Orleans ($96)
Quebec City is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The walled Old Town has fortifications that date back to the 17th century. It has a European charm with cobblestone streets, charming restaurants, beautiful squares, and historic architecture. Many visitors feel like they've stepped into old world Europe.
Citadelle of Quebec is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for families. Known for its impressive military architecture, historical significance, and panoramic views of Quebec City, entry is CA$21.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Guided Quebec City Walking Tour with Funicular Included ($115)
- 5-course Progressive Dinner on Grande-Allée and History Tour ($208)
- Evening Gourmet Tour 5 Course Dinner - History and Food in Old Quebec City ($208)
This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. The nightlife scene consists mainly of bars and pubs that you'll find along Rue Saint-Jean and in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. You'll also find clubs in Saint-Roch along Rue du Parvis and Avenue Saint-Joseph.
Public transit in Quebec City is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. There are buses and ferries around town.
Shopping in Quebec City is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The Old Town has many local boutiques and artisan shops that are fun for browsing. There are many shopping streets in town like Petit-Champlain Street, Rue Saint-Joseph, and Avenue Cartier.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Quebec Local Fashion Designers Shopping Tour With A Stylist ($152)
Quebec City is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The European atmosphere gives the city a unique beauty with architecture and cobblestone streets that create a fairytale setting.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Guided Quebec City Walking Tour with Funicular Included ($115)
- Private Tour: Quebec City Walking Tour ($98)
- Old Quebec City Walking Tour with Funicular Ticket ($38)
Is 4 days enough time in Quebec City?
Four days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Quebec City at your own pace to experience the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, the food, and the shops and boutiques. Then you can use this spot as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
Quebec City, Canada
How to spend 4 days in Quebec City
If you have more than 4 days in Quebec City, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
Don't miss Château Frontenac during your trip to Quebec City, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Quebec City?
With five days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Quebec City has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Quebec City as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can browse through museums, browse around the old town, taste delicious cuisine, and find the best deals at the shops at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
Old Town Quebec City, Canada
How to spend 5 days in Quebec City
Having 5 days in Quebec City will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
Quebec City is large enough to spend at least a full day exploring the local neighborhoods, attractions, and activities found around town. It's a large city with small town charm and character.
It's worth around 1 hour for Parliament Building (Hôtel du Parlement). Entry is free. It's known for its grand Second Empire style architecture and role as the seat of the National Assembly of Quebec.
Grande Allée is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for couples. Known for its lively nightlife, historic architecture, popular restaurants, and cultural festivals in Quebec City, entry is free.
You'll want to have around 2 hours for Petit Champlain District. It's a nice activity for families and couples and is known for its historic charm, cobblestone streets, boutique shopping, and lively atmosphere. It's free.
Make sure to set aside around 2 hours for Quartier Petit Champlain, which is free. It's great for families and couples and is known for its beautifully preserved historic architecture, charming narrow streets, and vibrant shopping and dining scene.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Quebec City Guided Sightseeing Cruise ($48)
- Quebec City Hop-On Hop-Off ($49)
- Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port to Quebec - Arrival Private Transfer ($75)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Quebec City.
More Info
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