As the capital of the French-speaking province of Canada, Quebec City is a truly multicultural destination. Set within the Province of Quebec, the city is divided by the Saint Lawrence River.
Quebec City has a great deal of history to explore. With buildings dating back to the early 1600’s, many parts of the city allow travelers to feel like they are stepping back in time. The laid-back, French feel to the city plays a big role in this. Despite being a large metropolis, Quebec retains the feel of a provincial French town. To experience this atmosphere at its most prevalent, travelers must venture into Old Quebec. With its narrow streets flanked by townhouses featuring soft stone facades, Old Quebec is quintessentially French Canadian.
Away from the old town, there is a more modern side of Quebec City to explore. Discovering the neighborhoods has never been easier. Thanks to the efficient public transport network, travelers can experience the city like locals – cheaply and easily. The RTC covers the whole city and tickets cost just $3.50 each, taking you to wherever you need to go within 90-minutes or less.
Let’s take a look at where to stay in Quebec City so you can spend more time planning all the fun.
Old Quebec
Source: almanino / shutterstockOld Quebec is the most authentic place to stay in Quebec City, especially for travelers who want to experience the French culture first-hand. Built within fort walls of the 17th Century, Old Quebec is home to the highest density of historical landmarks in the city.
The cathedral – one of the most iconic landmarks in Quebec City – can be found in the Old Town. Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral was built in 1647 and has been under almost constant renovation ever since. This beacon of the neighborhood is one of the highlights of a trip to Quebec City.
Another must-visit spot in Old Quebec is the Parliament Building. For those who like to explore, learn, and stick to a budget, this is a great place to visit. There are multiple free guided tours of the complex throughout the day, in both English and French.
Naturally, being the heart of the city, Old Quebec can be rather expensive.
Good For: Active Travelers, Big Budget Travelers, Budding Historians, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, Families, First Time Visitors, Whistle-Stop Travelers,
Neighborhood Highlights: Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica Cathedral, Parliament Building, Quartier Petit Champlain, Museum of Civilization, Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site of Canada, La Citadelle de Québec, Old Port Quebec City, Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec, Naval Museum of Québec
Hotel Recommendations:
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac – In keeping with the French feel of Old Quebec, Fairmont Le Chateaux Frontenac is set within one of the most regal chateaux buildings in the neighborhood. Set high upon the hill, Fairmont Le Chateau offers beautiful views of the city below and boasts simply exquisite decor throughout.
Hotel Sainte-Anne – Hotel Sainte-Anne is a fabulous hotel in the Old Quebec neighborhood. There is an urban bar serving beers on tap. The in-house restaurant offers a wonderful selection of dishes. Many of the rooms have an alpine ski-resort feel, with slate or bricked feature walls.
Hotel Chateau Bellevue – Hotel Chateau Bellevue is a very good option in Old Quebec. Featuring European decor and quintessentially Canadian hospitality, Hotel Chateau Bellevue is a real home away from home. The decor is wonderful – there is a hardwood desk in every room and leather chairs too. There is also an in-house wine bar.
Saint Roch
Source: CL-Medien / shutterstockFor hip and trendy travelers, the choice of where to stay in Quebec City is obvious – it’s Saint Roche. Sitting to the eastern perimeter of Old Quebec, Saint Roche is a hive of activity at seemingly all hours of the day.
Travelers seeking to experience Quebec City in the most authentic of ways will fall for Saint Roche in every possible way. It offers the best of both worlds, truly. The major sights and must-visit landmarks of Quebec City lie just steps away in Old Quebec. All the while, the neighborhood itself is brimming with explorative opportunities.
Fashionistas, coffee culture travelers and street photographers will feel right at home in Saint Roch. There are numerous lively bars and quaint boutiques to explore. This is where old meets new, and the result is an exciting neighborhood for travelers to explore.
Jean-Paul L’Allier Garden is a wonderful spot for a picnic lunch and to meet locals.
