Bordeaux, one of France’s most beautiful cities, is a perfect destination for lovers of wine, food, and history. Ranking as the ninth largest city in the country with a population of around 230.000 as of 2024, Bordeaux is also the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and the Gironde department. In this comprehensive travel guide, I’ll walk you through the best things to do in Bordeaux, where to sample delicious food and wine, the best places to stay, and tips on getting around the city. At the end of this post, I’ve also included a map so you can easily pinpoint all the locations mentioned here. Whether you’re drawn by its world-famous vineyards or its stunning architecture, Bordeaux has something for everyone!

***

Disclaimers:

• The last time I visited Bordeaux was in November 2024 with a friend from Vitoria. Even though I had stopped by this French city in previous occasions, I hadn´t really taken the time to thoroughly explore it up until now. Given how close it is from the Spanish border, I can´t wait to come back soon!
• Please note that this post includes some affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost for you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. In case you have any question about the companies advertised here or my status as an affiliate, please do not hesitate to contact me.
• To feel like you´re literally in Bordeaux, you can listen to my French playlist on Spotify. Enjoy the reading while you do so! 🙂

***

During my recent trip to Bordeaux, I used all these resources by Lonely Planet to plan our stay and make the most out of it. I hope you’ll find them helpful too!

Things to do in Bordeaux: what to see and do

A brief history of Bordeaux

Bienvenue à Bordeaux! First things first, let me share some historical facts to provide context and introduce you to this French destination.

Built on a meander in the Garonne River, Bordeaux has been an important port since Roman times, when the city was known as Burdigala. For centuries, it was a trading hub in Europe and is actually considered the oldest commercial port in France after Marseille.

Nowadays, Bordeaux retains few vestiges of the Roman, English, Franks or the religious wars that marked its past. Dating back to Roman times, wine exports were the basis of moderate prosperity, but under English rule, between 1154 and 1453, merchants began to amass immense fortunes with the monopoly on the sale of wine. After the discovery of the New World, England took advantage of its strategic location in the Atlantic to diversify and expand its wine market. As a result, the historic area known as Port de la Lune in Bordeaux (literally meaning Port of the Moon) has become an outstanding example of the exchange of human values over more than 2000 years, due to its role as capital city of a world-famous wine production region and the importance of its port in trading at regional and international levels. 

Following the French Revolution in 1789, Bordeaux faced some of the harshest reprisals in the country, largely due to its ties with the political faction known as Les Girondins.

In 1871, 1914 and 1941, the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux became the provisional seat of the National Assembly of the French Parliament, since Bordeaux was the capital of France during the war against Prussia and the two World Wars.

As a modern city of the 21st century, Bordeaux now blends its historic charm with a forward-looking perspective. It was actually elected as the best European destination in 2015.

Top 12 things to do in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a city that blends monumental heritage with a relaxed vibe, perfect for wandering on foot. That being said, cruising along the Garonne river is another interesting way to explore some highlights further down the estuary (more on that below and also under the section ´how to get around Bordeaux´). Whether you’re drawn to architecture, museums, or scenic walks, Bordeaux has it all!

As a starting point, I would suggest you first explore the Old Town of Bordeaux, known as centre ville or Port de la Lune, as this is where most of the historical attractions are located. This area comprising the neighborhoods of Saint-Pierre, Saint-Paul and Saint-Michel is truly monumental, lying on the left bank of the Garonne river (on the southern side). As a matter of fact, half of the medieval architecture in the old city of Bordeaux, encompassing an area of 18 km2, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

However, note that hidden gems also await you in other corners of Bordeaux such as the Bacalan district or the right bank of the Garonne (rive droite). For more on that, you can refer to the section ´Other things to see and do in Bordeaux: hidden gems´.

Following my recent visit, here´s a list featuring my twelve favorite activities to do in Bordeaux (France), mostly located on the left bank of the Garonne river (rive gauche).

• Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux and Tour Pey-Berland: the grandiose Bordeaux cathedral is a gothic jewel, even though its construction began in the 11th century. The medieval sculptures in Porte Royale depict scenes of the Final Judgement. Steps away from the cathedral, you can climb up the 230 stairs to enjoy a panoramic view from the adjacent bell tower of Pey-Berland featuring gargoyles. This monument is 66 meters high, with the golden statue of Notre Dame d´Aquitaine on top. Other landmarks worth mentioning in this central square (place Pey-Berland) include the Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville) and the statue of the former mayor of Bordeaux from 1947 until 1995, Jacques Chaban-Delmas.
• Cruise along the Garonne river: this is a scenic way to explore the city and many local companies offer boat tours to do so. In our case, we opted for a 1h30 guided cruise with Yacht de Bordeaux including a glass of wine and a canelé for 19 EUR per person. If you don´t feel like hopping on a cruise, you can always walk or ride a bike along the four-kilometer river walk featuring recreational areas and trails.
• Darwin: located in the right bank of Bordeaux (rive droite), I absolutely loved this place. These former military barracks were converted into a multidisciplinary space with an ecological and hipster twist. In here, you will find anything you can think of, from cozy cafeterias such as Magasin Géneral and trendy shops, to even an indoor skate park! Definitely a must thing to do in Bordeaux if you ask me. 🙂
• Esplanade des Quinconces or Place des Quinconces: created between 1827 and 1858, this large space of tree-lined esplanades replaced the Château Trompette dating from the 15th century. It is actually one of the largest squares in Europe and it is flanked by two columns on the river side. The Monument aux Girondins, with its magnificent statues and bronze fountains, stands on the square and commemorates the Girondins who were sent to the guillotine by Robespierre after the French Revolution at the end of the 18th century. When we last visited, a funfair was being held at Place des Quinconces and the atmosphere was truly festive. Every year, the Christmas market (Marché de Noël) takes place here as well.
• Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux: located in Place de la Comédie, this theater was built between 1773 and 1780. It is a classical masterpiece and has extraordinary acoustics. The spectacular main staircase was later imitated by Garnier at the Opéra in Paris.
• Grosse Cloche: this imposing monument literally meaning ´big bell´ was built in the 18th century as a large tower and defensive gate. It also served as a prison and is now open to the public. During medieval times, other gateways to the Old Town of Bordeaux included Porte d´Aquitaine, Porte Cailhau (it looks straight out of a fairytale), Porte de Bourgogne, Porte de la Monnaie, and Porte Dijeaux.
• La Cité du Vin: this is probably the best place to learn from the renowned Bordeaux wine. Inaugurated in 2016, this unique wine museum located north of Bordeaux in the modern district of Bacalan offers an immersive journey through the world of wine, from Napa Valley in California all the way to Bolivia. The modern architecture of this contemporary building is truly stunning too! On the ground floor, you will find the shop and the wine cellar, which you may explore for free. You can also buy your ticket to visit the permanent exhibition located on the second floor or have a glass of wine at Latitude20. Last but not least, make sure to take the elevator to eat at Le 7 Restaurant for unforgettable panoramic views, or enjoy a wine tasting at Le Belvédère on the eighth floor.
• Place de la Bourse and Miroir d’Eau: this elegant and harmonious square overlooking the Garonne river is the perfect starting point for your visit to Bordeaux. Flanked by two majestic 18th century buildings, namely the Palais de la Bourse and the Hôtel des Douanes housing the Musée National des Douanes, this must-see landmark reflects the grandeur of the French city. The square is presided by a fountain built in 1869 (Fontaine des Trois Grâces). Don´t miss the Miroir d’Eau right in front by the river, which is the largest reflecting pool in the world, and make sure to capture the perfect photo. This popular attraction inaugurated in 2006 draws large crowds, especially during the warm summer months.
• Pont de Pierre: inaugurated in 1822 and commissioned by Napoleon, this elegant stone bridge crossing the Garonne river connects Porte de Bourgogne on the left bank with Place de Stalingrad in La Bastide neighborhood on the right bank (rive droite). Did you know that the 17 arches of this stone bridge actually correspond to the 17 letters of Napoleon Bonaparte´s name? Once you´ve reached the right bank, admire the lineup of monumental buildings facing the river along the Old Town of Bordeaux known as Port de la Lune.
• Rue Sainte-Catherine: stroll through this pedestrian street in the Old Town, which is one of the longest shopping avenues in Europe. It’s the heartbeat of the city, bustling with cafés, shops, and street performers. It connects the lively Place de la Victoire (famous for the monumental Porte d´Aquitaine and a twisted column symbolizing the local wine culture) with Place de la Comédie.

Other things to see and do in Bordeaux: hidden gems

Even though most attractions in Bordeaux are concentrated on the left bank of the Garonne river (known in French as ´rive gauche´), it´s also worth exploring further away. Below I´ve listed some hidden gems off the beaten path that you might consider during your visit to this French city.

For your ease of reference, I´ve sorted these other activities by categories depending on what you feel like doing during your visit to Bordeaux.

