3-DAY QUEBEC CITY ITINERARY: THE BEST OF THE REGION

Do you have 3 days in Quebec City? That's the ideal amount of time to explore the city thoroughly without rushing, and to take one or two excursions in the greater region. Voilà Québec offers you an itinerary tested and approved by our editorial team — the best of the region in 72 hours.

Day 1 — Old Quebec from top to bottom

Morning: The Upper Town

8:30 — Start early. Old Quebec before 9 a.m. is a different city—the streets are almost deserted, the morning light on the stone facades is magnificent. Have lunch at the café of your choice on Rue Saint-Jean or Place d'Armes.

9:30 — Climb onto the fortifications from the Saint-Louis gate. Walk along the ramparts towards the Citadel. View of the Upper Town on one side, of the Plains of Abraham on the other.

10 hrs — The changing of the guard at the Citadel (from late June to early September, at 10 a.m. sharp). If it's not the season, still visit the Citadel — the view from the bastions overlooking the river is spectacular in every season.

11:30 — Dufferin Terrace for the must-see photos of the Château Frontenac. Step into the Château lobby — even without staying there, it's impressive.

Afternoon: The Lower Town

12:30 — Take the funicular down to Lower Town (an experience to try at least once) or the Breakneck Steps. Dine in one of the restaurants in Petit-Champlain — take your time to choose, there's something for every taste and budget.

14:30 — Stroll through the artisan shops of Petit-Champlain. Don't leave without pushing open the doors of the workshops — that's where the real Quebec souvenirs are hidden.

15:30 — Place Royale and the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church (1688). Place-Royale Interpretation Centre if you want to understand the history of the city's founding.

17 hrs — Having drinks in the Lower Town of QuebecIt's about enjoying the lively atmosphere of the neighborhood. Places like Le Café du Monde, Le Lapin Sauté, or Bistro Sous le Fort offer the perfect setting for a drink with friends at the end of the day.

Evening

19 hrs — Dinner in Old Quebec or Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Book in advance for the best tables.

21 hrs — A nighttime stroll through the alleys of Upper Town. Old Quebec illuminated at night has an incomparable atmosphere.

Day 2 — Central districts and vibrant culture

Morning: Saint-Roch and the Plains

9h — Lunch/brunch in Saint-Roch. This creative neighborhood has many of the best cafes and brunch spots in the city. Expect a line on weekends — that's a good sign.

10:30 — Stroll through Saint-Roch: art galleries, design shops, murals. Saint-Joseph Street East is the main thoroughfare.

11:30 — The Plains of Abraham. 103 hectares of park in the heart of the city — walk along the cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River, visit the Plains of Abraham Museum if you wish to learn more about the history of the 1759 battle.

Afternoon: Museums and culture

13 hrs — Dinner on Grande Allée or Cartier Avenue (Montcalm district).

14:30 — Musée national des Beaux-Arts du Québec (MNBAQ) on the Plains of Abraham. Allow at least two hours — the permanent collection of Quebec art is the largest in the world. Admission to the permanent collections is free on Wednesday evenings.

Ou — Museum of Civilization in the Old Port. If you have children, this museum is probably the best choice.

Evening

19 hrs — Have dinner in Saint-Roch or Limoilou. These two neighborhoods offer the best creative restaurants at reasonable prices.

21 hrs — AURA at Saint-Roch Church (immersive light and sound experience — reservation required) or bar-terrace on Grande Allée if the weather permits.

Day 3 — Excursion in the greater region

Option A: Île d'Orléans and Montmorency Falls (for everyone)

9h — Departure by car to Montmorency Falls (15 min). Cable car ascent, suspension bridge, view of the river from the summit. Allow 1 hour 30 minutes.

11 hrs — Île d'Orléans. Cross the bridge and start the circuit with Sainte-Pétronille (lookout over Quebec), then Saint-Laurent, Saint-Jean (Manoir Mauvide-Genest), Saint-François (observation tower), Sainte-Famille (Chocolaterie), Saint-Pierre (strawberry fields and Cassis Monna).

12:30 — Dinner on the island — local inn or restaurant, or picnic of products bought along the way.

15 hrs — Return to Quebec City. Possible stop at the Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré if you wish.

Option B: Wendake and nature (for families and lovers of indigenous culture)

9:30 — Wendake (20 min north). Traditional site Onhoüa Chetek8e — reconstruction of a Huron village with guides in period costume. Allow 2 hours.

12 hrs — Dinner at the Sagamité restaurant at the First Nations Hotel-Museum — contemporary indigenous cuisine.

14 hrs — Jacques-Cartier National Park (40 km north). Short hike or kayak on the river depending on the season.

17 hrs — Return to Quebec.

Option C: Nordic spas (for couples and wellness enthusiasts)

10 hrs — Siberia Station Spa in Stoneham (30 min). Booking required — allow a minimum of 4 hours to fully enjoy the thermal circuit.

15 hrs — Return to Quebec City. Dinner in the city at a gourmet restaurant — you deserve a fine meal after this relaxing day.

Tips for this route

• Booking — For day 3, book in advance: Siberia Spa, AURA, and the gourmet evening tables book up quickly.
• Transport — For days 1 and 2, you do not need a car. For day 3 (excursion), a car is necessary unless you opt for a guided coach tour.
• Flexibility This itinerary can be adapted depending on the weather. In bad weather, focus on museums. In good weather, maximize your time outdoors and on terraces.

→ Browse our complete directory of attractions, restaurants and accommodations to prepare your stay.

Voilà Québec — Tourist guide to the greater Quebec City area since 1978.