Our relaxed, early morning travel style is something we love, so much so, we wrote a blog and 2 free downloadable travel guides on it, “Your Daily Slow Travel Planner + Bonus Slow Morning Blueprint” request your free copies at the top of the page or through one of our pop ups.
For more on Quebec City, checkout our other posts “17 Best Things to do in Quebec City, Canada: Explore and Experience”, and “Your Weekend Getaway to Quebec City, Canada: Including detailed Itinerary & Walking Tours”.
For any activities, including, walking or food tours, entry tickets, cooking classes, hop-on-hop-off bus tours, half-day tours and more, checkout GetYourGuide, Viator, Expedia.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a booking or purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend places, experiences, and products that we have personally used or genuinely believe add value to a trip.
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Where to Stay while in Quebec City
- Where to Enjoy Some Great Food
- Essential Local & General Travel Tips
- Best Photo Spots in Quebec City (With Tips)
- Our Fav Photo from our time in Quebec City
- How to Make Traditional Tourtière
- References
- The Wrap up
L’entrecote Saint-Jean
Bistro 1640
1. Introduction:
There’s something magical about Quebec City in the early morning. Before the cafés fill and the tour groups arrive, the city almost feels like stepping back in time — soft golden light hitting centuries-old stone buildings, the scent of fresh croissants drifting through quiet streets, and the sound of church bells echoing across Old Quebec. It’s one of the few places in North America that genuinely feels like a little taste of Europe.
For travelers and photographers alike, Quebec City rewards relaxed mornings, comfortable walking shoes, and wandering without rushing. Whether you’re planning a cozy winter escape, a summer food trip, or a photography-focused weekend, this guide covers the best places to stay, eat, and photograph — along with practical local tips that make your visit smoother. We also share our favourite photo from our time in this historical city.
Château Frontenac
2. Where to Stay in Quebec City:
Choosing where to stay in Quebec City can shape your experience. Old Quebec places you in the heart of the historic charm, while Lower Town and surrounding neighborhoods offer a more local and relaxed atmosphere. Often booking within the old town walls, may be more expensive, so staying a little bit outside the walls still allows you to get around easily on foot. If you are travelling with your family or a group of friends you could look at VRBO and book a vacation home or apartment, for a more affordable experience, plus that would allow you to make some meals in, also saving you some money. You can also checkout Expedia or Hotels.com if you register an account with them, they both give discounts and with Expedia, every booking earns you travel dollars to use on your next trip. We used Hotels.com on one of our visits to Quebec City and got a great deal on the Château Frontenac, so worth a look.
Luxury Hotels –
4.2/5
1 Rue des Carrières.
The most iconic hotel in Quebec City — and arguably one of the most photographed hotels in Canada. Built in 1893 by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company and perched above the St. Lawrence River, the Château Frontenac offers incredible views, historic elegance, and unbeatable access to Dufferin Terrace and Old Quebec. You are right in the heart of things here, definitely a luxury experience, we really enjoyed out stay here. Checkout Hotels.com or Expedia to see if you can find a deal.
4.8/5
8 Rue Saint-Antoine.
A refined boutique luxury hotel in Lower Town near Petit-Champlain. The hotel beautifully blends modern design with historical character and is one of the city’s most highly rated stays. Perfect for couples and location.
Boutique Hotels –
4.9/5
126 Rue Saint-Pierre.
A beautifully designed boutique hotel in Lower Town with exposed brick, modern interiors, and a calm atmosphere ideal for travelers who prefer quieter stays with thoughtful touches and attentive staff.
4.6/5
49 Rue d’Auteuil.
A charming historic hotel inside Old Quebec near the city walls. Elegant, quiet, and within walking distance to Château Frontenac and all of the must-see sights. Paid parking is close, good breakfast, clean and helpful staff.
4.4/5
575 Grande Allée E.
Located just outside the busy tourist core, this stylish boutique hotel offers easier parking access and a quieter atmosphere while remaining close to the Plains of Abraham and Old Quebec. It is on a lively section of Grande Allée E. with bars, restaurants, and cafés. Clean, cozy rooms with friendly staff. They have a restaurant and bar on the first floor, with great cocktails and a large second story patio that was cozy and relaxing.
