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

Should you visit El Paso or Quebec City?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between El Paso and Quebec City can help you decide which place is right for you.

El Paso

El Paso is a laid-back, low-key, and undiscovered city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See El Paso 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.

El Paso and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in El Paso or Quebec City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Quebec City. Although El Paso and Quebec City are both popular with visitors, Quebec City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Quebec City is more touristy than El Paso and is popular for its charming streets and classic Old Town. It is also home to Château Frontenac. El Paso is popular for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is El Paso different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, El Paso 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.

El Paso offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Visitors can learn about local art, culture, and history at the El Paso Museum of Art, the El Paso Museum of History, the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Museum, and the Eduardo Pedregón Memorial Veterans Museum.

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

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Quebec City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in El Paso. Mexican food and barbecue are popular around town but you'll also find burgers, pizza, and other American favorites.

Is El Paso or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Quebec City is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, El Paso 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.

El Paso has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of bars, nightclubs, and lounges around town where you can enjoy a fun night out.

Is El Paso or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, El Paso does not have a historic old town.

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.

El Paso does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in El Paso or Quebec City?

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, El Paso 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.

El Paso offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of malls and outlet centers around town. One of the most well known is Bassett Place, but other options include Cielo Vista Mall and the Fountains at Farah.

Is El Paso or Quebec City More Beautiful?

Quebec City is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, El Paso 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.

El Paso is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is El Paso or Quebec City Better for Families?

Quebec City is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Quebec City is a very family-friendly destination. There are tons of kid-friendly activities like visiting the Aquarium du Québec, having an adventure at Terrasse Dufferin, or exploring Chute de Montmorency.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in El Paso. There are adventure parks, playgrounds, outdoor centers and nature activities that families can enjoy.

Is El Paso or Quebec City Better for Couples?

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for romance. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Quebec City has plenty to offer. 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 El Paso as a couple's destination. Couples can enjoy dinner and a show or taking a romantic drive up to the overlook.

Is El Paso or Quebec City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Quebec City is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, El Paso 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.

El Paso is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's little in the area that appeals to backpackers.

Is El Paso or Quebec City Better for Students?

Quebec City is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, El Paso is not popular with students.

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

El Paso is not popular with students.

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

Quebec City is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, El Paso 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 El Paso. While there are some bus routes in town, you shouldn't rely on them and must have a private vehicle to efficiently visit the city.

Is El Paso or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, El Paso is lacking in good options 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.

El Paso is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or El Paso?

How long in El Paso or Quebec City?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid-back city of El Paso. 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, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in El Paso or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the undiscovered destination of El Paso. 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.

In Quebec City, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Quebec City has to offer.

Five days in El Paso or Quebec City?

The low-key city of El Paso offers shopping and museums. 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 great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in El Paso or Quebec City?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Quebec City. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Quebec City. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

Which is Bigger, El Paso or Quebec City?

El Paso has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Quebec City. When comparing the sizes of El Paso 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.