🌉 Bridges: in addition to the historic Pont de Pierre, there are other bridges crossing over the Garonne river in the city of Bordeaux, namely Pont Jacques-Chaban-Delmas (this impressive vertical lift bridge was named after the mayor of Bordeaux from 1947 until 1997), Pont d’Aquitaine, Pont Saint-Jean, Pont Simone Veil or Pont François Mitterrand.

🌲Gardens and parks: the Bordeaux metropolitan area is one of the greenest areas in France, featuring gardens, parks, forests, marshes, riverbanks, nature reserves and even vineyards. Some of the most popular parks and gardens in Bordeaux such as Jardins des Lumières, Jardin Public (we only spent a short while here during our visit, but we loved the lively vibes on a sunny Friday afternoon), Parc bordelais, Parc des Sports Saint-Michel or Parc Rivière can be found in the left bank, whereas Le Lac (a lake functioning as a beach – Plage du Lac – during the summer months) and Réserve écologique des barails lie further north.

Moreover, other parks in the right bank including the Parc aux Angéliques (probably one of the best spots to photograph the monumental facades of Port de la Lune) and Jardin Botanique de Bordeaux are worth a scenic walk too.

Further in the outskirts of Bordeaux you will find Domaine de la Burthe (in Floirac), Parc de Bourran (in Mérignac), Parc de l’Ermitage Sainte-Catherine (in Lormont) or Parc de Majolan (in Blanquefort).

🎨 Museums: in addition to the famous Cité du Vin, there are many other museums worth visiting in Bordeaux. Here are a few additional suggestions for your cultural bucket list: Bassins des Lumières (welcome to the largest digital arts centre in the world located in a former submarine base built by the Nazis during World War II!); CAPC – Musée d’art Contemporain de Bordeaux (showcasing works from renowned contemporary artists in an industrial setting); Cap Sciences (a perfect museum to visit with kids), Musée d´Aquitaine (to learn more about the history and culture of Bordeaux and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, from prehistory to modern times); MusBA – Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux: located in the northeast and southeast rooms of the City Hall, this museum houses an excellent collection of paintings ranging from the Renaissance to the present day; MADD – Musée des Arts décoratifs et du Design (also close to the Town Hall, the museum is closed until 2025); MMM – Musée Mer Marine; Musée National des Douanes (temporarily closed until the spring of 2025), Musée du Vin et du Négoce (to learn about the wine and trade history of the city) or Muséum de Bordeaux.

✝ Religious buildings: in addition to the Saint-André Cathedral, which is one of the top things to do in Bordeaux, there are many other temples worth visiting in this French city. Some examples include Basilique de Saint-Michel (well known for its adjacent bell tower in place Meynard that is 114 meters high), Basilique de Saint-Seurin, Église Sainte-Croix de Bordeaux (we fell in love with the architecture of this church, which was a former abbey, located in the intimate square of Pierre Renaudel), the synagogue (Grande Synagogue de Bordeaux), or the various mosques scattered throughout the city.

🛍 Shopping: you will find several large department stores along the pedestrian Rue Sainte-Catherine and Porte-Dijeaux, including the famous Galeries Lafayette. Write down these additional shopping venues in Bordeaux if you´re looking for clothes: Bord´eau village, Galerie Bordelaise or Galerie des Grands Hommes. In case you´re on a book hunt, I suggest you stop by Librairie Mollat despite the risk of spending there the whole day (there are so many tempting choices to pick from!). Lastly, you may find some vintage gems in these local flea markets.

⚽ Sports: a good way to complement a visit to the city of Bordeaux is to see one of its sports teams live. For example, you can watch the Girondins de Bordeaux team play football at the Matmut-Atlantique stadium, or enjoy a rugby match of the local Union Bordeaux Bègles at the Stade Bordelais.

📸Visit the various districts of Bordeaux: the vast majority of the city landmarks can be found in Port de la Lune, an area in the right bank of the Garonne encompassing the historic heart of this French destination. That being said, it is also worth taking the time to thoroughly explore other districts if you can.

