A Guide to the 10+ Best Things to do in Bordeaux

Last Updated on 21st January 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my privacy policy and disclosure for more information.

Wine, all the good food, and great weather throughout the year: if you add one French city outside of Paris to your bucket list, make it Bordeaux! Home to incredible architecture, cultural sites, and lots of fascinating history, here are the very best things to do in Bordeaux!

Bordeaux is a beautiful city characterised by its stunning architecture, ease of day trips into the nearby French countryside, and of course, its world-famous wine. And whether you’re a foodie, wish to experience a taste of life outside of Paris, or simply want to soak up some sun, there’s something for everyone when it comes to visiting Bordeaux.

Why visit Bordeaux?

If you’re looking for a French city escape and don’t want to see Paris, then Bordeaux makes for the perfect alternative. Full of foodie experiences and fairly easy to wander around via foot, you could easily see the best of Bordeaux over the course of a long weekend in the South.

With its own international airport (Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport) and extensive rail links, Bordeaux couldn’t be better connected to the rest of France and even Europe.

Flights from London are affordable and take just ninety minutes, while the high-speed train from Paris takes no more than two hours.

Due to its midway position between Paris and Madrid, Bordeaux also makes for the perfect stopover en route to Spain from France. If you’ve only got a short time in the southwest city, then here’s our suggested itinerary for one day in Bordeaux.

What is Bordeaux known for?

Bordeaux is probably most famous for its association with wine, especially red wine. The city is also home to a surprising abundance of Haussmannian architecture, making it a sunny alternative to Paris. The nearby region surrounding Bordeaux is punctuated with endless vineyards and medieval towns, making it a great spot to explore during the summer months.

Best things to do in Bordeaux

#1 There are several wine museums

There is not just one museum dedicated entirely to wine in Bordeaux, but two. While everyone talks about the newer, chic, and interactive Cité du Vin, there’s also a second wine museum which is set up in a more traditional manner. For a full guide to the history of Bordeaux wines and appellations, check out this guide to Bordeaux wines.

The Musée du Vin et du Négoce de Bordeaux can be found in the historic Chartrons district of the city and costs €10 to enter. Housed within the former wine cellars of the wine merchant for Louis XV, the wine museum comes complete with a complimentary wine tasting at the end of your visit.

For those wishing to see the sparkling Cité du Vin, it’s worth noting that the modern wine museum visit comes complete with a complimentary wine tasting.

While you can purchase tickets on the day, it’s well worth buying your ‘billet’ in advance. If you’re planning to see lots of paid Bordeaux museums and attractions, then it might be worth investing in a Bordeaux City Pass.

#2 Wander around the Chartrons district

One of the more charming and intimate areas of Bordeaux is the Chartrons district, an area characterised by its cobbled lanes and historic homes. Highlights of the area include the Chartrons Temple, Notre Dame Street, and the little eateries of Les Halles des Chartrons.

#3 Visit Bordeaux Cathedral

Easily one of the most beautiful cathedrals in France, that of Bordeaux is well worth visiting during any trip to the Southern French city. The 11th-century Bordeaux Cathedral is officially known as the Primatial Cathedral of St Andrew of Bordeaux and is free to wander around.

#4 The Miroir d’Eau is the largest reflective pool in the world

Located on Place de la Bourse, located along the River Garonne, the Miroir d’Eau is the largest reflective pool in the world. Perfectly reflecting the Place, the water feature spans 3450 metres squared and was put in place in 2006.

Created from granite slabs, the best time to see the Miroir d’Eau is at sunset when candy colours dance across the sky, or at night when the lights of the city are perfectly reflected. For those wishing to capture the ‘water mirror’ at its best, here’s my complete guide to creating puddlegrams.

#5 Uncover the history of Bordeaux

From the Gothic architecture of Bordeaux’s Cathedral to the castle-looking turreted Porte Cailhau, there’s no shortage of middle ages history when it comes to Bordeaux. Some of the best historical sites in the city include the Porte Cailhau and the Musée des Beaux-Arts.

#6 Marvel at beautiful architecture

While we’re on the subject of history, did you know that Bordeaux has plenty of architecture to rival that of Paris? From Haussmannian-style buildings throughout the city to magnificent fountains, you’ll need to pack your camera!

