Dramatically set on a rocky promontory on the north bank of the Saint Lawrence River, la Ville de Québec is a picturesque, postcard-perfect town with a fascinating history and a distinct old-world character. Its spectacular location and French-inspired architecture earned it a spot on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The capital and second-largest city in Quebec, Quebec City is “the most European city in North America” and one of the most visited tourist destinations in Canada. If you were looking for the best areas to stay in Quebec City, you have come to the right place!
Founded as a fur trading post in 1608 by explorer Samuel de Champlain, Québec is one of the oldest European settlements in the New World and the only remaining walled city in the Americas north of Mexico. Today, Quebec City is known for its fortifications, narrow cobblestone streets, centuries-old buildings and squares, and as the epicentre of the French language and Quebequoise culture in Canada. Some of its most famous attractions include the Château Frontenac hotel, the Citadelle, the National Assembly of Quebec, the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec and the Museum of Civilisation.
Vieux Québec, the city’s Old Town, is home to one of the largest concentrations of luxury hotels in the country. That said, there is accommodation for all tastes and budgets all around the city.
It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting Québec for the first time or if you’re an experienced traveller, keep reading this article to find out more about our top picks of the best areas to stay in Quebec City.
If you don’t have the time (or the patience) to read the full post, here is a summary of our recommended areas to stay in Québec. Keep reading below to find out more info about each of these quarters.
- Best area for sightseeing: Vieux Quebec
- Best area for business travellers: Centre-Ville | Saint-Roch
- Best area for nightlife: St-Jean Street
- Best area for families: Lower Town
- Best area to stay without a car: Upper Town
- Cheapest area to stay in Quebec City: Sainte-Foy-Sillery
- Best area for nature: Beauport & Boischâtel
What’s the Best Area to Stay in Québec City, QC?
The best area to stay in Quebec City, especially if you’re a first-time visitor, is Vieux Quebec. Split into Upper and Lower Town, Québec’s Historical Quarter is home to most of the city’s attractions including Chateau Frontenac, the funicular, Notre Dame cathedral, the Citadelle and the Quartier Petit Champlain. This ancient central area is also where some of the best-rated hotels in Quebec City are located.
Find Available Accommodation in Vieux Québec.
Best Hotels in Quebec City’s Old Town
- Best five-star hotel: Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
- Best four-star hotel: Le Capitole Hotel
- Best three-star hotel: Hotel du Vieux Quebec
- Best budget hotel: Au Petit Hôtel
- Best B&B / guest house: B&B La Marquise de Bassano
- Best tourist apartments: Les Lofts du Trésor by Les Lofts Vieux-Québec
- Best hostel: Auberge Internationale de Quebec
Where to Stay in Québec for Sightseeing
As we mentioned above, most of the attractions in Québec can be found in its central neighbourhoods, so most visitors will likely find downtown the best area to stay in Quebec City for sightseeing. That said, the perfect location in Québec will depend on your priorities, tastes, and budget. These are some of the most interesting areas for tourists:
- Compact and packed with attractions, the Upper Town is home to the main historical sights in the city including the Instagram-worthy Frontenac Hotel, the Citadelle and the Provincial Legislature. Some of the best-rated hotels in this area include Le Capitole Hotel, Hotel Manoir D’Auteuil and Auberge du Trésor.
- A short funicular ride away, on the shore of the St Lawrence River, Québec’s Lower Town is a fairy-tale-like area home to the Quartier Petit Champlain, Place Royale and the Museum of Civilisation. Some of our absolute favourite hotels here are Hôtel Le Germain Québec and Auberge Saint-Pierre.
- Packed with nightlife venues and restaurants, especially along Rue Saint-Jean, St-Jean-Baptiste is a favourite among younger travellers. Two of the best properties in this quarter are the Chateau Des Tourelles and Auberge J.A Moisan.
- Last but not least we have the St-Roch quarter. Located north of St-Jean-Baptiste, this business-oriented district is home to some exciting boutique properties like Les Lofts St-Joseph by Les Lofts Vieux-Québec.