Good For: Active Travelers, Budget Travelers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, Fashionistas, First Time Visitors, Foodies, Party People, Whistle-Stop Travelers,
Neighborhood Highlights: Jean-Paul L’Allier Garden, The Mausoleum of Louis-Joseph de Montcalm, Église catholique Saint-Roch, Gabrielle-Roy Library, Martello Tower 4, Le Bureau de Poste Restaurant, Le Barberie Bar
Hotel Recommendations:
Hotel PUR – Hotel PUR is a very good hotel in Saint Roch. Guests can explore with peace of mind, thanks to the laptop and valuables safe in each room. There are wonderful amenities offered as standard at Hotel PUR. Each room has an iPod docking station, a 32’’ TV and free WiFi.
Les Lofts de la Cité – Offering travelers a true home away from home, Les Lofts de la Cité is a great option in Saint-Roch. There are loft-style apartments available, as well as a studio apartment. Each unit comes with a large double bed and sofa bed. Up to four guests can share one unit at a time.
Hotel Royal William – Hotel Royal William is a simple and homely hotel on Boulevard Charest Est. The rooms come with plump pillows and thick duvets. All accommodation options feature a private ensuite bathroom and free WiFi. There is a fitness center in-house and a restaurant that serves authentic Québécois cuisine.
Saint-Jean-Baptise
Source: booking.comSaint-Jean-Baptise is a great neighborhood in Quebec City for laid-back travelers who take a new destination in their stride. Sandwiched between Old Quebec and Saint-Roch, Saint-Jean-Baptise offers an eclectic mix of traditional ambiance and modern food culture.
From Uber-cool bars to suave bistros, Saint-Jean-Baptise has the food scene down pat. Along the neighborhood’s most famous street, Rue Saint-Jean, travelers will find some of the best French cafes in all of Quebec City. Popular spots for locals and visitors alike include The Bilig Crêperie and Fou-Bar.
While in Saint-Jean-Baptiste, it would be rude not to take a trip to the Chocolate Museum. At Musée du Chocolat, visitors can learn everything there is to know about the versatile cocoa bean. Foodies will adore Épicerie J.A. Moisan. This well-stocked shop is regarded as one of the best delicatessens in Quebec.
Good For: Active Travelers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, Fashionistas, Foodies, Like a Local Travelers, Mid-Budget Travelers, Party People,
Neighborhood Highlights: Musée du Chocolat, Parc Saint-Matthews, Épicerie J.A. Moisan, Observatoire de la Capitale, Henriette Belley Historical Plaque, Grand Theatre de Quebec, Park of French America, Martello Tower 2
Hotel Recommendations:
Chateau Des Tourelles – Chateau Des Tourelles is a superb hotel in Saint-Jean-Baptiste that can be found on Rue St-Jean itself. The rooms are as homely and welcoming as can be. The staff are wonderful and afford a personal welcome to all. Some rooms even have a private terrace and spa bath.
Delta Hotels by Marriot – Delta Hotels by Marriott is a great hotel in Saint-Jean-Baptiste. The rooms are bright and spacious – all have an incredibly comfortable bed and plump pillows. There is an outdoor swimming pool, open seasonally, and a great fitness center. There are family rooms available and spacious studio apartments too.
Hotel Le Vincent – Featuring French artwork throughout, Hotel Le Vincent encourages guests to embrace the French culture of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. Every room has its own espresso machine and there is a fridge for cold drinks. Walk-in shower units come as standard in every ensuite bathroom.
Beauport
Source: P199 / WikimediaFor an off-the-beaten-track place to stay in Quebec City, travelers could consider Beauport. As a suburb of Quebec City, Beauport offers visitors the opportunity to live like a local. The hotels in Beauport are somewhat more affordable than those in Old Quebec, and getting to the major must-visit sights is easy.
From Beauport, travelers can hop on the RTC and be in the heart of historic Quebec City in around half an hour. Sitting to the northeast of the city center, Beauport is a great place for travelers who have their own vehicle too.
