If you prefer a “real-life city” vs. a tourist-focused destination, Montreal should be your city of choice. Montreal is a major city, so of course, there is going to be more to do, restaurants to try, shops to wander in, a livelier night scene, etc. Quebec City could easily be a romantic getaway.

The choice between Montreal and Quebec City depends entirely on the type of "European" experience you are seeking within Canada. Quebec City is often considered the "better" destination for those seeking romance, history, and a quaint, old-world atmosphere. As the only fortified city north of Mexico, its UNESCO-listed Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec) feels like a time capsule of 17th-century France, with cobblestone streets and the iconic Château Frontenac. It is smaller, more walkable, and almost entirely Francophone. Montreal, on the other hand, is the "better" choice for those who want a cosmopolitan, bilingual mega-city experience. It is the second-largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris but feels much more like a hybrid of Europe and New York. Montreal excels in "vibes"—its food scene is world-class (think bagels, smoked meat, and high-end gastronomy), its nightlife is legendary, and its festivals (like Just for Laughs) are global events. In short: go to Quebec City if you want a quiet, historical "fairy tale" getaway; go to Montreal if you want a high-energy, multicultural urban adventure with incredible shopping and dining.