Quebec City in 2 Days: everything you need to know

If you plan to visit Quebec City in 2 days, you'll be spoilt for choice with the variety of attractions on offer and the impossibility of discovering it in such a short time. However, with the right itinerary and an intensive tour, organising the visits based on the geographical location of each of the sites, you will be able to get to know the main profiles of this city.

Some of the best things to do in Quebec in 2 days include touring the traditional side of the city, which includes Old Quebec and the surrounding walled circuit, seeing Montmorency Falls, taking a cruise on the St. Lawrence River and watching the sunset from the Observatoire de la Capitale, one of the tallest buildings in the region.

If you only have 2 days in Quebec, for the first day I suggest a tour of the city's main loop, taking in Old Quebec and nearby buildings, which will give you a sense of the colonial era of this French-speaking destination and allow you to discover the local architecture.

Start your day with a tour of Old Quebec

Start your day exploring the historic charm of Old Quebec, an enclave that will transport you back in time as you stroll through its cobblestone streets. A good alternative is to start your walk in the imposing Place Royale, which is surrounded by buildings dating back to the 17th century and where you'll feel the essence of New France. Nearby you can also visit the Terrasse Dufferin, a wide pedestrian promenade offering panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River and the Château Frontenac.

In the narrow streets of Petit Champlain you will find one of the most picturesque shopping areas in the city. You will also find restaurants, cafés and art galleries that will allow you to discover the bohemian atmosphere of this place. During your walk, you will not miss the Place d'Armes, a historic square where the statue of Louis XIV stands and which is often surrounded by street artists.

During this morning circuit, you can also visit the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame, an architectural masterpiece from the 17th century which houses artistic treasures in its interior. Nearby, you can conclude your walk at the Parliament of Quebec, a neo-Gothic structure that preserves the region's political history and allows you to soak up its rich cultural heritage.

• How to get there: You can tour Old Quebec on your own or on some of the city's best tours. You can also get to Place Royale from anywhere in the city by bus on lines 1, 11, 16, 18, 185, L2, L3, 800, 801 and 807.

Discover the upper town on the Funicular de Québec

After exploring Old Quebec you can walk the three streets that separate Place Royale from the Quebec City Funicular to discover the upper part of the city. From the cable car, which opened in 1879 and was one of the first in Canada, you'll discover the summit of Cap Diamant.

As you climb aboard, you will witness the panoramic views offered by the Quebec Funicular. As you ascend the hillside, you'll see the St. Lawrence River and the city's iconic architecture. The height you'll reach will give you a unique perspective of the rooftops, towers and ramparts that characterise the Upper Town, with the presence of the Château Frontenac standing out.

From here you will be able to see the whole city, both towards the river and the inner city. Also, if you plan to visit Quebec at Christmas time, you'll be able to catch a glimpse of the seasonal decorations and the snow that usually blankets the city's streets, as the festive eve coincides with the Canadian winter.

Tour the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac Hotel

One of the best attractions to visit in the Upper Town is the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, an architectural gem that crowns Quebec City. Built in 1893, this iconic chateau-hotel has witnessed the evolution of the city over the years and has become an inseparable emblem of its urban landscape. Its design, reminiscent of French medieval aesthetics, is the work of architect Bruce Price and has been the setting for numerous series and films.

As you wander through the luxurious facilities of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, you will be immersed in the elegance and luxury that characterise this world-renowned hotel. The rooms, decorated halls and architectural details will transport you back to the Middle Ages. The hotel has also witnessed historic moments, such as the 1943 Quebec Conference during the Second World War, where the Normandy Landings began to take shape.

In addition to its presence on the Cap Diamant hill, the hotel is home to world-class restaurants, spa and exclusive shops. This site, located at the foot of the funicular station in the Upper Town, can be explored on your own or on a guided tour.

Visit the Museum of Civilisation

On the afternoon of the first day and after lunch you can embark on a journey through history and cultural diversity. At the Museum of Civilization, which is considered one of the best museums in Quebec, you can discover the different human cultures throughout time. With permanent and temporary exhibits, it offers an educational experience for visitors of all ages.

At the museum, you can explore exhibits ranging from ancient civilizations to contemporary cultures, giving you a comprehensive view of human development. Themed galleries allow you to discover the daily life of various communities, featuring objects, artworks and multimedia material. You can also learn about indigenous history, the influence of European colonies and the cultural evolution of Quebec during colonisation.

• How to get there: From the Château Frontenac, the Museum of Civilisation is a 15-minute walk along the Coté de la Montagne or a 10-minute ride on line 1 buses.

Walk through the Citadel of Quebec

At the Citadelle de Québec, a fortification perched on Cap Diamant hill, you will discover a 17th century military structure that provides tangible testimony to the city's strategic importance in the defence of the French and later British empires. Its architectural design reflects the evolution of warfare tactics over the years, providing an insight into the military engineering of the time.