Beauport is great for active travelers. Set back from the neighborhood center is the Le Relais Ski Field. This family-friendly run is open for lessons and private practice. To the north of the neighborhood, Club Gold Montmorency and Club de Golf Royal-Québec are lying in wait.
Good For: Active Travelers, Adventure Travelers, Couples, Families, Mid-Budget Travelers, Like a Local Travelers, Outdoorsy Travelers.
Neighborhood Highlights: Le Relais Ski Field, Club Gold Montmorency, Club de Golf Royal-Québec, Golf Beauport, Lac Beauport, La Maison Girardin, La Nativité de Notre-Dame de Beauport, Montmorency Falls, Island of Orleans
Hotel Recommendations:
Littoral Hotel & Spa – Modern and minimalist, Littoral Hotel & Spa is at the heart of Beauport and just five-kilometers from Old Quebec. Each room offers a unique design and free WiFi. All rooms have an ensuite bathroom and come with coffee-making facilities and a mini-fridge. Guests can chat with staff to help plan their itinerary.
Hotel Ambassadeur et Suites – Hotel Ambassadeur et Suites is a good hotel in Beaufort close to the river. The rooms are homely and cozy and all have an ensuite bathroom. There is a tropical atrium where guests are welcome to relax and unwind. Children can play in the indoor pool while their parents work out in the gym.
Gite Royal Dumontier – Set within a traditional colonial home, Gite Royal Dumontier is a 4-star bed and breakfast in Beauport. The whole hotel has ornate, opulent décor, typical of a French mansion. Most room rates include breakfast, which is served in a continental style. Complimentary toiletries and WiFi are offered to all.
Sainte-Foy
Source: Iberville / WikimediaSainte-Foy is one of the larger neighborhoods in Quebec City and has a lot to explore. For travelers who want to experience life like a local in Quebec City, while being able to visit the old town with ease, Sainte-Foy is the place to stay.
There are countless opportunities to go shopping in Sainte-Foy. Place Ste-Foy is a great starting point. Once travelers have exhausted their options there, head to Laurier Quebec for any brands that might have been missed.
Sainte-Foy is home to University Laval. The strong student population in Sainte-Foy provides a breath of fresh air. There is always something happening here, from live music nights to coffee-shop book clubs.
Parc Nautique de Cap-Rouge is a great place to head should a bit of fresh air and space be in order. From the park, visitors can enjoy views of the iconic Saint Lawrence River.
Good For: Active Travelers, Budget Travelers, City Slickers, Couples, Fashionistas, First Time Visitors, Foodies, Outdoorsy Travelers, Whistle-Stop Travelers.
Neighborhood Highlights: Place Ste-Foy Shopping Mall, Laurier Quebec Shopping Mall, Parc Nautique de Cap-Rouge, Club de golf L’Albatros Ste Foy, Aquarium of Quebec, Lac Saint-Augustin, Base de plein air de Sainte-Foy, Old Quebec
Hotel Recommendations:
L’Hotel Quebec – L’Hotel Quebec is a very good hotel in Sainte-Foy. There is an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, as well as an extensive gaming complex. The rooms are modern, featuring earthy tones and free WiFi. There is free parking available on site at L’Hotel Quebec and free WiFi throughout.
Hotel Sepia – Hotel Sepia is a great hotel option in Sainte-Foy for travelers seeking an affordable, unfussy option. The decor is modern and the whole place is immaculately clean. Every room features a work desk and a cozy seating area, in addition to an ensuite bathroom and 37’’ flat screen TV.
Hotel Plaza – Boasting a kids club, fully equipped gym, and a fantastic wine collection, Hotel Plaza is a gem of a home in Sainte-Foy. Guests can book into a room or one of the selections of luxury suites Hotel Plaza has on offer. There is an in-house restaurant and bar.
Les Rivieres
Source: booking.comComprised of five neighborhoods, Les Rivieres is an underrated place to stay in Quebec City. With dozens of RTC stations dotted around the neighborhoods, Les Rivieres is an adorable place to stay in Quebec City.
