Wondering where to stay in Quebec City? Discover the best area to stay in Quebec City for your trip, from charming Old Town hotels to modern downtown accommodations. Find your perfect neighborhood!

Hey there, fellow travelers! If you’re planning a trip to Quebec City, you’re in for a treat. This charming, historic city is a blend of European flair and North American energy, with cobblestone streets, cozy cafes, and stunning views of the St. Lawrence River. But one of the biggest questions I get asked is, “Where to stay in Quebec City?” Well, buckle up, because I’m about to break it down for you—neighborhood by neighborhood, hotel by hotel. Whether you’re a first-timer, a luxury lover, or a budget backpacker, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

Where to Stay in Quebec City: Neighborhood Breakdown

First things first: Quebec City isn’t just one big blob of hotels and attractions. It’s divided into several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own vibe, pros, and cons. Here’s my take on the top three areas to consider when deciding where to stay in Quebec City.

Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec)

Old Quebec is the heart and soul of the city. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason. Walking through its narrow streets feels like stepping back in time—think stone walls, horse-drawn carriages, and quaint shops selling maple syrup and handmade crafts. But is it the best area to stay in Quebec City? Let’s weigh the pros and cons.

Pros:

• Unbeatable charm: If you’re into history and ambiance, this is your spot.
• Central location: Most major attractions (like the Château Frontenac and the Citadelle) are within walking distance.
• Great for couples: Romantic vibes galore, especially at night when the streets are lit up.

Cons:

• Touristy: It can get crowded, especially in summer.
• Pricey: Hotels here tend to be on the higher end.
• Hilly terrain: If you’re not a fan of stairs or steep inclines, you might struggle.

Hotels in Old Quebec:

• Luxury: The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is iconic. It’s pricey (think $400+ per night), but the views and service are top-notch.
• Mid-Range: Auberge Saint-Antoine is a boutique hotel with a cool industrial-chic vibe. Prices hover around $200-$300 per night.
• Budget: Hôtel du Vieux-Québec is a solid option for backpackers or budget travelers. Rooms start at $100-$150 per night.

Transportation: Most things are walkable, but if you need to venture further, the bus system is reliable.

Lower Town (Basse-Ville)

Lower Town is the more laid-back, artsy sibling of Old Quebec. It’s connected to Old Quebec by the iconic Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec (a funicular railway), and it’s home to the bustling Place Royale, the oldest settlement in Quebec. If you’re wondering where to stay in Quebec City for a more local feel, this might be it.

Pros:

• Artsy and bohemian: Lots of galleries, independent shops, and trendy cafes.
• Less crowded: Compared to Old Quebec, it’s quieter and more relaxed.
• Great for foodies: Some of the best restaurants in the city are here.

Cons:

• Fewer attractions: While it’s charming, it’s not as centrally located for sightseeing.
• Can feel sleepy: If you’re looking for nightlife, you might be disappointed.
• Limited hotel options: There aren’t as many hotels here as in Old Quebec.

Hotels in Lower Town:

• Luxury: Hôtel Manoir Victoria is a boutique gem with a spa and rooftop terrace. Prices range from $300-$400 per night.
• Mid-Range: Auberge Place d’Armes is a cozy option with a great breakfast. Rooms cost around $200-$250 per night.
• Budget: Hôtel des Coutellier is a small, family-run hotel with clean, simple rooms. Prices start at $120-$180 per night.

Transportation: The Funiculaire makes it easy to get to Old Quebec, and buses run regularly.

Saint-Roch

Saint-Roch is the up-and-coming neighborhood of Quebec City. Once a gritty industrial area, it’s now a hub for tech startups, art galleries, and trendy bars. If you’re looking for where to stay in Quebec City for a more modern, urban vibe, this is your spot.

Pros:

• Hip and happening: Lots of nightlife, restaurants, and cultural events.
• Budget-friendly: Hotels here are generally cheaper than in Old Quebec.
• Great for young travelers: If you’re into craft beer, live music, and street art, you’ll love it.

Cons:

• Less historic: If you’re here for the Old World charm, you might be disappointed.
• Farther from attractions: It’s a 15-20 minute walk to Old Quebec, or a short bus ride.
• Can feel edgy: Some areas are still a bit rough around the edges.

Hotels in Saint-Roch:

• Luxury: Hôtel Le Concorde Quebec is a modern high-rise with a pool and great views. Prices start at $250-$350 per night.
• Mid-Range: Hôtel Le Priori is a boutique hotel with a cool, minimalist design. Rooms cost around $180-$250 per night.
• Budget: HI Quebec City is a hostel with dorm beds starting at $30-$40 per night, and private rooms for $80-$120.

