Hi All - I don't really know that much about either Quebec or Montreal, but I am thinking of planning a quick getaway next weekend with my husband to one of these destinations (maybe a Friday through Sunday thing). Any votes on which place is better to visit? Since this is a last minute trip, I'd also appreciate any suggestions on neighborhoods in which to stay in the city for which you are voting And hotel suggestions are welcome as well. Thanks so much!! - Laura

Quebec City would be my choice, I do love mtl but with the 400 year anniversary in Quebec City I think there would be quite interesting. I would stay at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.

"On July 3, 1608, Samuel de Champlain founded a settlement at Kébec, an Algonquin word meaning “place where the river narrows.” In doing so, he established what would become the first permanent French settlement in North America and one of the world’s most enchanting cities. From January to October 2008, Québec City will be pulling out all the stops to celebrate its 400th anniversary, and we want you at the centre of it. Come celebrate with us and make our joie complete!"

google quebec city 400 and you will get loads of ideas.

Perhaps oversimplifying, but probably not....

Quebec City is a beautiful romantic old city you can wander around in for a few hours, eat several excellent meals, and then get bored.

Montreal has a pretty big romantic old part of town you can wander around in for a few hours, eat several excellent meals, and then go to other parts of the city and be intrigued and educated and entertained and go shopping and generally be non-bored for several more days.

BAK

I understand what BAK is saying - the main attraction in Quebec City is a specific region of the city - the magnificent and historic "Old Walled City" section. I would not recommend a week vacation here, but personally - I think a weekend - Friday to Sunday - is perfect. For me, it takes more than a few hours to wander the whole thing (albeit, it isn't a "huge" area), especially as I like to poke into the specialty shops (there are many) and make frequent stops for a cafe au lait, a glass of wine, a lunch, a snack, etc. in some of the many cafes and bistros. In the summer, the many outdoor patio/cafes make such stops even more inviting, but April is usually a bit cool for this.

Montreal has an "old" section also (but not quite as unique and historic as Quebec's), and otherwise offers many big city attractions including, as described, some excellent restaurants.

If you go to Montreal I would look for a hotel in the downtown or Plateau areas. There are "sweet deals" offered at many through the tourism web site.
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/B2C/00/default.asp
The same site has a good events calendar

I hope the great weather we are currently experiencing in northern Vt/ southern Quebec lasts for your trip. It has been beautiful, unseasonably warm

This question comes up virtually every few weeks. Do a search back on this forum for lots of input. In a nutshell, choose Quebec City if you want something totally unique and very scenic. It almost feels like you are in a very old small city in France.
Montreal, on the other hand is very cosmopolitan, with in interesting mix of French, Italian, Jewish, African, Portuguese, etc, cultures. Perhaps some of the best dining and shopping in North America, and lots to see and do.
I love both destinations. For a first timer, Quebec City is more of a unique experience, so I would probably vote for it.
If you choose Quebec City, definitely try and stay within the old city, or at least very close. There are lots of small hotels and b&b's in the old city.

Hm? Stay in Quebec City? No. Visit Chutes Montmorency, one of the most spectacular waterfalls you will ever see outside of Niagara and Victoria Falls in Africa. The park is a little upstream from Quebec City and easily reached by car.

The river takes a vertical drop of 275 feet.

There is a pedestrian bridge that goes all the way across the gorge from which you can look directly down on the falls.

Along the sides of the gorge there are stairs leading to viewpoints for a series of great vantage points.

The view from the bridge is without parallel in my opinion. Looking directly down on the brink of a major waterfall from a point in the middle is a unique experience.

I do, however, caution anyone with acrophobia to stay off the bridge. However, if heights do not bother you, it is in incredible sight.

Thanks all - GREAT feedback - Quebec City it is!! And I will search previous posts as well...Thanks again!! Can't wait for my trip!

The Montmorency Falls is incredible, we didn't have a car so took a 1/2 day bus tour (they start in front of the Fairmont Chateau) which included an idylic island and a beautiful church. There are parks, museums, galleries, specialty shops, you can easily wander around the whole day.