For those who love that European charm, but can’t quite cross the pond just yet I highly recommend Quebec City in Canada. It’s only a 3-hour train ride from Montreal. Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with some of the prettiest streets in North America. The town looks like a movie set. Don’t believe me? Take a look for yourself.
Charmed yet?
Where to Stay
Château Frontenac is one of the most photographed hotels in the world. It’s stunning in person, and it peeks out at you from different parts of the city. If you can afford to stay there, go for it. If not, Quebec City has many affordable Airbnb options. We stayed in the heart of Old Quebec, in an old gorgeous apartment that looked like it was straight out of a novel, clawfoot tub and all.
our airbnb was through those red doors on the right
I do recommend staying overnight. You can do a day trip from Montreal, but this city deserves more time especially if you love this kind of charm. We spent 3 nights there and had plenty of time to explore it at a leisurely pace.
Explore the Petit-Champlain District
Super touristy area, but you’ll find some of the most picturesque cobblestone streets here. This part of town has all the colorful doors, colorful windows, flower boxes, and the whole shebang.
Where to Eat
We went to Quebec City the same year as Montreal so my memory’s a little fuzzy, but there were a few places that stood out to us:
Bistro L’Atelier – We came here for burgers, cocktails, and steak tartare! It was a cool atmosphere and really good food.
La Maison Smith – This is the cutest cafe right in the center of Place-Royale. The coffee and pastries were delish, and we enjoyed spending our time there just people watching.
Le Mezzé – It started pouring rain one day, and we just wanted to eat. Le Mezzé looked pretty good, so we snuck in there hoping to get a seat. The place is tiny, so we got lucky with a table. We seriously ordered half of the menu. The service was great, and the food was great too!
Quebec City really does have that whole euro feel, and we had such a great time there. If you don’t want to spend on airfare, you can make the drive out from Chicago in about 15 hours. Then I recommend making a stop in Montreal, Toronto, and Niagara Falls on the way home. Great little getaway!
13 Comments
Hi,
2 of my girlfriends and I will be traveling to Quebec City in May from New York City. I’m excited though a bit nervous with all the terrorist attacks happening. Is it a safe city? Also are their any night clubs for “straight” individuals? Sorry if i offend any one.
So beautiful! Thank you for the inspiration & whetting my appetite for my trip. <3
No problem, Meg! Glad I can help!! Hope you love Quebec 🙂
Oh my God! This city looks unbelievably so adorable!!!!
I know that Quebec is a gorgeous city from Pinterest and from an Asian drama I watched that was set in Quebec, but your photosets here completely made me want to see it myself!!!
That adorable yellow door though!
hejnerissa.com
Isn’t it picture perfect? So glad it inspired you to visit even more so 🙂
Amazing article and beautiful photos, Thanks for sharing..
Love your blog and reading you here Lily. Keep up the great work!
Is Morocco in your Radar?
happy travel
Thank you!! 🙂 Yes, Morocco is definitely on my list. I’d love to visit Marrakesh and Chefchaouen!
They are the best and i love more Chefchaouen. Avoid visiting Marrakech or desert in summers, extremely hot and usually over 40c degree.
Yikes! Good to know, definitely not in the summer. 🙂
This city really surprised me, it’s amazing (and the food is as good as the architecture). You shot really wonderful pictures!
It surprised me too, in the best way! Thanks so much for your kind words 🙂
so gorgeous! I am 100% sold on taking a day trip here when we go to Montreal. thanks for all the recs Lily!
Glad I can help!! Can’t wait to see your pics 🙂