• Bacalan: this neighborhood located north of Bordeaux now houses many modern residential buildings. The main landmarks here include Bassins des Lumières (the largest digital arts centre in the world located in a former submarine base built by the Nazis during World War II!), la Cité du Vin and Les Halles de Bacalan (an exclusive foodie market). Furthermore, you can visit Cap Sciences or MMM – Musée Mer Marine.
• Chartrons: this district was the former stronghold of wine merchants from England, Ireland, Germany, Scandinavia or Scotland who built elegant buildings thanks to their prosperity. Nowadays, it houses antique shops, art galleries, and designer shops. Visit key attractions in this quartier such as CAPC – Musée d’art Contemporain de Bordeaux, la Halle des Chartrons or Musée du Vin et du Négoce.
• Grands-Hommes: named after French figures like Clémenceau, Martignac, Montesquieu or Rousseau, this area of ​​Bordeaux built in the 19th century is also known as the Golden Triangle because it is home to elegant shops, some of the best restaurants in the city and luxury mansions housed in magnificent neoclassical stone buildings. Spanish painter Francisco José de Goya actually lived here for four years until his death in 1828. He was initially buried in the local cemetery of La Chartreuse until his remains were transferred to Madrid in 1886. When exploring this district, make sure to stop by Galerie des Grands Hommes for some shopping (more ideas on this below) and by the nearby Place des Quinconces.
• La Bastide: this neighborhood lying on the right bank of the Garonne river (rive droite) is actually the best spot to enjoy unforgettable views of the monumental Port de la Lune. Cross the historic Pont de Pierre to admire the elegant facades of the buildings of Bordeaux and take the opportunity to capture incredible pictures from Parc aux Angéliques, especially around the golden hour right after sunrise or before sunset. In my opinion, one of the best things to do in Bordeaux is visiting Espace Darwin; this was one of my personal favorites for sure. Other attractions in La Bastide district include the church of Sainte-Marie de la Bastide, the former Orleans train station (now transformed into a cinema), Fabrique Pola (an old factory converted into a venue for cultural and artistic events) or the botanical garden (Jardin Botanique de Bordeaux).
• Mériadeck: this central neighborhood revolves around Place Pey-Berland, which houses three important landmarks in the city (the Bell Tower –Tour Pey-Berland-, the Cathedral –Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux– and the City Hall –Hôtel de ville-). Furthermore, here you will find MADD – Musée des Arts décoratifs et du Design, MusBA – Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux as well as the cemetery of La Chartreuse.
• Saint-Jean: located around the Saint-Jean train station, this new business district features some disruptive spaces such as Halle Boca or La Méca.
• Saint-Seurin: in this bourgeois neighborhood you will find elegant mansions as well as parks and gardens. A few examples include the Jardin Public, the Muséum de Bordeaux or the archaeological site of Saint-Seurin located in front of the homonymous basilica.

Suggested 3-day itinerary in Bordeaux (France)

Bordeaux can be easily visited in two or three days, making it the perfect destination for a short getaway. Check out our 3-day itinerary below in case it helps you plan your upcoming visit.

• Day 1: walk around La Bastide district (Jardin Botanique, Darwin, Parc aux Angéliques), Pont de Pierre, Vieux Bordeaux (Grosse Cloche, Cathedral and Pey-Berland bell tower, Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, Place des Quinconces, Place de la Bourse and Miroir d’Eau), dinner at Le Petit Commerce.
• Day 2: further explore the Old Town of Bordeaux (Place Meynard, Place Pierre Renaudel, Marché des Capucins -we had lunch at Chez Jean-Mi inside the market itself-, Place de la Victoire, Place de la République, Place Pey-Berland, Jardin Public, cruise of the Garonne river, dinner at Nom d’Une Crêpe.
• Day 3 (half day): Cité du Vin and Halles de Bacalan before heading south to Les Landes.

As you can see, we opted for a good balance of Bordeaux’s elegant architecture, fascinating history, rich gastronomy and wine culture.

Best time to visit Bordeaux

The weather in the area of Bordeaux is generally warm, with rainfall throughout the year.

If you´re wondering when is the best time to visit Bordeaux, I would argue that September and October are ideal: the summer flocks of tourists are gone, and you´ll be able to happily enjoy the season of fresh oysters and grape harvest. We actually spent three days in Bordeaux during the Halloween weekend, between October and November, and we were lucky with the sunny and pleasant weather.

Alternatively, the spring is a great season too thanks to mild temperatures and energizing sunshine.

