Bordeaux Travel Guide
Bordeaux, a small port city in southwestern France, is best known for being a wine lover’s paradise. Next to Paris, it’s my second favorite city in France. It’s one of the most quintessentially French towns to explore, with medieval buildings, old watchtowers, winding streets, and iconic French architecture. (The historic center of Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage site, thanks to its very intact 18th-century city architecture.)
Bordeaux is also an upscale destination — a city of luxury shopping, drinking, and eating. It sits in the center of the world-famous wine region that bears its name and just like the Napa Valley in California or the Hunter in Australia, prices here reflect that reputation.
But, even if you are not here for the wine, a visit to Bordeaux is still worth it as it’s a beautiful city with a lot of fun, historic, and outdoorsy things to do. It’s not popular on the backpacking France/budget travel trail (I mean it’s based around wine and no wine region is ever cheap) but, over the last few years, a lot of cheap and free activities have popped up.
This travel guide to Bordeaux can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit!
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Top 5 Things to See and Do in Bordeaux
1. Go on a wine tour
Take a full-day or half-day tour and go around the area and taste some of the best wine in the world (especially if you like red wine). You’ll get to visit chateaus, learn about the whole process of wine-making, and, of course, taste a bunch of wine. Depending on the length of your tour, you’ll visit two to four wineries. The cheapest tours start at 55 EUR and go up from there, with half-day tours generally costing around 75-105 EUR. Many of the full-day tours also include a charcuterie and cheese lunch spread.
2. Wander through Saint Emilion
This village has a strong connection to red wine production and vineyards have existed here since the Roman Empire. Even if you aren’t on an organized wine tour, visit this village and wander its streets. You can easily get here by public transportation. The town is full of medieval architecture, narrow alleyways, and hidden courtyards. Don’t miss the Monolithic Church that dates back to the 12th century and is the largest underground church in Europe. You’ll need a join a tour to see the interior, so book in advance. You can also do a bunch of wine tastings at shops here too.
3. Day trip to Dune de Pyla
This sand dune is located an hour outside Bordeaux in Pyla Sur Mer, a resort town where many of France’s well-to-do spend the summer. It’s the largest sand dune in Europe and the result of winds eroding one shore of the bay and blowing sand over to the other. The dune is more than 100 meters long and separates the region’s dense forest from the beach. An information center at the main gateway provides more information about the dune’s ecosystem and offers bike rentals so you can explore more of the area. It’s a great place to watch the sunset too.
4. Visit La Cité du Vin
La Cité du Vin (City of Wine) Museum takes visitors through a fun, interactive tour of wine world history from 6,000 BCE to the present day. There are six different areas where you’ll get an immersive experience as you follow the story of wine across five continents. Each exhibition engages your senses in a different way. You’ll learn how and where wine is made and how the global trade ties in with Bordeaux. Get a glass of wine at the rooftop wine bar and enjoy cool views of the city and countryside. Tickets are 22 EUR.
5. Explore Musée des Beaux-Arts
This museum is housed inside two wings of the 18th-century Hôtel de Ville. It’s the oldest public museum in the city and displays sculptures, paintings, drawings, and prints. The permanent exhibition covers European art from the 15th through the 20th centuries. You’ll see pieces by regional artists along with many from the most famous European masters. Some of the main works featured include pieces by French, Flemish, Italian, and Dutch artists of the 17th century, with masterpieces from Delacroix, Picasso, and Renoir. It costs 8 EUR to visit.
Other Things to See and Do in Bordeaux
1. Stroll Rue Sainte-Catherine
For the walkers and the shoppers, this pedestrian shopping street stretches 1.6 kilometers (1 mile), making it the longest shopping street in Europe. The northern part of the street is filled with French chains, while the southern part has more local shops and restaurants. A lot of students hang out, especially on Saturdays, so expect lots of crowds on the weekend. It’s fun place to people watch.
2. Explore Old Town Bordeaux
One of the largest 18th-century architectural urban areas in all of Europe, Bordeaux’s Old Town is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its amazing preservation. Two famous attractions are the Grand Théâtre, an opera house built in 1780, and the Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux, built between the 12th and the 14th century. Don’t miss the Place de la Bourse, which is the center of life in Bordeaux for locals and visitors alike. This central square of the city was inaugurated in 1749 and is surrounded by important buildings like the town hall. It’s directly across from the Water Mirror, one of the most picturesque spots in the city.
