A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Asheville vs. Quebec City for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Asheville or Quebec City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Asheville and Quebec City. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Asheville

Asheville is a progressive, open-minded, and eclectic mountain town. Asheville is a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and live music. See Asheville travel costs.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a cultural, charming, and historical city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of Quebec City is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Quebec City travel costs.

Asheville and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Quebec City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Quebec City than Asheville. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Quebec City is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Asheville attracts visitors for its music, resorts, hiking, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere. Quebec City is more touristy than Asheville and is known for its charming streets and classic Old Town. It is also well known for Château Frontenac. Asheville is famous for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue.

How is Asheville different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Quebec City and Asheville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Asheville or Quebec City?

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Quebec City are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Asheville or Quebec City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Quebec City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Asheville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Is Asheville or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Asheville and Quebec City.

Asheville is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Many people head to Quebec City for the nightlife scene. 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.

Is Asheville or Quebec City Better for Music?

Asheville is a great destination for live music. However, Quebec City is not a live music destination.

Asheville has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Quebec City is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Quebec City Better for Resorts?

Asheville is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Quebec City is not a resort destination.

Asheville has a handful of resorts to choose from. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Quebec City is not a resort destination.

Is Asheville or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Asheville is not particularly known for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Quebec City offers plenty to see. 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.

The old town area in Asheville is worth visiting. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Is Asheville or Quebec City Better for Hiking?

Asheville is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Quebec City is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Quebec City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Quebec City?

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Quebec City make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Asheville. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Is Asheville or Quebec City More Beautiful?

Quebec City is well known for its scenery and beauty. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Quebec City is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The European atmosphere gives the city a unique beauty with architecture and cobblestone streets that create a fairytale setting.

Asheville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With the surrounding mountains and the charming town, the area is filled with natural beauty.

Is Asheville or Quebec City Better for Families?

Both Asheville and Quebec City are great family-friendly destinations.

Asheville is a very kid-friendly mountain town. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Quebec City. There are tons of kid-friendly activities like visiting the Aquarium du Québec, having an adventure at Terrasse Dufferin, or exploring Chute de Montmorency.

Is Asheville or Quebec City Better for Couples?

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Quebec City is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's one of the most European city's in North America, and it's filled with romance. Couples can enjoy exploring the Old Town by carriage or taking a boat ride on the Saint Lawrence River. For a truly romantic evening, enjoy a French meal at the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, but for many couples, simply exploring and soaking up the city's charm offers the simple romance that they're looking for.

Asheville is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Is Asheville or Quebec City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville and Quebec City are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit for backpackers. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Quebec City. There are a decent number of hostels around town and backpackers consider this a favorite destination in the area.

Is Asheville or Quebec City Better for Students?

Asheville is a great destination for students. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit as a student. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

It's common for students to visit Quebec City. It's a beautiful and charming city that is fun for international students.

Is Asheville or Quebec City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Quebec City is a good destination for its public transit. However, Asheville is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Quebec City, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and ferries around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around by using their own vehicle. In particular, if you plan to hike or explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll need a car. Many of the downtown hotels offer shuttle buses to the Biltmore area.

Is Asheville or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Quebec City on foot is easy. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable mountain town. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to reach restaurants and shops on foot. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Quebec City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either Asheville or Quebec City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Quebec City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.

Families should spend more time in Quebec City than Asheville. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Quebec City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Quebec City than Asheville. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Quebec City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Quebec City than Asheville if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Quebec City.

One day in Asheville or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the open-minded mountain town of Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Quebec City. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Asheville or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the open-minded destination of Asheville. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This mountain town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Quebec City. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Asheville or Quebec City?

The outdoorsy mountain town of Asheville offers food and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Quebec City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Asheville or Quebec City?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Asheville. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Quebec City is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Asheville and Quebec City, we can see that Asheville is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Asheville Expensive? and Is Quebec City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Asheville or Quebec City?

Quebec City has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Asheville. When comparing the sizes of Asheville and Quebec City, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.