City: Downtown Quebec City
Top Things to do in Downtown Quebec City
Things to do in Quebec City, Canada: The Best Historic Walking Areas
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. 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!
4. Breakneck Steps (L'Escalier Casse-Cou)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 781 reviews
This steep stairway connects Lower Town with the Terrasse Dufferin.
Reviewed By 4honeynugget - Elkton, United States
Besides being the perfect Instagram shot, this is the best spot from which to take in all that is Old Quebec. The restaurants and shops, the streets themselves, the lights at night...like walking into a snow globe! Do not miss it.
5. Lower Town (Basse-Ville)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,375 reviews
The location of the city's original settlement, historic Lower Town is situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence.
Reviewed By hayesone - Pinner, United Kingdom
This is the heart of old Quebec very busy great shops and galleries and a lovely feel to it all Place royal is the heartbeat and everything is very and accessible even if disabled if you use the funicular This area must not be missed at any time if the day
6. Place Royale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,884 reviews
This famous town plaza is the heart of historic Lower Town and has been an important social center since the city's founding.
Reviewed By Curlgolf - Toronto, Canada
There was a deep blanket of snow because of a blizzard the day we arrived, but it's amazing how quickly they get the snow out of the narrow old roads in lower town. Beautiful square with stone buildings up to 300 years old capped by snow, pedestrians only, almost like a fairy tale. There's even a modern, clean public washroom just off the square.