3. Visit the other wine museum
In addition to La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux has another wine museum that dives deep into local history. Le Musée du Vin et du Négoce (The Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum) exhibits the history of the city’s wine merchants. The self-guided tour will take you through 300 years of Bordeaux’s wine history. The museum is housed inside the building run by Louix XV’s royal broker in The Chatrons neighborhood. It’s an immersive experience as you walk through wine cellars with vaulted ceilings and explore the cooperage where casks were once made. Admission is 10 EUR and includes two tastings. You can also take a wine workshop here to learn about choosing wine, grape varieties, and different Bordeaux wines. Workshops are 25-50 EUR.
4. See the Musee D’Art Contemporain (CAPC)
Located in a 19th-century warehouse, this modern art museum has permanent works from renowned artists and photographers like Richard Long, Keith Haring, and Georges Rousse. Most of the works on display are from the 1960s to the modern day. There’s everything from thought-provoking installations to regular paintings. On Saturdays and Sundays at 4pm, you can take a guided tour for 5 EUR in addition to the price of admission. It costs 8 EUR for the permanent collection and temporary exhibits (6 EUR if there are no temporary exhibits). The museum is closed on Mondays.
5. Walk around Les Quais
The Quays of Bordeaux follow the shores of the Garonne. The platforms here used to be a harbor but have been renovated for visitors to walk, rollerblade, or bike along. This 4.5-kilometer (2.8-mile) stretch is a scenic place to walk with some amazing views of the landscape and the unique Aquitaine bridges. This is also a popular nightlife and club area.
6. Visit the Water Mirror
Bordeaux’s Water Mirror (Miroir d’eau) is a giant reflecting pool in front of the Place de la Bourse. It’s made up of thin granite slabs covered in just two centimeters of water, covering over 37,000 square feet, making it the largest in the world! In the summer, mist is created from vents hidden in the granite and you’ll see a lot of kids playing in the mist and adults just strolling through to cool off.
7. See the Jardin Botanique
This big park north of the center is the city’s large public garden, spanning just over 1 acre. There are two sections to the gardens which are home to more than 3,000 species of plants. You can wander through eleven different environments found within the Aquitaine basin. There are a ton of walking paths and places to bird-watch, or you can sit around on a nice day and have a picnic. There are guided tours for those looking to learn about all the flowers in the garden. Admission is free.
8. Shop at the Marché des Capucins
This is Bordeaux’s central covered market, with stalls of bakers, produce sellers, cheesemongers, wine merchants, florists, and more. The market is open every day except Mondays, from 6am-2pm. It’s a great place to stock up on provisions for a picnic lunch. There are also cafes and restaurants inside.
9. Learn local history at Musée d’Aquitaine
With over 70,000 pieces in its collection, this museum focuses on the history of the region from prehistory to the present day. Newer additions to the permanent collection include an exhibit on Bordeaux’s maritime history and the city’s role in the slave trade. Admission is 8 EUR with free entry on the first Sunday of the month (except July and August).
10. Ascend the medieval tower
Built in 1494, Porte Cailhau is a beautiful defensive gate and served as one of the few ways people could enter the city. The tower was built to celebrate Charles VIII’s victory in Fornovo, Italy and you can see a sculpture of him in one of the niches on the side facing the river. The city walls were constructed to incorporate the thirty-five-meter-high tower. You can climb the tower to get views over the waterfront and the Pont de Pierre, Bordeaux’s oldest bridge. You’ll also learn more about the tower’s construction at the small exhibition inside the tower. Admission is 7 EUR.
How to Stay Safe in Bordeaux
Bordeaux is very safe. People are generally friendly and helpful and you’re unlikely to experience violent crime. Like any destination, avoid walking through unfamiliar areas alone at night and beware of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Pickpocketing is most common around the train station and Marche des Capucins so always keep your valuables secure and out of reach.
Solo female travelers should feel comfortable here, though the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone if intoxicated, etc). That said, be sure to check out many of the solo female travel blogs out there that can provide more in-depth tips for you!