You may want to take into account the following key events happening in Bordeaux to plan your visit. Unsurprisingly, most of them have to do with wine. 🙂

• Week-end des Grands Crus (beginning of June): yearly organized by L´Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux that encompasses local wine producers, this event usually takes place in Hangar 14 in Quai des Chartrons.
• Bordeaux Fête le Vin (around June 20): this wine festival features wine tastings, fireworks and even sailboats cruising the Garonne river. It is the locals´ favorite celebration for a reason.
• Fête de la Musique (June 21): lots of free concerts marking World Music Day. It´s widely celebrated throughout France.
• Fête du vin nouveau et de la brocante (end of October): flea market festival taking place in the Chartrons district while you drink wine.
• Bordeaux Tasting (mid-December): taste wine and spirits in a festive spirit ahead of Christmas.

What and where to eat and drink in Bordeaux: best restaurants and wine bars

Bordeaux is the capital of French wine, and arguably the wine capital of the world too. Bordeaux locals and visitors alike do live for wine. That being said, the city doesn´t fall short on foodie options that pair beautifully with its reputed wines. In summary, eating and drinking in Bordeaux is a match made in heaven!

In this section, I will cover what to eat in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, while also referring to the famous Bordeaux wine and where to eat (and drink) in the city.

What to eat in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

The region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, in southwestern France, is famous worldwide for some gourmet products such as foie gras or the Bordeaux and Cognac wines. Oysters and mussels from the Arcachon coastline, geese, ducks, goats, truffles from the Périgord, the Espelette pepper or the Bayonne ham also feature prominently in the regional cuisine.

Note that given the influence of Bordeaux wines in the region, many dishes are served with a wine sauce (à la bordelaise).

Listed below you will find the most traditional dishes you can eat in southwestern France. Bon appétit!

• Foie gras: it is the hypertrophied liver of a goose or duck fattened with corn; it can be cooked with oporto or brandy.
• Mushrooms: some of the French’ favourite varieties include the large, meaty cèpes, the yolk-coloured chanterelles and the brown morilles. Confit de canard et cèpes is a famous dish cooked with duck confit, wild mushrooms and garlic.
• Goat cheese (fromage de chèvre): it is widely popular in the region and can be served on its own or as part of other plates such as salads.
• Cassoulet: this thick stew of white beans is cooked with a variety of sausages and other kinds of meat such as duck, lamb or pork. The city of Toulouse is well known for its cassoulet.
• Piperade: this popular dish from the French Basque Country consists of an omelette or scrambled eggs mixed with garlic, peppers and ham.
• Desserts: canelés (small cylindrical pastries with ridged edges typical from Bordeaux; they´re caramelized on the outside, but soft and chewy on the inside) and marzipan (known as touron).
• Drinks: in addition to the worldwide famous Bordeaux wines, other popular liquors include Armagnac, Cognac, or Quercy Noix (a nut-based drink).

The importance of the Bordeaux wine

Gironde is the most important wine region in France, with vineyards and châteaux revolving around three rivers (Dordogne, Garonne, and the Gironde). While the left bank (Médoc, Graves) is characterized by gravelly soils made up of pebbles, gravel and sand, the right bank (Libournais) is home to more clay-heavy soils. The estuary between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers is known as ´Entre-Deux-Mers´.

Thanks to its great quality and diversity, the Bordeaux wine has an international reputation that comes from a variety of twelve wine grapes, six of which are red (Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménére, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot) and six of which are white (Colombard, Muscadelle, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignong Gris, Sémillon, Ugni Blanc).

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bordeaux is the ideal city to expand your knowledge of wine. Visiting La Cité du Vin would be a great starting point. From there, you could explore the vast wine region surrounding the city, dotted with castles (châteaux) in the midst of never ending vineyards. Some wineries open their doors to French wine lovers, making this the perfect day trip from Bordeaux. For example, in Saint-Émilion you could stop by the oenological school to learn more about this drink (Maison du Vin Saint-Émilion).

Wine is literally everywhere in and around Bordeaux, permeating through oenological schools, festivals, events, guided tours, bars and restaurants!

Where to drink Bordeaux wine

As the world capital of French wine, the city of Bordeaux is the perfect spot to drink the best Bordeaux wines. Some suggested wine bars include Latitude20 (in La Cité du Vin), Le Bar à Vin, L’Intendant or Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion. But of course, any local restaurant will serve you excellent Bordeaux wine!

In case you can devote more time during your visit to Bordeaux, an excellent alternative is to do a short trip to the vast wine region surrounding the city (to Pauillad or Saint-Émilion to name just a few destinations). A number of châteaux open their wineries and you can even spend a few nights there, including Château Cos d’Estournel, Château de Malle, Château du Grand Mouëys, Château La Dominique, Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Pape Clément, Château Pédesclaux, Château Séraphine, Château Tronquoy-Lalande or Clos Cantenac.

