City Travel Archives - Page 2 of 2

Albuquerque, New Mexico

January 20, 2017 roamngrow Leave a comment

Route 66 would be with us for a major period of the drive, but this was probably the only spot en route, that had any touristy value. Route 66 was laid in 1926, and ran from Chicago, IL to Santa Monica, CA through MO, KS, OK, TX, NM, and AZ, a 2300 mile long endeavor. The city of Albuquerque, NM, though a historic city, did not have a vibe about it. Rusty buildings, and lower than expected pedestrians on the main street was disappointing. Apart from the historic (and often referred to as ghostly) KiMo Theater, the downtown did not have much to offer.

So, we decided to focus on the later part of the day, which was to check out other national parks along the way. We did some research on the go, and decided to swing by the Aztec ruins in Aztec, NM. We reached towards the end of the day’s hours, but managed to take a close look at the ruins in the park. There was a self-guided tour available, and all you had to do was to walk along the designated trail. Intriguing aspects of Aztecs’ lives were depicted in the rooms that were built thousands of years ago. Skillful stone masonry, wood roofing, and other architectural structures apart, the great Kiva, the subterranean structure that housed major events in Aztecs’ lives, were literally enlightening. Further details about the Aztec Ruins National Park can be found here. It is a must visit for anyone interested in the history of the native civilizations of the area.
At the end of a busy traveling day, we decided to stop at the nearest small-town of Farmington, NM. An early start of the next day was looming!

City Travel

Ottawa

February 1, 2016 roamngrow Leave a comment

Ottawa, nestled between Canada’s two largest cities, Montreal and Toronto, had far more to offer than we thought it had. A perfect blend of cityscape, art, culture, history, and people makes this non-descript capital city a must visit in a trip to the eastern part of the country.

Although it is supposed to be an anglophone, plenty of people here speak French possibly due to the proximity to Quebec City. When entering the city from the east, we headed straight to the downtown, the arts district. We were there during the Canada day (July 1st) which was a fantastic coincidence. The parades, celebrations, and fun around the town was even better than the independence day celebrations in the US. We even got free bus rides the entire day.

Although there is not a lot to keep a tourist interested in visiting attractions, the museums and historical places may keep a visitor occupied for 2-3 days. Here are the places you cannot afford to miss:
1. Parliament Hill & Building – Gothic revival style buildings on the bank of the Ottawa River, this building is a masterpiece of history and architecture. The surrounding area of the buildings have several interesting vista points to the river and the city. During the Canada day celebrations, the Centennial flame looked marvelous in the backdrop of the gatherings.
– Tip: the Parliament Hills look mesmerizing from the other side of the river – the Civilization Museum.

2. Rideau Canal – A UNESCO heritage site, you won’t regret spending time here for the history it carries. Connecting the Rideau river with the Ottawa river was an engineering marvel. The stepped structure, the periodic opening and closing of the gates and the sheer history of the ups and downs in the local economy caused by the canal are not to be missed. Walking up and down the two sides of the canal with coffee in hand was a fun activity with people watching and exploring the famous hotel next to the canal.

3. Notre Dame Basilica

Highly recommend walking around the area including the arts district and Byward market area. The coffee shops and restaurants are amazing in the Byward market.

Food and Nightlife
Byward market has the best nightlife/restaurants in town. We ate at The Keg steakhouse. The ambiance, service, and food were excellent with the steak surpassing my expectations. My review here.

Gallery here

City Travel

Mexico City

December 25, 2015 roamngrow Leave a comment

Back to Mexico

Back to Mexico City Itinerary

Home to a plethora of museums, historical buildings, artwork, and street food coalesced within the boundaries of a modern city, Mexico City is a fantastic tourist destination. Although the city has received a lot of negative publicity due to the crime, traffic and corruption, it actually is not that different from any other large metros around the world. Being cautious about navigating the city in the same way one would do in Chicago, New York, or London should be enough to keep you safe. We ventured out to multiple areas in the city during our stay, even walked during the late hours with no trouble (and no apparent signs of crime) in the neighborhoods like Zona Rosa, Condesa, and Zocalo.