The Best Areas for Tourists in Quebec City: Quarter by Quarter
1. Upper Town: Best Location in Québec for Sightseeing & First-Time Visitors
Located atop Cap Diamant and at the heart of a UNESCO-protected site, the Upper Town is the quintessential Quebec City district. Here, you’ll find most of the city’s historic attractions and some of its best hotels.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Quebec City, QC:
- Historic attractions
- Chateau Frontenac Hotel
- Upscale restaurants & bars
- Luxury & boutique hotels
- Excelent views
- Funicular to the Lower Town
Set at the heart of the UNESCO-listed Historic District of Old Québec, the Upper Town (Haute–Ville) is considered one of the most beautiful historical quarters in the Americas.
Founded in 1608 by the French explorer Samuel de Champlain and enclosed by 4 kilometres of walls and ramparts, Québec is the only fortified city north of Mexico City.
Most of the buildings in the Upper Town date to the 19th century, although some examples from the 17th and 18th centuries remain as well. The district has several commercial streets like Saint-Jean, Sainte Anne and De Buade.
Dominating the profile of the Old Town, the Château Frontenac, a luxury hotel, is one of the city’s best-known attractions. This 5-star property, built in 1893, is complete with shops, restaurants and a bar on the ground floor. The Dufferin terrace, at its feet, is home to pretty, very photogenic white and green kiosks. There is a beautiful view of the roofs of the Lower Town below and an incline railway connecting the terrace and the Petit Champlain quarter.
To the northeast of the hotel lies the Ursulines Monastery, a 17th-century monastery erected by a missionary group of Ursuline nuns. Not far is the Citadelle of Quebec, the oldest military building in Canada.
Other must-see attractions in the area include the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), the Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral, the Parliament Building of Quebec and Porte Saint-Louis.
As expected, the Upper Town is the best area to stay in Quebec City for tourists interested in sightseeing, history and luxury accommodations.
Best Hotels in Quebec City’s Upper Town
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
Situated in Old Quebec, this heritage property boasts views of the St. Lawrence River. On-site restaurants offer a variety of dining options, from classic to regional dishes. Montmorency National Park is a 2-minute drive away.
Le Capitole Hotel
This hotel is in the walled city of Old Quebec and is within a 6-minute walk of the Fontaine de Tourny. The hotel is attached to a restaurant and theatre.
Hotel du Vieux Quebec
Placed within the 18th-century fortified walls of historic Quebec City’s Latin Quarter, this European-style hotel features a cozy lobby area, complete with a fireplace, a library and a piano.
Au Petit Hôtel
Au Petit Hôtel is centrally located in Québec City. Free Wi-Fi access is available. Rooms here will provide you with cable TV, air conditioning and a refrigerator. Each room has its own private bathroom.
Les Lofts du Trésor by Les Lofts Vieux-Québec
Offering free WiFi and a communal rooftop terrace, Les Lofts du Trésor is situated in Old Quebec City, 100 m from Basilique Cathedrale Notre Dame de Quebec. Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is 100 m away.
2. Lower Town: Best Location in Quebec City for Couples & Shopping
Located between the Upper Town and the Saint-Lawrence river ,and part of the UNESCO-protected area, Québec’s Lower Town is home to several attractions including the gorgeous Place Royal, the Museum of Civilisation and the quaint Petit Champlain quarter.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Quebec City, QC:
- Historic attractions
- Place Royal
- Petit Champlain Quarter
- Upscale restaurants & bars
- Boutique hotels & lofts
- Museum of Civilisation
- Funicular to the Upper Town
Located at the bottom of Cap Diamant and next to the St. Lawrence River, the Lower Town district is considered Québec City’s birthplace.
It was here, around Place Royale that Samuel de Champlain first founded the settlement in 1608. This beautiful square, home to the late 17th-century Church of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires has been carefully restored to its former glory.
Not far, the Quartier Petit Champlain is one of the most romantic streets in North America. Flanked by stone buildings dating back to the 19th, 18th and 17th centuries, this quaint pedestrianized shopping area is home to dozens of small boutiques, cafés and restaurants. During the winter season, the area is particularly magical thanks to its thousands of Christmas lights and decorations.
There are several staircases and streets leading to the Lower Town, but the funicular is probably the best way to get around. Inaugurated in 1879, this incline railway connects Petit-Champlain with the Dufferin Terrace and offers breathtaking views of the neighbourhood and the St. Lawrence River.
A few hundred metres north, the Museum of Civilisation hosts exhibits on Québecoise history and societies, including the province’s First Nations, the New France period and modern Quebec. Not far, the Gare fluviale de Québec offers frequent boat links between Québec City and Lévis, on the east shore of the St. Lawrence river.
