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Planning a trip to Quebec City and wondering where to stay? You’re in the right place!
Quebec City is a charming blend of old-world beauty and modern flair, but picking the right neighborhood can really shape your experience. For first-time visitors, Old Quebec is where the magic happens, with its cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and picture-perfect vibes. But if you’re after local hangouts, cool bars, or a quieter scene, then there are a few more areas worth checking out.
In this guide, we’ll break down the four best neighborhoods to stay in Quebec City and recommend the top hotels in each, whether you’re splurging on luxury or sticking to a budget. Let’s find your perfect base!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
This is the hotel and area we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP!
Our personal FAVORITE area to stay in Quebec is Old Quebec. With cobblestone streets, charming boutiques, and waterfront strolls, it’s like stepping into history.
We recommend Auberge Saint-Pierre. The cozy rooms, exposed brick walls, and central location make it hard to beat.
Where to Stay in Quebec City Map
Overview of the Best Areas To Stay in Quebec
Quebec City is pretty spread out, but Old Quebec is the heart of it all, so that’s where you’ll want to stay if it’s your first visit. It’s the most scenic and historic part of the city, and it’s packed with top attractions, restaurants, and charming streets that feel very European.
The rest of the city stretches out beyond the Old Town, but truthfully, there’s not a whole lot to do in the outer areas. What we’ve found works best is staying in a central area like Old Quebec, Saint-Roch, or Saint-Jean-Baptiste, where you can walk everywhere. Staying further out means that you’ll need a bus, Uber, or taxi to get around.
- Old Quebec City – First-time visitors should stay in Quebec’s charming, historic center, where the Upper and Lower towns are connected by a funicular or a staircase. Auberge Saint-Pierre is a cozy and elegant mid-range stay right in the heart of it all!
- Saint-Roch – This trendy, downtown neighborhood is known for its tech scene, cool cafés, and buzzing nightlife, and it’s where locals go when Old Quebec gets crowded. Best Western Plus City Centre Centre-Ville is a convenient and comfortable place to stay around here.
- Saint-Jean-Baptiste – We love this lively, bohemian area because it’s packed with microbreweries, music venues, and nightlife, so it’s perfect for travelers who want to experience Quebec City like a local. Hilton Quebec offers great mid-range value with stunning city views.
- Ste-Foy – This residential area is located outside the city center, and it’s a good choice for families or return visitors who want a quieter stay with easy access to shopping and transit. Best Western Premier Hotel Aristocrate is a reliable option with excellent service.
Where to Stay in Quebec City, Quebec
Old Quebec City
If you’re visiting Québec City for the first time, Old Québec is hands down the best place to stay. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts over 400 years of history, and we love exploring its cobblestone streets and soaking in its European charm.
Old Québec is divided into Upper and Lower Town, and these areas are connected by the “Breakneck Stairs”, but don’t worry, there’s also a funicular you can ride instead! Upper Town is home to iconic landmarks like the Château Frontenac, Promenade des Gouverneurs, Dufferin Terrace, and the Citadelle, while Lower Town offers the artisan boutiques of Petit-Champlain and the waterfront charm of the Old Port.
One of the great things about staying in Old Quebec is that you won’t need a car here because it’s so dang walkable. You can get pretty much everywhere on foot, from the museums to the fine dining restaurants and charming cafés. And in the winter, this is where all of the best Christmas markets are!
Whether you’re here for history, food, or festive magic, Old Québec offers a unique and immersive experience you won’t find anywhere else in Canada. It’s the perfect area for first-time visitors, history lovers, and couples looking for a romantic stay.
Pros
- Very walkable
- Lots of history and charm
- Home to lots of major landmarks
Cons
- Can get crowded during the summer and the holidays
- Hotel prices are generally higher here
Luxury – $$$
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is an iconic heritage hotel perched above the St. Lawrence River in the heart of Old Quebec. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for a luxurious, European-style stay surrounded by centuries of history and unforgettable views.
You’ll be just a short stroll from major sights like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Citadel, so it’s ideal for first-time visitors who want to explore on foot. Inside, the rooms are elegant and classically styled, featuring large windows, cable TV, coffee makers, and air conditioning.
The hotel also offers top-notch amenities, including an indoor pool, hot tub, steam rooms, and a fitness center. Oh, and don’t miss the Spa du Château, where you can unwind with a massage or facial! Rooms typically range from $750 to $850 CAD per night in peak season.
Check availability and book your luxury stay here!
Mid-range – $$
Auberge Saint-Pierre is a warm and welcoming boutique hotel tucked into a 19th-century building in Quebec City’s Old Port. It’s just steps from the waterfront and surrounded by the charm of Old Quebec, so in terms of location, it really couldn’t be better. Major attractions like Petit-Champlain and the Château Frontenac are just a short walk away, making it an ideal base for sightseeing on foot.
