Things To Do
in Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a historic river city in southwestern France renowned for its elegant architecture along the Garonne. Its UNESCO-listed center blends grand 18th-century facades with a modern dining and wine scene. The city serves as a gateway to the surrounding wine regions, offering scenic riverfront strolls and vibrant markets.
Visitors can enjoy famous Bordeaux wines, riverfront terraces, and world-class museums in a compact, walkable urban core.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a fresh croissant and coffee at a local boulangerie in the picturesque Place de la Bourse. Stroll through the cobbled streets and admire the stunning 18th-century architecture, including the iconic Garonne River reflecting the grandeur of the buildings. Don't miss the chance to visit the beautiful Place du Parlement, where you can soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic district.
After a leisurely lunch at a charming café, head to the Cité du Vin, a unique wine museum that celebrates the world of wine. Engage in an interactive experience and enjoy tastings that will introduce you to the region's finest Bordeaux wines. As the afternoon sun casts golden hues over the city, take a relaxing walk along the Garonne River to enjoy scenic views.
As evening falls, treat yourself to a delightful dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, savoring locally sourced ingredients. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll to the beautiful Place de la Bourse to witness the stunning water mirror light display. Conclude your evening with a glass of wine at a nearby wine bar, soaking in the enchanting ambiance of Bordeaux at night.
Begin your day with a scenic drive to the charming village of Saint-Émilion, known for its world-class vineyards and medieval architecture. Explore the cobblestone streets, stopping by the stunning Monolithic Church carved into the limestone rock. Enjoy a light breakfast at a quaint café, where you can taste local pastries paired with exquisite coffee.
Embark on a guided wine tour of the prestigious vineyards surrounding Saint-Émilion, where you'll learn about the winemaking process and the region's history. Participate in a wine tasting session, sampling some of the finest red wines produced in Bordeaux. As the afternoon progresses, explore the village's historical sites, including the ruins of the Cloisters of the Monks.
After a fulfilling day, enjoy dinner at a local bistro, savoring traditional French cuisine paired with the estate's wines. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets of Saint-Émilion, admiring the sunset over the vineyards. Conclude your evening with a nightcap at a cozy wine bar, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| 🍷Glass of wine at a restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥗Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| 🚇One-way ticket on public transport | $1.50-2.50 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $100-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class wine and cuisine
- Beautiful riverfront architecture and walkable historic center
- Excellent public transit and compact city center
- Rich museums and lively street markets
- Can be expensive, especially wine and fine dining
- Summer crowds and heat can be intense near the river
- Traffic in peak season and limited beaches nearby
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où sont les toilettes?" - Where are the toilets?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
- "Combien ça coûte?" - How much does it cost?
Places to Visit in Bordeaux
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic 18th‑century square with a shallow water mirror that creates stunning symmetry at dawn and dusk.
Historic stone bridge offering grand river views and elegant silhouettes at sunset.
Gothic cathedral set against narrow medieval streets, ideal for architectural detail shots.
Quay-side scenes with boats, brick warehouses, and riverside promenades.
A leafy backdrop near classical façades and a vibrant urban square.
Food in Bordeaux
Bordeaux Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Caramelized vanilla-rum pastries with a crisp crust and soft interior, best found at local patisseries.
Must-Try!
Thick rib steak cooked with a rich Bordelaise sauce made from red wine, bone marrow, shallots and herbs.
Duck breast often served with a fruity red-wine reduction, a regional staple in southwestern France.
Lamprey stewed in a garlicky, red-wine sauce; a traditional, once everyday dish you’ll encounter in historic eateries.
Fresh, briny oysters from the nearby Arcachon basin, commonly enjoyed with a glass of white wine and crusty bread.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling central market where locals shop for seafood, produce, and regional specialties.
Riverfront stalls and casual eateries along the Chartrons quay offering oysters, crepes, and fries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A courteous greeting, such as bonjour, is expected when entering shops or restaurants; use polite phrases and say please (s'il vous plaît) and thank you (merci).
Keep hands visible, eat with proper utensils, and avoid loud behavior in dining settings. Tipping is modest unless service is included.
Wine is central to the region; show appreciation for wine pairings and avoid rushing table service.
Safety
Tipping in Bordeaux
Ensure a smooth experience
In France, service is usually included (service compris). Leaving a small extra tip is optional and appreciated for good service, typically 5-10% in casual settings and more in fine dining.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted (including contactless). Euros are used; cash is handy in markets and smaller shops. Some places may require a minimum for card payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild weather with blooming trees; great for city walks and terrace cafés. Expect a mix of sun and showers.
Warm to hot days; long daylight hours and lively riverfront scenes. Stay hydrated and plan outdoor activities in mornings or evenings.
Wine harvest season brings festive atmosphere and vineyard tours nearby; comfortable temperatures for sightseeing.
Mild to cool with occasional rain; fewer crowds but plenty of indoor museum days and cozy dining options.
Bordeaux at Night
Hiking in Bordeaux
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Europe's tallest sand dune, about an hour from Bordeaux, with forest trails and panoramic views of the Atlantic coast.
Gentle hillside walks and forested paths winding through the Médoc wine region near Bordeaux.
Airports
How to reach Bordeaux by plane.
Main international airport just 12 km west of the city center with direct trains and bus links to downtown.
Smaller international/mid-haul hub about 1.5 hours from Bordeaux by car, convenient for connections to the Dordogne region.
Regional airport about 2.5-3 hours away by road, useful for extended trips along the Atlantic coast.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A sizable student presence from local universities and business schools, with a growing international community.
People connected to the surrounding vineyards and portside trade.
A stable base of residents who enjoy the city’s pace and cultural offerings.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A major sport in the southwest with local clubs and matches drawing crowds.
Local clubs and frequent matches; recreational play is common in parks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bordeaux.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Bordeaux restaurants can accommodate vegetarian diets; look for market salads, seasonal vegetables, gratins, and cheese-tocured plates, and ask for vegetable sides or egg-based dishes if needed.