SB_Travlr

(I'm cross-posting to the Canada forum)
Fodorites, I need your help. DH and I want to visit a new city for our September anniversary (my birthday, too.) Budget and time limits mean Paris or Rome are out. I suggested Quebec, DH suggested NO. We have not visited either place.

We like to eat well, stay in a nice hotel (within reason), visit a good museum, see a few sights, maybe hear good music, drive to see surrounding countryside, shop a bit. We want to feel like we've traveled somewhere different (we live in Connecticut). Weather will obviously be very different. Flights to NO appear reasonable --we would probably drive to Quebec.

There is a lot of great info about both cities on the forums: it's just hard to decide. We could flip a coin... So any guidance? What do you think?

BuffaloGirl

Wow, I think I'd have to flip a coin!!! I'd go back to either place in a heartbeat. New Orleans may be very hot and muggy in September. Perhaps visiting there a different time of year would be better. Another way to decide would be to determine if you want more of a party atmosphere like New Orleans (lots of music) or a romantic, laid back atmosphere like Quebec.

I don't think I helped much. Perhaps coin flippign really is the best way to decide. Have fun no matter where you go!

puddy

Tough call... I've been to N.O. and loved it and always wanted to go to Q.C.

Quebec City would definitely be more comfortable... mid 60's compared to close to 90 for New Orleans. Personally, I would save New Orleans for the Spring (maybe Jazz Fest) and do Quebec City this year.

Flyboy

As the previous posts tell you, these are drastically different destinations. If you are interested in the "French" aspects of the experience, I can tell you most assuredly that there is very little authenticity to whatever French is left in the French Quarter of New Orleans beyond the buildings. Don't get me wrong -- I think it is a lot of fun, but it trades heavily on drinking and girlie shows. There is way too much space being consumed by places selling t-shirts, beads and feather boas. That said, there are some really great places to eat, outstanding nightlife, tons of good hangouts, some very nice art galleries, a lot of historic buildings and an interesting charm to it all.

Quebec City is far more French, far more tidy, far more stately -- and a whole lot more like France, for that matter. The weather in September is likely to be very comfortable, as others have already said.

If you were planning a bachelor or bachelorette party, I would say to go for New Orleans, hands down. ;-) For an anniversary in September, I think you will find Quebec City to be a lovely, romantic venue.

But like BuffaloGirl, I'd return to either in a heartbeat, too -- so you can't REALLY lose on this one!

hugglynn

Well, I also have never been to NO, but we just returned from Quebec City on July 28. Absolutely loved it, I think it is my new favorite city over all we've visited. If you have to drive and go through Montreal to Quebec, it is 3 hours just from there by highway; however, if you have time, you can take the slower route(s) on either side of the St. Lawrence river for a more relaxed scenic drive going either to or from. On the return trip to the airport, we opted to take Rt. 138 down to Trois Rivers from Quebec before getting on the highway to get back to the airport. What a different, relaxed ride driving through the quaint little towns with well-kept homes on the river. In Quebec City, they were hosting summer concerts in the Belanger bandstand in the Plains of Abraham Thursday through Sunday evenings at 8:00--we heard a jazz concert there our last night--it was great! The park is located near the Citadel and just behind the Loews hotel--and I definitely recommend this hotel, especially if you get a river view room. We had a room on the 21st floor overlooking the river and the Frontenac right out our window--incredible view. In addition, while you are there, you absolutely should plan a minimum 1/2 day to drive over to I'le de Orleans and do a driving tour of the outer perimeter of this island. Words cannot describe the charm and history here. It's about a 15 minute drive from Quebec City. While you do that, either en route to or on the way back, plan to stop at Montmorency Park to walk over and view the falls--the park is the same exit as to bridge to go over to the Island. Of course you will visit Old Town, and make sure to take a stroll on Grande Allee for many outside dining options (which are all over Quebec). We visited Montreal last summer and did Quebec this summer. Personally, I would visit Quebec again in a heartbeat. Montreal was nice, but to me Quebec had that certain something that would have me return again and again. Just knowing what I've heard about NO, these are two different types of cities and your visit should definitely be based on if you want romance and charm vs. nightlife and a little more noise.

EastEileen

Another consideration may be the favorable dollar value in Canada with our exchange rate.

JennyL

I've been to both, and I would agree that QC is both more romantic and more comfortable in September. There's also the off chance you could encounter a hurricane in NO in September, and it will definitely be humid and warm still. QC is closer to Europe in ambience (and of course, the French atmosphere), and has some great bands and entertainment. NO might have better music and better food, but it just has more of a party atmosphere and seems less clean. Both are great destinations...it just depends on what you're looking for.

cabicou

Oh, Quebec City without a doubt!!! I love NOLA and would go back there too but for everything that you are looking for, Quebec City would be my choice. Everything is cheaper in Quebec and its only a day's drive from where you live. Your trip will cost your easily 40% less if you opt for Quebec. I would argue that the food rivals NOLA. Another vote for New Orleans at a different time of the year. April is wonderful time of year to go.

bardo

How about checking the avertage outdoor temperatures for these two destinations??? BTW, I've been to both and LOVED them. However, they couldn't be more different. Tip: Do not try and do Montreal as a day trip - it's definately an overnight from Q.C.

uhoh_busted

I've been to NOLA in September twice in recent years (week long conventions). Go to Quebec City! NOLA is hot and muggy like you won't believe. You will get way more for your dollar in Canada...a great meal in NOLA will cost about the same as a great meal in NYC.

SB_Travlr

Thanks to all for the great feedback -- as you say, it's a nice dilemma to have!

I'm leaning towards QC, partly because of the weather: I was wondering how hot Sept would be in NO (it's pretty hot and muggy even here in CT this summer). The favorable exchange rate is appealing, too.

Now back to work...

bennie

Just an aside for those who posted that they loved Quebec City. Willa Cather (Death Comes for the Archbishop, Oh Pioneers, etc) wrote a book about Quebec City during early colonial times - Shadows on the Rock. Very interesting and well written. Gives an interesting perspective on the city.

SB_Travlr

Thanks Bennie, I'll be off to the library tonight.

I love to read something good that relates to destination history. (Before we went to Israel, we read Michener's "The Source -- a great sweep of Jewish history.)

Hmm, it's sounding as if I've already decided where to go, n'est-ce pas? Now we'll see what DH has to say.

BuffaloGirl

I was riding the fence when I first answered this post; however, I'm thinking Quebec City - hands down - for September. I SO want to go back there...have fun!!!

GailLK

So glad I read this post. I going to Quebec City for the first time for long weekend in September and wasn't sure if I had made the right choice. Sounds like a great city and just what I had in mind. NO is great and we went there in February (also enjoyed NOLA restaurant, but loved Emeril's New Orleans more)but I think September will be really hot and muggy. If you drive, you will save on airfare, and good exchange rate (CANADIAN exchange rate is currently 1.38).... Have fun....

mdv

Hands down: QC for all the reasons mentioned.

carolyn

If you go to Quebec City, be sure to have a meal at Aux Anciens Canadiens restaurant and finish with maple syrup pie for dessert. The restaurant is in a charming old stone house decorated in blue and white, and the pie is supposed to be the best in North America. (For me it runs a very close second to chocolate chess.)

GailLK

Altoona-I'd have to agree with you about New Orleans being very dirty. I wasn't a "huge" fan of NO, although I enjoyed taking the cable car down to the Garden District area. But I did enjoy eating all those beignets donuts (sp? )!!!

massteacher

It seems as though the concensus is QC, and I would agree with that having been to both. Quebec is authentic Old World Charm.
The climate will be nicer after the humid summer we have been having in New England. I am sure SB Travir could use some refreshing Canadian air. New Orleans is more honky-tonk. It is loud, dirty,
with a growing emphasis on the tawdry. It has its charms, as well, but more the Garden District and the plantations, which require a car or a bus tour. QC is real, NOLA is synthetic!

GailLK

We also did Oak Alley Plantation outside of NO. It was nice, but wasn't the best I've seen. The grounds could have used some sprucing up....