2 Days in Quebec City: What to See, Do and Eat

If you've got two days in Quebec City, consider yourself fortunate! Quebec City is a beloved cruise destination, and many visitors only get a single day to explore. But you? You have twice that time!

As someone born and raised here, who now visits as a tourist since moving abroad, I can assure you that two days are perfect for discovering and falling in love with the city's charm. You'll have ample time for a leisurely stroll through Old Quebec's cobblestone streets, popping into unique boutiques, and even joining a guided tour if that's your thing.

With just two days, I recommend focusing on Old Quebec and staying in the touristy area. This way, you'll be close to all the major sights without needing a car, which can be a hassle to park.

Need help deciding how to spend your weekend in Quebec City? Use this 2-day itinerary as your guide to planning the perfect trip.

Quebec City Itinerary 2 Days

Arriving in Quebec City

To squeeze as much as you can out of your Quebec City weekend, it’s helpful to arrive Friday evening. This way, you can settle into your hotel and wake up fresh the next morning to conquer the city.

Unpack, take a beat to freshen up, then amble the streets of Haute Ville and grab some dinner.

Consider Aux Anciens Canadiens for traditional French-Canadian fare or Restaurant Ophelia for mouthwatering seafood dishes.

After dinner, head back to the hotel to rest up for tomorrow’s adventures. The city is pretty at night, so you might want to consider walking back.

Day 1: The Old Quebec

Today your real escapades begin! Prepare for beautiful scenery and traditional Quebecois culture. You’ll witness centuries-old historical sites, European architecture galore, and a plethora of quaint streets lined with picturesque shops.

Upper Town Breakfast and stroll

Fuel up for your Haute Ville explorations at Paillard Café Boulangerie with a frothy cappuccino and their famous flaky croissant. Or, munch on sweet or savoury crepes at Baguette & Chocolat. After breakfast, meander the narrow alleys and streets:

• Stroll along Rue de Trésor and browse the open-air art exhibits and artisanal craft stands.
• Stop by the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, the first Anglican Catholic church outside of the British Isles dating back to 1800. Step inside to be amazed by the ornate gothic ceilings, and take a tour if you have time.
• Make your way to Place d’Armes, a hub of Old Quebec activity. Admire the towering Fontaine de la Place d’Armes, and enjoy live musicians in the warmer months and a snowy tranquil landscape in the wintertime.

Chateau Frontenac

Carry on to the crown jewel of Quebec City, Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. Peer up at its castle-like grandeur, complete with pointed turrets rocketing 79.9 metres into the sky.

Inside, peruse the exhibits in the hallways and the dazzling chandeliers adorning the lobby. Have your camera ready for the countless photo ops of this opulent hotel.

Dufferin Terrace

Next, mosey along the Dufferin Terrace. Soak in the stunning views of Lower Town and the St. Lawrence River below as you stroll the boardwalk. If you’re visiting in the winter, let your inner child loose on the Toboggan Slide before a warm cup of chocolat chaud.

Quebec City Funicular

To get to Basse Ville at the bottom of the cliff, go down the 59 steps of Escalier Casse-Cou (Breakneck Stairs). The staircase is lined with landings where you can take photos of Basse Ville below, or have a bite at a café.

Otherwise, take the Funicular. The latter is a great way to enjoy views as you descend the steep railway tracks in your windowed cart.

Quartier Petit Champlain

Discover the enchanting cobblestone streets of Petit-Champlain in Lower Town, the location of the first French Settlement in Quebec.

The stone houses are remarkably preserved and adorned with flourishing flower boxes. In the winter, this area becomes a Christmas wonderland, decorated lavishly with boughs of holly and glittering fairy lights.

Roam the whimsical shopping street, peeping into local boutiques, like Blanc Mouton for styles made from hand-woven fabrics or Artnika for artisanal specialties like jewelry and wallets.

Lunch

By now you’ve likely worked up an appetite. Thankfully, you’ll be surrounded by restaurants in and around Petit-Champlain. Grab a Parisian-inspired bite and people watch through the windows at Cochon Dingue Champlain. Or, indulge in French cuisine at the upscale 1640 Bistro.

