A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Baltimore vs. Quebec City for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Baltimore or Quebec City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Quebec City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a colorful, historic, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Baltimore travel costs.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a cultural, charming, and historical city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of Quebec City is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Quebec City travel costs.

Baltimore and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Baltimore or Quebec City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Quebec City. Although Baltimore and Quebec City are popular destinations, Quebec City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Baltimore is famous for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. Quebec City is famous for its charming streets and classic Old Town. It is also well known for Château Frontenac.

How is Baltimore different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Quebec City and Baltimore. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baltimore or Quebec City?

Baltimore
Quebec City

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Quebec City are among the most recognizable in the world. Historic sites include La Citadelle de Québec and Quebec National Historic Site. There are many iconic buildings in town as well like the Parliament Building and Château Frontenac. Also make sure you visit the Musée de la Civilisation and the stunning Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Baltimore can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.


Is the Food Better in Baltimore or Quebec City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore
Quebec City

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Quebec City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city offers a mix of Canadian favorites and French dishes with a local twist. Favorite dishes that you must try include tourtières, pâté chinois, pea soup, and fèves au lard. There are also many local desserts to sample. You'll find some of the best French Canadian cuisine in the Old Town.

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Is Baltimore or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore
Quebec City

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Baltimore and Quebec City.

Baltimore is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Many people head to Quebec City for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene consists mainly of bars and pubs that you'll find along Rue Saint-Jean and in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. You'll also find clubs in Saint-Roch along Rue du Parvis and Avenue Saint-Joseph.

Is Baltimore or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Baltimore
Quebec City

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Quebec City is revered around the world. The walled Old Town has fortifications that date back to the 17th century. It has a European charm with cobblestone streets, charming restaurants, beautiful squares, and historic architecture. Many visitors feel like they've stepped into old world Europe.

Baltimore does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Quebec City?

Baltimore
Quebec City

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Quebec City make it a world-class shopping destination. The Old Town has many local boutiques and artisan shops that are fun for browsing. There are many shopping streets in town like Petit-Champlain Street, Rue Saint-Joseph, and Avenue Cartier.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Is Baltimore or Quebec City More Beautiful?

Baltimore
Quebec City

Quebec City is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Quebec City is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The European atmosphere gives the city a unique beauty with architecture and cobblestone streets that create a fairytale setting.

Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Baltimore or Quebec City Better for Families?

Baltimore
Quebec City

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Baltimore or Quebec City.

Baltimore is a very kid-friendly city. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Quebec City. There are tons of kid-friendly activities like visiting the Aquarium du Québec, having an adventure at Terrasse Dufferin, or exploring Chute de Montmorency.


Is Baltimore or Quebec City Better for Couples?

Baltimore
Quebec City

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Quebec City has plenty to offer. It's one of the most European city's in North America, and it's filled with romance. Couples can enjoy exploring the Old Town by carriage or taking a boat ride on the Saint Lawrence River. For a truly romantic evening, enjoy a French meal at the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, but for many couples, simply exploring and soaking up the city's charm offers the simple romance that they're looking for.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Baltimore or Quebec City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore
Quebec City

Quebec City is well known for backpackers. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Quebec City is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a decent number of hostels around town and backpackers consider this a favorite destination in the area.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Is Baltimore or Quebec City Better for Students?

Baltimore
Quebec City

Quebec City is very good for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with students.

Quebec City is popular with students. It's a beautiful and charming city that is fun for international students.

Baltimore is not popular with students.


Is Baltimore or Quebec City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Baltimore
Quebec City

Baltimore is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Baltimore is fairly effecient and thorough. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

While Quebec City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses and ferries around town.

Is Baltimore or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Baltimore
Quebec City

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Quebec City on foot is easy. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Quebec City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either Baltimore or Quebec City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Quebec City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Baltimore, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.

Families should spend more time in Quebec City than Baltimore. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Quebec City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Quebec City than Baltimore. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Quebec City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Quebec City than Baltimore if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Quebec City.


  • How many days in Baltimore or Quebec City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Baltimore 2-3 
    Quebec City 2-4

One day in Baltimore or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Baltimore. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Quebec City. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Baltimore or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Baltimore. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Quebec City. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Baltimore or Quebec City?