Where to eat in Bordeaux

Foodies will be delighted by the culinary scene in Bordeaux. The city is famous for its wine and cheese pairings, but there’s so much more to explore. The blend of local delicacies, French fine wines, and bustling markets make visiting this destination a pure joy if you enjoy discovering different cuisines. As a matter of fact, Bordeaux is the French city with the highest number of restaurants per capita!

For your ease of reference, I´ve listed below some of the best places to eat in Bordeaux, sorted by category. I tried a few of those myself (marked in dark orange in my Bordeaux map section), while others were either recommended by local friends or by the Lonely Travel travel guidebooks mentioned above.

• Bistrots, brasseries and restaurants: Brasserie Le Noailles, Brasserie l’Orléans, Caviar de Neuvic, Chez Philippe, Frida, La Guinguette Chez Alriq, La Tupina (this restaurant also came recommended a lot and we had made a reservation but we canceled it last minute because of a change of plan), Le Bar de la Marine by Frédéric Coiffé, Le Café du Port (panoramic terrace over the Garonne river), Le Cent 33, Le Chapon Fin, Le Chien De Pavlov, Le Petit Commerce (specializing in regional dishes and seafood, this restaurant came recommended in all the Bordeaux travel guides I checked, but in my opinion it didn´t live up to the hype. We ordered a glass of red and white French wine, grilled octopus -overcooked and bland-, sea bream, and a mix of grilled fish. The food was decent, but nothing out of the ordinary), Le Puy Paulin, Le 7 Restaurant (enjoy a panoramic meal from the seventh floor of La Cité du Vin), L’Entrecôte, Les Chantiers de la Garonne, Mama Shelter (they have a hotel a few steps away), Nom d’Une Crêpe (we dined a delicious salad with walnuts along with a pair of galettes –galettes Coco and Loulou- in this crêperie near Place de la Bourse). Note that the district of Saint-Pierre is particularly known for its lively bistros.
• Cafeterias and patisseries: when in Bordeaux, trying the local pastry known as canelé is a must. You can try these sweets flavoured with vanilla and rhum at Baillardran or La Toque Cuivrée. If you´re a chocolate lover, make sure to stop by Cadiot-Badie. Other places we tried during our stay in Bordeaux included Le Café Rohan (we sipped our cappuccinos while people-watching in Place Pey-Berland), Le Fournil des Capucins (I ordered a raspberry tartlet to go) and Magasin Général in Darwin (I had an energizing caffè latte there, but in addition to the coffee shop they also have a stand where they sell chocolate).
• Markets: to discover the gastronomic culture of Bordeaux, there is nothing better than visiting its various markets (marchés). Marché des Capucins is the city´s largest food market; in here, you can find anything from fresh oysters and local wines, to food stands from Italy or the Middle East. The nearby square and the market itself are not remarkable architecturally speaking, but they are busy with locals and tourists alike. We actually enjoyed a delicious yet simple lunch at Chez Jean-Mi inside the market; we drank a glass of white wine while eating oysters and a platter of cheese. Other markets worth mentioning in Bordeaux include Halle Boca, la Halle des Chartrons, Les Halles de Bacalan (an exclusive foodie market ideally located steps away from La Cité du Vin) or Marché de Lerme.
• Michelin-star restaurants: for a splurge, try Le Pressoir d’Argent (by United Kingdom´s chef Gordon Ramsay), L’Observatoire du Gabriel or Le Quatrième Mur (a brasserie run by Michelin-starred chef Philippe Estchebest and located in Bordeaux’s Grand Théâtre).

Best Bordeaux hotels to stay in the wine capital of the world

Wondering which are the best Bordeaux hotels to spend a few days in this French destination? The city offers a variety of accommodations, whether you’re seeking luxury or something budget-friendly. The Golden Triangle (Triangle d´Or) is the city’s most upscale area, home to luxury hotels like the InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hôtel. For a more affordable stay, the Saint-Michel neighborhood offers trendy boutique hotels and charming guesthouses. If you prefer to be near the vineyards, consider staying in Saint-Émilion for a peaceful retreat surrounded by wine estates.

You will find my selection of the best Bordeaux hotels below, sorted by budget.

