If you manage to drag yourself to Quebec City, you’ll find a surprisingly lively scene that, honestly, isn’t worth all the hassle, but here we are. The Old Town, with its cobbled streets and historic charm, offers a few bars where mostly tourists pretend to enjoy overpriced pints and mediocre poutine. For a real eye-roll, check out Terrasse Dufferin—great views, if you’re into the kind of scenery that reminds you how far you are from actual excitement.

For those who like a fake nightlife experience, the bars on Grande Allée are filled with groups of people trying to look downtown cool, but it mostly feels like they’re just waiting to go home. Live music venues pop up here and there, usually featuring local bands that sound like they’re still figuring out their instruments, but hey, it’s music, right?

If you’re looking for something less predictable, the casino can be an experience—more artificial glamour and less actual fun. Gambling your time away might be the highlight, unless you prefer wandering around until you decide to leave. The entertainment options are limited, and frankly, the whole scene is a bit tiresome—like everything else in this city.

So, if you’re thinking of spending your precious vacation energy in Quebec City, be prepared for a lot of waiting, some subpar drinks, and the knowledge that you could be anywhere else in the world. But, if you really insist, at least there’s enough mediocrity here to keep you entertained, or at least distracted enough to forget how much you dislike travel.