Mid-Range Hotels –
Rating 4.3/5
44 Côte du Palais.
A polished and reliable stay near Rue St. Jean with spacious rooms and excellent walkability. It has a restaurant, pool and welcoming staff.
Rating 4.1/5
395 Rue de la Couronne.
Located in Saint-Roch, this hotel is ideal for travellers wanting a more local, creative neighborhood filled with cafés, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s a 1.5km or 20mins walk to old town (with some stairs involved). So if you don’t mind the walk, this could be a good option.
Rating 3.7/5
1225 Cours du Général-de-Montcalm.
This is a large 26 story hotel with a revolving restaurant on the top floor. It’s in a good spot, located between Grande Allée E. and the Plains of Abraham, and an easy walk into old town. We stayed here on our first trip to Quebec City and quite liked it, but there are some reviews that mention that it is dated, so if interested you could look more into that.
Vacation Rental –
Rating 4.98/5
This is an 1800’s home, fully renovated, sleeps 12 comfortably, with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, full large living/dining rooms and great kitchen with huge island. We stayed here and we were a group of 7 people and had lots of room, really enjoyed it, was easy to make meals, and relax all together in the evenings. It was a 20 mins, 1.3km walk into Old Quebec, with cafés, restaurants, shops, and parks along the way, although there are some stairs involved here too.
Le Cochon Dingue
Le Lapin Sauté
La Buche
3. Where to Eat in Quebec City:
Quebec City’s food scene mixes French influence, Québecois comfort food, artisanal bakeries, and increasingly excellent vegan options. If there is a restaurant you really want to try, make sure you make reservations ahead of time. There are a lot of restaurants, cafés and bakeries in the city, so if something piques your interest, give it a try, our list here is of some places we tried and enjoyed or some that came highly recommended to us.
Rue St. Jean Favorites –
Rating 4.4/5
1110 Rue Saint-Jean.
A cozy restaurant specializing in boreal-inspired cuisine (Locally sourced and foraged ingredients) using regional herbs, berries, mushrooms & syrups. Try the Boreal cocktails.
Rating 4.3/5
1097 Rue Saint-Jean.
One of the city’s most loved bakeries for croissants, espresso, sandwiches, and pastries. Perfect for breakfast, but go early as they get busy, they open at 6:00am.
Rating 4.7/5
575 Rue Saint-Jean.
A minimalist café with beautiful natural light and excellent specialty coffee. Located outside the old town walls.
Rating 4.2/5
1190 Rue Saint-Jean.
Perfect for lunch or dinner, their dishes are prepared with local, organic and gluten-free ingredients. They actually have gardens and bee hives on their roof, which they produce and use in their dishes. We ate here, was delicious and had great service, they are open until 10:00pm.
Rating 4.0/5
1080 Rue Saint-Jean
This is a Parisian style bistro, with a specialty of steak, and fries, with secret sauce, we’ve been to this style of restaurant in different parts of France and have always loved it, simple and delicious. This restaurant is located within the old town walls and has indoor and outdoor seating.
Upper Town –
Rating 4.2/5
16 Rue Sainte-Anne.
Great location, right across from the Place d’Armes, with views of the Château Frontenac, in a beautiful historic building with a large outdoor patio. Interesting menu, mainly French cuisine, try the French onion soup. Open 8:30am to 10:00pm, so great for any meal.
Rating 4.0/5
Dufferin Terrace
They are located in a kiosk on the Dufferin Terrace. They offer sandwiches, specialty coffees, teas, cold drinks, pastries, maple products and most importantly, gelato. Which is delivered by Tutto Gelato, at 716 Rue Saint-Jean (You could also check them out). The gelato is delicious and perfect for a walk along the terrace!
Rating 4.7/5
1 Rue des Carrières
Located inside the Château Frontenac, they offer a full High Tea experience, was delicious, especially the scones with cream and jams, good variety of food and teas. This was a splurge, but was a fun activity that we enjoyed, if this interests you it would likely be worth it, but reservations would be need in advance.
Lower Town Restaurants –
Rating 4.6/5
52 Rue du Petit-Champlain.
A charming Lower Town restaurant known for its comforting French-Canadian dishes and cozy unique outdoor seating. Renowned for their rabbit meat pie.