• Luxury hotels in Bordeaux (💰💰💰): Hôtel Cardinal Bordeaux, InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hôtel, Le Boutique Hôtel Bordeaux, L’Hôtel Particulier, Yndo Hotel.
• Medium range hotels in Bordeaux (💰💰): Chez Dupont, Grand Hotel Francais, Hôtel De Normandie, Hôtel de Sèze, Hôtel La Maison du Lierre, Le Clos Labottière, Maison Fredon, Mama Shelter.
• Budget accommodation in Bordeaux (💰): Hotel Bordeaux Clemenceau, Hôtel Des Voyageurs, Hôtel Gambetta, Hotel Life Bordeaux Gare, ibis budget Bordeaux Centre Bastide (this is where we stayed in Bordeaux during our last visit. We loved the location in the trendy district of La Bastide, a short walk from Darwin, Place Stalingrad or Pont de Pierre. We paid 170 EUR for two nights in a standard double room on the city side, including complimentary breakfast but excluding the city tax and parking. The rooms were small yet functional, and breakfast was decent), Ibis Budget Bordeaux Centre Mériadeck, Whoo Hostel.

For more accommodation options in Bordeaux (France), feel free to check out Airbnb or Booking, my go-to platforms wherever I travel.

How to get around Bordeaux (France): transportation tips

The size of Bordeaux makes it a manageable city. A two or three-day visit would allow you to explore almost the entire city on foot. Besides, locations that are far from downtown are very well connected thanks to the public transport network, especially the tram.

TBM (Transports Bordeaux Métropole) is the local public transportation company in charge of getting around the city of Bordeaux. The effective TBM network features bikes, boats, buses, trains and tramways to go from one place to another like a breeze.

During your stay, consider buying the Bordeaux CityPass. This pass, available for 24, 48 or 72 consecutive hours, gives you access to major attractions such as La Cité du Vin, Les Bassins des Lumières or 15 museums and monuments, in addition to unlimited access to the tram, bus or river shuttle. It also includes a Bordeaux guided tour. In case you´re visiting with kids, you´ll be glad to learn that there is a junior citypass for 6-17 years old with the same benefits.

Below you will find a list detailing the various ways to get around Bordeaux.

• 🚲 By bike: Bordeaux is an ideal destination to cycle since the metropolitan area of ​​the city has a lot of kilometres of bike lanes. Besides, this historic town is pretty much flat. Riding a bike along the Garonne river is definitely on my to do list for my next visit, and you can easily rent yours from a number of local companies including Le Vélo (which belongs to TBM) or Bordeaux Bike Experience. One of the things that impressed me the most was that when you were on a local bus and the screen would announce the next stop, it also let you know how many bikes, including electric, were available in the nearest bike station. How cool and helpful is that?
• 🛥️ By boat: many local companies such as Les Bateaux Bordelais, Croisières Burdigala
  or Yacht de Bordeaux offer boat tours to cruise the Garonne river while sipping a glass of Bordeaux wine or trying a delicious canelé. In our case, we opted for a 1h30 commented cruise with Yacht de Bordeaux including a glass of French wine and a canelé. The ticket was 19 EUR per person. In addition to those touristic boats, you can also hop on board of Le Bato, a river shuttle connecting the right and left banks. Ready to set sail?
• 🚌 By bus or tram: there are a large number of bus lines to get you around Bordeaux, including the double-decker Bordeaux Visiotour panoramic bus. You will also find four tramway lines (A, B, C or D) connecting major attractions in the city. As a pedestrian, watch out when exploring the city center of Bordeaux though, because tram tracks often run in the middle of the streets and can be very dangerous if you don´t pay close attention.
• 🚙 By car: as a major French city, Bordeaux is well connected to other parts of the country. For example, the last time I visited Bordeaux, we drove from the airport in Fuenterrabía (Spain) all the way there in just 2h30. Once you cross the Spanish border, you can take A63 to Bordeaux. Should you wish to head further north, the main road from Bordeaux to Poitiers, Tours, Orléans or Paris is highway A10. Unless you plan to do day trips to explore nearby vineyards, I wouldn´t recommend renting a car to visit Bordeaux. However, you can always leave your rental car in a free parking (please refer to my Bordeaux map, where I recommend one that is a few steps away from the famous Cité du Vin and Halles de Bacalan).
• 👣 By foot: it is a real pleasure to explore Bordeaux on foot as the city is easily accessible and the main attractions in the Old Town are within walking distance. Free walking tours are also a great option to discover Bordeaux.
• ✈️ By plane: the Bordeaux Airport is located in Mérignac, just 13 kms away from the city centre. You can easily reach the airport in a number of ways be it via bus, rental car, taxi, train, or tram.
• 🚕 By taxi: Taxi Télé or the following taxi companies operate from the airport, connecting you with the city of Bordeaux. During your visit, you can also use ride-sharing apps such as Bolt, FreeNow, or Uber.
• 🚂 By train: Gare Bordeaux Saint-Jean is the main train station in the city. Should you want to travel from Paris to Bordeaux, the TGV train usually takes around 4h30. The touristic train by France Vogette is another fun option to get around Bordeaux.

