City: Downtown Quebec City
Top Things to do in Downtown Quebec City
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10 Things to do in Downtown Quebec City That You Shouldn't Miss
Quebec City may be the only fortified city north of Mexico, but it welcomes visitors with open arms. Explore the Citadel, where you might catch Canadian troops staging a military ceremony. As for food, you could splurge on afternoon tea at the Chateau Frontenac, or do as the locals do and snack on poutine—french fries with gravy and cheese curds.
Restaurants in Quebec City
1. Old Quebec
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13,360 reviews
Reviewed By nowpacking - Dallas, United States
Walk through one of the city gates and you will be transported back in time - wander the cobblestone streets, ride in horse drawn carriages, dine at sidewalk cafes, shop in the artist's alley way, and photograph countless historic buildings. The huge boardwalk overlooking the historic lower town stretches across the front of the beautiful Chateau Frontenac providing the perfect place to sit and enjoy - especially if you can get up early and beat the crowds! Lots of restaurants, shops, beautiful churches (don't miss Notre Dame and the church in Place Royal) and so much charming architecture. Take the stairs down to the lower city or ride the funicular ... stroll the streets, take lots of photographs and have lunch. In the lower city visit Place Royal and Notre-Dame-des-Victories church to see the huge model ship hanging from the ceiling - then eat pizza at La Pizz or a snack at Maison Smith. If you need a ride back up catch the funicular! Don't miss the gorgeous fountain outside the gate and across from the beautiful Parliment building.
2. Terrasse Dufferin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,593 reviews
This elevated area offers panoramic views of Old Quebec and the St. Lawrence River. Winter adrenalin junkies line up by the thousands at Les Glissades de la Terrasse to experience the rush of zooming downhill from 270 feet high (82 meters) in a toboggan speeding up to 60 mph (90 kilometers per hour) to the bottom 500 feet (152 meters) away. Located on the Dufferin Terrace overlooking the St. Lawrence River behind Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the ride is open from mid-December through late March.
Reviewed By mrl325 - Mumbai, India
Terrasse Dufferin connects the upper town wirh the lower town by staircase or furnicular. You can sit on benches and see the street performances, marvel at the massive chateau fontenac, see the beautiful park and statues,look down on beautiful river and see the lower town, climb on the outer walls of the citadel
3. Parliament Building (Hotel du Parlement)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,141 reviews
Designed by Eugène-Étienne Taché, the Parliament Building is a monument to the glory of the women and men who marked the history of Québec and French America. Built between 1877 and 1886 in the architectural style of the Second Empire and inspired by the expansion of the Louvre in Paris, this unique structure was recognized as a Québec national historic monument in 1985. Its architecture and rich ornamentation illustrate the words engraved above the main entrance, “Je me souviens” (I remember), which later became Québec’s motto. Many species of trees, shrubs and plants representative of the wide variety of flora native to Québec can be observed when walking around the gardens surrounding the Parliament Building.
Reviewed By TrevorTh - Toronto, Canada
We pre-booked our free tour online with ease and arrived early, as per the instructions to account for the security screening. The tour was fantastic. Our guide was knowledgeable and eager to share stories about the building. We left the tour with a much better understanding and appreciation of Quebec history and culture and politics. The new visitor centre is beautiful and complements the historic beauty of the older parts of the building. We especially loved the visit to the library. One of our highlights to Quebec City.
4. Battlefields Park (Parc des Champs-de-Bataille)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 446 reviews
This bucolic park includes the Plains of Abraham, where the decisive battle that led to British control of Quebec took place.
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
A visit to the Battlefields Park takes one back into history when the French and British fought a battle. Certainly worth visiting.
5. Musee national des beaux-arts du Quebec (MNBAQ)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 900 reviews
The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec is located on the Plains of Abraham. It's four pavilions house a collection of over 40,000 works dating from the 17th century to present day. On top of world-class exhibitions and cultural activities, visitors can also enjoy the restaurant, café and gift shop.
