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 through my Quebec City photography.
Charmed yet?
Where to Stay in Quebec City
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 (see first 2 photos below). If you can afford to stay there, go for it, I’ve heard nothing but great things.
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.
Unfortunately, the Airbnb we stayed in is no longer available, but like I mentioned there are plenty of great options to choose from. If this is your first time booking an Airbnb, click here for $40 off your first booking.
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. It allowed me loads of opportunities to capture the city from all angles.
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. You can even take a funicular up to see the city from above!
Where to Eat in Quebec City
Bistro L’Atelier- We came here for burgers, cocktails, and steak tartare! It was a cool atmosphere and really good food. The restaurant is a bit of a walk from the Old Town but worth exploring another part of Quebec City.
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 just people watching since it’s right in the main square.
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, but we got lucky with a table. We seriously ordered half of the menu and had the best evening! The service and the food were fantastic.
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!
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14 Comments
Great Article! I like your amazing experience. Thank you so much for the inspiring post and gorgeous photos.
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 🙂