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

Should you visit Columbus or Quebec City?

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

Should I visit Columbus 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.

Columbus

Columbus is a welcoming, down-to-earth, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Columbus travel costs.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a historical, cultural, and charming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Quebec City is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Quebec City travel costs.

Columbus and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Quebec City?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Quebec City than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Quebec City, Quebec City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Quebec City is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its charming streets and classic Old Town. It is also home to Château Frontenac. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Quebec City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Columbus offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

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

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Columbus or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Quebec City is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Quebec City has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is Columbus or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Columbus does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Quebec City is revered around the world. 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.

Columbus does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Quebec City?

Quebec City is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Quebec City. 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.

Columbus offers some nice shopping areas. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Is Columbus or Quebec City More Beautiful?

Quebec City is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Quebec City is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The European atmosphere gives the city a unique beauty with architecture and cobblestone streets that create a fairytale setting.

Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbus or Quebec City Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Columbus or Quebec City.

Columbus is a very family-friendly destination. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Quebec City is a very kid-friendly 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 Columbus or Quebec City Better for Couples?

Quebec City is a world-class destination for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

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

Quebec City is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Quebec City is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a decent number of hostels around town and backpackers consider this a favorite destination in the area.

Columbus is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there is a hostel in town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Columbus or Quebec City Better for Students?

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

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

Columbus is not popular with students.

Is Columbus 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, Columbus is lacking in good 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 Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is Columbus or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Columbus is a somewhat walkable place. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either Columbus 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 Columbus, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic city of Columbus. 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.

The beautiful city of Quebec City offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Columbus or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Columbus. 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.

Quebec City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Quebec City, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbus or Quebec City?

The friendly city of Columbus 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Columbus or Quebec City?

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

Quebec City is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to 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 Columbus and Quebec City, we can see that Columbus 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 Columbus would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Columbus 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 Columbus Expensive? and Is Quebec City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Quebec City?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Quebec City. When comparing the sizes of Columbus 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.