48 Hours in Quebec City

A French enclave of North America, Quebec City instantly charms you with its cobblestone streets, quaint stores and delectable cuisine. Here’s where to stay, where to eat, and where to absorb the cosmopolitan history of Quebec City. It is a timeless metropolis that carefully preserves its traditions while always evolving, as charming and delicious as ever. You don’t need to speak French here, but you may want to, just so you can vivaciously say “bonjour,” “merci,” and “au revoir,” wherever you go.

Day 1

History: What to Do in Quebec City

Start your morning at Plaza Royal in Old Quebec, marveling at the Notre Dame des Victoires church, one of the oldest in North America. Then walk over to 29 Rue Notre-Dame to admire the Fresque des Québécois, a larger-than-life mural painted on an entire side of the building that recounts the city’s history, from the early 1600 to modern times.

While there, visit the Museum of Civilization, which preserves over 400 years of Quebec history. Wander through the lovely cobblestone streets to Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec, the air tram that will whisk you from the Lower Town to the Upper Town, to the 130-year-old Le Château Frontenac built to resemble French castles. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Saint Lawrence River from the Terrasse Dufferin promenade.

Dining: Where to Eat in Quebec City

Enjoy dinner at Chez Rioux & Pettigrew in Lower Town. The restaurant serves classic French fare with modern twists cooked up by its creative chef Dominic Jacques. Save space for desserts—the frozen Strawberry Pavlova is to die for. Alternatively, try to Aux Anciens Canadiens, a traditional French-Canadian restaurant located in Quebec’s oldest building on Rue Saint-Louis near Château. Here, meat lovers will be tempted to try the game menu, which includes deer, bison, caribou, and elk, while vegetarians might like the vegan pot-au-feu, a slowly boiled mushroom-and-root-veggie dish.

Day 2

More Unique Flavors in Quebec City

Venture over to Île d’Orléans, an island in the middle of Saint Lawrence River, to savor uniquely local delicacies: fragrant black currant liquors at Cassis Monna & Filles; goat milk ice-cream and cheeses at Fromagerie Ferme Audet; and jams made from the berries foraged on the island at Confiturerie Tigidou.

Head back to the city and, if you’re still hungry, grab a bite on Maguire Avenue, Quebec’s latest epicurean addition. Choices are aplenty, but Pizza MAG might surprise you—its list of  nearly 50 different toppings ranges from Margherita to ratatouille to escargot. While there, stock up on rare cheeses, smoked duck and fine teas in vibrant local shops. Afterwards, take a stroll on Rue du Petit-Champlain, said to be the most beautiful street in Quebec. Shop for handmade jewelry, vintage clothing, and paintings by local artisans who often live right above their stores. You might even catch a glimpse of them working.

Relax in a Spa

For a relaxing afternoon, escape to StrØm Spa Nordique, an indoor/outdoor heaven on the banks of Saint Lawrence River, with spectacular city views. Allow 2 – 3 hours for a nice soak in its many baths, pools, and waterfalls.

Try the Boreal Forest Cuisine

Savor a farewell dinner at Tanière³, specializing in small tasting plates served in a mystique atmosphere of an old cellar with twilight settings. Here, chef and forager Francois-Emmanuel Nicol draws his inspiration from the aromas and flavors of the boreal forest that surrounds the city. (Edible lily, anyone?) Come hungry: the 12-course tasting menu includes such mouthwatering creations as scallops with caviar, seaweed-fed lamb, and foie gras with wild strawberries.

Quebec City Hotels

Nestled within Quebec’s Lower Town, Auberge Saint-Antoine is a stylish hotel and museum in one. Family-owned, the hotel resides atop an archaeological site with layers of history buried beneath—and displayed on its walls, too. Centuries-old fragments of bottles, cups, saucers and other items decorate the hotel’s hallways and suites. No two guestrooms are the same, and walking through the hallways feels like time-traveling, with relics leading the way. Located in a maritime warehouse dating to 1822, its restaurant Chez Muffy serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with many ingredients sourced from Île d'Orléans.