My brother has been living in Quebec city for 15 years and I've been there more than a dozen times.
Here are the good stops for GREAT food (they're Quebec City residents' favorites as well):
-Pub St Alexandre (great food and beers. Try the nachos!)
-Cochon Dingue (great ribs, great deserts... great everything in fact)
-Lapin Sauté (same owner as the Cochon Dingue, same quality, different food)
-Café du Monde
Great cultural places to visit:
-La Citadelle
Originally a fort built by the English after their conquest over the French to help control the St-Lawrence traffic, as well as protect themselves from the growing American threat. It is now home to the Royal 22nd Regimen. There are guided visits that explain the history of Quebec city and you get the visit the grounds. It is the highest natural point of the city, so there is a great view of both the city, the Chateau Frontenac.
-Musée de la Civilisation
One of my favorite museums, they currently are showcasing a Samurai exhibit with authentic armors and weapons. There are also permanent exhibits that go over the history of Quebec (the province as a whole) from its foundations to today. Check out their website for more information. Café du Monde is just down the street from there.
-Parliament
The parliament of Quebec is near the Citadel and is worth seeing from the outside if only for the architecture
-Orlean Island
It takes two hours to drive around the island (you take the ferry from Quebec city) and the sightseeing it is great. Make a stop after an hour and bring a picnic if the weather permits. Good guaranteed family time!
-Montmorency Waterfalls
Not as impressive as Niagara Falls, but it is a different experience. Worth seeing for sure.
By the time you get there the boat tours should be open. They sail around the island, you get a great view of the city and the Chateau Frontenac and they also give you great historic trivia as you go along (for instance, when you sail past Cap Diamond, you'll get to see where the English hiked their way uphill in secret to surprise the French in the morning just outside their fortification. The battle of the Abraham Plains that ensued, after two months of heavy bombardment by the English, would seal the fate of Quebec forever)
Unlike Pierre, I really do not suggest eating at the Chateau Frontenac. It is a 5 stars hotel and everything is ridiculously overpriced. If you want to spend some money on a good meal, Café du Monde is the place to go.
Enjoy the city, it is a great place to visit.
I hope this helps 🙂
