A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Montreal vs. Quebec City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

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

Montreal

Montreal is a cultural, vibrant, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

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, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Montreal and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montreal or Quebec City?

You'll generally find more things to do in Montreal than Quebec City. Montreal is bigger than Quebec City, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Montreal is better known for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Quebec City is more popular for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Montreal is well known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica. Quebec City is well known for its charming streets and classic Old Town.

How is Montreal different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of terrific museums and attractions in both Quebec City and Montreal.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Montreal has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with world-class museums and historic sites such as Notre-Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory, the Biosphere, and the Fine Arts Museum.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Quebec City that are not to be missed. 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.

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

Quebec City is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Montreal makes for a great culinary experience. There are both local and international restaurants that serve up excellent dishes. Some of the local recipes that you should try include tourtiere (a meat pie), a smoked meat sandwich, and, of course, poutine.

Is Montreal or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is very popular for nightlife. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Montreal is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city's nightlife scene is centered around its live music scene, which is excellent. There are also many bars and clubs, as well as a young population that keep evenings lively.

The nightlife in Quebec City has something for everybody. 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 Montreal or Quebec City Better for Music?

Montreal is very popular for live music. However, Quebec City is not a live music destination.

Montreal is a world class music destination. The music scene is thriving and world class. One of the most unique aspects of the city's music scene is its impromptu nature. You'll find many talented street performers and you'll likely stumble into many high quality performers. There's also a great indie scene as well as hip hop, classical, jazz, and heavy metal at the many live music venues.

Quebec City is not a live music destination.

Is Montreal or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Quebec City is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

Quebec City has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Many visitors go to Montreal to see the historical old town. Vieux-Montreal is the historic part of the city, and it's filled with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. This is also where you'll find the Old Port, which has a waterfront promenade.

Is the Shopping Better in Montreal or Quebec City?

If you're looking to go shopping, Montreal and Quebec City both offer plenty of terrific spots.

Many people travel to Montreal specifically to go shopping. It's known for its fashion scene and there are many independent and local vendors around town. Bonsecours Market is both historic and fascinating, but also make sure you check out Mont-Royal Avenue, which is the main shopping and dining street in town.

Quebec City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Montreal or Quebec City Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Montreal. Kids and teens will love the many science museums, parks and gardens, and the nearby La Ronde Amusement Park. If your kids are music lovers, there are many talented street performers in the city that will entertain the young and old alike.

Quebec City is 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.

Is Montreal or Quebec City Better for Couples?

Quebec City is terrific for couples. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Montreal is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is filled with romance, from the world class music scene to the romantic restaurants and sunset river cruises. If you're in town during the fall months, check out the Botanical Gardens, which come to life with the annual Gardens of Light.

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

Quebec City is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Quebec City. 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 Montreal. There's a decent number of hostels as well as a great nightlife scene and plenty of younger visitors looking to meet other travelers.

Is Montreal or Quebec City Better for Students?

Montreal is very popular for students. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Montreal is a great destination for students. It's regularly ranked as one of the top cities in North America for students. There are many students around town, a great nightlife scene, and plenty of opportunities to receive a world-class education.

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

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

Montreal 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 Montreal is fairly effecient and thorough. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

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

Is Montreal or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Quebec City is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Montreal is very walkable. The city is very walkable, particularly in the areas that are popular with tourists.

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

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Montreal?

How long in Montreal or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either Montreal or Quebec City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Montreal due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Montreal, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.

Families should spend more time in Quebec City than Montreal. 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 Montreal. 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 Montreal 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 Montreal or Quebec City?

Montreal is a colorful city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

The beautiful city of Quebec City offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Montreal or Quebec City?

Montreal is a colorful big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Quebec City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Quebec City, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Montreal or Quebec City?

Montreal is a cultural city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Quebec City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Montreal or Quebec City?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Montreal. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Quebec City is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, The Best Luxury Tours to Canada, The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada, and The Best Contiki Tours to Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Montreal or Quebec City?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Quebec City. When comparing the sizes of Montreal 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.