The Lower Town is no doubt the best area to stay in Québec City for a romantic getaway. This district also boasts many boutique hotels, as well as a great selection of tourist apartments and lofts.
Best Hotels in Quebec City’s Lower Town
Auberge Saint-Antoine
Along the St. Lawrence River, steps from the shopping on Le Petit Champlain, this hotel in Quebec City’s Old-Port area offers luxurious guestrooms and 2 on-site restaurants.
L’intendant
Located in Quebec’s Historic Old Quarter, this bed and breakfast is a 15-minute walk from La Citadelle de Québec. All of the rooms have private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
Gite (B&B) du Vieux-Port
Located in the Old Port of Quebec City, Gite (B&B) du Vieux-Port is only minutes away from attractions such as Place Royale, Quartier Petit Champlain, Château Frontenac and a farmer’s market.
Les Lofts Champlain by Les Lofts Vieux-Québec
Located within a short distance of Quartier du Petit Champlain and Basilique Cathedrale Notre Dame de Quebec, Les Lofts Champlain by Les Lofts Vieux-Québec offers free WiFi, air conditioning and household amenities such as a fridge and kettle.
3. Saint-Jean-Baptiste: Best Area to Stay in Québec for Nightlife & Young Travellers
Located directly west of the Old Town, Saint-Jean-Baptiste is a bohemian, young and vibrant area packed with shops, restaurants and nightlife venues.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Quebec City, Canada:
- Rue Saint-Jean
- Nightlife area
- Restaurants, bars & cafés
- Church of Saint Jean Baptiste
- LGBT-friendly area in Québec City
- Walking distance to the Old Town
- Midrange accommodations
Located directly west of the city centre, the Saint-Jean area of Québec is the main nightlife and restaurant district in the city.
This lively party and culinary quarter is anchored by Saint-Jean Street, one of the oldest streets in Quebec City, and also one of the most popular and frequented by the locals. A stretch of Rue Saint Jean falls within the fortifications in Old Quebec, while the other part, west of Porte Saint-Jean is in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste district.
Many city attractions can be found along and around Saint-Jean Street, including the City Hall, the Capitol, Palais Montcalm and the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church.
Furthermore, the area around Boulevard René Levesque is home to several administrative buildings and the Centre des congrès de Québec, making it a great area to stay in Quebec City for business travellers.
At night, Saint Jean comes alive with sounds from restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs. The area is also known as Québec City’s LGBTQ+ area, home to a handful of gay-owned and LGBT-friendly venues.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste’s location, right next to Vieux Québec, guarantees convenient access to the city’s attractions on foot or via the bus system.
Best Hotels in Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Hilton Québec
This hotel is located within a 5-minute walk of the walled city of Old Quebec. The hotel features a heated outdoor pool and offers sight-seeing tours of the area.
Chateau Des Tourelles
Chateau Des Tourelles is a charming inn located a 10-minute walk from Old City in the St-Jean-Baptiste district. All rooms offer a cable TV and coffee machine. Some suites have a private terrace and a spa bath.
Auberge J.A Moisan
Located in Quebec City, 1.1 km from Vieux Quebec Old Quebec and 1.2 km from Basilique Cathedrale Notre Dame de Quebec, Auberge J.A. Moisan provides accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, a shared lounge and a terrace.
Les Immeubles Charlevoix – Le 760310
Les Immeubles Charlevoix – Le 760310 is set in the Centre-Ville district of Quebec City, less than 1 km from Basilique Cathedrale Notre Dame de Quebec. Private parking is available on site.
4. Saint-Roch: Best Area to Stay in Quebec City for Business Travellers
While not as convenient as Saint-Jean-Baptiste, the Saint-Roch quarter is near Quebec City’s train station and offers great value for money on hotels.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Quebec City, QC:
- Gare du Palais
- Good shopping and nightlife options
- Restaurants, bars & cafés
- Great transport connections
- Walking distance to the Old Town
- Excellent value for money when it comes to accommodation
Saint-Roch is one of the oldest quarters of the city of Quebec. In 1692, the religious order of the Récollets had a chapel dedicated to Saint Roch de Montpellier built on the bank of the Saint-Charles River.