Scams here are also very rare in the city but you can read about common travel scams to avoid here so you can be prepared just in case.
If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.
Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.
Where to Stay in Bordeaux
There are only a few hostels in Bordeaux so ultra-budget options are limited but there are a number of affordable hotels though. Here are my suggested places to stay in Bordeaux:
Bordeaux Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel dorms – 24-50 EUR per night
- Hostel private rooms – 65-150 EUR per night
- Budget hotels – 65-120 EUR per night
- Luxury hotels – 250 EUR or more per night
- Airbnb private rooms – 25-45 EUR per night
- Airbnb apartments – 45-80 EUR per night
- Campsite – 20-25 EUR per night (FYI: Wild camping is illegal in France.)
Accommodation prices are usually 30-50% higher during the summer months.
Food
- Lunch from a market – 10-15 EUR
- Pre-made sandwiches – 6-12 EUR
- Casual restaurants – 20-35 EUR per meal
- “Nicer” restaurants – 50-100 EUR per meal
- Pre-fixe dinner menus – 35-50 EUR
- Take-out places – 10-18 EUR
- Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 10 EUR
- Beer – 6-7 EUR
- Glass of wine – 3-6 EUR
- Cappuccino/latte – 3-4 EUR
- Bottled water – 1-2 EUR
- Groceries for a week – 45-60 EUR
My two favorite restaurants in the city are La Tupina and Le Petit Commerce.
Bordeaux Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – 80 EUR Per Day
If you’re backpacking Bordeaux, this covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all of your meals, taking public transit, limiting your drinking, and sticking to mostly free and cheap activities like free walking tours and enjoying the city’s parks.
Midrange – 175 EUR Per Day
This mid-range budget covers a private room, eating out at cheap restaurants, enjoying a few glasses of wine, taking the occasional taxi, and doing paid tours and activities like museum visits and a wine tour.
Upscale – 400+ EUR Per Day
At this budget, you can stay at 4* or better hotels, eat out all your meals, enjoy plenty of wine, rent a car, and tour around the region. This is just the ground floor for luxury. The sky is the limit here!
Bordeaux Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips
Bordeaux is built for luxury travel so you’ll have a hard time not spending a lot here. Like all wine areas of the world, it’s expensive as it attracts a higher-spending clientele. However, it’s not all bad news and if you want to cut your costs, there are a few things you can do! Here are some ways to save money in Bordeaux:
Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
Explore on foot – Walking around Bordeaux is a great way to experience the architecture and the city vibes. The city is easily walkable and there’s no reason to take public transportation.
Get a sightseeing pass – The Bordeaux CityPass is a wonderful way to save money on the different attractions you’ll want to see during your visit. The pass includes access to more than a dozen museums, five different guided tours, and the tramway system for getting around. It also gives you discounts for nearly twenty other attractions and tours. There are 24, 48, and 72-hour options with prices ranging from 35-52 EUR.
Redeem hotel points – If you sign up for hotel credit cards, you use those points to pay for accommodation here. Most cards give you 1-2 nights free when you sign up. It’s an excellent way to lower your costs in this expensive city. Use this post to understand the basics so you can start earning points and have plenty for your trip.
Drink the cheap wine – Grab a cheap bottle of Bordeaux from one of their numerous wine shops on the street and have a glass while walking around to see monuments and historic buildings. You can find good bottles for as little as 5 EUR.
Take advantage of discount museum prices – Pick up a City Pass for free public transportation, free entry to 20 museums, and your choice of a guided city tour. A one-day pass is 29 EUR, a two-day pass costs 39 EUR and a three-day pass costs 43 EUR. You also get discounts on other attractions (including wine tours and dinner cruises).
Buy a transit pass – Bordeaux has an extensive public transportation system that includes trams, buses, and river shuttles. You can get an unlimited pass for 24, 48, or 72 hours which gives you access to all the different forms of transit. Prices range from 6.50-13.50 EUR. The pass can save you a lot over paying the 1.90 EUR fare for a single trip, if you’re going to visit multiple spots in a day. There’s even a 7-day pass for 17 EUR for those who are spending more time in the city.
