A Perfect Weekend in Québec City: What to See, Do & Eat

Day 1: Discovering the Heart of Old Québec

Morning: Wake Up to History at Place Royale

Start your first morning at Place Royale, the historic birthplace of French civilization in North America. The square is flanked by 17th-century stone buildings, flower boxes, and the charming Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, one of the oldest in Canada.

Travel Tip: Grab your first croissant and café au lait at La Maison Smith on the corner. Sit outside if the weather allows and soak in the European vibe.

From Place Royale, make your way up the Breakneck Stairs (Escalier Casse-Cou) to Dufferin Terrace. Don’t worry, they’re not as scary as they sound — just a steep and iconic shortcut to Upper Town with fantastic photo ops along the way.

Midday: Château Frontenac & Dufferin Terrace

At the top of the stairs sits the magnificent Château Frontenac, arguably the most photographed hotel in the world. This Fairmont property dominates Québec City’s skyline and offers stunning views from its clifftop perch.

Optional: Take a short guided tour of the Château’s interior to learn about its rich history, or treat yourself to a fancy coffee or wine flight at 1608 Wine & Cheese Bar.

Right outside is Dufferin Terrace, a long boardwalk perfect for a scenic stroll overlooking the St. Lawrence River. If you’re visiting in summer, don’t miss the street performers or a peek at the uncovered remains of Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux beneath the boardwalk.

Lunch: Farm-to-Table at Bistro L’Orygine

Head to nearby Bistro L’Orygine for a fresh, organic lunch made with local Québecois ingredients. The seasonal menu features creative dishes like beet tartare, roasted vegetables, and grilled seafood — all beautifully plated.

The dining room is light and modern, with touches of greenery and a laid-back elegance perfect for midday relaxation.

Afternoon: Petit-Champlain & Boutique Hopping

After lunch, head back down to Quartier Petit-Champlain, one of the oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods in North America. Its narrow pedestrian streets are lined with boutiques, art galleries, and artisan shops. You’ll find hand-knit woolens, handmade soaps, maple delicacies, and locally designed homewares.

Don’t Miss:

• La Petite Cabane à Sucre de Québec – for maple syrup and sweets

• Boutique Amimoc – for Canadian-made moccasins

• Le Forgeron d’Or – a jewelry boutique with a working goldsmith

This area is a dream for photographers — think hanging lanterns, ivy-draped stone buildings, and fairy lights strung between rooftops. It’s especially magical in the early evening when the sun begins to set.

Evening: A Cozy French Dinner at Le Lapin Sauté

Tucked in the heart of Petit-Champlain, Le Lapin Sauté is a warm, rustic bistro specializing in rabbit and duck dishes. The ambiance is intimate and inviting, with flickering candles, vintage decor, and a beautiful terrace in the warmer months.

Try the rabbit poutine (a local twist on a classic), or go all in with duck confit and a glass of regional wine.

Pro Tip: Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

After dinner, take a romantic walk through the Place Royale lit up at night, or grab a digestif at Bar Artefact inside the Auberge Saint-Antoine — a bar set within an archeological site with visible 17th-century artifacts built into the walls.

Day 2: Waterfalls, Island Life & Street Scenes

Morning: Montmorency Falls & Île d’Orléans

Begin your second day with a short 15-minute ride to Montmorency Falls (Chute Montmorency). At 83 meters high, it’s taller than Niagara and absolutely breathtaking. You can admire the falls from the suspension bridge above, the base below, or even zipline across it if you’re feeling adventurous.

After soaking in the views, continue to Île d’Orléans, a pastoral island just across the bridge. This is a haven for food lovers, with roadside stands selling strawberries, maple butter, cider, cheese, and fresh-baked bread.

Highlights on Île d’Orléans:

• Cassis Monna & Filles – blackcurrant liqueur and wine

• Vignoble Ste-Pétronille – a scenic vineyard with wine tastings

• Les Fromages de l’Isle d’Orléans – Canada’s first cheese!

Even if you only spend an hour or two driving around the island, you’ll get a peaceful contrast to the bustle of Old Québec.

Lunch: Nordic Cuisine at Chez Boulay – Bistro Boréal

Back in the city, stop for lunch at Chez Boulay, a celebrated restaurant that specializes in boreal cuisine — inspired by ingredients foraged from Québec’s forests and rivers.

Think: wild mushrooms, boreal spices, sea buckthorn, and local game. It’s upscale but unpretentious, and a true culinary experience.

Afternoon: Rue Saint-Jean & Chocolate Tasting

After lunch, take a walk along Rue Saint-Jean, one of the liveliest streets in Québec City. This area is great for gift shopping, casual cafés, and vintage stores.

Pop into Érico Chocolatier — part artisan chocolate shop, part chocolate museum. You can sip on a thick European-style hot chocolate or pick up a sampler of handmade truffles.

Also nearby is J.A. Moisan, the oldest grocery store in North America. It’s a delightfully preserved shop full of gourmet treats, old-world ambiance, and hard-to-find local products.

Evening: Last Night in Old Québec

For your final dinner, treat yourself to a refined meal at Laurie Raphaël, one of Québec City’s best fine dining experiences. The tasting menu showcases the terroir of Québec with thoughtful presentation and sommelier-paired wines.

If you prefer something more casual, Casse-Crêpe Breton on Rue Saint-Jean offers comforting sweet and savory crepes made fresh to order. Grab one to go and stroll the cobbled streets one last time.

Wrap up your trip with a ride on the Old Québec Funicular back down to Lower Town — the city looks magical at night, lit up against the river.

Where to Stay in Québec City

Luxury:

• Fairmont Le Château Frontenac – Historic and iconic, it’s worth the splurge for its location and grandeur.

Boutique:

• Auberge Saint-Antoine – A beautifully designed hotel built around historic ruins with impeccable service.

Charming & Affordable:

• Hôtel Manoir Victoria – Cozy rooms, indoor pool, and central location in the heart of the action.

Helpful Travel Tips

• Language: Most people speak French, but you can get by with English.

• Currency: Canadian dollars (CAD). Credit cards are widely accepted.

• Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall for walking weather, or December to February for a snowy, festive vibe.

• Getting Around: Old Québec is extremely walkable. Uber and public transit can take you to further sights like Montmorency Falls.

What to Pack

• Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones everywhere)

• A light jacket or layers (weather can shift quickly)

• A reusable water bottle

• Your camera — you’ll want to capture everything

Final Thoughts

A weekend in Québec City is like taking a breath of fresh, French-infused air. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, wander without a plan, and let yourself be charmed by historic beauty, warm hospitality, and unforgettable food. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, this 48-hour itinerary will help you experience the best of the city — with just the right mix of iconic sights and hidden gems.

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