Quebec City: What to Know Before You Go

Short answer: Old Quebec is split into an Upper Town on the cliff and a Lower Town along the river (linked by steep stairs or a cash-only Funicular), always start every conversation with a warm 'Bonjour' before switching to English if needed, and ride RTC Metrobus 800 to reach Montmorency Falls in 25 minutes without a car.

Understanding the Geography: Upper Town (Haute-Ville) vs Lower Town (Basse-Ville)

When Samuel de Champlain arrived in 1608, he built his first wooden settlement at river level in Lower Town (Basse-Ville), then moved the military fortifications 60 metres straight up to the top of the sheer Cap Diamant cliff in Upper Town (Haute-Ville):

• Upper Town (Haute-Ville, Inside & Outside the Ramparts): encircled by the 4.6 km UNESCO Ramparts, holding the Château Frontenac, Dufferin Terrace, the Basilique-Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Québec, Rue Saint-Jean and the Citadelle, with the Plains of Abraham and Parliament Hill immediately outside the western gates.
• Lower Town (Basse-Ville, Along the St. Lawrence River): wrapping around the base of the cliff, holding fairy-tale Quartier Petit-Champlain, Place Royale, the Lévis Ferry terminal and Old Port (Vieux-Port).
• How to Move Between the Two Levels: walk down the 59 steps of the Breakneck Stairs (Escalier Casse-Cou) or ride the glass-cabined 1879 Old Quebec Funicular between Dufferin Terrace and Petit-Champlain (Important tip: the Funicular carries a small per-ride fare and accepts cash only, so keep a small banknote or coins in your pocket; check current fares on the official site).

Language Etiquette & Tipping in Québec

Unlike bilingual Montreal, Quebec City is 95% Francophone, yet everyone working in hotels, restaurants and museums speaks fluent English. Simply begin every interaction with a cheerful 'Bonjour' (and 'Merci' when leaving); locals deeply appreciate the courtesy. In sit-down bistros, cafés and sugar shacks, standard tipping is 15% to 18% calculated on the pre-tax bill.