6 Places to Learn Something New in Quebec City

Cobbled streets, old churches, al fresco dining spots and a serene atmosphere all await in Old Quebec. The Upper Town is famed for the towering, red brick Château Frontenac.

As you walk down the steps to the Lower Town, you'll see the harbour, as well as the chic boutiques and restaurants lining the labyrinth of quaint streets and alleys.

This 18th century building has had many different functions over the years, from being Quebec's first jailhouse to a college. 

It's now home of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, although in addition to being able to see the huge collections of books and rare manuscripts, you can also tour some of the original prison cells and see the remnants of the building's former life.

Housed in a convent dating back to the mid-17th century, the Musée des Ursulines de Quebec gives a unique insight into the lives of Quebec's Ursuline nuns. The convent is the oldest educational institute in North America that teaches girls, with a school still functional on site. 

The museum lets visitors explore what life was like for the nuns, with many well-preserved artworks on display, and the guided tours are as close to a trip back in time as you can imagine.

The Musée national des beaux-arts du Quebec is a unique historic building which encompasses an antiquated prison structure, sitting amid well-manicured park land. 

Step inside and you’ll be in a world of oil paintings and sculptures – many by the most famous creative figures in Canada, as well as touring exhibitions of art by global names.

A quaint Beaux Arts theatre with red velvet curtains and gold accents, the Capitole de Quebec has an intimate atmosphere, and this makes the perfect venue for live music, opera, and the occasional outrageously decadent cabaret show.

With a rather drab concrete and glass exterior, the Grand Théâtre de Quebec may lack the opulent glamor of Quebec’s older buildings, but when you step inside its theatres, you'll see why it's one of the city's most prominent venues. 

The perfect acoustics make it the best spot for classical and contemporary music, and there's a large stage where you'll find dance galas, comedy shows, musicals, and many other major performances.