Being a little more homely than the inner city neighborhoods, staying in Les Rivieres offers travelers the chance to see the city how the locals do, and, of course, experience Canada’s famous hospitality.
From shopping malls to movie theatres, Les Rivieres has it all. Chauveau Park is possibly the jewel of Les Rivieres. This vast green parkland features dense forest areas and the fresh, fast-flowing St Charles River. For outdoor adventurers, Sarbayä makes for a great day out. This nature adventure park features zip lines and tree top fun for all the family.
iSaute Québec and Imaginarius Fun Center are both fun days out for young families. Neither breaks the bank either. The large Salon de Jeux de Québec casino is a fun playdate destination for the adults.
Good For: Active Travelers, Adventure Travelers, Couples, Families, Fun Loving Travelers Mid-Budget Travelers, Like a Local Travelers, Outdoorsy Travelers.
Neighborhood Highlights: Chauveau Park, Sarbayä Adventure Center,
iSaute Québec, Imaginarius Fun Center, Salon de jeux de Québec Casino, Centre d’art La Chapelle, Défi Laser Tag Arena
Hotel Recommendations:
Quality Suites – Unfussy and affordable, Quality Suites is a good place to stay in Les Rivieres. Offering everything the modern traveler could need, Quality Suites ticks all the right boxes. A complimentary hot breakfast is included in the room rate, as is WiFi and on-site parking. Family rooms are available.
Hotel & Suites Le Dauphin – Offering more than enough space to unpack and settle into a stay in Les Rivieres, Hotel & Suites Le Dauphin has a great selection of rooms. There is an indoor swimming pool and a basic but ample fitness center. The suites all feature an ensuite bathroom, a seating area, and a kitchenette.
Grand Times Hotel – Grand Times Hotel is one of the most upmarket hotel options in Les Rivieres. With beautifully decorated rooms and high standards of service, there is a lot to love about the Grand Times Hotel. There is an indoor swimming pool and fitness center. There is free on-site parking and free WiFi.
Quebec International Airport
Source: booking.comQuebec International Airport is close to the city center and, as has already been discussed, the public transport options in Quebec City are pretty impressive.
For travelers flying into Quebec City and quickly out again, the neighborhood surrounding Quebec International Airport seems a logical place to stay. Weary travelers need not travel far from the arrival lounge before they can rest their heads.
This slightly more residential area offers travelers an authentic look at life in Quebec City, and the opportunity to experience wonderful Canadian hospitality. Finally, with the RTC connecting travelers cheaply and efficiently to neighborhoods of greater cultural and historical significance, no one misses out on the action.
The Sainte-Foy neighborhood sits immediately below Jean-Lesage de Quebec Airport, so there is lots to see and do. A quick round of golf at Club de golf L’Albatros Ste Foy is a great way to blow the cobwebs away.
Good For: Business Travelers, Long Layovers, Early Departures
Neighborhood Highlights: Very close to Sainte-Foy
Hotel Recommendations:
Hotel Corfotel – Although nothing flashy from the outside, Hotel Corfotel is a modern and bright place to stay close to Jean-Lesage de Quebec Airport. The airport entrance is just a five-minute drive away. The rooms have a small fridge, coffee machine and a flat-screen TV complete with cable. All guests can enjoy complimentary WiFi.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham – Simple but ample, Howard Johnson is a great hotel that is just a few minute’s drive from Jean-Lesage de Quebec Airport. A complimentary breakfast is included in all room rates and features bread, cereal, waffles, fruits and more. There is free on-site parking and free WiFi throughout the hotel.
Hotel Quebec Inn – Chic and stylish, Hotel Quebec Inn is a modern hotel with all the amenities a traveler could ask for. There is an in-house restaurant and bar, as well as a swimming pool. All rooms feature a private bathroom, and some premium rooms feature a balcony or terrace. Free parking is available.