Rating 4.4/5
46 Boulevard Champlain.
A lively and cozy Québecois restaurant perfect for brunch or a casual dinner. There are other locations around the city, but this location is quite unique. We sat outside and enjoyed the atmosphere.
Rating 4.3/5
23 Rue Notre-Dame.
A relaxing morning isn’t complete without a proper coffee stop. This café offers cozy indoor and outdoor seating. Located in Place-Royale, this is a perfect spot to start your day, sipping on a coffee or tea, with a homemade treat and soaking in this historical square, where Quebec City began. There are other locations around the city, but this one was our favourite. We really enjoyed it here but go early or you may not get a seat, they open at 7:00am.
Rating 4.3/5
29 Rue Saint-Pierre.
This pub has an interesting underground, stone cellar feel with a great drink menu, and pub food. Could be good for a meal or just for a drink and the cool atmosphere.
Rue Saint-Louis Favourites –
Rating 4.2/5
49 Rue Saint-Louis.
A fun and rustic Québecois restaurant close to Château Frontenac with hearty comfort food and a cozy atmosphere. Try the Tourtière here, it’s amazing.
Rating 4.4/5
34 Rue Saint-Louis.
Located in the city’s oldest house, dating back to 1675, it is known for it’s fine dining, old-fashioned Quebecois cuisine, and famous for its Tourtière du Lac. So great food and atmosphere.
Rating 4.3/5
44 Rue Saint-Louis.
Very cute Italian restaurant, pizzas, pasta, seafood pasta, salads and more. Indoor and some outdoor seating,
Vegan-Friendly Restaurants –
4.6/5
97 Rue du Sault-au-Matelot.
One of the city’s best vegan restaurants serving colorful and creative plant-based comfort food. Great whether you’re vegan or not.
Rating 4.8/5
1099 3e Avenue.
A stylish vegan sushi restaurant with creative presentation and excellent reviews.
Rue sous-le-fort
The Christmas Shop
4. Essential Local & General Travel Tips for Quebec City:
Transportation Tips & Info –
Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport
505 Rue Principale.
Located about 20–30 minutes from Old Quebec by taxi or rideshare.
Gare du Palais
450 Rue de la Gare-du-Palais.
The city’s main Via Rail station connecting Quebec City with Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto. Built in 1915 by the Canadian Pacific Railway company in the same style as the Château Frontenac, so it is quite impressive. It’s about a 5 mins drive from the train station to the middle of Upper Town or a 10-15mins walk, with an uphill section. So, a good option depending on where you are staying.
6001 Rue Laurier, Lévis. &
10 Rue des Traversiers, Québec.
The Quebec–Lévis ferry offers one of the best skyline views of the city and is especially beautiful at sunset. Another option, if interested, is to stay on the Lévis side of the river, if Quebec City is a stopover on your way out east, it is an easy off the highway stop, then you could park at the ferry terminal for the day and head over to Old Town to explore.
16 Rue du Petit-Champlain.
The Old Quebec Funicular connects Upper Town and Lower Town, making it easier to avoid steep hills and staircases. Cost is $6 per person/ride, great views, operates from 7:30am to 11:00pm. If you just want to do one trip for the experience you could walk down the Breakneck Stairs, then take the Funicular once ready to go back up, saving the climb up the stairs.
Especially useful if:
- Dealing with Luggage
- Traveling in winter
- Managing mobility concerns
Public Washrooms –
Reliable public washrooms can be found at:
Dufferin Terrace Facilities
1 Rue des Carrières, Québec City. Frontenac Staircase near the Frontenac Kiosk.
Near Place Royale
19 Rue Notre-Dame, Québec City.
Petit-Champlain area
There are two, at 56 & 64 Blvd Champlain
Gare du Palais (train station)
450 Rue de la Gare-du-Palais, Québec City.
Tourist Information Centre
12 Rue Sainte-Anne, Québec City.
Click here for more public washroom options.
Tourist Information Office –
12 Rue Sainte-Anne, Québec City.
Located directly across from Château Frontenac, this is the best place for:
- Walking maps
- Event schedules
- Ferry information
- Transit help
- Local recommendations
Public Parking Garages –
Public Parking inside Old Quebec is limited and expensive, so parking outside the walls and walking in is often much easier, unless you have parking arrangements with your accommodations.
Parking Canotiers
40 Rue Dalhousie, Québec City.
Ideal for exploring Petit-Champlain and Lower Town.