Reviewed By williamg548 - Schenectady, United States
In our recent trip to Quebec City, we had the pleasure of spending an afternoon at this great museum. We could have spent more time (for art lovers, you can easily spend 4 hours with a nice lunch in between). We were lucky that Manif D’Art 9 (La Biennale de Québec) was going on, taking over a big part of the Pavillon Pierr Lassonde, and we thoroughly explored that amazing collective show. The contemporary art and First Nation art sections of the permanent collection are very interesting and engaging. The pavilions with modern art and ancient art collections are also wonderful, and we hope to spend more time in those during our next trip. Top-notch museum. It was the best of the attractions during our visit.
6. Basilique Cathedrale - Notre-Dame-de-Quebec
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,576 reviews
This famous 17th-century cathedral has been restored several times but still provides visitors with an ambiance of centuries past.
Reviewed By ldjs - Fort Lee, United States
Beautiful cathedral with very unusual image of Christ holding the cross, lots of gold leaf and the holy door to open again in 2025. Canadian dignitaries are buried here. The cathedral is quite important for Quebec and Canada and a heritage site. Definitely worth a visit.
7. Eglise Notre Dame des Victoires
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 398 reviews
This late 17th-century church, situated on the Place Royale, is one of the city's chief historical landmarks.
Reviewed By yhztravels - Halifax, Canada
For all movie buffs, this beautiful church was featured in the film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Catch Me If You Can, with Tom Hanks! It's a stunning church with a beautiful little courtyard in front.
8. Musee de la civilisation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,249 reviews
This museum is characterized by its innovative and daring outlook. It defines itself as a seat of knowledge and ideas, a museum endowed with valuable collections, an education centre and a living memory. It is located in the region's capital, Quebec City, in the heart of an historic district and close to Place Royale.
Reviewed By CelineLondon85 - London, United Kingdom
Very interesting museum where I learnt so much about the history of the First Nations and Quebec. I highly recommend joining the free guided tours, as you will learn so much. I joined two different tours (« This is our Story » and « History of Quebec ») and both were amazing.
9. La Promenade des Gouverneurs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 815 reviews
This elevated walkway provides wonderful views of the city and the St. Lawrence River.
Reviewed By Gonen2014 - Haifa, Israel
La Promenade des Gouverneurs is a beautiful hiking trail that connects to Terrasse Dufferin, and allows you to encircle part of Quebec Citadel (La Citadelle) and reach the Plains of Abraham. The view of the St. lawrence River is beautiful, and at the westernmost view point you will find toilets and even ice cream!
10. La Citadelle de Quebec
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,792 reviews
National Historic Site and active military base, the Citadelle welcomes you with its guided tours and access to the Musée Royal 22e Régiment. Located on the highest natural point in Quebec City, the Citadelle allows you to enjoy spectacular views on the town and the Saint Lawrence River. Discover the fortress of Old Quebec, home of the Royal 22e Régiment, the only French-speaking regiment with in the Canadian Armed Forces. Tickets include an hour-long guided tour of the Citadelle, mostly outside, and the access to the Musée Royal 22e Régiment. In order to protect the health and safety of our visitors and employees, we have adopted the guidelines by the Québec Ministry of Public Health, including social distancing standards and applicable health measures.
Reviewed By Canary163 - Ottawa, Canada
We returned to the Citadelle with visitors from Chile! They were mesmerized by the outstanding( as always) Changing of the Guard ceremony presented daily at 10:30, weather permitting, during the spring-fall months. BatisseXII, regimental mascot, a goat from the Royal herd, joined his regiment on parade. The ceremony lasts about 35 min, is conducted in French, the language of the Royal22nd( VanDoo’s) Regiment, and is easy to follow due to bilingual commentary offered by a Commentator. The tickets may be bought on site or reserved on the Web. Site for this attraction. Free to active\ retired military with I.D. and immediate family. Suggest...go early to get a seat, better near the speaker’s podium. May remain for photos with the Mascot and his keeper. Very interesting tours and self guided tours of the area. Washrooms on premise, souvenir sales, some refreshments. Medals donated to the Regiment by former members are displayed in a special room and are most impressive for anyone with a knowledge of Canadian military history. Our S.American friends were most pleased with their visit to the Citadelle. Very limited parking in the area, suggest walking up to the area.
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