The rooms here are really cozy, and we love the library lounge with its inviting fireplace. It’s the perfect spot to wind down after a day of exploring! Meanwhile, concierge service and a 24-hour front desk will ensure you’re always well taken care of. Rates typically range from $350 to $500 CAD per night in high season.
See room rates and secure your stay here!
Budget – $
Hotel AtypiQ is a smart and budget-friendly choice for travelers who want a modern, minimalist stay just steps from the heart of Old Quebec. It was carefully designed to make the most of the space, and the result is a compact but very comfortable stay. We love the fresh, social vibe here, the modern shared kitchen, and the cozy terrace.
Meanwhile, there are plenty of historic sights and cute cafés just a few minutes away. You’ll also be close to the St. Lawrence River. All in all, this is an affordable and creative base for exploring the best of Quebec City. Double rooms range between $150 and $300 CAD per night.
Reserve your budget stay at Hotel AtypiQ here, before it sells out!
Saint-Roch
Saint-Roch is one of Quebec City’s trendiest and most up-and-coming neighborhoods, and it’s perfect for travelers who want to experience the city beyond its historic core.
As the story so often goes with trendy quarters, this area was once an overlooked industrial district, but in recent years it has transformed into a creative, youthful hub filled with tech startups, cozy cafés, microbreweries, and buzzing restaurants. It’s where locals go when Old Quebec feels a bit too crowded, and we love the more authentic, lived-in vibe around here.
This area is ideal for foodies, digital nomads, and anyone looking for a vibrant, central base with a slightly edgier, urban feel. It’s also very walkable and well connected by public transit, making it easy to reach both Old Quebec and other parts of the city.
So if you’re after nightlife, cool coffee shops, and a local’s perspective on Quebec City, Saint-Roch is a great pick. It strikes a fantastic balance between energy and affordability, making it a solid choice for second-time visitors or anyone who wants to stay close to the action, but just outside the tourist zone.
Pros
- Vibrant and trendy neighborhood with lots of great bars, restaurants, and cafés
- Offers a more local side of the city while still being well-connected
Cons
- Less historic charm than Old Quebec
- Can be noisy at night due to the nightlife and historic streets
Luxury – $$$
Les Lofts St-Joseph – Par Les Lofts Vieux-Québec offers modern, stylish apartments just a 10-minute walk from the historic heart of Quebec City. They are perfect for travelers who want a bit more space and independence, since each unit features a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and laundry facilities.
It’s ideal for longer stays or those who prefer cooking their own meals. We love the communal rooftop terrace here, which is an ideal spot to relax and take in panoramic city views. The location is convenient for exploring key attractions like La Citadelle and Quartier Petit Champlain.
Meanwhile, public transportation is nearby, making it easy to get around without a car. Large one-bed apartments here cost between $250 and $650 CAD per night, depending on the season.
Check availability and book this luxury Quebec City stay here!
Mid-range – $$
Best Western Plus City Centre offers a comfortable and convenient stay just a 15-minute walk from Old Quebec City, so you get to be in the heart of trendy Saint-Roch but still have all of the city’s major attractions nearby. The spacious rooms are clean and comfy, and there’s a lovely indoor pool, as well as a fitness room and a sleek on-site bar.
It’s a great pick if you want modern comforts without sacrificing location. The hotel offers a really generous cancellation policy, which allows you to stay flexible. Rooms here typically cost between $220 and $450 CAD per night.
Check availability and book your stay here!
Budget – $
77 St-Vallier is a clean, modern, and budget-friendly apartment that’s ideal for travelers who want extra space and the flexibility of self-catering. It features a fully equipped kitchen with everything you need, from a coffee machine and dishwasher to an oven and stove top. There’s also a washing machine here, which is super handy.
This place is very well-located, as you’ve got everything that trendy Saint-Roch has to offer right at your fingertips, as well as quick access to both downtown Quebec City. There are studios and one-bed apartments available, so you should be able to find something that suits you. Studios here cost between $200 and $400 CAD per night.
Browse room rates and reserve your stay at 77 St-Vallier here!
Saint-Jean Baptiste
Saint-Jean-Baptiste is a lively, artsy neighborhood that offers a more local and bohemian vibe compared to the polished charm of Old Quebec. Tucked just outside the city walls, it’s a great option for travelers who want to be close to the main attractions while enjoying a more authentic and laid-back atmosphere.
We think that this area is especially well-suited for foodies, music lovers, and night owls, thanks to its eclectic mix of microbreweries, independent boutiques, live music venues, and trendy cafés.
One of the things we love the most about staying in Saint-Jean Baptiste is exploring Rue Saint-Jean, a vibrant main street packed with cool restaurants, vintage shops, bookstores, and casual bars. It’s also an easy walk to Old Quebec and sights like the Tower of St. John Gate, so it’s still a very convenient base for sightseeing.