Place D’Youville Parking Garage
965 Rue D’Youville, Québec City.
A convenient option for entering Old Quebec through Saint-Jean Gate.
Public Parking
56 Rue D’Auteuil, Québec City.
Located just inside the Old Town walls, near Porte Kent.
Accessibility Tips –
Quebec City is beautiful but challenging in some areas due to:
- Cobblestone streets
- Hills
- Narrow sidewalks
- Winter ice
Helpful tips:
- Wear supportive shoes with grip.
- Use the funicular instead of steep staircases.
- Plan slower-paced walking days.
- Stay in Upper Town for easier navigation.
What to Wear –
Quebec City is extremely walkable, so comfortable shoes are essential.
Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Layers for changing weather
- Light rain jacket or umbrella
- Winter boots, warmer jacket, hat, & mitts, if visiting December–March
- Small backpack or cross-body bag
Rolling luggage can sometimes be difficult on the cobblestone, if walking a longer distance, so keep that in mind.
Best of each season –
Spring
- Fewer crowds
- Blooming trees
- Crisp mornings
Summer
- Festivals
- Outdoor patios
- Longer daylight hours
Fall
- Beautiful foliage
- Cooler temperatures
- Excellent photography light
Winter
- Snow-covered historic streets
- Christmas markets
- Cozy cafés
- Magical European atmosphere
General Travel Tips –
Using Points:
Whether it’s Airmiles, Aeroplan, hotel chains, or credit card points, collect them religiously and use them for travel!! We have stayed in some amazing places using points, some we normally wouldn’t have even looked at because of the price, we’ve used points for flights and rental cars too. They are so satisfying to use, but you have to get to know what is a good value and what isn’t. For example, if you’re using Airmiles for flights, the points cover the flight cost and you pay the taxes, so generally the taxes cost us in the range of $200/$300, which is reasonable, but if we fly to Europe from Canada, the taxes were over $700, (we were told this was because their airport taxes were higher) we were shocked, it didn’t make sense to use the points for that, so you have to get to know how to best work you’re points, but once you do, you’ll be hooked!
Start your off Day Early:
Start your day off early, this will always be our suggestion! When we say early, we’re talking 6:30/7:00am, but we know that’s not for everyone, so just get started as early as you can and always keep in mind open/closing hours and open/closing days for the attractions that you really want to see. If there is something you really want a photo of without people in the shot, start there! For more information on the advantages of getting up early, check out our posts “Three Significant Reasons to Get Up Early, while Travelling” & “How to See More, Avoid Crowds and Capture Better Photos”.
Speaking the Language:
For some people speaking different languages comes easy and for some, it does not, I’m the latter. Although it’s not easy, we always make an effort to learn at least the pleasantries when we’re travelling. It’s one of our many favourite things to do! We also carry a language pocketbook with us, and we have google translate on our phones! We also like the free language app, Duolingo for some fun!
Phone service:
When travelling in Europe we use Hippocket Wifi, but they also service Canada and the United States. So, for people travelling to Canada from another country, this could be a good option for you. They are based in France, but you can simply order it online and they ship it directly to you 3-5 days before you leave for your trip. It comes with a small carrying case, charger, (including a car charger if needed) and an addressed, stamped return mailing envelope, so you simply drop it off in the mailbox at the airport before heading home. The great thing about this is that if you are traveling with other people, you can all use it and share in the cost or if you’re a family you can all use it. You can have up to 8-10 users at the same time. If you have multiple users, I recommend getting the unlimited options, as the 1GB/day option may not be enough. The unlimited works out to be approximately 7.00 to 9.00 euros per day, including all shipping, (because they are based in France, they charge you in euros). It’s a great option, check it out here!
**Any pricing, opening/closing hours and days listed here are as of May 2026 and are subject to change, so be sure to check before you go. I like this website: for all your current information, Quebec-cite.com.
Umbrella Alley
Views from Parc Montmorency
5. Best Photo Spots, in Quebec City (With Tips):
Sunrise
- Dufferin Terrace
- Petit-Champlain
- Breakneck Stairs
- Rue du Cul-de-Sac
- Place-Royale
Sunset
- Lévis Ferry
- Old Port Quebec
- Terrasse Pierre-Dugua-De Mons
- Parc Montmorency
Best Streets for Photography
- Rue St. Jean
- Rue St. Louis
- Rue Petit-Champlain
- Rue Sous-le-Fort
- Rue du Cul-de-Sac
Photography Tip: Start Early
One of the best things you can do in Quebec City is wake up early at least once during your trip (we say this a lot).
