A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bucharest vs. Quebec City for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Bucharest or Quebec City?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bucharest and Quebec City. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a historical, less touristy, and undiscovered 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 Bucharest 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.

Bucharest and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Bucharest or Quebec City?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Quebec City than Bucharest. While Bucharest is larger than Quebec City, Quebec City has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Quebec City is more touristy than Bucharest and is known for its charming streets and classic Old Town. It is also well known for Château Frontenac. Bucharest is famous for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

How is Bucharest different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bucharest
Quebec City

Quebec City is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.


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

Bucharest
Quebec City

Quebec City is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Quebec City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Bucharest
Quebec City

Quebec City is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Quebec City is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Bucharest has a few options to choose from. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

Is Bucharest or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Bucharest
Quebec City

Quebec City is renowned for its old town. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Quebec City is one of the most recognized in 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.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.


Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Quebec City?

Bucharest
Quebec City

Quebec City is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest 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.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Is Bucharest or Quebec City More Beautiful?

Bucharest
Quebec City

Quebec City is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Bucharest 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.

Bucharest is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bucharest or Quebec City Better for Families?

Bucharest
Quebec City

Quebec City is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Quebec City is a very kid-friendly 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.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.


Is Bucharest or Quebec City Better for Couples?

Bucharest
Quebec City

Quebec City is renowned for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Quebec City is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

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

Bucharest
Quebec City

Quebec City is well known for backpackers. Also, Bucharest 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Is Bucharest or Quebec City Better for Students?

Bucharest
Quebec City

Quebec City is a good destination for students. However, Bucharest is not popular with students.

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

Bucharest is not popular with students.


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

Bucharest
Quebec City

Bucharest 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 Bucharest is fairly effecient and thorough. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

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

Is Bucharest or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Bucharest
Quebec City

Quebec City is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Bucharest 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.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

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

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either Bucharest 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, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bucharest, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.

Families should spend more time in Quebec City than Bucharest. 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 Bucharest. 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 Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Quebec City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bucharest 1-3 
    Quebec City 2-4

One day in Bucharest or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Bucharest. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. 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 Bucharest or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historical destination of Bucharest. 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 charming 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 Bucharest or Quebec City?

The historical city of Bucharest 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 cultural 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 Bucharest or Quebec City?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bucharest. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Quebec City or Bucharest?

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

  • Bucharest Prices
    Romania Prices
    Quebec City Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Bucharest $184
    Quebec City $150

The average daily cost (per person) in Bucharest is $184, while the average daily cost in Quebec City is $150. 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 Bucharest and Quebec City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bucharest $64
    Quebec City $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bucharest $128
    Quebec City $144
Compare Hotels in Bucharest and Quebec City

Looking for a hotel in Bucharest 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 Bucharest


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: Bucharest Hotel Prices and Quebec City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bucharest $27
    Quebec City $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:

  • Airport Henri Coanda (Otopeni) to Bucharest - Private Transfer - Driver: $46
  • Airport Transfer: Airport OTP to Bucharest by Luxury Car: $107
  • Airport Transfer: Airport OTP to Bucharest by Luxury Van: $68
  • Airport Transfer: Bucharest Airport OTP to Brasov by Business Car: $159
  • Airport Transfer: Bucharest to Airport OTP by Business Car: $56
  • Airport Transfer: Bucharest to Airport OTP by Luxury Car: $107
  • Airport to Bucharest - Private Transfer from Henri Coanda Airport OTP Otopeni : $46
  • Airport transfer Otopeni to Bucharest : $60
  • Arrival Transfer from Bucharest BBU Airport to Bucharest by Sedan: $68
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport OTP to Bucharest by Luxury Van: $68
  • Bucharest (Romania) to Veliko Tarnavo (Bulgaria) - Private Guided Transfer : $296
  • Bucharest Airport OTP Private Transfer to Bucharest Center: $33

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Quebec City

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


  • Parking in Quebec City
    $3.58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quebec City

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Quebec City:

  • From Grosse Île Tour & Cruise + Bus Transfer: $105
  • Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port to Quebec - Arrival Private Transfer: $170
  • Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Quebec: $241
  • Le Terminal Quebec Port to Québec Airport (YQB) - Departure Private Transfer: $99
  • Private Transfer from Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) to Québec City: $108
  • Private Transfer from Québec City to Jean Lesage Airport (YQB): $108
  • Private Transfer from Quebec City Airport (YQB) to Saguenay Port: $248
  • Private Transfer from Quebec City Hotels to Saguenay Cruise Port: $248
  • Private Transfer from Quebec City to YQB airport: $99
  • Private transfer from YQB (QUEBEC) Airport to downtown: $109
  • Québec Airport (YQB) to Le Terminal Quebec Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $198
  • Québec Jean Lesage International Airport transfer to Club Med: $292

Is it cheaper to fly into Bucharest or Quebec City?

Prices for flights to both Quebec City and Bucharest 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
    Bucharest $102
    Quebec City $63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest

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

  • Dinner at the Museum of Communism & tour after closing: $56
  • Cooking Class traditional food: $91
  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $101
  • Cooking Class in Transylvania - Day Tour from Bucharest: $190
  • Bucharest City Tour & Traditional Home-made Cooking Experience: $238

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: $62
  • Quebecois Aperitif Food Tour in Quebec City: $62
  • Québec City: 3 or 5-Course Dinner Cruise with DJ & Dancing: $127
  • 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: $207
  • Evening Gourmet Tour 5 Course Dinner - History and Food in Old Quebec City: $207
  • 5-course Progressive Dinner on Grande-Allée and History Tour: $207
  • Private Street Food Tour in Quebec With A Local Guide : $250

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bucharest $15
    Quebec City $24

Tours and Activities in Bucharest

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

  • Jewish Bucharest Smartphone App GPS Walking Tour: $9.11
  • Bucharest Old Centre Tour: $17
  • Bucharest to Dracula Castle, Peles Castle and Brasov Guided Tour: $19
  • Dracula's Castle, Brasov and Peles Full-Day Tour from Bucharest: $20
  • Bucharest Highlights Walking Tour: $21
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in Bucharest: $23
  • Communism Walking Tour from Lenin to Ceausescu in Bucharest: $23
  • Escape Room Adventure Retro Rewind: $24
  • Ceausescu Villa - fast track tickets and guide: $25
  • Bucharest Old Town and Historical Landmark Guided Tour: $27
  • Communist Era Bucharest Tour: $28
  • The Real tour of Communism: $28

Tours and Activities in Quebec City

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

  • Uncover Old Quebec: Fun Walking Tour of the City with Local Guide: $4.39
  • Québec City: Artillery Park Tour: $6.51
  • Quebec: Interactive Tour of the Fortifications: $6.51
  • APP Self-Guided Tours Quebec with Audioguide: $9.10
  • 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 of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bucharest $9.37
    Quebec City $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest

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

  • Private Bucharest Pub Crawl: $32
  • Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $44
  • Private Romanian Wine Tasting in Urlați: $54
  • Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $55
  • Bucharest Private Old Town Pub and Bar Crawl with Guide: $59
  • Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $63
  • Bucharest VIP Bar Crawl in Lipscani 'Old Town': $78
  • Romanian Wine Tasting: $101
  • Sip & Stroll: Wine Tasting and History Private Tour of Bucharest: $120
  • Vineyards and wine tasting experience: $125
  • Prahova Salt Mine & Wine Tasting - Private day tour from Bucharest: $157
  • Antique ruins, Mamaia Beach and Wine tasting from Bucharest to Constanta: $172

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: $95
  • Montmorency Falls and Microbrewery eBike Tour: $109
  • Montmorency Falls and Microbrewery eBike Tour: $125


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bucharest and Quebec City, we can see that Bucharest is more expensive. And not only is Quebec City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bucharest is in Europe and Quebec City is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Bucharest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bucharest 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 Bucharest Expensive? and Is Quebec City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Quebec City?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Quebec City. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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.