Having said all that, below is a list of places that a traveler interested in history, art, and cityscape should not miss –

1. Chapultepec Park

Looking west from Angel de la Independencia

A long walk to the Musee de la Antropology was a worthwhile one in the end. At ~MXN $65 per person for foreigners, you can easily spend 4-8 hours here immersing yourselves in the 22 permanent exhibits. All exhibits revolve around the evolution of the cultures in various parts of Mexico over the last few centuries and decades. With the deluge of information you’ll have to swim in, knowledge of Spanish would help since most of the explanations are not in English. Best strategy to cover everything yet retaining the knowledge gained would be to follow the numbers in the map. Feel free to take photos, but please do not run through the exhibits. Just pause and visualize for a few moments, and connect the dots in history from a third party perspective. This museum would easily influence a visitor to enhance their perception about history and culture.

Temporary Exhibit for Luz

If you want a quick bite, the restaurant at the ground floor is decently priced and has a wide menu with pretty tasty food. Service is slow, so go through the ordeal quickly lest you lose crucial time from the day.

If the other museums are open, it is a great idea to swing by the Musee de Modern Arts and on the other side of the park, the Museum of National History. These two are not close to the Musee de la Antropology but worth a quick look since you are already in this area. Also worth visiting is the Chapultepec Castle after a 20 minute hike up to the top of the hill.

Street vendors in Chapultepec Park

Otherwise, take it slow, take a stroll through the park, eat some street food, sit in a quiet area by the water and do people-watching. I heard it is a good idea to leave the park before or at most 30 minutes after sunset/dark.

Check out the Gallery for Museum of Anthropology

2. Zona Rosa

Known as the happening part of the city, Zona Rosa (or Pink zone) contains ubiquitous bars and nightlife attractions, wide streets, multiple foreign embassies, and several upscale shops. This is also a LGBT friendly community, and home to offices of some of the well known multinationals.

Zona Rosa and La Condesa has some of the most well known restaurants in the city.

A major tourist attraction in this area is – Angel de la Independencia (Angel of Independence), which was built to commemorate the start of the Mexican war of independence.

Plan to spend ~30 minutes here

Centro Historico / Zocalo

3. Centro Historico (Zocalo)

Centro Historico, located in the north-east part of the city, is home to several historical sites,
museums, cathedrals and other attractions. Plan to spend an entire day here to immerse into the culture and history of the wonderful country. Knowledge of Spanish is recommended. Below are some of the must visit POIs –

a. Cathedral Metropolitana

Probably one of the best displays of exquisite artwork in this area, built in the 16th century, this cathedral is the oldest and largest in Latin America. Groundbreaking paintings, vivid colors and sculptures are trumped by the intricate history buried underneath. This cathedral was built on the site of the Ancient temples of the Aztec God of War. Templo Mayor, located next door corroborates that finding.

– Plan on spending <1 hour here

– Entrance cost – Free

b. Templo Mayor

This is the archaeological site of one of the oldest temples/pyramids in Mexico City (then Tenochtitlan). Although you can see the ruins from outside, the museum and the full extent of an ancient city surrounded by the city sky is a unique setting.

The temple is dedicated to multiple Gods in Aztec history, and has been rebuilt/reconstructed at least four times. Once inside, you will be able to see the ruins from all four stages of the build-up. Ongoing restoration programs are able to reconstruct and display some of the monuments, structures, and sites having significant importance. Although walking through the ruins will not feel like you are actually in an ancient town, just visualizing the grandeur of the pyramid/temple will surely cause eeriness.

The museum at the end of the site tour (self-guided) is a treat to history buffs. With 8 different exhibits, it does a great job at showing the anthropological, archaeological, cultural and historical intricacies of the ancient Aztec civilization. Many of our misunderstandings about the Mayan civilization got clarified from our visit to the museum.