This neighborhood has deep cultural roots and a strong sense of community, and we always have fun checking out the street fairs and festivals here. So if you’re looking for a place with character, creativity, and local color without straying too far from the historic core, Saint-Jean-Baptiste is an excellent choice. Plus, you won’t need a car here; everything is accessible on foot or with a quick bus ride.
Pros
- More local, less touristy feel
- Old Quebec and major attractions are within walking distance
- Great nightlife and culture with a creative vibe
Cons
- Fewer hotel options than Old Quebec
- Can be noisy at night, especially on weekends
Luxury – $$$
Hôtel Boutique Ophelia is a stylish and romantic boutique stay in Saint-Jean-Baptiste, just a short walk from Old Quebec. We think that this hotel is perfect for couples or travelers looking to stay somewhere with a bit of flair and personality.
Plus, the rooms are soundproofed, so you don’t need to worry about any noise from the area’s nightlife interrupting your sleep! We love the on-site restaurant and bar here, which is super chic and serves amazing seafood. Couples can enjoy a romantic date night without even having to leave the hotel!
And with major sights like Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and the Plains of Abraham nearby, Hôtel Boutique Ophelia really does combine convenience, comfort, and character. Superior double rooms here cost between $285 to $575 CAD, depending on the season.
Check prices and book your stay at Hôtel Boutique Ophelia here!
Mid-range – $$
Hilton Quebec is a slick, modern hotel just steps from Parliament Hill and a short walk from Old Quebec’s historic landmarks. Many of the spacious rooms offer unbeatable views of the city and river, so it’s always a pleasure to stay here. Meanwhile, the hotel’s rooftop views of Old Quebec and the Laurentian Mountains are seriously impressive!
We love the on-site restaurant, CABU Boire et Manger, and the buffet breakfast here is exceptional. The hotel also has a grab-and-go counter for quick meals, coffee, and regional craft beer, which is super convenient. Rooms here start at $220 CAD in the off-season and $370 CAD during high season.
You can get the best prices by booking in advance here!
Budget – $
Auberge Château Des Tourelles is a cozy and historic inn located in the lively Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood, just a 10-minute walk from Old Quebec. It’s set in a charming 1898 building and does a great job of blending old-world character with modern convenience.
The rooms here have a simple, homey style, and we love the rooftop terrace, which offers sweeping views of the city and river. The property is also just steps from Cartier Street, so it’s ideal for those who love to café hop or shop. Standard rooms generally cost between $185 and $400 CAD.
Check prices and book your stay here!
Other Activities to do While in Quebec City
With your Quebec City stay sorted, it’s time to dive into everything this city has to offer—and trust us, it goes way beyond charming streets and photo ops at Château Frontenac. From rich history and regional flavors to epic day trips and coastal wildlife, these experiences helped us connect with the city in unforgettable ways.
Here are a few of our favorite Quebec tours that added depth, flavor, and fun to our trip.
- Wander through Old Quebec’s history – This walking tour was the perfect intro to the city. Our guide brought centuries of stories to life as we strolled from Upper Town to Lower Town, with stops at landmarks we’d seen in photos, but never really understood until now. It was the kind of tour that made us fall in love with Quebec’s past.
- Eat your way through Old Quebec – This food tour was ridiculously fun and absolutely delicious. We tasted everything from artisanal cheese and maple treats to buttery pastries and local charcuterie. The best part? Our guide tied every bite to a piece of Quebecois culture, so we left full—of food and fascinating facts.
- Take in Montmorency Falls and Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré – Just outside the city, this half-day tour gave us dramatic views of Montmorency Falls (yes, taller than Niagara!) and a peaceful walk through the stunning basilica of Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré. It was the ideal way to see more without needing a car or complicated logistics.
- Go whale watching on the St. Lawrence – We didn’t expect to see whales on a Quebec City trip, but this full-day cruise to Tadoussac blew us away. From the deck, we spotted humpbacks and belugas in their natural habitat—no binoculars needed. It’s a long day, but the marine life and scenery made every second worth it.
- Bike to Montmorency Falls – This guided bike tour was the most fun we had outdoors. We cruised along the St. Lawrence River on a mostly flat, scenic path before arriving at the breathtaking Montmorency Falls. The ride was relaxed but active, and our guide kept the pace easy while sharing cool stories along the way.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
After a day of strolling cobblestone streets, sipping café au lait, and chasing down the best views of Château Frontenac, having the right home base makes all the difference. Whether you’re staying deep in Old Quebec or exploring from a trendy Saint-Roch loft, Quebec City always delivers charm in spades.
We hope this guide helps you find a stay that fits your vibe and your budget. Still building your Canada itinerary? Be sure to check out our other Canada blogs for more hotel tips and travel ideas we think you’ll love. Or read some of our top-rated articles below for even more inspiration!
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Quebec City – Best 3-Day Itinerary