Unsurprisingly, Québec City, like many other Canadian cities, is best explored on foot. Old Québec is compact and enchanting, making it easy to spend a day wandering the cobbled streets and exploring the art galleries and craft shops. In the lower town, vast murals adorn the sides of buildings in unexpected places, each telling a different story of the city. One standout is the enormous Fresque des Québécois on Place Royale, which features historic figures cleverly woven into an artwork that depicts key events in Québec’s history. The historic Quartier du Petit Champlain, the oldest shopping district in North America, is the perfect spot for an early morning coffee to soak up the atmosphere and pick up souvenirs before the crowds arrive. With a growing number of artisan food producers, this area is also a haven for foodies to sample fine local delicacies. Guided food tours are available for those wanting a deeper dive into the culinary scene.

From the lower town, you can either tackle one of the 30 stairways that connect it to the upper level—such as the longest, with 398 steps—or take the funicular for a small fee. The walled upper town is dominated by the impressive Fairmont Château Frontenac Hotel. From the Terrasse Dufferin, which runs in front of the hotel, you can enjoy fantastic views of the lower city and the St. Lawrence River. This area also features elegant homes, artisan shops, and several prominent historical sites, including the Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral and the Citadelle de Québec. The Citadel, an unusual star-shaped fortress, was built by the British and is still an active garrison today. Its museum is open daily, and guided tours reveal over 300 years of Québécois history.