– Plan on spending ~20 minutes in the site and ~1.5 Hours in the Museum

– Entrance cost – MXN $65 per person

c. Palacio National

Built on the site of the palace of the Aztec ruler Moctezuma, the national palace is home to some of the national houses (treasury. archives, etc.). It is a huge facility with probably the tightest security of all the museums/historic sites in the city. The second floor of the palace is decorated with some of the best works of Diego Rivera. The murals are scintillating with the narration of historical events, mundane daily lives of the folk, and depiction of the cultural progress of Mexico.
There are free tours in different languages. We overheard some of the descriptions of the guides and thought that if you have some background knowledge of the culture and have little bit of patience, you can understand decent amount of the stories from the murals.
– Plan on spending ~2 hours
– Entrance cost – Free

d. Secretaria de Education
Possibly the most underrated of all the historic sites that contains a huge amount of art history. There are at least 100 murals in the inside walls of the building. Diego Rivera worked on these murals in the 1920’s. Thematically, these are about ancient culture, Spanish invasion, war of independence, communism, and some of the key events in the daily lives of the ancient and modern folk. For a traveler, looking to understand the history of the country through breathtaking display of art, this is a must visit.
– Plan on spending 1-2 Hours
– Entrance cost – Free

e. Bellas Artes
Located next to the Alameda Park, this museum is nestled under a beautiful building with a large colorful dome on top. The architecture and sculptures outside the building, along with the plaza in front makes it a place worthwhile to spend a quaint afternoon/evening at. Apart from people watching and architecture admiring, lazying around in this area seems to be a popular afternoon activity for locals.
This museum has an astonishing collection of murals and paintings from the Mexican revolution from around the country. But in my opinion, the best one is the “Man, Controller of the Universe” by Diego Rivera. This was the recreated mural of the original, later destroyed, “Man at the crossroads” in the Rockefeller center in midtown, NYC. We spent ~30 minutes adoring the beautiful painting. Along the three floors, there are numerous works by Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, Roberto Montenegro, Alfaro Siquiros, et al.
– Plan on spending 2-3 Hours
– Entrance Cost – MXN $60

f. Mezcal and Tequila Museum
Although not suitable for traveler having kids in the group, this is a unique museum located next to the Plaza Garibaldi. Should not take you more than 30-45 minutes to explore the museum, and they give out one free mezcal and tequila with each ticket purchase. Slightly overpriced, but very interesting to hear how each drinks are different and how they are made. Hard to get any museums of this sort in other parts of the world as the drinks Mezcal and Tequila are indigenous to Mexico.
In the restaurant downstairs, there are food and other cocktail/drinks options that are slightly overpriced. Overall, you can skip this if you do not have time. Only include if you are hitting Plaza Garibaldi in the evening and are in a mood to try out mezcals while listening to Mariachi bands.
– Plan on spending <1 Hour in the museum, but 1-2 Hours in the shop/restaurant
– Entrance Cost – MXN $60 (includes the museum, one mezcal and one tequila)

g. Plaza Garibaldi
This is a perfect place to end your tiring day. This is a large square with shops and buildings all around. Mariachi bands, singers, and performers roam in this square performing acts all day (especially in the late afternoons). You can catch a glimpse of their acts, take photos, take a stroll around the marketplace, grab a quick bite of comida tipica, or even sit back and relax with some cerveza in your hand.
– Spend whatever amount of time you want
– Free

City Travel

Montreal, QC

July 15, 2015 roamngrow Leave a comment

Back to Canada

Quebec City’s largest metro area, Montreal (phonetically mon-e-hal), presents an interesting mix of culture, history, and sheekness. With its French traditions, and ultra-modern looks, this city is basically a river island on the river St. Lawrence. It was late evening on a holiday weekend, when we drove into the city and checked in to our hotel in the downtown.

And, being so late in the day, we ventured out to check out the nightlife in the area. We found a plethora of options serving classic European fare. Downtown pub options were abundant too, with the streets humming with a fashionable young crowd. Find further details on the French style dining/eclectic nightlife below.

Next day, we quickly chalked out the plan for the day while having breakfast at a little street side cafe. We figured the touristy options of the top-less bus tours could be an option. There are a few good ones like Gray Line et al., but we chose ‘self guided walking tour’ instead for being so close to the historic old town. It turned out to be the best decision ever, albeit taken hastily.

There is enough to keep a tourist busy in the city, especially in the summer months (or weeks should I say!). Countless museums, a nice water front, historical landmarks, and obviously the jazz bars. Navigating the streets was not a problem for non-French speakers, as people are mostly equally eloquent with both English and French. Being the long weekend, the streets and cafes were filled with tourists. Yet the city was no way disorderly.

