DK Travel : Montréal and Québec City : Québec City

Europeans first settled here in 1609 , and throughout its 400-year history Québec City has been the focus of political struggle between the British and the French – a battle that still rages today in this home of French separatism. Yet despite this turmoil, with its beautiful riverside setting, heritage sites, and cobblestone streets – all of which earned it World Heritage status in 1985 – the city is a traveler’s dream. Poised upon the Cap Diamant escarpment overlooking both the St Lawrence River and les Laurentides, the city is home to a Francophone population rich in cultural pride and exuberance, magnificent architecture, preserved churches and monuments, fine cuisine and numerous opportunities for outdoor adventure.

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47e Parallèle Resto International

European-style dishes fine-tuned by the owner/chef.
A Day Exploring the Old Town

Morning

Start your day at Château Frontenac for a breathtaking view of the St Lawrence River, Basse-Ville, Vieux-Port and Ile d’Orléans in the distance. Immediately beside the hotel runs Terrasse-Dufferin (see Les Glissades de la Terrasse-Dufferin), a boardwalk clinging to the rock escarpment complete with ornate Parisian-style street lamps. After taking in the exhilarating surroundings, stroll through the Jardins des Gouverneurs and look for monuments to Wolfe and Montcalm, generals in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham (see Moments in History).

Go back along Terrasse-Dufferin to Quartier Petit-Champlain, the oldest merchant district in North America, with a dazzling variety of boutiques and souvenir shops.

Enjoy a mouthwatering seafood lunch at Le Marie-Clarisse (see Le Marie-Clarisse).

Afternoon

If you want to stretch your legs after lunch, follow the natural flow of the land to the waterfront, head left along rue Dalhousie and the Vieux-Port and turn left at rue St-André. Here you’ll find the delights of Marché du Vieux-Port, where you could easily spend the rest of the afternoon, sampling the local treats.

For an early evening drink, there is no better spot to finish your tour than the Aviatic Club bar/restaurant in the elegant train station (450 rue de la Gare-du-Palais • Map K4).
Au petit coin breton

The ambiance of Brittany comes to life here as the staff don traditional costumes to serve you their famous crêpes filled with seafood, chicken, cheese or fruit.
Bar de l’Auteuil

Live music concerts ranging from alternative rock to Celtic to jazz and blues can be enjoyed every evening at this cavernous bar. Catering to an energetic crowd, it’s a great place for travelers to meet new friends.
Basilique Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

This mammoth cathedral site is busy throughout the year with religious pilgrims, following the legacy of answered prayers touted by those who have visited this beautiful shrine (see Basilique Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré).
Bastion du Roy Lookout

Come here for incredible views of Ile d’Orléans, the St Lawrence River, Mont Sainte-Anne and the South Shore.
Bouche Bée

A quirky café jammed with locals enjoying good-value healthy soups, sandwiches and salads. Try the three-cheese quiche.
Café de la Terrasse

With a breathtaking view of the St Lawrence River, this hotel café is continually popular (see Fairmont le Manoir Richelieu, La Malbaie).
Café du Monde

Step inside this bistro, with its waterside location and great food, and you could imagine yourself in Paris itself. Try black pudding with apple compote.
Café Krieghoff

If you wish to venture into the heart of Québec City’s artistic community, there is no better place than a seat at this convivial café. Light meals and strong coffee. B&B accommodations too.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with a glass of house wine, and all unavoidable extra charges including tax.
- under $20
- $20–$40
- $40–$55
- $55–$80
- over $80