The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Québec City in 2025: Best Things to Do and See

Planning an itinerary for Québec City but feeling overwhelmed by everything to see and do? I got you!

Québec City is known for its rich history and significant European influence, from the cobblestone streets to the architecture, the towering and gorgeous Château Frontenac, and the historic St. Lawrence River, to name a few. But when you’re planning a trip to “La Vieille Capitale” (The Old Capital), it can be hard to know where to start!

I’ve been to Québec City more than once, and each visit has helped me refine the best way to experience the city, without wasting time on tourist traps or feeling overwhelmed with planning an epic trip there.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another trip, this three-day itinerary will help you plan an amazing trip to Québec City and see the best of the city and its surrounding areas.

Let’s dive in!

The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Québec City in 2025: Best Things to Do & See

Day 1: Exploring Old Québec & Historic Landmarks

Québec City tourism starts in the heart of Old Québec (Vieux-Québec). This UNESCO World Heritage neighborhood is a must-visit with its historic buildings, lovely cafés, and cobblestone streets.

🌅 Morning: Discovering Historic Québec

Start your day with a French breakfast at Café La Maison Smith – This cafe has a few central locations in Old Québec City, so finding one shouldn’t be difficult. Plus, who would say no to a fresh croissant and café au lait to start the day’s adventures?

• Check out the menu at Café La Maison Smith.

Explore Place Royale – this picturesque square is beautiful to check out and known as the birthplace of French civilization in Canada (and all of North America). Little cafes and outdoor terraces surround it, adding to the area’s quaintness.

Visit the Château Frontenac – get close to one of the most emblematic buildings in the province of Québec – the Château Frontenac! It is known as one of the most photographed hotels in the world, so it’s only right to add to that stat by taking your own photos there, too, and also check it out from the inside while you’re there!

➡️ BOOK your tickets for a tour of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

>> Read More: 6 Best Areas To Stay in Québec City: Best Hotels and Neighborhoods

Walk along the Terrasse Dufferin – Enjoy beautiful, panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River from upper town, plus people watch below, the commotion of Rue Saint-Champlain in lower town! Look for the small glass pyramids that can peek into the historic Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux ruins, part of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

☀️ Afternoon: Explore some history and local culture

The Citadelle of Québec – Known as the only of its kind still standing in North America, the Citadelle of Québec was once the fortification of the British army on Cape Diamond, known as the tallest point in the city. Tour this world heritage site, and enjoy amazing views of the Château Frontenac, the Terrasse Dufferin, and the St. Lawrence in one shot!

➡️ BOOK entry tickets to the Citadelle of Québec with Guided Tour

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to be there for the Changing of the Guard ceremony every day between June 24th and Labor Day (first Monday of September) at 10:00 AM.

Walk along the Petit Champlain District – Wander through one of North America’s oldest shopping streets, filled with endless boutique shops selling Canadian and Indigenous items, plus many cafes, ice cream and dessert shops for a sweet treat!

💡 Pro Tip: Walk through Rue du Cul-de-Sac in the Quartier Petit Champlain AKA Umbrella Alley for some cool photos and views of Château Frontenac.

>> Read More: Best Things To Do in Old Québec City

🌃 Evening: Try local Québecois dishes for dinner

Have dinner at Échaudé – Make dinner reservations at the delicious Échaudé, known as one of the most highly rated French bistros in Québec City, that infuses the best of Québecois and French cuisine seamlessly.

Make your reservation ahead of time for Échaudé.

Enjoy a Nighttime Stroll – Take a leisurely walk along the city walls, and enjoy views of both Old Québec and modern Québec City in one walk. It’s the perfect way to end the night, whether your hotel is in the historic part of Old Québec or in the modern part of the city, including the city hall (parliament building).

>> Read More: 11 Best Boutique Hotels To Stay In Old Québec City For A Memorable Stay

Day 2: Nature and Culture – Montmorency Falls and Musée de la Civilisation

Time to step outside the city and enjoy Québec’s beautiful natural scenery and beauty.

🌅 Morning: Montmorency Falls Adventure

Breakfast at Paillard Bakery – Start your day of adventures at Paillard Bakery, an artisanal bakery serving a great selection of French pastries, bagels, espresso, and more.

Visit Montmorency Falls – Standing 99 feet taller than Niagara Falls, Montmorency Falls leaves quite the impression no matter how often you visit. I’ve been lucky to have seen it a few times, and I am amazed at its beauty each time. Plus, it is so close to Québec City that you can take a quick day trip!