The neighbourhood is located in what is commonly referred to as the Lower Town of Quebec and it’s one of the densest neighbourhoods in the city.
Mainly structured according to a grid pattern, it is crossed from east to west by Charest Boulevard, one of the main arteries of Quebec City home to Gare du Palais, the main bus and train station.
Fairly modern and packed with new office buildings, this district has, in recent years, emerged as the city’s Central Business District.
While you can definitely walk from Saint Roch to Québec’s Old Town, the way is quite steep. Luckily, the area is home to L’Ascenseur, a public elevator connecting Jean-Paul-L’Allier Garden to the Saint-Jean quarter. Alternatively, you can use the many bus lines that connect the area.
Best Hotels in Saint-Roch
Hotel PUR, Quebec, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Situated in Quebec City’s Saint-Roch Quarter, Hotel PUR Quebec is a 15-minute walk from historic Old Quebec. It features an indoor pool and a 24-hour gym.
Hotel Royal William, Ascend Hotel Collection
Nestled in Québec City’s trendy Nouveau St-Roch neighbourhood, Hotel Royal William, Ascend Hotel Collection is a 15-minute walk from the city centre. It features an on-site restaurant and free WiFi.
Le 253
Situated 2.1 km from Vieux Quebec Old Quebec, Le 253 offers a shared lounge, a terrace and air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi.
Les Lofts St-Joseph by Les Lofts Vieux-Québec
Les Lofts St-Joseph is a modernly decorated accommodation located in Quebec City. Free WiFi access is available in each unit. The property is a 10-minute walk from Old Quebec.
5. Boischâtel: Best Location in Québec for Hiking & Nature Lovers
Located some 12 road kilometres east of Old Quebec City, Boischâtel is home to the impressive Montmorency Falls and the scenic Pont de l’Île.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Quebec City, QC:
- Montmorency Falls
- Hiking trails & natural attractions
- Pont de l’Île
- Island of Orléans
- Charming B&Bs
- Great for travellers with a car
Boischatel is a town located in the administrative region of Capitale-Nationale, on the east bank of the Montmorency River at its confluence with the St. Lawrence River.
Montmorency Falls is located partly in Boischatel. Known in French as Chute Montmorency, these falls, with a height of 83 meters, are the highest in the province of Quebec, even surpassing Niagara Falls by thirty meters, a fact that most Québécois will be quick to point out during your visit.
The waterfall is located inside Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, a very popular tourist attraction in Quebec City. This protected area is complete with a 487-steps stair that allows you to observe the falls from all angles. A suspension bridge connects the two sides of the park. There is also a cable car that transports visitors between the base and the top of the falls. In winter, water vapour solidifies around the falls, turning it into a popular site for ice climbing.
Other attractions in the area include Pont de l’Île, a 1.7-kilometre-long suspension bridge that opened in 1935 and connects the mainland to Île-d’Orléans, a small island on the St-Lawrence River that has been described as the “birthplace of francophones in North America.”
Do keep in mind that if you choose to stay in Québec’s eastern suburbs you will likely need a car to get around. While there are some bus routes connecting the falls to the city centre and Sainte-Foy, these only reach the suburb of Beauport.
Best Hotels in Boischâtel
Sleep Inn & Suites Quebec City East
This Boischatel hotel is located within a 30-minute drive of the Mont-Sainte-Anne Ski Area. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi in each guest room and a hot breakfast every morning.
Au Gîte de la Chute
Au Gîte de la Chute is a bed and breakfast located in Boischatel, just a 5-minute walk from Montmorency Falls. WiFi access is available for free.
INITIAL – BUTTERFLY – Chutes-Montmorency
Located in Boischâtel in the Quebec region, INITIAL – BUTTERFLY – Chutes-Montmorency features a balcony and river views. The accommodation is 45 km from Montmagny, and guests benefit from private parking available on-site and free WiFi.
6. Sainte-Foy-Sillery: Cheapest Area to Stay in Quebec City
Home to Laval University, the airport & the main shopping centres in town, Sainte-Foy-Sillery is a convenient (and cheap) area to look for accommodation in Quebec City.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Quebec City, QC:
- Laval University
- Quebec City Airport
- Via Rail train Station
- Connected by bus
- Shopping centres
- Budget and mid-range accommodation
Sainte-Foy is a former independent city which was merged with Quebec City in 2002. While now it’s part of the Sainte-Foy–Sillery–Cap-Rouge district, the name “Sainte-Foy” is still commonly used to designate the area.