Here are some of the must visit places for a two day trip:
1. Notre-dame Bassilica: A city distinctly European, did live up to the expectation in terms 10501812_10207131260858314_3312838210229297254_n of offering exquisite Gothic Revival artwork inside the cathedral. Interestingly enough for a cathedral, the stained glass paintings (my favorite type of artwork inside historic cathedrals), depict religious history of Montreal instead of typical biblical stories. The admission was CAD 5.00 per person, and it was closed for visitors for multiple weddings. Therefore there was a line too, but it was worth the wait for the charm and uniqueness of the building.
2. Place des Armes: Right opposite of Notre-Dame Bassilica, it is one of the few public squares in the city. Around it are some of the historic landmarks like the Bank of Montreal, and other old buildings. Plus the usual cacophony of the crowd, being centrally located in the old town, builds up a cheerful atmosphere. Sip a coffee or take a casual stroll along, or even just sit there to people watch.
3. River front and Clock Tower: Walk east from the Place des Armes, and you will reach the water front. During a summer day, you are bound to find people in the water engaged 11698770_10207131222177347_4023457003985090307_o in various water-sports, and other thrill rides. There are artificial beaches created too, which were lame to us as being a Florida resident. But I can see the necessity of having warm sandy beaches in this part of the continent. A walk along the river, while enjoying the views of this beautiful city, will take you to the historic Clock Tower. Built by Gillette and Johnson, who also built the Big Ben and other clock towers around the world, has a 160 odd step staircase to go atop. Needless to say, the wide angle view of the city from the top was mesmerizing.
4. Museum of Fine Arts: Although we skipped it to save time, as avid art enthusiast, it would have been great to spend some time in this museum to soak in the rich history of the city through art. Mostly free, but exhibitions vary from CAD 15 – CAD 20.
5. Underground City Market: Montreal has the largest underground network of market complexes and food courts etc. We had a tough time finding the entrances, but most entrances are through the Metro Rail stations. Find your nearest Metro station, and enter the amazing maze of indoor streets. Incidentally the Montreal Comicon was on when we were there. Characters from our favorite movies and novels were a treat to watch.
6. Mont Royal: During the summer months, a drive up the Mount Royal, be it in the day or night, is a treat to the eyes. The picturesque view of the city lit up in the night, or the magnificent panorama during the day definitely calls for a couple of visits. If driving, just enter this address in your GPS and drive up the mountains. Then find your spot on the way or around the address for best results. In the winter, you can enjoy some ice skating in the Beaver lake, which boasts an amazing place to have picnics or casual strolls during the summer.
7. Arts District and Jazz: Montreal is not complete without experiencing Jazz. The week 11745434_10207131219737286_5208595292089916626_n long Montreal Jazz Festival was taking place during this weekend, and we walked up to Quartier des Spectacles and enjoyed the music all evening. Barring the festival, there are many Jazz bars around this area where you can enjoy live Jazz performed by local and traveling artists alike. But it is highly recommended to plan your trip during the annual Jazz Fest to enjoy some of the most memorable music festivals in the country. More information here.
8. Others: Must see places include the Bio Dome, Botanical Garden, Le Plateau, and St. Joseph Oratory.

Food Scene and Nightlife:
1. Chinatown: We love authentic Chinese food, and have been to many Chinatowns around North America. Obviously did not want to miss out on a chance to have lunch here too. We tried the Xiaolong Baos and Shabu Shabu (Chinese Hot Pot) in Chinatown. Located on the La Gauchetiere street at a walkable distance from the old town area, this place is full of Asian restaurants and bakeries. A must visit for Asian food lovers.
2. L’Orignal: Canadian style restaurant serving European Fare. Interesting decor, with a robust wine list, this is definitely a gem we discovered. Find Yelp reviews here.
3. The Mon Cafe: Cool and hip breakfast joint. Nice coffee, and the croissants with boiled egg and meat was out of the world. Yelp reviews here.
4. Restaurant L’avenue: For foodie travelers like us, who do not mind standing in line for an hour for a good Sunday brunch, this is the place to be. Food is definitely comparable to Chicago’s Bongo Room, which is our all time favorite brunch place. Must check out if you are looking to explore a city through its heart.

Accommodation:
We split our stay in the downtown and the airport area at the W Downtown, and Sheraton Montreal Airport. The W is obviously chic with a cool nightclub. But the airport being not too far from the city, makes it an acceptable choice if you have a car.

Additional Tips and Info:
Wi-fi: The city of Montreal has definitely paid a ton of attention to the well being of the internet hungry tourists. Connect to the free wifi of the city especially the Old Montreal and Downtown area.
Restrooms: Many clean and safe public restrooms are located in the nooks and crannies of the city.
Language: It helps if you parlez Francais but no one frowned at us if we said je ne pas parle Francais. We were astonished by the locals’ ability to switch between French and English so swiftly and needless to say how courteous people are in this city.
Pick up a map from any hotel or convenience stores, and voila. Enjoy the city streets and the markets, and the weekend festivals in summer. Check out some of the snapshots from our trip below.

Gallery

City Travel

Cancun

July 7, 2015 roamngrow Leave a comment

Back to Quintana Roo

May, 2014 | Sep, 2015

Bienvenidos Mexico. In the airport, we encountered thousands of apparently volunteering and helpful travel agents, who would like to give you a steal of a deal for travel packages to different tourist destinations around Cancun. We, like all naive tourists, listened to them initially, but fortunately got deterred by the too-good-to-be-true deals. TIP: Do not buy travel packages from the airport or volunteer agents. Hotel concierge would most likely be the best bet in getting the best packages, which would go easy on the wallet too.

Transportation to the hotel:

Most of the hotels are located in an area Avenida Kukulkan, 2 miles long stretch along the Caribbean sea, called Zona Hotelera. If not in a hurry, taking the airport shuttles (listed below) are cheaper and convenient. While the cabs may range from $40 to $50, the shuttles to the hotel zone costs less than $15 per person.

Tried and tested shuttle services: 1. Cancun Shuttle2. Super Shuttle Renting a car was on the cards, but the general consent from the hotel concierge was to refrain from it during the first visit. Although renting from the US rental agencies like Hertz could be cheap, the comprehensive coverage insurance, hassles with local cops, and troubles in the road including gas stations made us to rely on public transport. TIP: Rental car license plates are red in color, and easy to spot, therefore attracts undue attention. Unless one hables espanol, it is better to avoid rental cars in Cancun.

The Westin, Lagunamar

Westin Lagunamar Resort

Displaying the loyalty for Starwood brands, and lavish amenities, we chose the Westin Lagunamar resort for our brief vacation in Cancun. Apart from the unparalleled customer services, the resort sported a huge infinite pool, four multi-cuisine restaurants, and spacious rooms with breathtaking views of the ocean.

Since we reached before noon on day 1, we had a chance to enjoy the two beautiful pools, the warm surf, and the sand on a fantastic day. Poolside lunch, and plentiful tropical drinks ordered from the bar, sitting on the underwater bar-stools were heavenly. The apparently endless amenities of the resort included a relaxing hammock garden, splash zones, travel desk, and to top it off, in-room jetted-hot-tubs. The warm welcome from the hotel staff were so over-the-top, that we managed to buy ourselves a 2 bedroom villa as a vacation ownership. TIP: There are hotels in the Cancun downtown area, but invariably are away from the action. Choose a hotel in the Hotel Zone, and if needed take bus R1 or R2 to visit the downtown. Bus fare – 9.5 Pesos per person, one way.

La Isla mall

Well, after the day spent soaking in the sun and surf, we ventured out to check out the local shops and restaurants. The La Isla shopping complex was just across the street, and we managed to find a decent looking lagoon-side cafe that was sporting live music and salsa. We tried our hand in placing the food/drinks order in espanol, but failed miserably. Yet, the food, and the local Tequilla and Mezcals along with the experience were enough to top-off the day’s adventure.

Food: Pibil Chicken, Mixed Molcajetes

Drinks: Mezcals – Mezcal Amores Reposado and Milagrito del Corazon Joven

Food Scene and Nightlife

If you are staying in the Zona Hotelera, there are numerous places to eat, drink and party without having to get your rental car out of the parking. The buses run across the length of the Zona Hotelera (Avenida Kukulcan) and any restaurant or bar are within 15 – 30 minutes away. Here are some of our choices that we never regretted:

1. La Distillera – About half a mile away, we found the best Mexican food/drinks for the trip, at La Distillera. The jalapeno, habanero, and other tree pepper sauces made our night, alongside the Mezcals and real chalupas!! Happy Memories! We actually went back here on our second trip and sat beside the water. Check out reviews here.

