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

Should you visit Durham 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 Durham and Quebec City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Durham

Durham is a student-filled, sports oriented, and diverse city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Durham travel costs.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a charming, historical, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, Quebec City attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Quebec City travel costs.

Durham and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or Quebec City?

You'll generally find more things to do in Quebec City than Durham. Quebec City is bigger than Durham, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Quebec City is more touristy than Durham and is known for its charming streets and classic Old Town. Also, Quebec City is famous for Château Frontenac. Durham is well known for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Durham different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Quebec City on the map. 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 Durham can be an interesting and educational experience. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

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

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Durham. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

Is Durham or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Quebec City is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Quebec City offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Durham. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

Is Durham or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Durham does not have a historic old town.

Quebec City offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Durham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Quebec City?

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Quebec City is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Durham. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Is Durham or Quebec City More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Quebec City attracts visitors from all around. The European atmosphere gives the city a unique beauty with architecture and cobblestone streets that create a fairytale setting.

Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Durham or Quebec City Better for Families?

Quebec City is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Quebec City is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are tons of kid-friendly activities like visiting the Aquarium du Québec, having an adventure at Terrasse Dufferin, or exploring Chute de Montmorency.

Durham is a family-friendly city. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Is Durham or Quebec City Better for Couples?

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

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

Quebec City is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Durham is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Quebec City is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a decent number of hostels around town and backpackers consider this a favorite destination in the area.

Durham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The student population means there are a number of parties and bars around town, but most backpackers overlook this city.

Is Durham or Quebec City Better for Students?

Durham is a great destination for students. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Durham is a great city to visit as a student. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

It's common for students to visit Quebec City. It's a beautiful and charming city that is fun for international students.

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

Quebec City is very good for its public transit. However, Durham is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Quebec City has a few public transit options. There are buses and ferries around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

Is Durham or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city for its walkability.

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

Durham is generally not a very walkable city. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Durham?

How long in Durham or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either Durham 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 Durham, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.

Families should spend more time in Quebec City than Durham. 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 Durham. 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 Durham 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.

One day in Durham or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the sports oriented city of Durham. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Quebec City. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Durham or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the diverse destination of Durham. 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.

Quebec City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Durham or Quebec City?

The sports oriented city of Durham 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Quebec City. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Durham or Quebec City?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Quebec City. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Durham and Quebec City, we can see that Durham 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 Durham would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Durham 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 Durham Expensive? and Is Quebec City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Durham or Quebec City?

Quebec City has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Durham. When comparing the sizes of Durham 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.