A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Boise vs. Quebec City for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Boise or Quebec City?

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

Should I visit Boise or Quebec City? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Boise

Boise is a friendly, welcoming, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Boise travel costs.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a charming, historical, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, Quebec City attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Quebec City travel costs.

Boise and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boise or Quebec City?

You'll generally find more things to do in Quebec City than Boise. Quebec City is bigger than Boise, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Quebec City is more touristy than Boise and is popular for its charming streets and classic Old Town. Also, Quebec City is famous for Château Frontenac. Boise is well known for its many outdoor and recreational activities.

How is Boise different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Quebec City is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Boise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Quebec City has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Boise is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the state capital, there's a nice selection of local museums around town. Favorites include the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, the Idaho Black History Museum, and Discovery Center.

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

Quebec City is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. However, Boise is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Quebec City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Boise offers some easy restaurants to choose from. While Idaho has long been associated with the potato, the locals usually think of "finger steaks" when describing local food. These are deep-friend beef strips that are as good as they sound.

Is Boise or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Quebec City is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Boise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Quebec City has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Boise has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. In downtown Boise you'll find a selection of bars, lounges, and breweries. There's enough around town to keep the nightlife scene interesting.

Is Boise or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Quebec City is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Boise does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Quebec City can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Boise does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Boise or Quebec City?

Quebec City is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Boise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Quebec City specifically to go shopping. 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.

Boise is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of local boutiques, independent vendors, and suburban shopping centers where you'll find anything that you might need.

Is Boise or Quebec City More Beautiful?

Quebec City is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Boise is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Quebec City attracts visitors from all around. The European atmosphere gives the city a unique beauty with architecture and cobblestone streets that create a fairytale setting.

Boise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Boise or Quebec City Better for Families?

Quebec City is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Boise is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Boise doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. You'll find parks, playgrounds, and the Discovery Center which will help keep kids entertained.

Is Boise or Quebec City Better for Couples?

Quebec City is a must-visit destination for couples. However, Boise is lacking in options for romance.

Quebec City makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Boise is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Date night activities include dining at a nice restaurants and seeing a show at the theater.

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

Quebec City is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boise is lacking in options for backpackers.

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.

Boise is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Backpackers rarely make their way to this town.

Is Boise or Quebec City Better for Students?

Quebec City is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Boise is not popular with students.

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

Boise is not popular with students.

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

Quebec City is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Boise is lacking in options for its public transit.

Quebec City has some public transit options. There are buses and ferries around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Boise. There are infrequent buses around town, but visitors usually have a car to get around town efficiently.

Is Boise or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Quebec City is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. However, Boise is lacking in options for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Quebec City. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.

Boise is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable neighborhoods but, in general, the town isn't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Boise?

How long in Boise or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either Boise 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, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Boise, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.

Families should spend more time in Quebec City than Boise. 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 Boise. 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 Boise 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 Boise or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic city of Boise. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Quebec City, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Boise or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Boise. This city 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Quebec City. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Boise or Quebec City?

The friendly city of Boise offers museums and nightlife. 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.

Quebec City is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Quebec City. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Boise or Quebec City?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Boise. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Quebec City. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boise and Quebec City, we can see that Boise is more expensive. And not only is Quebec City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Quebec City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Quebec City and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Boise would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boise than you might in Quebec City.

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

Which is Bigger, Boise or Quebec City?

Quebec City has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Boise. When comparing the sizes of Boise 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.