Place Royale

Carry on to Place Royale, a treasure trove of European architecture and historic sites. Immerse yourself in 400 years of history at Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church and the site of one of Samuel de Champlain’s original homes.

Quebec City Mural

As you move through the streets admiring the New French architecture, keep your eyes peeled for the Quebec City Mural!

Place des Canotiers

Pass through Place des Canotiers, taking in spectacular views of the Frontenac atop the cliff and enjoying the water fountains sprouting from the ground.

Bordering this park is the Museum of Civilization. Stop by for interactive exhibits detailing the founding and history of Quebec City.

Old Port

In Old Port at the edge of the St. Lawrence River, uncover gems like the remnants of Îlot des Palais, the city’s first brewery, an array of antique stores, and cruise ship terminals. In winter, witness massive chunks of ice shifting and colliding as cruise ships cut through the water.  

Dinner in Quebec Old Port

For dinner, enjoy mouthwatering, fresh oysters at Chez Rioux & Pettigrew or top-notch Italian at La Pizzaio. Take one last stroll through Old Quebec on the way back to your hotel.

Day 2: Plains of Abraham and More of Quebec

After immersing yourself in Quebecois culture yesterday, today is about diving even deeper with museums and tours.

French-Canadian Breakfast

Prepare for your last day in Quebec City with a hearty French-Canadian breakfast at La Buche, a classic eatery with a welcoming atmosphere.

Plains of Abraham

Frolic through the Plains of Abraham next to La Citadelle. The park is lush and green in summer, perfect for biking the paths or enjoying a picnic.

Visiting during the wintertime? Snow-shoeing and ice skating are great activities to consider for outdoor enthusiasts. And don’t miss out on snow tubing down the hill behind the art museum.

After that, warm up with a coffee at the Vitalité Café to cap off your visit.

La Citadelle de Quebec

First up is La Citadelle, a working military site dating back to the 1800s. Arrive early to watch the changing of the guards at 10 am, an impressive ceremony between fully uniformed soldiers featuring Baptiste the Goat!

Browse videos, interactive battle maps, and relics at the 22e Regiment Museum. Then, take a tour of the Governor General’s Residence and the star-shaped fortress. The views of Old Town from the top of the ramparts are absolutely breathtaking.

Quebec City's National Arts Museum

Continue onwards through the Plains of Abraham toward The Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Quebec. Browse over 42,000 works of Quebecois art, ranging from ancient to contemporary masterpieces.

The Musée des Beau-Arts hosts a number of weekend events like art workshops and guided tours, so be sure to scope out the events calendar before going.

Head Back to the Fortified City

Continue to venture outside the walls of Old Quebec to discover more Quebecois heritage. Cut through Parc de l’Esplanade, and stop to read the plaques about this historic park.

Next up is the Parliament Building. This magnificent French-style building, home to the National Assembly of Quebec, is fronted by over 20 bronze statues and a sprawling lawn. It’s closed in the weekend, but still worth walking by.

Rue Saint-Jean and the Outskirts of Old Town

By now you must be ready for lunch. Head over to Rue Saint-Jean and chow down on Mediterranean dishes at Saveurs du Monde, or Asian fusion at Bo Cuisine d’Asie. While on this street, feel free to do a bit of window shopping at the many chic shops.

Saint John's Gate

Continue down the street toward Saint John’s Gate. A trip to Quebec City isn’t complete without visiting this iconic landmark. Climb atop the wall for splendid views of Rue Saint-Jean or lace up your skates and hit the ice rink here in the winter.

Make your way to the Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site. Plunge into Quebec’s military history with an hour-and-a-half-long tour. During summer, Parks Canada guides will let you in on unique facts and stories dating back to the building of the wall in 1607. More information on guided tours here. You’ll also get access to sections of the colonial fortification walls which are closed off to the general public.

Sadly, your weekend has come to a close. Head back through Old Town to your hotel and say your goodbyes to Quebec City.

Pack Your Bags for 2 days in Quebec City

Make the most out of your two days in Quebec City by following this guide. Feel free to pick and choose which places you’d rather spend a bit more time at, and which ones you may want to forego.

From the rich history and culture to glorious views and local boutiques, your weekend in Quebec City is bound to be memorable.