Where To Stay In Quebec City, Canada - Best Location Hotels

Where is the best area to stay in Quebec City?

By Carles Barcelo. Updated October 27, 2023

By far and away the best area to stay in Quebec City is the Old Town and this is where we recommend due to the amount of major tourist attractions and is where you will find the finest oldest buildings in the city. The area is home to many shops and markets and is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, which has a huge selection of restaurants, bars, clubs and reasonably priced top quality hotels and hostels.

Quebec City is a fascinating city from top to toe with everything about it being incredibly diverse from the historic architecture that resembles Europe and unsurprisingly a strong influence from France due to its history, to traditional and modern Canadian and American shops, cafes and restaurants. This predominately French-speaking city is full of character and walking around the city is one of the best things you can do with so many wonderful sights to see that you would miss otherwise on most forms of transport. You are in for a right treat when visiting Quebec City as there are many historical sights, outstanding museums and art galleries as well as unique hotels to stay in, no wonder it has been coined one of the ‘most liveable places’.On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Quebec City, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.

If you are interested in where to stay in Quebec City, you may also be interested in where to stay in Montreal, where to stay in Toronto and where to stay in Vancouver.

Old Town, the best area to stay in Quebec City

First Time / Sightseeing / Christmas

The main tourist district is the Old Town in Quebec City and people are left baffled and amazed by the hundreds of stunning centuries-old buildings, small authentic shops and charming local residents, which gives the place is ultra-friendly appeal. The upper part of the Old Town is surrounded by a stone wall that was built by both the British army and the French army in what is now credited as a UNESCO World Heritage area. One of the most iconic sights in the city is the castle-like Chateau Frontenac, which has claimed to be one of the most photographed hotels on the continent and has been here since the late 19th century.

The hotel is one of the most distinguished buildings in Quebec’s skyline as it was built on top of the hill that overlooks the Saint Lawrence River and has some of the most spectacular views over the city. Obviously you can also stay here but if it is too pricey then second best is to have a guided tour of the hotel and at least come here to see the beauty of the building or for the fantastic views that are on offer. The citadel is another main tourist attraction, which is part of the fortifications of the city and happens to be only one north of Mexico that is a walled city. The citadel was built back in the late 18th century after the Americans attacked British Quebec and is now used as an official residence by both the Monarch of Canada and the Governor General of Canada.

The Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Quebec is one of the oldest of its kind in North America, which was founded in 1647 and resembles the church of Sainte-Genevieve in Paris. The Cathedral is a fine Neo-classical building that is decorated with many significant pieces of art like stained glass windows, paintings and more. The Old Town is where you find some excellent museums like the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec, which has around 25,000 items that are mainly produced from the area with some pieces dating back to the 18th century. The museum consists of three pavilions with one being an old prison and another being a library. The Old Town has lots of tourist shops as well as markets dotted around it and these places sell lots of various items including cheap and tasty local produce, leather goods, handmade crafts, clothes and much more.

It is restaurant heaven in this part of the city with many places offering French food but there are plenty of other cuisines like Italian, American, and Indian as well as many others. Bars, jazz clubs and pubs are in abundance in this area with many having outside patios or rooftop gardens, which go down well alongside a local beer or wine. There is no worry over accommodation as there is a huge selection of places to choose from at a range of prices.

Christmas in Quebec City is truly spectacular, and for those looking to experience a European-style Christmas, Old Town is the place to go! Over the holiday season, Old Town is transformed into a Christmas village, complete with a German Christmas Market! Wander through quaint, wooden house stalls to find fantastic gifts made by local artisans and sample traditional European Christmas delicacies.

When you’ve had your fill, take to the Old Town streets where the European architecture, snow, festive lights, and Christmas tree-lined alleyways will make you feel as if you’ve been transported back in time to a winter wonderland. Make sure to stop by the Château Frontenac to snap a photo and admire the breathtaking view of the old hotel with its snow-capped roof. Even those not staying there are welcome to stop by and appreciate the incredible Christmas decorations and possibly meet Santa Claus!

Hotels in Old Town Quebec

Other places to stay in Quebec City

Saint-Roch

Nightlife / Shopping / Restaurants

Saint-Roch, also known as Nouvo or New Saint-Roch, is a hip and thriving neighbourhood 20 minutes by foot northwest of Old Quebec. Stay here if you want to experience Quebec like a local and take advantage of the great accommodation options. In this area, the best places to stay are either rented apartments or boutique hotels. If you plan to cook your own meals, don’t worry as there are local groceries, gourmet cheese, and pastry shops dotted throughout the neighbourhood. For eating out, enjoy the selection of independent cafes, micro-restaurants, and bistros. This place is a foodies’ heaven!

You won’t be short of things to do, as this busy neighbourhood always has a lot going on. Visit the Église Saint-Roch, the largest cathedral in Quebec to admire the Gothic-Revival architecture, or attend a craft beer tour and discover the best locally crafted beer that Saint-Roch has to offer. If you don’t have time for a tour, simply head to the nearest brew pub to have a taste, then continue the night in one of this area’s many trendy bars. Boutique shopping is also a must-do when staying here, as you’ll find a great selection of vintage and unique clothing stores!

Hotels in Saint-Roch

Sainte Foy

Families With Kids / Shopping

Just over 8 km southwest of Old Quebec is Sainte Foy. This is a great neighbourhood and place to stay for families, as there are many family-friendly activities to do! Take the kids to visit the Aquarium of Quebec which has over 10,000 animals in their exhibit, or head to RécréOFUN, a cool, indoor amusement park. Choose from a large selection of hotel and accommodation options to suit your budget and needs. For romantic stays, opt for a quaint place with views of the St. Lawrence River. Finding somewhere to eat here is simple as there are many restaurants that serve international cuisine.

Sainte Foy is well-known for shopping and has a few large malls, the most notable being Place. Ste-Foy. This huge shopping mall has over 120 stores, many of which can’t be found elsewhere in Quebec Province! It is known as Quebec’s high-end fashion hub as it houses many big-name and expensive brands. For nature lovers and those looking for a tranquil escape, there are many beautiful parks in this neighbourhood that run adjacent to the St. Lawrence River. The Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge is particularly well-known and stretches over 24 hectares and has magnificent gardens and heritage buildings.

Hotels in Sainte Foy

Our recommended hotels in Quebec City

Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in Quebec City Note: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.