Occupied by French settlers from the 17th century, and organized around a Jesuit mission, Sainte-Foy developed slowly by occupying the western end of the hill of Quebec, about eight kilometres from the Old Town. From the 1940s, with post-war population growth and the resulting urban sprawl, the agricultural lands of Sainte-Foy were converted into a vast residential, commercial and institutional complex.
Today, Sainte-Foy is mostly known for being home to Université Laval, one of the largest and oldest universities in Canada and the oldest French-speaking higher education centre in the Americas.
The district is also regarded as the main shopping destination in Quebec City thanks to its many shopping centres like Place Ste-Foy, Place de la Cité and Laurier Quebec, as well as a major transport hub, home to the Gare de Sainte-Foy train and bus station and the Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport.
Best Hotels in Sainte-Foy-Sillery
Hôtel Le Bonne Entente
Featuring a seasonal outdoor pool, a restaurant and a bar, Hôtel Le Bonne Entente is 6 km from Laval University. Each room comes with a flat-screen cable TV and a work desk.
Hotel Sepia
Located in Quebec City, this modern hotel offers free parking and is only a 10-minute drive away from Old Quebec. It features an on-site restaurant and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
Holiday Inn Express Quebec City-Sainte Foy, an IHG Hotel
Located in Quebec City, Holiday Inn Express Quebec City-Sainte Foy features a fitness centre. The hotel also offers complimentary daily breakfast and WiFi access.
Motel Homeric
Located in Quebec City, 7 km from Parc Aquarium du Quebec, Motel Homeric provides accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.
L’Oasis du Pirate
Featuring pirate-themed décor, this Québec City B&B provides free Wi-Fi. Water features and outdoor seating offer relaxation. A flat-screen TV is provided in rooms. Laurier Québec mall is 2 km away.
Résidences Université Laval
Located only a 15-minute drive from downtown Quebec City on the Université Laval campus, this residence hall is situated near an array of attractions. Each private dormitory room offers a shared bathroom.
7. Lévis: For the Best Views of Quebec City
Located opposite Vieux Québec, on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, Lévis is a great alternative when looking for the best areas to stay in Quebec City.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Quebec City, Canada:
- Great views of Quebec City
- Connected by ferry
- Chaudiere Falls
- Great hotels
- Budget and mid-range accommodation
Lévis is an independent city located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, facing Quebec City.
While most tourists who book accommodation in Lévis do so to visit the wonders of Vieux Québec, this city is also home to several tourist attractions such as the neo-Gothic Alphonse-Desjardins House, the family home of Louis Fréchette, Fort No.1 at Pointe-Lévy, Parc de la Paix, Fort de la Martiniere and the 18th-century chapel of Sainte-Anne du Vieux-Lauzon.
That said, perhaps the best-known tourist site on this side of the St-Lawrence River is chutes de la Chaudière. The 35-metre-high waterfalls are part of the Parc des Chutes-de-la-Chaudière. The regional park features a 113-metre-long suspension footbridge standing 23 metres over the river.
Lévis is connected to Quebec City’s Lower Town thanks to frequent ferry services departing from the Gare fluviale de Lévis. Additionally, the Pont de Quebec and Pierre-Laporte bridges link the southwestern end of Lévis to the Sante-Foy district.
Best Hotels in Lévis, QC
Four Points by Sheraton Lévis Convention Centre
Connected to the Lévis Convention Centre and only minutes from the Lévis Ferry, Four Points by Sheraton offers free in-room WiFi and free outdoor parking.
Comfort Inn Levis
Comfort Inn Levis is located across the river from Quebec City, near Highway 20 (Exit 325). The ferry, which will take guests to the centre of Old Quebec, is located only a few minutes from the hotel.
ÉconoHôtel
Aquarium de Québec is 17 km from this hotel in Lévis. Located off Highway 20, the hotel features on-site currency exchange and guest rooms with free Wi-Fi.
Gîte Kezako
Gîte Kezako is set in Old Lévis and features views of the Saint-Lawrence River as well as Québec City’s Château Frontenac. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Les Appartements du Kezako
Situated in Lévis in Quebec, with Levis-Quebec City Ferry and Quai Paquet nearby, Les Appartements du Kezako features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.