The diverse city of Baltimore offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Quebec City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Baltimore or Quebec City?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Baltimore. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Quebec City is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Quebec City or Baltimore?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Baltimore Prices
    USA Prices
    Quebec City Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Baltimore $217
    Quebec City $148

The average daily cost (per person) in Baltimore is $217, while the average daily cost in Quebec City is $148. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Baltimore and Quebec City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baltimore $93
    Quebec City $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baltimore $186
    Quebec City $140
Compare Hotels in Baltimore and Quebec City

Looking for a hotel in Baltimore or Quebec City? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Baltimore


Hotels in Quebec City


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Baltimore Hotel Prices and Quebec City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baltimore $21
    Quebec City $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Airport Transfer BWI Airport to Baltimore Downtown Area Only: $160
  • Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Washington,DC: $275
  • Airport Transfer Downtown Baltimore to BWI Airport: $160
  • Airport transfer to or from Silver Spring, MD & Reagan Airport(DCA): $230
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $150
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Transfer: $167
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $74
  • Private Transfer to BWI or Washington DC/Airports: $160
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI: $114
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
  • Oakland hotel or address to Oakland Airport (OAK) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
  • Oakland to San Francisco Airport (SFO)-Departure Private Transfer: $209

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Quebec City

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Quebec City are as follows:


  • Parking in Quebec City
    $3.51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quebec City

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Quebec City:

  • Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port to Quebec - Arrival Private Transfer: $173
  • Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Quebec: $242
  • Le Terminal Quebec Port to Québec Airport (YQB) - Departure Private Transfer: $101
  • Le Terminal Quebec Port to Quebec city - Arrival Private Transfer: $173
  • Private Transfer from Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) to Québec City: $110
  • Private Transfer from Québec City to Jean Lesage Airport (YQB): $110
  • Private Transfer from Quebec City Airport (YQB) to Saguenay Port: $253
  • Private Transfer from Quebec City Hotels to Saguenay Cruise Port: $253
  • Private Transfer from Quebec City to YQB airport: $100
  • Private transfer from YQB (QUEBEC) Airport to downtown: $110
  • Québec Airport (YQB) to Le Terminal Quebec Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $202
  • Québec Jean Lesage International Airport transfer to Club Med: $295

Is it cheaper to fly into Baltimore or Quebec City?

Prices for flights to both Quebec City and Baltimore change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Baltimore $79
    Quebec City $61
Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.

  • Thai Curry Cooking Class with Local Chef in Baltimore: $60
  • City Cruises Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $63
  • Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour: $77
  • Baltimore Signature Dinner Cruise: $94
  • Cooking or Baking Lesson with a Maryland Local Karen in her Home: $106
  • Discover Fells Point Culinary Food Tour: $109
  • Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $110
  • Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $110
  • City Cruises Dinner & Dance Harbor Cruise: $112
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise : $133

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quebec City

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Quebec City.

  • Quebecois Aperitif Food Tour in Quebec City: $61
  • Quebecois Aperitif Food Tour in Quebec City: $63
  • Québec City: 3 or 5-Course Dinner Cruise with DJ & Dancing: $126
  • Progressive Dinner on Grande-Allée and History Tour: $204
  • Old Quebec 5-Course Gourmet Food Tour: $204
  • Combo Historical and Food Tour of the Old Quebec City: $208
  • Evening Gourmet Tour 5 Course Dinner - History and Food in Old Quebec City: $208
  • 5-course Progressive Dinner on Grande-Allée and History Tour: $208

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Baltimore $18
    Quebec City $23

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self-guided Waterfall Hiking Tour through Great Falls National Park: $5.00
  • Museum of Industry Admission Ticket: $14
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Towson MD: $15
  • Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Historical Baltimore Self-Driving Sightseeing Audio Tour: $17
  • Baltimore Monuments Walking Tour: $20
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Baltimore Orioles Baseball Game Ticket at Oriole Park: $25
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25
  • The Original Fells Point Ghost Walk by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $26
  • Raven's Revenge Walking Ghost Tour: $27
  • The Original Fells Point Ghost Walk by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $27

Tours and Activities in Quebec City

Here are a few actual costs in Quebec City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Quebec City Highlights Walking Tour | Tips-Based | 3-Hour: $5.00
  • Quebec: Interactive Tour of the Fortifications: $6.50
  • Québec City: Artillery Park Tour: $6.50
  • Observatoire de la Capitale Entry Ticket: $11
  • MNBAQ National Fine Arts Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Québec: Fortifications-of-Québec Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Quebec: La Citadelle de Québec Ticket and Guided Tour: $16
  • Fairmont Le Château Frontenac Guided Tour: $18
  • Quebec: Crimes of New France Animated Walking Tour: $20
  • Animated Crime Walking Tour in Old Quebec: $20
  • Guided tour from the bee to the bottle and tasting - French: $21
  • Guided Tour of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Baltimore $17
    Quebec City $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $33
  • Baltimore Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36

Sample the Local Flavors in Quebec City

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Quebec City:

  • Honey and Distillery Tour with Tasting: $21
  • Craft Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour: $50
  • Island of Orleans Wine Tour: $94
  • Wine Tasting on Ile d'Orleans: $96
  • Montmorency Falls and Microbrewery eBike Tour: $110
  • Montmorency Falls and Microbrewery eBike Tour: $125


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Baltimore and Quebec City, we can see that Baltimore is more expensive. And not only is Quebec City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Quebec City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Quebec City and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Baltimore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baltimore than you might in Quebec City.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Baltimore Expensive? and Is Quebec City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Quebec City?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Quebec City. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore and Quebec City, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.