2. Carlos’ and Charlie’s – Super fun if you go on a weekend dinner and drinks. Make sure you get a seat facing Coco Bongo and be prepared to stay late until like 10pm. Food and drinks are not the 5 Star kind, but it is fun; the experience you should not pass on. Check out my review here.

3. Pubs and dance clubs – Near Coco Bongo, on the strip, there are multiple dance clubs which gets pretty busy on the weekend nights. Sometimes you may think the fun is more than it is in Vegas. We checked out several bars/clubs, all have pretty dressy crowd so be prepared to show off.

Our favorite though was Monkey Business which had live music but wasn’t loud, may be because we are not in the 20’s anymore. It’s a tad north of the most happening area of the strip, but check it out. They did not have any covers when we went. Check out the reviews here.

Other places to check out if you are in the real clubbing mode – Daddy O’s, La Vaquita

TIPS:

Visa Requirements: No visa required for current US visa holders makes things a lot easier too.

Money: Most US banks have affiliation with one or two Mexican Banks. Bank of America has ties with Banco Santandor. If possible, get Pesos from one of the local ATMs. You will get a much higher rate compared to airports or US banks. Make sure the ATM you are withdrawing money from does not charge fees. Also, most places accept Dollars, albeit at an extremely high exchange rate.

Transportation: If you happen to rent a car, and do not speak Espanol, drive as cautiously as possible. Rental cars have a Red license plate, and the Policia can easily distinguish them if they intend to give you trouble. If not renting a car, check with the hotel if they can call taxis or Collectivos (basically shuttle/car pools). Otherwise if staying within the downtown or Zona Hotelera, R1 and R2 buses run all day and pretty frequently. Bus map and routes here.

City Travel

Quebec City, QC

July 1, 2015 roamngrow Leave a comment

Back to Canada

A mere 2.5 hours east of Montreal, this capital town of Quebec City province offers a plethora of options to be entertained and mesmerized. An utterly French speaking town, where nas parle Francais may cause overwhelm, at least in the local shops and food stalls. But before even entering the city, we went to visit the beautiful Montmorency Falls, about 15 minutes north of the city.

Montmorency Falls:

To enter the Parc de la chute Montmorency, we paid CAD12.00 and was greeted nicely by a French speaking lady. The grandeur of the falls do not surpass that of Niagara falls, but the height and the sheer volume of water pouring down dizzy heights make the view worthwhile. We were unprepared for the chill and the possibility of getting wet, but nevertheless walked along the wooden footbridge and went closer to the falls. The ~250 feet drop that is about 50 feet higher than the mighty Niagara falls was breathtaking and the power of the water cannot be explained unless experienced from 30-40 feet away.

After getting wet, we decided to take a closer look at the falls and took the cable car ride up to the falls and hiked along the paved trail to encounter the fall from closer than you’d dare to believe.

The suspension bridge above the falls is an amazing addition and probably an engineering feat. The entire volume of water, although controlled slightly, drops in two stages and flows into the Saint Laurant river which merges into the bay near by. The operating hours are sunrise to sunset, but the park partially closes during winter. I am sure the view of the falls in the winter will be fascinating.

Upper Town and Lower Town – Quebec City, QC
It was a nice warm summer afternoon when we drove back to the cute little French town of Quebec chemins of the old town would surely bring out the poet in you. The cozy sunset glow and the aroma of fuming french roast makes you dip in the romance of the moment makes time come to a stand still. But being the time bound tourists on a mission to explore the landmarks and capture them in the handheld cameras, we made our way to the visitor center through hustling streets of upper town.
The capital city of the Quebec City province is home to multiple historic sites, museums, and most importantly the nicest people around. A leisurely stroll around the upper and lower towns while listening to French chatter, street-side musicians playing melodies in their Saxophones and Grand Pianos, and clicking of hooves in the cobblestone
With the detailed map picked up from the visitor center, and our scratchy French, we navigated the maze-like streets to multiple attractions. This city is a paradise for the avid history lover. With French written all over, it boasts a 400 year old history which by no means compares to any European city. But nevertheless it is one of the oldest of the North American cities. Although the charm of the city may distract you to enjoy music and french ice-cream time and again, we recommend the following as a must visit:

Fairmont Le Chateau du Frontiac: Built by the Canadian-Pacific railroads in the late 1800’s, this chain of hotels were on major stops on the rail tracks to the western coastline. This specific hotel is one of the biggest landmarks of the city and can be seen from afar as it is situated on a hill next to the Saint Laurant river. It is where arguably the most historic meeting of World War II between Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt was held in 1944.
2. La Citadelle de Quebec: Also called the Citadel, it housed the active military regimen of the monarch of Canada and the Governor General. With stunning views of the city and historic landmarks, a walk along the two city gates is a must for the history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike.
3. Plains of Abraham: This is where the historic seven years’ battle between the French and the British army and navy took place in 1700’s.
4. Hotel du Parlement: The current parliament house houses major artifacts from the 400 year history. The free 30 minute tour is a worthwhile investment to learn about the intricate details of the history of the city.
5. Musee de la Civilization: After taking in all the history you can find in the city, top off with the well articulated displays in the museum to relate the historical events that built the city. Starting from the French invasion to replace the aboriginals in 1500’s to the modern establishment of the Quebec City in 1869, the visitor will be well versed with the city history.
6. Battlefields Park and fortifications: Fortifications and canons everywhere in the city sings the songs of the numerous battles fought here. A walk along the edges of the upper town while dwelling on imaginary war visuals boggled my mind.
7. Old Town: Winding alleys of old town, exquisite local artwork, and cobblestones streets are going to make you believe that you are in the other side of Atlantic. Be sure to click pictures, but do not forget to experience the charm of the area by visiting local shops and sink in the culture.

Food Scene and Nightlife:
No points for guessing how rich offerings in terms of restaurants a classic French town would have. Being the foodies we are, we managed to find some of the exquisite food options in town for all meals. Here are some key places we tried out and were mesmerized by each:
1. Chez Boulay – bistro Boreal: Has to be one of the best Nordic meals we have had. Confit Goose and Duck, and the Arctic Char were amazing. Be sure to get a reservation or get in before 7pm to avoid wait. Check Yelp reviews here.
2. Cochon Dingue – French breakfast/brunch place in lower town near the Ferry terminal. We had the french toast, and Salmon Confit benedict from the Dejeuner menu and enjoyed every bite of them. Yelp has reviews and recommendations for your aid, but if you can afford to spend some time to have brunch or breakfast check it out.

We are always up for exploring local pubs and bars to feel the local culture and experience the nightlife. So we walked a mile away from the touristy places and found a nice Karaoke bar in the city center. La Ninaksi du Faubourg did have a fantastic atmosphere with locals coming in and singing away. Beer list was exhaustive with local breweries featured in the draft. We enjoyed some melodious French songs and sang along while sipping some old school Canadian Whiskey. I am still humming some of the songs I learned there, and do recommend paying a visit if you are in town.

Accommodation:
We ended up staying in Levis, QC on the other side of the river. It is an easy ferry ride from the Quebec City ferry terminal and it costs about CAD 14 round trip for two. Our hotel in Levis – Four Points Sheraton was located close to the Levis ferry terminal too, and had ample parking space and upgraded interiors.

Additional Tips and Info:
Wi-fi: Every tourist’s worst nightmare these days is lack of data in their smartphones. QC definitely solves the problem, and along with other amenities displays how welcoming the city is to tourists. Every pub, restaurant has free wi-fi, and on the streets one can get into the city wi-fi network easily.
Restrooms: Many clean and safe public restrooms are located in the nooks and crannies of the city.
Language: It helps if you parlez Francais but no one frowned at us if we said je ne pas parle Francais. We were astonished by the locals’ ability to switch between French and English so swiftly and needless to say how courteous people are in this city.
Driving: Everyone drives in the right lane, and moves to the left lane only for passing. To an American driver, it is a sight from another planet. What a place!

Gallery: