What to do at night in Quebec City? Top 10 places

Neighborhoods to visit, bars (popular bars, cocktail bars, relaxing bars, rooftops, clubs, live music, monuments, theaters, operas, others..

Here are the best neighborhoods, bars, outings that we recommend in Quebec City

In this article we will talk about the best places to go out, to party or not, classified by category

We present you the best lively neighborhoods, the best pubs, cocktail bars, terraces, clubs and activities you can do if you don’t like the bar atmosphere

After reading this, you’ll be convinced that Quebec City is a young, fun city full of things to experience. So have fun!

The best neighborhoods to go out in Quebec City

• Old Quebec: In this very touristy area, you will find many bars and a nightlife that can last until late at night. At the end of the evening, you can go for a walk along the St. Lawrence River or on the Dufferin Terrace. We recommend Place Royale, which is very lively at night, Saint-Louis Street or the Hôtel-Dieu district.

• The Saint-Jean-Baptiste district: this district is very dynamic and young and there are large spaces with many bars. This district is also very safe. Not far from the Saint-Jean-Baptiste district, the Grande Allée is also very attractive for the nightlife. We particularly recommend Saint Jean Street, Grande Allée, and Chauveau, Berthelot and Saint Matthews parks.

• The Saint-Roch district: this district along the Saint-Charles River is also quite attractive for young people and those who like to go out at night. If you want to go out at night in this neighborhood, go to the Victoria Park or to the Rue du Pont. We particularly liked to go out at night at the marina, which has a very pleasant atmosphere at night.

The best bars in Quebec City

Here is our small selection of the 5 best bars in the city (the most famous, the most pleasant and the best located).

• The Noctem: this bar is located in the Saint Roch district and is very popular. You will find a wide choice of beers, cocktails and a very tempting menu.
• Le Scanner: a little further down, in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste district, we really enjoyed spending time at Le Scanner which is a bar where bands regularly come to perform. You can have a drink with music in a relaxed and lively atmosphere.
• Le 1608 : Le 1608 is the beer and wine bar of the Château Frontenac. The menu is probably a bit expensive but the setting is idyllic and very chic.
• Le Sacrilège : In the Saint-Jean-Baptiste district, Saint-Jean street is famous for its numerous bars and restaurants. Le Sacrilège in particular, in addition to its extensive and diversified menu, has a large and very pleasant terrace that some call “the most beautiful terrace in Quebec City”.
• La Revanche: this bar has a special atmosphere because it is dedicated to board games. Indeed, in this bar and café which offers a nice menu, you can play all kinds of games, with two or more people, in love or in group.

Here is our selection of five very different and quality bars in Quebec City.

The best traditional bars in Quebec City

• The 1608 is typical of Quebec City because it reflects the charm of the monuments and the St. Lawrence River that make the city. Its chic, authentic, almost fairy-tale atmosphere matches that of the Frontenac castle which is iconic of Quebec City.
• Chez Tao, located in the Limoilou district, is also an excellent wine and cocktail bar, very well known in Quebec City. It is very young but is already part of the 100 best bars in Canada, we recommend it.

The best cocktail bars in Quebec City

For cocktail lovers, those who don’t necessarily like beer, I’ll try to recommend our two favorite addresses.

• Le Quartier Général: this very good bar offers a wide range of cocktails that will seduce you. It is located between the Saint-Roch and Saint-Jean-Baptiste districts on Charest Boulevard.
• McFly Bar Arcade: not far from the first one, this cocktail bar also offers many arcade games and a pinball. It is also said that the food is excellent.

The best pubs in Quebec City

• Le Pub Nelligan: Located on Saint Jean Street, this authentic Irish pub is very nice. They offer a very impressive selection of whiskies and beers. If you are a fan of Irish culture and their traditional pubs, this is the place to go.
• Le Bateau de Nuit : this “underground” pub, also on Saint Jean street, is especially appreciated for its music and the “improvisation shows” it organizes.

The best rooftop bars – terrace bars

• In this category, I have to mention once again Sacrilège which has an impressive and very nice interior terrace that immerses the customer in a very particular and relaxed atmosphere. You will definitely like this place.
• La Barberie : Rue Saint-Roch near the Saint Charles river, has a very nice terrace which is worth the detour. Moreover, the selection of beers is very well stocked and interesting. You will appreciate this bar if you walk near the river and the marina St Roch.

The best bars to listen to music in Quebec City

• L’Anti bar et spectacles: this bar is located in the Saint Jean-Baptiste district and has a large concert hall. If there are comedy shows, there are also karaoke and from time to time concerts are organized. If you like music, you might like to attend a concert in this bar.
• The Sainte Angèle bar: on rue Saint Jean, this bar is also a concert hall. In reality, it is hidden in a small alley perpendicular to rue Saint Jean but if you want to find it, you will.

The best nightclubs and bars to dance in Quebec City

• The Midnight Blue: Near St. Joseph street, (St. Roch district), the Midnight Blue is a famous and very nice club in Quebec City. Often the evenings propose an atmosphere 80, 90 very disco and retro which like much.

Opening hours: 9pm – 3am

• Le Dagobert : In the Saint Jean-Baptiste district, the Dagobert is the favorite club of young Quebecers. You can spend very lively evenings and dance as much as you want in this club.

Opening hours: 10:30 pm – 3:00 am

What to do in Quebec City at night: other activities for those who don’t like bars or clubs

If you’re bored with the hustle and bustle of nightclubs and bars, or simply don’t care for them, don’t be discouraged. Quebec City is a city full of resources. You are bound to find something you like to do.

• Attend a performance at the Grand Théâtre de Québec: located on René Lévesque Boulevard, the Grand Théâtre du Québec offers evening performances. Check out the program if you feel like going to spend your evening in front of a play.
• Picnic or concert at the Plains of Abraham: this large space welcomes people every night who come to have a good time. From time to time concerts are organized and you might love to attend them. A picnic there could also create a wonderful evening.
• The Knock-Out: This music store has a large selection of vinyl and sometimes hosts concerts. It is open late in the evening, so we recommend spending some time there to relax to some good music and enjoy the large record collection.
• If you are a sports fan or simply like sports, you can go to a Capitales game in Quebec City in the stadium. You will witness a real good atmosphere and you will discover another facet of the life and culture of Quebecers.
• Among other venues in Quebec City, we can mention the Colisée Pepsi, the Albert Rousseau Hall, the Théâtre du Petit Champlain or the Palais Montcalm (located in the Montcalm district in the west of Quebec City).

Here is our selection of the best places to spend an evening in Quebec City. We hope that it will inspire you to spend excellent evenings: bars, clubs, theaters, concert halls or games, or just a simple evening under the stars, Quebec City can accommodate all tastes.