Best Areas to Stay in Québec City

Old Québec City / Downtown

Best area to stay without a car, for first-time, European charm, romance, fine dining and Christmas 

Visiting Québec City for the first time? We suggest staying in Old Québec, a neighbourhood filled with 400+ years of history, and several award-winning hotels.

Explore the charm of Old Québec with its cobblestone streets and historic sites. Immerse yourself in the rich culture as you visit iconic landmarks such as Château Frontenac and Dufferin Terrace, Petit-Champlain, Citadelle de Québec and the stunning Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral. With its European vibe and hotels near the Christmas market, Old Québec is definitely  the best place to stay for Christmas.

The attractions of Old Québec can be conveniently explored on foot, making this area the optimal choice for individuals staying without a car or those who prefer to refrain from using one.  
 

Is it better to stay in Upper or Lower Québec City? 

The decision to stay in Upper or Lower Québec City depends on your preferences and the purpose of your visit. Stairs and a funicular connect the two areas. 

• The Upper Town is perched on the heights with the imposing Château Frontenac and offers a spectacular panoramic view. The inner portion of the walls of Old Québec and Parliament Hill, as well as the Plains of Abraham, are located in the Upper Town.
• The Lower Town reveals a picturesque charm with the artisan shops in the Petit-Champlain, and the waterfront ambiance of the Old Port.

Staying in Old Québec or downtown?

Québec City stands out with its unique urban structure, departing from the conventional downtown concept found in most major American cities.

Here, the term downtown takes on a distinctive meaning, referring primarily to the historical heart of the city in Old Québec. In short, when referring to hotels in Old Québec, we also mean hotels in the city centre.

See all accommodations in Old Québec

Central Neighbourhoods

Best area to stay for nightlife, restaurants and local immersion 

If you’re returning to Québec City, or looking for a more local experience, we recommend staying in a central neighbourhood close to Old Québec. Saint-Roch, Montcalm and Saint-Jean-Baptiste are the best choices, easy walks from Old Québec, and filled with fabulous restaurants and shops. These neighbourhoods are also well-served by public transportation. 

• Hotels in Montcalm:  Conviently located in Upper Town near Musée national des beaux-arts, many theatres, the Plains of Abraham, and the lively streets Grande Allée and Avenue Cartier. The tree-lined streets and green parks add to the charm of the neighbourhood, providing peaceful spaces for strolling or relaxing.  

• Hotels in Saint-Jean-Baptiste: Enjoy a lively and artistic atmosphere in Upper Town. Saint-Jean-Baptiste is highly appreciated by the LGBT+ community. 
• Hotels in Saint-Roch: This Lower Town district is renowned for its trendy character, avant-garde shops, innovative cultural spaces, craft breweries and a hub for nightlife.

See all accommodations in the central neighbourhoods

Outside the City Centre

Best area to stay with a car, for families, shopping and on a budget

Staying at a hotel outside the city centre is often more affordable, and offers more flexibility. This area is ideal for those using their car, providing convenient parking options and easy access to explore the surrounding attractions.  

• Hotels in Ste-Foy (west of the city centre, near the bridges) are perfect for families and those who want to spend time at the Aquarium or visit shopping centres. This district is particularly well-served by public transportation and close to the airport. 
• Hotels in Beauport (east of the city centre) are close to the Montmorency Waterfalls.
• Hotels in Lebourgneuf (immediate north of the city centre) benefit from an ideal central location and are close to the Galeries de la Capitale shopping mall and the Videotron Centre.
• For an incomparable cultural experience inspired by teepees and longhouses, the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations in Wendake is the perfect choice, just 20 minutes from Old Quebec. 

See all accommodations outside the city centre

In the Countryside

Best area to stay for outdoor activities, local food, resorts & cottages  

Staying in the outskirts of Québec City provides a quiet escape and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors while being close to the city centre. It is recommended to have a car when staying in this area. 

• Hotels on Île d’Orléans: The charming villages of the island abound with local traditions, artisans, and producers of regional products, providing visitors with an authentic immersion into the French Canadian culture. 
• Hotels in Côte-de-Beaupré: This area extends to the east of the city centre, from Montmorency Falls to Canyon Sainte-Anne. Among the other attractions in Côte-de-Beaupré, you'll find the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine, the  New France Route, ski and outdoor activities at Mont-Sainte-Anne, and many more. 
• Hotels in La Jacques Cartier: This region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of wild landscapes. Parks like Jacques-Cartier National Park offer picturesque trails and breathtaking scenery. It also features the famous Ice Hotel as well as Village Vacances Valcartier, a huge year-round amusement center, and two downhill ski resorts: Le Relais and Stoneham. 
• Hotels in Portneuf: It offers a beautiful combination of rural charm, outdoor activities, historical sites, and local delights. Not to be missed: the Chemin du Roy circuit and its bucolic villages, and Vallée Bras-du-Nord, a gem for outdoor enthusiasts. 

See all accommodations in the countryside

Jean-Lesage International Airport is located approximately 15 km (10 miles) from the city centre. It is accessible by public transit.

Staying in a hotel near the airport can be convenient for travellers with early morning or late-night flights. Some establishments even offer packages that include parking and transportation to the airport. 

Here are some of the closest hotels to Québec City airport:

• Clarion Pointe Québec
• Grand Times Hotel - Aéropot de Québec 
• Home2 Suites par Hilton Québec
• Hôtel Cofortel
• Hôtel Comfort Inn Ancienne-Lorette
• Hôtel et Suites Monte-Cristo
• Hôtel Must
• Hôtel Québec Inn
• Hôtel Repotel aéroport (Duplessis)
• Quality Inn
• Super 8 Québec Sainte-Foy