As you explore the Citadel, you can walk along its ramparts and discover the defensive system that protected Quebec from invasion. In addition, the panoramic views from the Citadel offer a unique perspective of the city, the St. Lawrence River and the picturesque surrounding countryside. During a walking tour you can immerse yourself in the history of this site, learning about the key events that marked its past, from the Seven Years' War to the Canadian Confederation.

Inside the Citadel, you will also find the headquarters of the Royal 22e Régiment, the only French-speaking infantry regiment in the Canadian Armed Forces. There you can explore the military quarters, learn about the daily life of the soldiers and admire the collection of objects and uniforms that tell the story of Canada's military history.

• How to get there: From the Musée de la Civilisation you can reach the Citadel of Quebec City by bus (lines 1 and 11) for a 15-minute ride or on the city's hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses.

Take in a show at the Grand Théâtre de Québec

To round off the first day, I suggest you dive into the city's cultural offerings, which are concentrated around the Grand Théâtre du Québec, an artistic icon that has been the setting for countless high-profile productions over the years. This theatre, located on Place d'Youville, is renowned for its architecture and its versatility in hosting a variety of events, ranging from opera and ballet to concerts and theatrical productions.

The Grand Théâtre de Québec presents a diverse programme that appeals to both lovers of classical performing arts and those looking for more contemporary offerings. You can enjoy renowned opera performances, classical ballet, or a staging of a theatrical production, which is ideal if you plan to visit with children.

Also, if you are planning to visit Quebec at Christmas time, you will be able to enjoy seasonal shows here.

• How to get there: From the Citadel you can get to the Grand Théâtre in about 20 minutes on bus lines 11, 25, 800 and 801.

For the second day, after getting to know the cultural and historical profile of Quebec on the first day, I suggest a detailed tour of the best views of the city, including a tour of the popular Montmorency Falls, a boat trip on the St. Lawrence River and a visit to the Observatoire de la Capitale to watch the sunset from one of the highest points of this destination.

Tour the Montmorency Falls

If you want to see one of the most famous natural sites around Quebec, a visit to Montmorency Falls is a must. Located about 15 kilometres from the city and approximately 83 metres high, they are even bigger than the famous Niagara Falls and you can visit them on your own or on some of the best excursions from Quebec.

During the tour you can explore the surrounding park, enjoy the scenic trails and observation decks and take the funicular, a ride that will lift you above the landscape, giving you sweeping views of the surrounding area. The funicular will also take you to the top of the mountain, where you will find the Parc de la Montagne de Montmorency, a natural area offering outdoor activities.

If you opt for the organised tours, which last approximately 6 hours and start early in the morning, you can also visit the Basilica of Saint Anne de Beaupré, a pilgrimage site which houses a collection of sacred art. The basilica is known for its neo-gothic architecture and spiritual atmosphere.

• How to get there: From downtown Quebec City , you can reach Montmorency Falls by car on Highway 440 or by bus on lines 11, 59, 136, 254 and 800 for a journey time of approximately 1 hour.

Take a cruise excursion to discover the St. Lawrence River

If you tour Montmorency Falls in the morning, in the afternoon you can embark on a cruise tour to discover the St. Lawrence River, which is one of the most important river arteries in North America. From the deck of your boat, you can explore a rich variety of landscapes and admire the natural beauty of the Canadian skyline.

During these excursions, which are often included among the best boat tours in Quebec, you'll discover a mix of history, culture and wildlife, from the picturesque villages along the river to the diversity of local wildlife, including seabirds, seals and, if you're lucky, even whales that breach in the Atlantic waters.

The cruise experience will also give you the opportunity to admire the architecture of the bridges that cross the river, connecting the banks and offering a unique perspective from the water. During the itinerary you will pass through Orleans Island and the Mingan Archipelago and will usually be assisted by an expert local guide.

• How to get there: From Montmorency Falls you can reach the port of Quebec by car on Highway 440 or by bus on lines 1 and 800 for a journey time of approximately 1 hour.

Watch the sunset over the city from the Observatoire de la Capitale.

If you want to discover Quebec in all its splendour, one of the best ways to do it is from the Observatoire de la Capitale, an experience that will allow you to catch a glimpse of the sunset if you attend in the evening. Located in the heart of the city, this panoramic observatory offers a unique perspective of Quebec' s historic and modern architecture.

At a height of 221 metres, the Observatoire de la Capitale stands as the highest observation deck in the city and provides a full view of the rooftops, cobblestone streets and monuments that characterise this destination. From the observation deck, you can enjoy a 360° panorama that stretches from the Citadel to the distant Appalachian Mountains.

The St. Lawrence River, meandering through the landscape, will show you the sunset, and in the rooms surrounding the observatory you will find interactive exhibits that will immerse you in the history, culture and urban evolution of Quebec.

• How to get there: You can reach this site from the port on bus lines 1, 3, 11, 18, 28, 800, 801 and 807.