Old Quebec in 24 Hours: The Express Itinerary with Carrera Café

April 29, 2026Carrera Café
TOURIST GUIDES

Old Quebec in 24h:
the express itinerary with Carrera Café

A full day in the most beautiful fortified city in North America. From Upper Town to Lower Town, from Frontenac Castle to Petit-Champlain, with Carrera Café as the starting and ending point.

8H00

Starting off at Carrera Café

Every great day starts with a great coffee. Settle on the terrace of Carrera Café, in the heart of Petit-Champlain. A double espresso or a creamy latte, accompanied by a warm focaccia from Boulangerie Borderon et Fils.

The morning sun shines through the limestone roofs. The alleys are still quiet. It’s the perfect time to observe the neighborhood before the tourist rush.

9H00

Exploring the Upper Town

Take the funicular from the Lower Town to reach the Upper Town. At the top, the view of the Saint Lawrence River is breathtaking. Head to Dufferin Terrace, the iconic esplanade facing Frontenac Castle.

MUST-SEES
  • ✦ Frontenac Castle (photo)
  • ✦ Dufferin Terrace
  • ✦ Treasure Street (artists)
  • ✦ Place d'Armes
FORTIFICATIONS
  • ✦ Saint-Louis Gate
  • ✦ Ramparts (walkway)
  • ✦ Plains of Abraham
12H00

Gourmet break

Midday in Quebec is an invitation to explore flavors. The Upper Town is full of terraces and breweries. Take the opportunity to taste Quebec cheeses or Charlevoix charcuterie.

✦ THE MIDDAY PIT STOP

Remember to reserve a suspended coffee at Carrera Café for someone else before continuing your journey. A simple gesture that makes all the difference.

14H00

Lower Town and Petit-Champlain

Descend back to the Lower Town via the C'est-la-Vie staircase or again by the funicular. The Petit-Champlain district awaits you with its cobblestone alleys, artisan shops, and colorful half-timbered houses.

This is the most photographed neighborhood in Canada. Stroll, enter art galleries, browse books by local artisans. Place Royale, nearby, recalls the origins of the French colony in America.

RECOMMENDED SHOPS

Blown glasses, handcrafted jewelry, locally roasted coffee, chocolatiers, independent bookstores. Every alley of Petit-Champlain holds a discovery.

17H00

Evening aperitif at Carrera

The loop closes at Carrera Café. After a full day, the terraces light up with the last rays of the sun. It's time for an Aperol Spritz, a Negroni, or a carefully imported natural wine.

THE TRAVELER'S PODIUM

« Quebec can be visited in a day, but felt for a long time.
Carrera is the starting point and the reward. »

The Carrera team
THE BARISTA'S TIP

Arrive early to enjoy the calm

Old Quebec fills up very quickly in summer. Arriving before 9 a.m. gives you an hour of pure magic before the tourist groups arrive. The alleys of Petit-Champlain at 7:30 a.m. are an absolute privilege.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Start your 24 hours at Carrera Café

Open every morning at Petit-Champlain. Come start your day of discovery with an espresso and an unforgettable view.

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