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Sights & Attractions in Quebec City

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Québec City Sights

The heart of the city is Vieux-Québec (Old Québec), which is divided between the Haute-Ville (Upper Town) and the Basse-Ville (Lower Town). Surrounded by walkable stone ramparts that once protected the city, Old Québec is today a small, dense, well-maintained neighborhood steeped in four centuries of French, English, and Canadian history and tradition. The city's finest 17th- and 18th-century buildings are here, as are its best parks and monuments. Because of the fortified city's immaculate preservation, Old Québec was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. But the Old City is just a part of the Québec City experience. Québec City is hilly, so plan accordingly. Use the funicular, off Dufferin Terrace, or the elevator between Upper and Lower Town to avoid the climb. There are cabs to take you back and forth as well. Outside the city walls there are plenty of interesting areas a short walk or bus ride away. One of the newly hip places to hang out is St-Roch, just west of the Old City, with its grand square, artsy galleries, and funky shops. Or walk down avenue Cartier in the area known as Montcalm, southwest of the Old City, for high-end shopping of all kinds, as well as the Halles Petit Cartier market.

By far the best way—and in some places the only way—to explore Québec City is on foot. Top sights, restaurants, and hotels are within or near Old Québec, which takes up only 11 square km (4 square mi). The area is not flat, so walking takes a bit of effort, especially if you decide to walk to the Upper Town from the Lower Town. Helpful city maps are available at visitor-information offices, the best of which is on the public square in front of the Château Frontenac.

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