Transportation: Buses run frequently, and it’s a short Uber ride to Old Quebec.

Best Area to Stay in Quebec City: My Top Picks

Now that we’ve covered the neighborhoods, let’s talk about the best area to stay in Quebec City. Spoiler alert: It depends on what you’re looking for! Here’s my breakdown.

For First-Timers: Old Quebec

If it’s your first time in Quebec City, I’d recommend staying in Old Quebec. Why? Because it’s the most iconic part of the city, and you’ll want to be close to the action. You can wander the streets, snap photos of the Château Frontenac, and soak up the history. Plus, most of the top attractions are here, so you won’t waste time commuting.

Q&A: Where to stay in Quebec City for first time?

• Answer: Old Quebec is your best bet. It’s central, charming, and has everything you need.

Pros for First-Timers:

• You’ll see the highlights without much effort.
• The vibe is magical, especially at night.
• Easy access to tours and guided walks.

Cons for First-Timers:

• It can be overwhelming with tourists.
• Prices are higher, but it’s worth it for the experience.

For Couples: Old Quebec or Lower Town

If you’re traveling as a couple, you have two great options: Old Quebec or Lower Town. Old Quebec is romantic and dreamy, perfect for a honeymoon or anniversary trip. Lower Town is more laid-back, with a bohemian vibe that’s great for a cozy getaway.

Q&A: Is it better to stay in Quebec City or Old Québec?

• Answer: It depends! If you want the full historic experience, stay in Old Québec. If you prefer a quieter, artsy vibe, go for Lower Town.

Pros for Couples:

• Old Quebec: Stunning views, candlelit dinners, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
• Lower Town: Intimate restaurants, art galleries, and a more relaxed pace.

Cons for Couples:

• Old Quebec: Can be crowded and noisy.
• Lower Town: Fewer luxury options, but still charming.

For Families: Saint-Roch or Near the Plains of Abraham

If you’re traveling with kids, you might want to consider staying in Saint-Roch or near the Plains of Abraham. Saint-Roch has a more modern, family-friendly vibe, with parks and playgrounds nearby. The Plains of Abraham is a huge green space with biking trails, picnic areas, and the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.

Pros for Families:

• Saint-Roch: Affordable hotels, family-friendly restaurants, and easy access to public transit.
• Plains of Abraham: Lots of outdoor space, museums, and activities for kids.

Cons for Families:

• Saint-Roch: Farther from the historic center, so you’ll need to commute.
• Plains of Abraham: Fewer hotel options, but great for day trips.

Hotels for Families:

• Saint-Roch: Hôtel Le Concorde Quebec has family rooms and a pool.
• Plains of Abraham: Hôtel Château Laurier Québec is a mid-range option with a great location.

For Solo Travelers: Saint-Roch or Lower Town

If you’re traveling solo, Saint-Roch or Lower Town are my top picks. Saint-Roch has a vibrant nightlife scene, with bars, clubs, and live music venues. Lower Town is more laid-back, with cozy cafes and art galleries where you can meet like-minded travelers.

Pros for Solo Travelers:

• Saint-Roch: Easy to meet people at bars or hostels.
• Lower Town: Safe, walkable, and full of unique spots to explore.

Cons for Solo Travelers:

• Saint-Roch: Can feel a bit lonely if you’re not into partying.
• Lower Town: Fewer hostels, but still plenty of options.

Hotels for Solo Travelers:

• Saint-Roch: HI Quebec City is a great hostel with social events.
• Lower Town: Hôtel des Coutellier has single rooms for a reasonable price.

Q&A: Your Burning Questions Answered

Let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about where to stay in Quebec City.

What part of Quebec City should I stay in?

It depends on your priorities! If you want history and charm, stay in Old Quebec. If you prefer a modern, artsy vibe, go for Lower Town. If you’re on a budget or want nightlife, Saint-Roch is your best bet.

Is Quebec City a walkable city?

Yes and no. Old Quebec and Lower Town are very walkable, with cobblestone streets and pedestrian-friendly zones. However, if you’re staying in Saint-Roch or farther out, you’ll likely need to use public transit or a car. The city is compact, though, so most attractions are within a 20-minute walk of each other.

What’s the best area to stay in Quebec City for foodies?

Lower Town is the foodie capital of Quebec City. It’s home to trendy restaurants, farm-to-table eateries, and some of the best poutine in town. Saint-Roch is also a great option, with a growing food scene and craft breweries.

Is it safe to walk around Quebec City at night?

Generally, yes! Quebec City is one of the safest cities in Canada, especially in tourist areas like Old Quebec and Lower Town. Just use common sense—stick to well-lit areas, avoid walking alone late at night, and keep your valuables secure.