For extra peace of mind when traveling abroad and getting around, you can calculate how much you would pay for your health insurance with the SafetyWing widget above.

Feeling adventurous? Check out these outdoor activities with Manawa in Bordeaux.

Boat Wakeboarding private coaching in Bordeaux

First Dive in Arcachon

Jet ski excursions in the Bay of Arcachon, near Bordeaux

Multiaxis Microlight Scenic Flight from Les Artigues-de-Lussac, near Bordeaux

Skateboarding and Longboarding lessons in Bordeaux

Surfing lessons in Arcachon in the Landes region of France

Day trips from Bordeaux

As part of your Bordeaux itinerary, chances are you´re considering exploring the surrounding region. And let me say that´s a brilliant idea as the city ’s location makes it an excellent base for day trips to charming destinations nearby.

Bordeaux is indeed a gateway to the vineyards on the banks of the estuary formed by the Garonne and Dordogne rivers known as Entre-Deux-Mers, but it is also an introduction to the southwest of France or even to northern Spain.

Let´s learn more about all the potential day trips from Bordeaux in more detail, sorted by department:

• Dordogne: the capital is Périgueux. A few iconic spots worth visiting in Dordogne include Bergerac, La Roque-Gageac, the prehistoric caves of Lascaux or Sarlat-la-Canéda.
• Gironde: its capital is the city of Bordeaux. The west of Gironde is coastal and flanked by the Atlantic Ocean almost 100 kilometres up north from Bordeaux, with the Arcachon Bay, Cap Ferret or Parc naturel régional Médoc as some key highlights. You will find the paradise of châteaux, neverending vineyards and wineries in both sides of the Gironde estuary and further down the Dordogne river: Blaye, Margaux-Cantenac, Pauillac, Saint-Émilion (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site) or Saint-Estèphe are a few great examples.
• Landes: the capital is Mont-de-Marsan. Even though most tourists, mainly surfers, are drawn by the wild beaches along Côte d’Argent in places like Capbreton, Hossegor, Lacanau or Mimizan, it is also worth exploring inland (take Dax or Lévignacq for example).
• Pyrénées-Atlantiques: its capital is Pau (a 2h20 drive from Bordeaux). Following south along the Atlantic coastline, you will run into the French Basque Country, featuring some iconic destinations such as Bayonne, Biarritz, Hendaye or Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

In case you decide to head all the way south and cross the Spanish border (a 2h30 drive from Bordeaux), your first stop will be Irún, my hometown. 🙂 Other destinations worth exploring in this part of northern Spain include Fuenterrabía or San Sebastián.

Browse my France destination page for more content about this fascinating country!

Best things to do in Paris, the iconic capital of France

Cote d’Azur: 7 places to visit along the French Riviera from St-Tropez to Menton

Itinerary around the French Basque Country

Skiing in the French Pyrenees

Things to do in Marseille, the Mediterranean capital of the Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur region

Bordeaux map

For your ease of reference, below you will find a Bordeaux map with all the spots mentioned throughout this blog post. For your ease of reference, the top things to do in Bordeaux are marked with a red star. Use it to plan your next trip!

All in all, in my opinion, Bordeaux is the perfect blend of architecture, rich history and wine culture. Its monumental charm, culinary delights, and accessibility on foot make it an ideal destination for travelers of all kinds. Whether you enjoy immersing yourself in a city´s fascinating heritage, indulging in local food and French wine, or exploring nearby treasures, Bordeaux truly offers something for everyone. If you haven’t yet discovered the magic of this city, it’s time to plan your trip—you won’t regret it. Even though this was my first time thoroughly exploring the city, I´m sure it won´t be the last!

How did you enjoy this post about the top things to do in Bordeaux? Have you already visited this French destination or are planning to do so shortly? Feel free to leave your questions and comments below.

***

✈️ Curious to know where I’ll be traveling next? ✈️

Stay tuned by following me on social media (Facebook, Instagram, X) and subscribe to my newsletter for regular updates!

In the meantime, safe travels around the world!

***