Best Area to Stay in Quebec City: Your Complete Neighborhood Guide
Wondering the best area to stay in Quebec City? I’ve been to this charming, historical city in Canada and absolutely loved it! There are few places that offer European charm, history, and culture in North America, the way Quebec City does. I loved the Christmas markets, but you can’t go wrong visiting Quebec City in any season!
Choosing the best area to stay in Quebec City for your needs will make your time in this charming city easier! Let’s break down each neighborhood and I’ll offer suggestions for each to make it simple for you to plan your trip!
Quick Picks | Best Area to Stay in Quebec City
The best area to stay in Quebec City is in Old Town (Old Quebec). Old Port is right by Old Quebec, so that is also a great option and you’ll get the river views as well.
Old Quebec consists of Lower Town which is an area worth visiting, and Upper Town, which is the majority of Old Quebec. However, I narrowed my focus for this post to the eastern part that is next to Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Even though it’s part of Old Quebec, it will be about a 15 minute walk to the heart of Old Town. However, there are more budget friendly options in this part of Upper Town, so it’s a great area to consider if you want to be in Old Quebec for a bit more affordable prices.
The other three neighborhoods offer more local vibes, but are relatively walkable to Old Quebec. Overall, I recommend staying in Old Quebec if your budget allows.
Where I Stayed
During my 4 days in Montreal and Quebec City, I loved my stay at Le Monastère des Augustines in Old Quebec. Staying at a monastery was such a unique experience, I couldn’t pass it up! It was so close to the heart of Old Town, and conveniently close to the train station, which is a great way to get from Montreal to Quebec City!
| Neighborhood | Best For | Top Pick (Upscale) | Top Pick (Mid-Range) | Top Pick (Budget) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Québec (Vieux-Québec) | First-timers, iconic landmarks | Fairmont Le Château Frontenac | Hotel Clarendon | Hôtel AtypiQ |
| Upper Town – East | More budget-friendly options but still part of Old Town | Hôtel Boutique Ophelia | L’Adresse sur Grande-Allée Lofts | Auberge Jeunesse QBEDS Hostel |
| Old Port | River views, boutique shops | Auberge Saint-Antoine | Hotel 71 | Hôtel Le Saint-Paul |
| Saint-Roch | Affordable, apartment-style stays | Hôtel Royal William | Le Ricochet Urbain | Appart Hôtel Le Saint-Anselme |
| Saint-Jean-Baptiste | Local vibes, residential charm | Hilton Québec | Château des Tourelles / La Sainte Paix | — |
| Montcalm | Tree-lined streets, cultural attractions | — | Petit Hôtel Café Krieghoff | Les 4 Saisons / Hotel Charles-Alexandre |
Neighborhood Map
Quick reference map to get an idea of each location that is discussed in this article.
Neighborhood Breakdown | Where to Stay in Quebec City
Let’s take a closer look at each neighborhood, including the best hotels, vibes, and proximity to Old Town, so you can pick the perfect spot for your trip.
Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec) | Best for First Timers
Whether you stay in Old Quebec or not, you will want to visit! A UNESCO World Heritage site, this area has cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and charming plazas. It oozes charm and is the best area to stay in Quebec City for first timers. I stayed in Upper Town and loved my experience at Le Monastère des Augustines and was still a close walk to Lower Town (Petit-Champlain) and its lineup of shops.
During my 4 days in Montreal and Quebec City, I loved exploring Vieux-Québec and am so glad that I elected to stay here! The Christmas markets throughout Old Town were absolutely magical!
LUXURY: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is iconic luxury in Vieux-Québec. With its castle-like architecture set high above the St. Lawrence River, it’s the most recognizable landmark in the city. During my visit, I loved the Christmas decor that added even more holiday magic. There is not a more iconic stay in Old Quebec!
MID-RANGE: Hotel Clarendon is the oldest, continuously operating hotel and it sits in the heart of Old Quebec! It beautifully blends old and new. Rooms are cozy and updated and there is an on-site restaurant.
UNIQUE: Le Monastère des Augustines is where I stayed and it’s definitely one of the most unique accommodations I’ve ever experienced. It’s a working and beautifully restored 17th-century monastery. The rooms are clean and minimalist. The quiet breakfast was memorable and the best continental breakfast I’ve ever had! My friend and I also enjoyed the tour of the monastery, which I recommend doing! It’s not as centrally located as other options, but it’s still within the walled city.
BUDGET: Hôtel AtypiQ is a great option for staying inside Old Quebec on a budget. The rooms are small, but cleverly designed! It’s a perfect option for exploring Quebec City, while not breaking the bank!
Interactive Accommodations Map
Upper Town – East | Budget Minded First Timers
Upper Town consists of most of Old Quebec, but there is a portion that sits between the Plains of Abraham and Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. This area is ideal for travelers who want the historic charm and cultural significance of Upper Town while being close to the residential feel of Saint-Jean-Baptiste.
To get to Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in the heart of Old Quebec, it will be about a 15 minute walk from this part of Upper Town. However, you’ll be near The Citadelle of Québec and the Plains of Abraham.
UPSCALE: Hôtel Boutique Ophelia is an upscale boutique hotel situated near the border with the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood, it offers guests a blend of historic charm and modern luxury.
MID-RANGE: L’Adresse sur Grande-Allée Lofts is a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Upper Town. Housed in a century-old residence, the hotel features 14 thoughtfully decorated rooms that blend modern comfort with historic charm.
