Things to see in Quebec City

Haute-Ville (Upper Town), where the towering Château Frontenac is located, is one of Quebec City's major draws. This hotel was built in 1893, although the tower that gives it its distinctive appearance was added in the 1920s. The iconic building sits between Place d'Armes (a central square famed for its Gothic fountain) and the Dufferin Terrace (a wide wooden boardwalk offering a terrific view of Ville de Lévis, on the opposite shore). It's filled with street entertainers and visitors milling around visiting the popular Kiosk Frontenac booth or promenading past cannons that predate Château Frontenac. Nearby, the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville is dominated by the Basilique-Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Québec, the city's main Catholic cathedral.

Daily 24 hours.

No

Lower Town, the oldest part of Old Quebec, is clustered on the narrow streets between the ramparts of Upper Town and the Old Port, linked to Upper Town by the funicular, the escalier casse-cou (breakneck stairs) and the steep Côte de la Montagne road. At its centre, Place Royale has been faithfully restored to its former glory, the 17th- and 18th-century houses surrounding the one-time market square now in pristine condition. Located in the historic Hazeur and Smith houses, the Musée de la place Royale has exhibits illustrating the area's history, while the historic Maison Chevalier recreates domestic scenes from the 17th century. One block over, rue du Petit Champlain is a lively and romantic cobblestone street full of shops and restaurants.

Daily 24 hours.

No

The unique 4.6km (2.9-mile) rampart encircling Old Quebec, makes Quebec the only walled city in the Americas that's north of Mexico. Walk along the top of the fortifications for sweeping views of the city and the Saint Lawrence River. An historic exhibit on the ramparts' construction can be found at the Interpretation Centre, located at Porte St-Louis (one of the four surviving city gates). Clockwise from the centre, the walls adjoin Artillery Park, which was built by the French to defend the city before becoming a garrison for British officers until 1871, when it was turned into a munitions factory. Tours to the Arsenal Foundry, the officers' barracks, and the Dauphine Redoubt are also offered at the park.

Daily 24 hours.

No

The 1820 Citadel is one of Quebec City's most distinctive features and a legacy of the British occupation. On the heights of Cap Diamant, the star-shaped fortress was built to withstand attacks on the city from across the Plains of Abraham to the southwest. Nicknamed the 'Gibraltar of the Americas', visitors can see inside as part of a one-hour guided tour. A visit to the Musée Royal 22e Régiment is included, showcasing the history of the Van Doos, Canada's only Francophone armed forces unit. The Changing of the Guard takes place each summer morning at 1000 with the Regimental Band and Batisse, the Citadel mascot and regimental goat. The pomp continues on selected evenings, when the Van Doos perform 'The Retreat' as part of the flag-lowering ceremonies.

Daily 0900-1700 (May-Oct); Daily 1000-1600 (Nov-Apr).

Yes

The Musée National des Beaux-Arts houses the most important collection of work by Québécois artists. Housed in the 1933 Gérard-Morisset Pavilion, the collection follows three main periods: the beginnings of Québécois art (largely influenced by religion), the European-influenced modernist period up to 1945, and the period of figurative and abstract art from the mid-20th century onward. There is also the outstanding Brousseau Inuit art collection and a permanent exhibition by the famous Québec painter and sculptor Jean-Paul Riopelle. As a nod to its former life as a prison, one cellblock has been turned into an exhibit, and the southwest end of museum, close to the Plains of Abraham, is dotted with sculptures. The museum also host notable temporary exhibits.

Tue 1000-1700, Wed 1000-2100, Thu-Sun 1000-1700 (early Sep-May); Thurs-Tue 1000-1800, Wed 1000-2100(Jun-early Sep).

Yes