Place Royale Tours and Activities

Place Royale showing a city, a square or plaza and heritage architecture
Place Royale
Place Royale
Place Royale
Place Royale featuring a house, flowers and heritage architecture


This small, attractive plaza was once the economic heart of the city and is the place where Québec began.

Step back in time at Place-Royale, a famous cobblestone town square bordered by 17th- and 18th-century buildings. This is where French America was born, as the first French settlement was started here in 1608.

For more than 200 years, Place-Royale was the town’s main marketplace and center for business activity. In the very beginning, it was also the place where criminals were executed. The square and its houses fell into disrepair during the 1880s and were restored or reconstructed between 1960 and 1980.

Learn about Québec’s heritage with a tour of this small and beautiful plaza, named in honor of King Louis XIV. A replica bust of the French monarch adorns the square. The original bronze sculpture was removed in 1700 and later went missing. The current statue is from 1928.

Dominating Place-Royale is the Church Notre-Dame-des-Victoires built right on top of the spot of the city’s first settlement. Step inside this church, one of the city’s oldest, to view artwork and a fortress-shaped altar.

Get further insight into the square’s history at the Centre d’interprétation de Place-Royale, which is run by the Museum of Civilization. The interpretation center is on a site where 5,000-year-old artifacts were discovered. Some of these ancient objects are on display. Among other attractions is a 3-D movie about the life of Samuel de Champlain, the city’s founder.

Take a few steps away from the plaza to Chevalier House, a mid 18th-century building on Rue du Marché-Champlain. The building was once an inn known as The London Coffee House, which was frequented by naval officers and merchants. Today, the house and its two adjoining buildings are a free museum. See exhibitions on Québec’s architecture and artifacts from the Museum of Civilization’s archives. Conclude your tour with a visit to one of the small cafés or restaurants in the narrow cobblestone streets that flank the square.

Located in Québec City’s Lower Town, Place-Royale is a short walk from the Old Port district and from the cable railway terminal. The square is also served by local bus services.

Plan a trip to see Place Royale

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Station Touristique Duchesnay - SEPAQ
Les Caches de la Grande Pointe
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

Tours & day trips

See all 106 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 31 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 22 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 18 activities

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 5 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Place Royale

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

4.5 out of 5
1 rue des Carrieres, Québec City, QC
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
Hôtel Le Concorde Québec

Hôtel Le Concorde Québec

3 out of 5
1225 Cours du General de Montcalm, Québec City, QC
Hôtel Le Concorde Québec
 Hôtel Palace Royal Centre-Ville par JARO

Hôtel Palace Royal Centre-Ville par JARO

4 out of 5
775 Honoré-Mercier Ave, Québec City, QC
Hôtel Palace Royal Centre-Ville par JARO
Hotel Acadia

Hotel Acadia

3 out of 5
43 Rue Sainte-ursule, Québec City, QC
Hotel Acadia
Hôtel Manoir Vieux Québec

Hôtel Manoir Vieux Québec

3.5 out of 5
6 Rue de la Porte, Québec City, QC
Hôtel Manoir Vieux Québec
Hotel Chateau Laurier Quebec

Hotel Chateau Laurier Quebec

4 out of 5
1220, Place George-V Ouest, Québec City, QC
Hotel Chateau Laurier Quebec
Hotel Manoir Victoria

Hotel Manoir Victoria

4 out of 5
44, Cote du Palais, Québec City, QC
Hotel Manoir Victoria
Auberge Saint-Antoine

Auberge Saint-Antoine

4.5 out of 5
8, rue Saint-Antoine, Québec City, QC
Auberge Saint-Antoine
Hôtel Sainte-Anne

Hôtel Sainte-Anne

3 out of 5
32, rue Sainte-Anne, Québec City, QC
Hôtel Sainte-Anne
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Place Royale

When visiting Place Royale in Québec City, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere with exciting festivals, live music, and engaging theatre performances. Be sure to explore the historic site, visit the interpretive centre for insightful exhibits, and join guided tours to fully appreciate the rich culture and heritage of the area. Place Royale offers a delightful blend of activities that celebrate the unique charm of this iconic location.

Shopping

In Place Royale, explore the Quartier Petit Champlain, a charming shopping hub just steps away, featuring unique boutiques and local artisans. La Maison Simons, located 322m away, offers stylish clothing. If you're up for a drive, visit Grande Allée, 1.6km away, known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse shops.

Recreation

Experience rejuvenation at Strøm Spa Nordique, where you can indulge in soothing body treatments amid serene surroundings, just 1.6km from Place Royale. For entertainment, catch a captivating concert at Palais Montcalm, located 805m away, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the local arts scene.

Adventure

Experience thrilling winter sports at Le Relais, a ski field located 16.1km from Place Royale, where you can carve through fresh powder. For a unique outdoor experience, visit Les Mosaicultures du Peuple Wendat, just 9.7km away, showcasing stunning horticultural artistry amidst nature.

Engage in exciting water sports at Club Nautique Lac St-Charles, situated 16.1km from Place Royale, offering adventure-filled activities in a picturesque lakeside setting. Perfect for those seeking a blend of sports and the great outdoors!

Nightlife

In Place Royale, the Grand Theatre of Quebec offers a romantic cultural experience with captivating performances. The Observatoire de la Capitale provides a stunning view of the city, perfect for families. For a laid-back night, Le Trou du Diable is a charming pub ideal for drinks and entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Place Royale

Place Royale in Québec City is a captivating destination for tourists, featuring a blend of history museums, historic buildings, and civic government sites. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture and outdoor experiences this area has to offer. Whether you're looking to explore the charm of Place Royale or seeking reviews and insights about this iconic Quebec location, there's plenty to discover that will enhance your vacation experience.

  • Quebec City Town Hall: A stunning example of Second Empire architecture, the Quebec City Town Hall is steeped in history and civic pride. Located just 483m from Place Royale, this historic building offers guided tours that delve into the city's governance and rich cultural heritage, providing a unique glimpse into Quebec's past.
  • Old Quebec Funicular: This charming funicular, located a mere 161m away, connects the Upper and Lower Towns, offering breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River. As you ascend, you'll appreciate the historic architecture and vibrant atmosphere that make Old Quebec a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Museum of Civilization: Located just 161m from Place Royale, this captivating museum showcases the diverse history and culture of Quebec. Interactive exhibits and engaging displays make it a perfect stop for visitors seeking a deeper understanding of the region’s past and present.

Best time to go to Place Royale

The best time to visit Place Royale can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Place Royale falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Place Royale falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January12.2°F (-11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February14.4°F (-9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March23.7°F (-4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April36.7°F (2.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
May52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July66.4°F (19.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
October45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November32.5°F (0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
December20.5°F (-6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Place Royale

Visiting Place Royale can be budget-friendly with several money-saving tips. Enjoy free entry to Place Royale and nearby attractions like Quartier Petit Champlain and Quebec City Town Hall. Consider visiting during the off-peak months of January and March to April for lower accommodation prices. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly accommodations and package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities for better savings. Remember to check for ticket deals and sort offers by price to maximize your budget during your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Place Royale are January and March to April, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Place Royale is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Place Royale is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Place Royale hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.