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

Should you visit Lancaster or Quebec City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lancaster or Quebec City, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a scenic, traditional, and picturesque town. Lancaster is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Lancaster 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 museums, nightlife, and food. See Quebec City travel costs.

Lancaster and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lancaster or Quebec City?

You'll generally find more things to do in Quebec City than Lancaster. Quebec City is bigger than Lancaster, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Quebec City is more touristy than Lancaster and is popular for its charming streets and classic Old Town. Also, Quebec City is famous for Château Frontenac. Lancaster is well known for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Lancaster different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Lancaster. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

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

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Quebec City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lancaster makes for a great culinary experience. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

Is Lancaster or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Quebec City is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Quebec City has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is Lancaster or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Lancaster does not have a historic old town.

Quebec City offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Lancaster does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lancaster or Quebec City?

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Lancaster is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

Is Lancaster or Quebec City More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of superb scenery and beauty in both Lancaster and Quebec City.

With stunning beauty, Lancaster attracts visitors from all around. The countryside is beautiful, with preserved farmland, covered bridges, and beautiful gardens.

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.

Is Lancaster or Quebec City Better for Families?

Lancaster and Quebec City are both superb destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lancaster. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Quebec City is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Lancaster or Quebec City Better for Couples?

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Quebec City has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Lancaster is a very popular place to visit for couples. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

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

Quebec City is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lancaster is not known 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.

Lancaster is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by backpackers, the region offers a unique cultural experience.

Is Lancaster or Quebec City Better for Students?

Quebec City is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Lancaster is not popular with students.

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

Lancaster is not popular with students.

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

Quebec City is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Lancaster is not known for its public transit.

While Quebec City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses and ferries around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Is Lancaster or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known for its walkability.

Quebec City is a very easy city to get around on foot. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.

Lancaster is generally not very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Lancaster?

How long in Lancaster or Quebec City?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the picturesque town of Lancaster. 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 Lancaster or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Lancaster. This 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 Lancaster or Quebec City?

The picturesque town of Lancaster offers museums and food. 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 historical 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 Lancaster or Quebec City?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Lancaster. 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 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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly 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 Lancaster and Quebec City, we can see that Lancaster 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 Lancaster would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lancaster 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 Lancaster Expensive? and Is Quebec City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Quebec City?

Quebec City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Lancaster 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.