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The most photographed landmark in the city, this imposing hotel with its green copper roof is an architectural jewel designed by architect Bruce Price as a French-style château. Since it opened in 1893, the hotel has welcomed the rich, the famous and the noble through its doors and into its plush salons. Guided tours are available (see Fairmont Château Frontenac, Québec City).

Built as a military defence against the British in the 18th century, the striking stone gate (Porte Saint-Jean) is now a tourist draw from which visitors can access and walk for 4 km (3 miles) along the city’s ramparts. The area around the gate, also known as Quartier Montcalm, has an intense concentration of Québécois specialty merchants, as well as designer boutiques, cultural outlets and nightclubs. Bring your appetite too, because this zone is famous for its bistros and restaurants serving fine French cuisine.

Architect Moishe Safdie mirrored the surrounding neighborhood by incorporating the French Regime style in his design for this interesting building. Inside, however, it is another story – a futuristic world complete with a range of interactive exhibitions, as well as displays of folk art, religious icons, antique furniture in period settings, and everyday items that illustrate life in the city during its 400-year history. There are also collaborative exhibitions at Place Royale and the Musée de l’Amérique française, the additional space allowing for a more comprehensive program covering multiple themes and generations (see Musée de la Civilisation de Québec).

From the 31st floor of the Capital Observatory you can enjoy spectacular views of the entire region. Adding to the experience are the taped interpretation guides offering information about the city in French, English and Spanish. Many city tours begin or end here.

Located inside a former jail now called the Baillairgé Pavilion, the Battlefields Park Interpretation Center presents an inventive agenda to illustrate one of North America’s most historic sites. The highlight is a multimedia show recounting the battles of 1759 and 1760 that took place here, leading to a French defeat by the British (see Moments in History). An imposing mural by Québec artist Aline Martineau also illustrates the establishment of the park in the 1930s and how it has changed over the 20th century (see Parc des Champs-de-Bataille, Québec City).

In the 18th century this square was the site of the Notre-Dame market and is still a popular gathering place for locals. During the summer it is often jammed with visitors who come to enjoy free music concerts and performances by local actors. The Romanesque architecture, as seen in the Hôtel de Ville (town hall) immediately beside the square, lends the area an imposing air.