Take a free walking tour – If you want to learn more about the city, a free walking tour is a great place to start. You’ll learn about the history and architecture while touring all the major sights. Free Walking Tours Bordeaux is the best one. Just don’t forget to tip your guide!
Stay with a local – If you want to save money and get some local insight into the city, use Couchsurfing. With accommodation prices so expensive in the city, I highly suggest trying to find a host that can give you a bed and show you around. This city is not cheap and having a local guide goes a long way!
How to Get Around in Bordeaux
Public transportation – Bordeaux is very walkable and has a large pedestrian zone so you can walk around the city easily. The city also has an extensive public transportation system if you are going far or don’t want to walk.
The bus and tram network are both run by TBM, and the central station is at Espace des Quinconces. Buses and trams take you everywhere you need to go. A single ticket costs 1.70 EUR, a 10-journey pass costs 13.70 EUR, and an unlimited day pass is 4.70 EUR. Tickets are rechargeable.
If you need to transfer from a bus to a tram, you need to pick up a two-journey ticket for 3 EUR. All tickets are valid for one hour.
If you get a City Pass tourism card, you’ll be able to ride the public transit for free. A one-day pass is 29 EUR, a two-day pass costs 39 EUR and a three-day pass costs 43 EUR.
There is also a bus that runs from the airport to the city center that leaves every 10 minutes between 6am-11pm. Tickets cost 8 EUR.
Ferry – TBM also operates a river ferry service between Lormont and Bordeaux, with stops in Stalingrad (Parlier), Quinconces (Jean Jaurès), and Lormont Bas. Ticket prices are the same as the bus and tram ticket prices.
Bicycle – V3 is the public bike-sharing system that lets you use bicycles around the city once you register online. It costs 1.70 EUR to rent a bike for a day, plus 2 EUR per hour after the first 30 minutes.
Taxi – Taxis are expensive in Bordeaux, with a base rate of 2 EUR plus about 1.66 EUR per kilometer. Prices add up fast so skip the taxis if you can. Public transportation can get you anywhere you need to go. Uber is available in Bordeaux and is generally a bit cheaper than taxis.
Car Rental – Car rentals can be found for around 35 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. Unless you’re planning to head out of the city, I would skip the car rental. Parking is expensive and you don’t need a car to get around the city. For the best deals, use Discover Cars.
When to Go to Bordeaux
If you’re traveling to Bordeaux specifically for the wine, timing is everything. The months between June and August are the best time for exploring the vineyards. Temperatures are hottest in July and August, with average highs around 27°C (80°F). This is also the busiest time of year so book your accommodation in advance. Much of France goes on holiday in August as well, so some businesses may have limited hours during this time. This is the driest time of year, but there are still a handful of days when you may need rain gear. Temperatures cool off in the evenings with lows around 15°C (59°F), so you’ll want to pack light layers as well.
The harvest season starts in September, which means that some wineries are closed to visitors (but not all). If there’s a particular winery you want to visit, do your research beforehand. September and October are still warm, with an average high temperature of 24°C (75°F). Low temperatures get down to 9°C (49°F) and you’re more likely to have rain. You’ll want to pack warm, waterproof layers.
If you want lower rates and fewer crowds, spring and autumn are great times to visit. Average high temperatures range between 15-25°C (59-76°F) making for pleasant days touring the vineyards. Evenings are cool with temperatures between 5-13°C (41-55°F). The region has 7-9 rainy days during the spring and autumn, so be sure to pack an umbrella for your outdoor activities.
The Christmas season, although chilly, is also an excellent time to explore the markets and festivities. Expect daily temperatures to hover around 7°C (45°F) in the winter. Though snow is rare, winter is the rainiest season of the year with 9-10 days of rain each month. It gets quite cold at night with average lows between 3-6°C (38-42°F) so make sure you pack for the cold and wet.
Bordeaux Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.
- Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
- SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
- LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
- Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
- Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
- BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!
- Take Walks – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of France.
GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!
There’s a lot of free information online but do you want to spend days searching for information? Prob not! That’s why guidebooks exist.
While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.
I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go.
Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!
Bordeaux Travel Guide: Related Articles
Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Bordeaux travel and continue planning your trip:
