Montreal vs Quebec City: Which Should You Visit?

Short answer? Both! They’re not competing. They offer 2 completely different experiences. They’re solving different travel dreams. So, which one is best for you, you ask?

Montreal and Quebec City get compared constantly, usually by people trying to squeeze both into 3 days. But asking which one is “better” misses the point if you ask me, given their differences.

The real question I’d ask you to help you determine which to see is what kind of trip are you actually looking for? That will help decide which place you should favour.

Let’s break it down.

Choose Montreal if you want…

A multicultural, layered city filled with culture, food and festivals, museums, parks and history.

If you like cities like Berlin, Barcelona, or New York, Montreal will click immediately.

It’s exactly what you imagine of a big urban city, but with a local, human feel and it’s really safe, even when travelling alone.

If you want nights out partying, discos or the high life, Montreal’s for you, because Quebec City is much quieter. The city is known for Formula 1 Racing, the Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs, and so many more festivals. Ohhh, don’t forget the summer’s amazing fireworks too!

Plateau Mont-Royal, Mile End, Little Italy, Villeray, Verdun, Hochelaga… each of Montreal’s neighbourhoods feels like its own small city. If you want variety, all kinds of different worlds, then Montreal is for you because each of these places could be its own 3-day trip!

There’s a lot to see, but Montreal is still an approachable city!

For a better idea of what there is to do in Montreal, check out these articles:

• A Dreamy 2 Days in Montreal Itinerary
• Best Things to Do in Montreal in January
• Best Things to Do in Montreal in February
• Best Things to Do in Montreal in March
• My Favourite Things to Do in Montreal in April
• Best Things to Do in Montreal in the Summer
• Best Things to Do in Montreal in Winter
• Best Hiking Near Montreal: Where to Go Outdoors
• Top 5 Things to Do Alone in Montreal
• Top 7 Montreal Landmarks You’ll Want to See

Choose Quebec City if you want…

Quebec City is cinematic and it knows it. It’s not a surprise that it’s been featured in so many movies!

The history of the city is visible. Its architecture is intact. Although Montreal has a lot of history too, if you want to go to the place where Nouvelle-France started, then you’ll want to choose Quebec City.

The rhythm is slower here. If you love places that feel timeless, Quebec City delivers, that’s for sure.

Quebec City is easier to “understand” on a short trip and it’s much smaller as well. You can easily visit old Quebec in 2 days or a long weekend, although if you include suburbs and close attractions you can spend way more than that and never get bored.

Looking for hometown charm? Then the capital city’s for you!

Here’s more to learn about Quebec City depending on when you’re planning to come for a visit:

• Visiting Quebec City in January: Best Things to Do
• Best Things to Do in Quebec City in February
• Quebec City: Best Things to Do in March
• 5 Things to Do in Quebec City in April
• What to Do in Quebec City in May: My Suggestions
• Quebec City in June: The Best Things to Do
• 5 Great Things to Do in Quebec City in July
• Quebec City in August: What to Do and Visit?
• Best Things to Do in Quebec City in September: My Ideas and Suggestions
• Quebec City in October: Best Things to Do and Tips
• Quebec City in November: My Tips and Suggestions
• Best Things to Do in Quebec City in December

So… Which One Should You Visit?

Visit Montreal if you want to feel like a local, even briefly, as it’s easier to feel like an insider than in more ‘touristy’ old Quebec. Choose it as well if you’re into action and culture, although it’s not a stressful place.

Visit Quebec City if you want to feel transported in history and wonderland, especially if you’re there during festivals like the Festival d’été de Québec, the Carnaval de Québec or the holidays, like when the German Christmas Market is in town and you can take tours of it.

If this is your first time in Quebec, Quebec City often makes more sense if you have little time. Montreal if you have more!

If this isn’t your first trip, Montreal will likely stay with you longer.

And if you can do both? Don’t rush them. They deserve to be experienced, not checked off! That’s when you’ll fully appreciate them, because if you run through it, I have a feeling you’ll just see the touristy side and that’s definitely not the impression we want to give!

Here are some tips to get from one to another if you’re thinking of doing both instead of choosing Montreal vs Quebec City!

• Train Travel from Montreal to Quebec City: What’s It Like?
• How to Get From Montreal to Quebec City