Direct answer
3–4 days are ideal to experience Quebec City’s main attractions; 4–5 days if you want a relaxed pace or nearby day trips (Île d’Orléans, Montmorency Falls, Charlevoix).
What to explore (high-level)
- Vieux-Québec (Old Quebec): Château Frontenac, Terrasse Dufferin, fortified walls, and cobblestone streets.
- Petit-Champlain: boutiques, cafés, Place Royale and historic charm.
- Plains of Abraham: park, museums (Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec nearby), and viewpoints.
- Citadel and ramparts: guided tours and the Changing of the Guard (summer).
- Montmorency Falls: 15–20 minutes from the city, cable car, and suspension bridge.
- Île d’Orléans: scenic island with wineries, farms, and local food stops (day trip).
- Musems and culture: Musée de la civilisation, Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.
- Winter activities (seasonal): Carnaval de Québec, ice skating, tobogganing at Terrasse Dufferin.
- Food & nightlife: try poutine, tourtière, sugar shacks (seasonal), and lively restaurants in Saint-Jean-Baptiste.
Sample itinerary (3–4 days)
- Day 1: Old Quebec walking tour, Château Frontenac, dinner in Petit-Champlain.
- Day 2: Citadel & museums, Plains of Abraham, evening historic ghost or food tour.
- Day 3: Montmorency Falls + Île d’Orléans OR full-day Charlevoix trip (scenic drive).
- Day 4 (optional): Markets, neighbourhoods (Saint-Roch, Saint-Jean-Baptiste), shopping, relaxed museum time.
Estimated costing (per person, in CAD; excludes international airfare and assumes hostel stays)
- Accommodation (hostel): CAD 30–60 per night. For 3 nights: 90–180; 4 nights: 120–240.
- Food: budget 30–60/day (groceries, casual meals). For 3 days: 90–180; 4 days: 120–240.
- Local transport: bus/metro/taxis/Uber – CAD 5–15/day. For 3 days: 15–45; 4 days: 20–60.
- Attractions & tours: many sights are free or low-cost; budget CAD 10–50/day for paid museums, Montmorency cable car (~CAD 15–20), guided tours. For whole trip: 40–150.
- Day trips: Montmorency/Île d’Orléans by local transit or short drive: CAD 10–40; paid guided day trip to Charlevoix: CAD 100–150.
Estimated total (hostel-focused, per person):
- 3-day trip: roughly CAD 235–555
- 4-day trip: roughly CAD 300–840
(These ranges depend on eating preferences, tour choices, season, and whether you join paid guided tours.)
Practical tips
- Best times: June–September for mild weather; December–February for winter activities and Carnaval (cold!). Shoulder seasons (May, Oct) have fewer crowds.
- Walking shoes: Old Quebec is cobblestone and hilly.
- Currency & language: Canadian dollars; French is predominant — basic French phrases are useful though English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Booking: reserve hostels and popular tours in high season; check opening hours for attractions in winter.
If you want, I can: suggest a day-by-day plan with hostel recommendations, or calculate a tighter budget for specific dates and activity preferences.