Before 8 AM:
- Streets are quieter.
- Popular spots are less crowded.
- The light is softer and more flattering.
- Cafés feel calmer.
- You’ll capture more and better photos.
There is so much to photography in this beautiful, historical walled city –
- the architecture
- murals
- squares (like Place-Royale)
- the iconic Château Frontenac
- views from the Dufferin Terrace
- parks, like Parc Montmorency
- hidden streets and corners
- old doors and windows
- the garden flowers on the Plains of Abraham
- the fountain near the Parliament buildings
- some of the pretty cafés
- long shots of some of the pretty cobblestone streets
- breakneck stairs
- the Funicular
- the hanging umbrellas on Rue du cul-de-sac
- Saint-Jean Gate, Porte Kent and Saint-Louis Gate
- Inside and outside of the Citadelle
- Views from the ferry
- Views from the park in Lévis
- Multiple gorgeous churches
6. Our Fav Photo we took while exploring this historical City:
There are so many great places to take photos in and around this walled city, but for us Place-Royale is something extra special. This small quaint square exudes European charm, the architecture, shutters, window boxes, the dormer windows, the soft colours, and cobblestone, all add up to perfection. So, choosing our favourite photo from this location wasn’t surprising. This photo reflects all of the above, plus we loved the early morning light pouring into the square from the alleyway, the combination of the sun and shade, the blue sky above, the bike, and the bust of King Louis the X1V, right in the middle. Best of all it was pretty much empty, coming early really paid off. We decided to take the photo in portrait as there was construction going on to the right and we were trying to avoid it. As far as edits, the only thing we did was enhance it, it didn’t really need anything else. We hope you enjoy photographing this city as much as we did.
7. How to Make Traditional Quebec Tourtière:
Tourtière is a classic French-Canadian meat pie that originated in Québec, where it has been a beloved comfort food for generations. Traditionally made with seasoned ground meats baked in a flaky pastry crust, this hearty dish became especially popular during holiday gatherings across Québec and Eastern Canada. Named after the deep dish it was once baked in, tourtière has evolved into many regional variations over the years, but it remains a cherished symbol of Québécois cuisine and family tradition. Checkout our take on this traditional treasure, “How to Make Traditional Quebec Tourtière” (coming May 26th).
Plan. Travel. Capture.
8. References:
For our Quebec City travel planning, we leaned on a mix of our own experiences, trusted guidebooks, including DK Eyewitness Top 10 Montreal & Quebec City, which helped shape our itinerary, and must-see sights. In addition, it’s helpful to reference official tourism websites, (quebec-cite.com) attraction sites, public transportation resources (like the trains, buses, and ferries), and a few local food blogs to see what local foods piques your interest. Google Maps for driving and walking distances, and tour apps for the activities, like Get Your Guide, Viator and Expedia. We hope you find these tips & recommendations helpful for planning your own trip to this historical city.
Le Chic Shack
Rue Saint Jean
Polina Pizzeria
9. The Wrap Up:
Quebec City is a place best experienced slowly. It’s a city for wandering side streets without a strict itinerary, lingering over coffee a little longer than planned, and waking up early enough to see the old streets before the city fills up.
For photographers, every season offers something different — snowy rooftops in winter, golden leaves in fall, flower-filled terraces in summer, and misty quiet mornings in spring. For travelers, it’s one of the most charming and atmospheric destinations in Canada.
Bring comfortable shoes, leave space in your itinerary for spontaneous café stops, and don’t rush. Quebec City rewards travelers who slow down to take it all in.
Our relaxed, early morning travel style is something we love, so much so, we wrote a blog and 2 free downloadable travel guides on it, “Your Daily Slow Travel Planner + Bonus Slow Morning Blueprint” request your free copies at the top of the page or through one of our pop ups.
Plan Better. Travel Slower. Capture More.
Thank you,
Beth
Beth de Verteuil
Wild Meadow Studio
Plan. Travel. Capture.