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

Should you visit Reno or Quebec City?

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

Should I visit Reno 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.

Reno

Reno is a growing, vibrant, and energetic city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Reno 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.

Reno and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Reno or Quebec City?

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

How is Reno different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Quebec City is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Reno 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.

Reno is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums in town range from art and history to local or quirky. The National Automobile Museum, the Nevada Museum of Art, Fleischmann Planetarium, and the Anthropology Museum are some of the favorites.

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

Quebec City is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Reno offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food scene has been growing in recent years and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants that serve hearty and filling comfort foods.

Is Reno or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Both Reno and Quebec City have very good vibes after the sun sets.

Reno has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There's a big nightlife scene with a huge number of bars and entertainment options. There are also a growing number of breweries in town.

The people in Quebec City know how to have a good time. 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 Reno or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Quebec City is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Reno does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Quebec City is one of the most recognized in 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.

Reno does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Reno or Quebec City?

Quebec City is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Reno 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.

Reno is a great destination for shopping. In addition to your standard suburban shopping malls and strip malls, there's the Midtown District, which has local retail shops and an eclectic and alternative vibe. The area has thrift shops, music vendors, and more.

Is Reno or Quebec City More Beautiful?

Quebec City is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Reno 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.

Reno is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Reno or Quebec City Better for Families?

Quebec City is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Reno. You'll find some arcades and entertainment options for kids in some of the casinos. There's also the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, which has kid-friendly, hands-on exhibits, and the largest zoo in Nevado, the Sierra Nevada Zoological Park.

Is Reno or Quebec City Better for Couples?

Quebec City is renowned for couples. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Reno is a nice destination for couples. There are outdoor parks and scenic walks like the Truckee River Walk or the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. There's also several great museums and some interesting restaurants.

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

Quebec City is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Reno 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.

Reno is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really on the backpacker circuit so you won't find any real hostels in town.

Is Reno or Quebec City Better for Students?

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

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

Reno is not popular with students.

Is Reno 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, Reno 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 Reno. There's a public bus system with routes around town.

Is Reno or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Quebec City is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Reno 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.

Reno is generally not very walkable. While there are some reasonably walkable neighborhoods, you really need a car to get around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Reno?

How long in Reno or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either Reno 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, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Reno, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the growing city of Reno. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Quebec City. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Reno or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Reno. 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Reno or Quebec City?

The vibrant city of Reno 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Quebec City. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Reno or Quebec City?

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

The charming city of Quebec City offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Reno or Quebec City?

Quebec City has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Reno. When comparing the sizes of Reno 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.