10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Quebec

Old Quebec is a charming district alongside the St. Lawrence River. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of historic buildings and is known for its fortified walls and ramparts. You can walk over 4 km of the ramparts here, admiring the cannons, the magnificent Citadel, and the views. The Upper Town is also home to the majestic Château Frontenac, and you can take a fascinating guided tour of this famous hotel.

Strolling through the picturesque, narrow streets – full of beautiful boutiques – it’s easy to think you’re in France. But when winter arrives, you’ll know you’re in Quebec. Dufferin Terrace comes alive with locals veering down the toboggan slide, so head here if you love fast speeds and adventure.

The Old Port area of Quebec City is home to a cruise ship terminal, so you can often see huge liners docked here. Boat tours depart frequently from the port too, and you can get some great views from the river. This area was once the financial district, and it’s now known for its amazing art galleries and antique shops. Head to rue Saint-Paul and rue Saint-Pierre for unique finds and you’ll also see cosy restaurants lining the quaint streets.

For family-friendly fun, why not visit the Musée de la civilisation? This interactive museum features exhibits on the history of Quebec, First Nations, and the human experience, and the café here is highly rated too.

Petit-Champlain is a small area in the Lower Town of Quebec, home to narrow, cobblestone streets, and some beautiful, old buildings. If you love to shop for original items in independent boutiques, this quaint district is for you. Here, you’ll find unique, artisanal gift ideas and quality clothing shops mingled with intimate bistros and vibrant restaurants.

A great photo spot is at 102 rue du Petit-Champlain, where you can see a magnificent fresco. This trompe-l’oeil covers an entire façade of the building – and it is spectacular. Head to the other end of this street to take the funicular up to Dufferin Terrace, where you can take magnificent photos looking down on Petit-Champlain and its colourful shop signs.

Place-Royale is a quaint square full of old buildings with brightly coloured shutters. It’s steeped in history, as this was the site where Samuel de Champlain established the first French settlement. A former market square, it’s now a popular spot for locals to sit on the peaceful terraces and tourists to take in the picturesque scene and souvenir shops.

If you want to experience life in Quebec in the 17th and 18th centuries, visit in August when Place-Royale hosts the New France Festival. You’ll love seeing locals dressed up in costumes, and you can take part in activities or shop for handcrafted goods and local produce. It gets very crowded later in the day, so head here early, if you can.

Saint-Jean-Baptiste is a fantastic spot if you love shopping, music, and a lively atmosphere. Locals love this area for its eclectic mix of boutiques, friendly atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife, making it one of the best places to stay in Quebec City. The main shopping street is rue Saint-Jean. It runs down the length of the area and it’s great to explore on foot, hopping between the secondhand bookshops, record stores, and clothing boutiques.

As you stroll here, you’ll be treated to delicious aromas drifting all down the street. From the artisanal chocolate shops and gourmet groceries to the pubs and bistros, this is a great spot for foodies.

Montcalm is often referred to as Quebec’s art district. Located next to the Plains of Abraham, this area is a mix of beautiful residential houses, art galleries, theatres, and museums. There’s a laidback and bohemian feel to the area, and it’s a great place to sit outside a cafe and watch the world go by.

Visitors come here for the Musée des Beaux-Arts du Québec which showcases the history of art in this region from the 17th century onwards. The annual summer festival in July is also a big draw for both locals and tourists alike, with live music and concerts day and night. It’s ideal if you love discovering new music as well as watching established performers.

Saint-Roch was once a working-class district and in recent years, the area has been heavily redeveloped. It’s now one of the hippest areas in Quebec. Young professionals have turned this area into a haven for start-ups and tech businesses, and you’ll see a younger crowd hanging out in the cafes and bars.

Locals come to this district for its great dining options. You’ll find pubs offering traditional food, as well as top-rated restaurants and small bistros. Microbreweries are becoming increasingly popular too, so if you want to try an original beer, head to the Jean-Paul-L’Allier Square and gardens, and you’ll see a few dotted around this area.

Saint-Sauveur is mainly a residential area in west-central Quebec. This is one of the best places to stay to see the authentic side of Quebec City. Known as Saint-Sô by locals here, this area has a friendly and slower pace of life, and you’ll see people stopping to chat with each other on the streets, or deep in conversation in one of the many cafes dotted around the area.

It’s best to explore this area on foot. Behind the high streets, you’ll discover independent boutiques selling handcrafted items, Asian supermarkets, and original home decor shops. In summer, Durocher Park comes alive on Saturday mornings for a weekly farmers’ market that is very popular.

Limoilou is a beautiful area north of Old Quebec. It’s full of peaceful, tree-lined streets and old buildings with winding, exterior staircases. Cartier-Brébeuf National Historic Site is popular with locals and visitors alike. This urban park was the wintering site of Jacques Cartier in the 16th century, and nowadays you’ll see people enjoying picnics here, as well as jogging, walking, and biking on the leafy trails.

This is a great family-friendly area with attractions such as ExpoCité. This huge complex hosts regular concerts and sports matches. Check the ExpoCité website before heading here to reserve event tickets in advance. You can see dinosaur exhibits and world-class musicians or enjoy an open-air cinema evening.

Parliament Hill is a historic district and home to impressive buildings and beautiful greenery. The spectacular Parliament Building is the seat of the province’s government, and you can take a fascinating, free guided tour here. Admire the splendour and luxury of this majestic building with its plush seating and stately artwork.

Just a couple of blocks west, you’ll find the Observatoire de la Capitale. Here, you can go up to the observatory on the top floor of Quebec’s tallest building and take in stunning panoramic views over the city and the St. Lawrence River. Down below, you’ll see the city’s landmarks, including Château Frontenac and the Parliament Building, as well as the beautiful greenery of the Plains of Abraham.