City in Quebec, Canada
Quebec City
North America's walled old town feels like a small French city: cobbled streets, winter carnival and great food. Winters are long, parts of town are steep, and English is less common outside tourist sites.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$2,110–2,950Comfortable, one person · C$3,000–4,200Details
- Value for money45/100Better value than 44% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goFeb, Jun–SepWarmest: Jul, 24°CDetails
- Air quality8 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2023) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet258 MbpsFixed broadband, Canada medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableWater from the Saint Lawrence and Saint-Charles rivers is treated and safe.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$105–197Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and tap to pay work almost everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Quebec City
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec) | Historic hotels and walkable sights; busiest |
| Saint-Roch | Cafés, startups and local restaurants below the old town |
| Montcalm–Grande Allée | Bars, museums and Plains of Abraham access |
| Limoilou (Montcalm) | Cheaper local streets for longer stays |
Apps that work in Quebec City
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Main app; reliable pickups and upfront fares |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber Eats | Widest restaurant choice |
| DoorDash | Frequent promos |
| SkipTheDishes | Common local app |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- ArriveCAN: optional customs declaration before landing
- Taxis: Taxis take cards; Uber is common. In the old town cars are restricted and hills are steep, so walk or use the funicular.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Canada.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and tap to pay work almost everywhere. Carry small cash for markets and some bars.
- Currency: Dollar (CAD). US$1 ≈ C$1.42 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about C$3–5; private ATMs in bars and shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis, a few dollars per night for hotel housekeeping. Card machines prompt for tips.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Interac e-Transfer needs a Canadian bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa-exempt travellers flying in need an eTA (C$7) from canada.ca; it isn't needed by land or sea, and US citizens are exempt.
- Visitors may work remotely for a foreign employer; any job with a Canadian employer needs a work permit.
- Past criminal convictions, including drunk driving, can make you inadmissible; sort out rehabilitation or a permit before travelling.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs from carrier stores and budget brands, roughly C$35–60 for 30 days; mobile data is pricey. A travel eSIM is often cheaper. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Canada
Going to Quebec City solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Quebec City meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.