QUÉBEC CITY GUIDE
Your Québec City Guide — The Pilgrim Edit
On the hunt for the best in culture, design, and lifestyle? Welcome to Québec City—a place where cobblestone charm meets culinary creativity and cool cafés blend with boutique finds. Whether you're visiting for the first time or rediscovering your own backyard, we’ve curated our version of the city’s best spots, so you can experience Québec like a local (with great taste). Wherever you go, let this guide be your compass.
CAFES
Looking for the best cafés in Québec City? These are the places to slow down and sip something good. Café Olive is a sunlit space where minimal design meets expertly poured espresso—aka your next favourite corner. OUI OUI is both playful and refined, ideal for a slow morning or a mid-day reset. For Korean-inspired drinks and peaceful vibes, Le Kogi is a hidden gem worth finding. FAUX MOUVEMENT is where coffee meets culture and sport. Come for the espresso, stay for the community vibe—whether you're there post-run or just love an athletic aesthetic with good taste. And if you're near St-Roch, Café Apollo is the neighbourhood staple you’ll wish you’d known sooner.
RESTAURANTS
Where to eat in Québec City? These are the tables everyone’s talking about—and the ones still under the radar. Start with BATTUTO, a small Italian spot with bold flavours and a waitlist that’s worth it. La Planque serves up inventive plates in a cozy, intimate space. For modern Quebecois done just right, Chez Boulay is essential. In the mood for Japanese? Head to HŌNO IZAKAYA, where the atmosphere is just as good as the skewers. Buvette Scott is that chic-but-chill bistro you keep coming back to, while Julio adds a colourful, vibrant energy to your dinner lineup. Still hungry? Add Le Clan Restaurant, Babeurre, Melba, or Ouroboros to your reservation list. For something a little more exclusive, Kebec Club Privé and Ambre offer refined, curated tasting menus that feel like a secret you’re in on.
BARS
Raise a glass—these are the best bars in Québec City when the sun sets and the city turns golden. Bar Artefact, tucked inside Auberge Saint-Antoine, offers cocktails with history (literally—it’s built into a historic site). Torii brings Japanese-inspired style to the Old Port with elegant drinks and sleek energy. For wine lovers, Oui Oui Buvette and Jjacques serve natural wines and charming ambiance in equal measure. QUAI 1635 is the sunset spot to know, right by the marina. Prefer a more refined evening? ALPHONSE and Le Bijou both offer mood lighting, craft cocktails, and a playlist that hits just right. For late-night energy, Clubby Bar keeps the volume—and the vibes—turned up.
SHOPPING
Yes, Québec has style—and these are the spots to prove it. For statement accessories and minimalist Scandinavian jewellery, PILGRIM is your go-to (with two locations: Place Ste-Foy and Galerie de la Capitale). Looking for curated local fashion? WOMANCE, Estel The Label, and Boutique Ivy bring Canadian cool to the forefront. Les Précieuses is your destination for all things beauty—from high-end haircare and skincare products to luxurious bath and body essentials. Ça va de soi delivers luxurious textures and thoughtful silhouettes. For everyday pieces, head to Aritzia, L’INTERVALLE, or OTHERSEA—a local swimwear brand making waves. Don’t skip Zone Maison for home decor, or Kase Me for elevated tech accessories with a design twist.
ACTIVITIES
Because there's more to the city than great food and shopping (though that helps). Wander through the exhibits at the MNBAQ (Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec), or dive into poetry and history at the Maison de la littérature. Take in the view from the Plaines d’Abraham, or stroll the historic streets of Vieux-Québec—you’ll fall in love again, even if you live here. Looking for wellness? Book a thermal circuit at STRØM SPA and thank us later. Milorde brings art, workshops, and a creative community together in one space. For something seasonal, plan a stop at Le Grand Marché de Québec, the Festival d’été de Québec, or head to Île d’Orléans for Cassis Monna & Filles and fresh-picked strawberries. Don’t miss Cigale Festival 2025—a beachside music festival at the Baie de Beauport, part of the Port of Québec, with live performances, food trucks, and laid-back summer energy. This city is made for wandering.
Whether you're exploring the city for the first time or falling back in love with it all over again, Québec City is layered, creative, and full of unforgettable places. Wherever you go, take your time, bring your curiosity, and wear something that feels like you. (Our suggestion? A piece from PILGRIM—subtle, timeless, and made to move with you.)
Want to discover more? Click here to explore the full guide in images. Let the adventure start!