Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.
After arriving in Québec City, allow roughly 30–60 minutes to reach your accommodation in or near Old Québec, depending on whether you are coming from the airport, train station, or bus terminal. A taxi from Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport to Old Québec generally takes about 20–30 minutes; from Gare du Palais, it is usually a short taxi ride or a manageable walk with light luggage. Settle in first, since the cobbled streets and hills of the historic district are much easier to enjoy without bags.
Begin your walk through Old Québec, heading downhill toward Petit-Champlain and Place Royale. Allow about 1½ hours for an unhurried stroll, including around 30 minutes in Place Royale, one of the city’s most atmospheric squares. Look for Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, whose small stone façade is especially lovely when illuminated, and take time to wander the narrow streets nearby rather than following the busiest route. The area is walkable but uneven, with steep sections and cobblestones, so comfortable shoes matter; the funicular can help with the climb between Lower Town and Upper Town, though it charges a separate fare.
Continue uphill to Dufferin Terrace for broad evening views of the St. Lawrence River and Château Frontenac. Plan about 45 minutes here, with extra time for photographs and a look along the wooden promenade. Finish at Le Chic Shack in Upper Town for an easy first-night meal of burgers, poutine, fries, and Québec beer—budget approximately C$25–40 per person before drinks and tip. Verify the restaurant’s current evening hours before setting out, as seasonal schedules can change, and expect a wait during the dinner rush. From Dufferin Terrace, it is only a few minutes on foot; afterward, return to your accommodation through the well-lit streets of Upper Town or use a taxi if you are staying outside the central district.
Start in Upper Town with Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Québec City’s unmistakable landmark. Allow about an hour for the exterior terraces and lobby, or join the guided tour if you have reserved a time—walk-in availability can be limited. From there, stroll through Dufferin Terrace and down Rue Sainte-Anne to Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral. Plan roughly 45 minutes inside; access may be restricted during Mass, ceremonies, or special events, so check the service schedule before setting out. The two sites are only a few minutes apart on foot.
Continue downhill toward Musée de la civilisation in the Old Port, allowing about 15–20 minutes for the walk via the cobbled streets of Old Québec. Set aside two hours for the museum’s exhibitions, which are especially good when you want a thoughtful break from sightseeing. Confirm the day’s opening schedule and exhibition admission in advance; general admission is commonly around C$20–30, with discounts and combined tickets sometimes available.
For lunch, walk back toward Petit-Champlain and settle in at Le Lapin Sauté, a cozy choice for Québec-style comfort food in a historic setting. Budget approximately C$35–55 per person before drinks and tax, and reserve if possible because the dining room is popular. After lunch, leave roughly 30 minutes for a taxi or rental-car transfer to Montmorency Falls; public transit is possible but slower and less convenient. Spend about two hours at the falls, including the viewpoints and suspension bridge. Wear shoes with good grip, and check the cable-car and park access before going—some facilities operate seasonally or on reduced schedules. Return to central Québec City by taxi or car, again allowing about 30 minutes.
Finish at Observatoire de la Capitale near Parliament Hill, where the elevated panorama gives you a clear sense of how the river, Old Québec, and surrounding neighborhoods fit together. Allow about an hour, ideally timing your arrival near sunset if seasonal hours permit. Check the current closing time and admission online before leaving Montmorency Falls, since the observatory’s schedule varies through the year; admission is generally in the C$15–25 range. If you still have energy afterward, take an unhurried walk around Parliament Hill rather than adding another formal attraction.
Start with a relaxed final walk across the Plains of Abraham, entering from the Parliament Hill side and following the broad paths toward the museum district. Give yourself about an hour, with time for the viewpoints, open lawns, and battlefield markers rather than treating it as a rushed sightseeing stop. This is an easy way to enjoy Québec City’s outdoor character before departure; wear comfortable shoes, since the park can be windy and paths may be damp or icy depending on conditions.
Continue to the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, where two hours is a good amount of time for the permanent collection and whichever temporary exhibition is running. The museum’s hours and exhibition access can vary by day, so confirm them before setting out; budget roughly C$25–35 per adult unless you qualify for a concession or free-entry program. From the museum, walk or take a short taxi or bus ride toward Grande Allée—allow about 10–20 minutes depending on your exact route.
Have lunch along Grande Allée, where restaurants range from casual cafés to polished brasseries; allow C$25–50 per person and keep the meal reasonably flexible so you are not watching the clock. Afterward, make your way downhill to the Marché du Vieux-Port for Québec cheeses, maple products, cider, and snacks for the journey. It is roughly a 20-minute walk from Grande Allée, or a short taxi ride if you have luggage. Allow about 45 minutes, and check the market’s seasonal opening hours before relying on it—vendors and hours can vary outside the busiest period.
Return to your hotel, collect your bags, and leave for Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport or Gare du Palais with your transfer time built in: generally 30–60 minutes door to door, depending on traffic and your starting point. For a flight, leave the hotel at least 2–3 hours before departure; for a train, 45–60 minutes is usually comfortable. If you are driving, allow extra time to retrieve the vehicle and navigate downtown streets, particularly around Grande Allée and the Old Port.
No packing list attached yet.