BUDGET: Auberge Jeunesse QBEDS Hostel is situated on one of the city’s most popular streets, the hostel offers easy access to a variety of bars, restaurants, and cultural sites.
Old Port | Best for River Views
Old Port is one of the most picturesque areas in Québec City. Situated next to Old Quebec, this neighborhood sits riverside and is also home to cobblestone streets, trendy cafes, art galleries, and boutique shops.
It’s the perfect place for visitors who want to enjoy scenic views of the St. Lawrence River, and stroll along the waterfront, all while being just a short walk away from Old Québec’s main attractions. Whether you’re a foodie or art lover Old Port provides a charming base with easy access to everything.
UPSCALE: Auberge Saint-Antoine Relais & Châteaux has a relaxed yet refined vibe, offering beautiful, well-appointed rooms, excellent service, and a fantastic restaurant. It’s a perfect choice for travelers who want a mix of style, comfort, and proximity to the waterfront and Old Québec.
MID-RANGE: Hotel 71 by Preferred Hotels & Resorts is a stylish hotel that combines sleek design with comfort. Located on Rue Saint-Pierre, Hôtel 71 offers spacious rooms with river views and modern amenities. The location is ideal for visitors who want to stay in Old Port, with easy access
MID-RANGE: Hôtel Le Germain Québec is a boutique hotel that combines chic, modern design with cozy comfort. Located in Old Port, it is situated farther north on Rue Saint-Pierre, but is still in walking distance of Old Quebec.
BUDGET to MID-RANGE: Hôtel Le Saint-Paul is in the Old Port area, but on the other side closer to the train station! It’s a more affordable option, but still close to Old Quebec. It’s also a great one to consider if you are utilizing the train.
Saint-Roch | Best for Affordable Apartment Style Stays
Saint-Roch is one of Québec City’s most up-and-coming neighborhoods. Located just to the north of Old Québec, it’s known for its lively atmosphere, trendy cafés, and boutiques. While it’s a bit farther from the historic heart of Old Québec, you can still walk there in about 20 minutes, depending on your pace.
It’s the perfect area for travelers looking for more affordable, apartment style options and proximity to the old city without the heavy tourist crowds.
MID-RANGE: Hôtel Royal William offers mid-range prices, but is a 4 Star hotel. This is a great option for a nicer stay while being in Saint-Roch and within a 20 minute walk of Old Quebec.
BUDGET TO MID-RANGE: Le Ricochet Urbain offers a more self-sufficient stay, with apartment-style accommodations and kitchenettes. It’s affordable for two adults, but keep in mind it’s about a 30 minute walk to the heart of Old Quebec.
BUDGET TO MID-RANGE: Appart Hôtel Le Saint-Anselme offers fully equipped apartments with kitchen facilities, providing a more independent and flexible stay for travelers. It’s about a 30 minute walk to Old Quebec, so keep that in mind if you’re wanting to spend time there.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste | Best for Local Vibes
Saint-Jean-Baptiste is a lively yet laid-back neighborhood, making it a great choice for travelers looking to explore more of the local culture of Québec City, away from the more tourist-heavy areas. It’s a bit closer to Old Quebec than Saint-Roch, and can be reached on foot in 15 to 20 minutes.
It provides easy access to the main attractions while offering a more authentic, residential feel.
UPSCALE: Hilton Québec is conveniently in the middle of Saint-Jean-Baptiste and Old Québec. The hotel provides stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and Old Québec from its rooftop pool. It’s about a 15 minute walk to the heart of Old Quebec, and it’s central location makes it a great base for exploring all of Quebec City.
BUDGET TO MID-RANGE: Chateau des Tourelles is a cute inn located inside a historical building. It’s about a 20 minute walk to the heart of Old Quebec and about the same to the Plains of Abraham, making it a good central area for exploring the main sights.
MID-RANGE: La Sainte Paix is a boutique hotel located in a quiet residential area. It’s not a typical hotel, so it offers less amenities. It’s also about a 30 minute walk to Old Quebec, but it’s affordable, clean, and a good location for exploring all the neighborhoods of Quebec City.
Montcalm | Residential Area
The Montcalm neighborhood is a charming and elegant area of Québec City, located just south of Plains of Abraham. Known for its tree-lined streets, this neighborhood offers a peaceful atmosphere.
Montcalm is ideal for those who want a blend of local charm, cultural attractions, and convenience.
MID-RANGE: Petit Hôtel Café Krieghoff is a charming hotel in the heart of the Montcalm neighborhood. The hotel is located near Plains of Abraham and Musée national des beaux-arts, making it a great option for those looking to explore the cultural side of the city.
BUDGET TO MID-RANGE: Les 4 Saisons is an affordable hotel in a quiet, residential setting. No breakfast is served at the hotel, so keep that in mind as you will need to head out for breakfast.
BUDGET TO MID-RANGE: Hotel Charles-Alexandre offers a comfortable, budget-friendly option in the Montcalm neighborhood.
Best Area to Stay in Quebec City
If you’re visiting this charming city in Canada, then Old Town is the best area to stay in Quebec City. However, it’s not the only great area to stay! Whether you choose to stay in the heart of Old Quebec, or prefer a quieter residential area, I hope you enjoy your time in this European style city!
I absolutely loved my 4 days in Montreal and Quebec City and I’m dreaming of returning to Quebec City in other seasons!