Things to do at Montmorency Falls (other than stare at the sheer beauty):

• Take the cable car for a panoramic ride! You can book your cable car ticket here!
• Walk across the suspension bridge for expansive spanning views of the falls, and beyond.
• Hike up the 487-step staircase and feel the gentle mist and wind hit you.

➡️ Want to visit Montmorency Falls without worrying about transportation? Book a guided Montmorency Falls day tour from Québec City, plus a stop at the charming town of Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré!

>> Read More: Best Day Trips from Québec City

☀️ Afternoon: Visit Québec’s Top Rated Museum

Return to Québec City and visit the Musée de la Civilisation – Known as one of the top museums in the city dedicated to human history, this museum covers everything from civilizations across time to modern society from different perspectives, including art, history, culture, and more.

• Buy tickets for the Musée de la Civilisation beforehand, and save money.

🌃 Evening: Scenic Views and Fine Dining

Have dinner at Ciel! Bistro Bar – This is one of Québec City’s most attractive dinner and scenic spots, as it’s a revolving restaurant that offers incredible views of Québec City’s skyline (both modern and old).

• Click to learn more about Ciel! Bistro Bar.

Day 3: Culture, Relaxation, and other Hidden Gems

Your last day in Québec City is all about immersing yourself in the city’s rich culture one last time.

🌅 Morning: Step inside Québec City’s oldest cathedral

Breakfast at Restaurant La Buche – Enjoy a delicious French Canadian breakfast featuring breakfast poutine, Québec crepes, and even maple syrup-glazed bacon.

• Check out the full menu for Restaurant La Buche!

Step inside the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral – The oldest cathedral in North America, where a few things like the Holy Door and tomb of François de Laval, the First Bishop of the diocese of Québec, are along with the stunning interiors of the cathedral itself.

☀️ Afternoon: Outdoor Picnic and Local Spots

Visit the Plains of Abraham – A historic park with beautiful walking paths, the Plains of Abraham are also known historically as the place where the decisive battle between the French and British took place, where the British won, which gave them way to control European trade in Québec City in the 18th century.

💡 Pro Tip: Bring a snack or a light lunch and sit on the grassy hilly fields while taking in the stunning views of Old Québec, from the Châteu Frontenac to the Dufferin Terrasse and the St. Lawrence River.

Explore the Morrin Centre – This historic building was once a university, jail, and now a museum that showcases Québec’s English-speaking history.

• Reserve a ticket with a guided tour experience at the Morrin Centre here!

Wander around Montclam and St. Jean Street – This street is known for its cool, hipster-style boutiques and bookstores. It’s just outside the historic center of Old Québec City.

🌃 Evening: Relax and Unwind at Québec’s Nordic Spas

Relax at Strøm Nordic Spa – A riverside Scandinavian spa experience worth a stop for the ultimate relaxing break before departure.

➡️ BOOK your thermal bath at Strøm Nordic Spa in Québec City here

Final dinner at Le Saint-Armour – One of Québec City’s top fine-dining restaurants, known for upscale French and Québecois dishes.

• Plan your reservation to Le Saint-Armour ahead of time!

>> Read More: How To Take the Train from Québec City to Montreal

The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Québec City Q&A

How many days in Québec City do you need?

I recommend going for at least 2 days so you can see as much as you can and enjoy everything at a slightly slower pace.

Plus, Qúebec City has hills and staircases, so it’s not so flat that you can speed walk everywhere to see more, faster.

What month is best for Québec City?

It depends on what you want to experience, but Québec City has something happening every season.

It does get really cold in the winter, however, so if you want to visit when the weather is nicer, I recommend anytime between May and July. Those are the months I’ve visited, and the weather was mild, even hot.

However, any time in the fall would be another great time to visit and catch views of the stunning fall foliage.

What is the best way to explore Québec City?

On foot! Especially Old Québec City, as it has many small side streets and staircases to explore its different levels. It’s much more comfortable to do so.

If you want to explore beyond the city, check out day tours with transport included.

Is it easy to get around Québec City without a car?

Absolutely! The first time I visited Québec City I didn’t have a car, and I got around super easily.

The Wrap-Up: The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Québec City in 2025: Best Things to Do & See

Québec City is a beautiful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Whether you’re exploring Old Québec for a long weekend, tasting local ingredients, or admiring Montmorency Falls, I hope this 3-day itinerary for Québec City helps you experience the best of this stunning Canadian destination.

Need more recommendations or travel tips? Drop a comment below or check out my other Québec City guides!

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