And once in Bordeaux itself, you’ll find it hard to stop snapping photos! Also, when wandering around the city, be sure to keep an eye out because there are lots of secret spots in Bordeaux…

#7 Enjoy local food

Wine aside, there are a million and one other gastronomic reasons to visit Bordeaux. From savoury dishes to melt in your mouth sweets, there are some really great cafés, bistros, and restaurants dotted around the historic city.

Some of the best places to eat in Bordeaux include Contrast Café (for brunch) and Belle Campagne (if you’re looking for a traditional French dinner). For even more inspiration, be sure to check out our guide to the best brunch in Bordeaux.

#8 Go shopping

Between the tiny little boutiques sprinkled around the city and the longest pedestrian shopping street in the world (Rue Sainte-Catherine), there’s no shortage of great shopping opportunities when it comes to Bordeaux, especially during the sales (early spring and mid-summer).

For those who are looking for more luxurious shopping, head to the ‘Triangle d’Or’ ‘Golden Triangle’ between Cours Clemenceau, Cours de l’Intendance, and Allées de Tourny. Of course, if you want to get to know the city on a local level, then there’s nothing like taking a walking tour of the city with an experienced and knowledgeable guide. Check here for the best Bordeaux walking tour. 

#9 Stay in a luxurious hotel

Just as in Paris, there’s no denying that Bordeaux has its fair share of beautiful hotels and luxury accommodations in the city. And if you want to get the best deal, then I highly booking your stay as soon as possible. Check the best Bordeaux accommodation rates here.

Some of the best hotels in Bordeaux include Villa Reale (18th-century build building housing self-catering apartments), Hotel de Séze (this hotel can be found right in the heart of the historic city and this luxurious accommodation is four-stars), and Hôtel Burdigala (during Roman times, the name for Bordeaux was Burdigala. Today, this luxury hotel is decorated in urban chic).

#10 See Porte Cailhau

One of the most impressive spots in all of Bordeaux is Porte Cailhau, a grand gateway that once upon a time would have been the main entryway to the city of Bordeaux (when it was surrounded by fortified walls).

Today, the 14th-century gateway is free to admire and is best seen in the morning when the sunlight shines through the gateway and illuminates everything in its path.

#11 Take a day trip

Whether you want to dip your toes in the sea, or simply want to sip on some wine, there are a myriad of day trips to be taken from Bordeaux.

From forest to sea, some of the best day trips from Bordeaux include a visit to the largest sand dune in Europe (Dune du Pilat), the Bay of Arcachon, and the medieval city of Saint-Émilion. For more inspiration, check out our guide to the best day trips from Bordeaux.

#12 Take a food tour

This food tour will showcase the foodie side of the city with a local guide who will show you some of Bordeaux’s top attractions including the Cathedral, Tour Pey-Berland, and La Grosse Cloche. You’ll also get to sample 9+ different tastes at 6 stops and try 3 local wines. Find the full details here.

Frequents Asked Questions about Bordeaux (Bordeaux FAQs)

What is the best time to visit Bordeaux?

Though Bordeaux is beautiful to visit during any time of the year (indeed, it’s the city that Parisians say they’d most like to live in, if they weren’t based in Paris), there are indeed better times of the year to visit than others.

For example, the winter is the quiet season, while summer sees the most tourists. If you want to enjoy the best of the weather with lower prices, then be sure to visit in late spring or early autumn. Visit between May and November and you’ll also be able to enjoy the vines in the surrounding region in their full glory.

How many days should I spend in Bordeaux?

The exact number of days you should stay in Bordeaux is entirely dependant on your travel schedule and what you wish to see when in the city. However, a good balance is a long weekend as this allows you to experience the ambiance of the city, as well as many of the major attractions and some hidden gems along the way.

Where to stay in Bordeaux

Thinking of planning a weekend in Bordeaux (or even three days in Bordeaux) for yourself? Be sure to book plenty in advance. This is especially true of accommodation as, during the peak season (i.e. in the summer months), accommodation tends to sell out pretty quickly. Here are some of the best places to stay in Bordeaux (based on web reviews and location):

Yndo Hotel, 108 Rue Abbé de l’Épée, 33000 Bordeaux: Located on the outskirts of the historic city centre, this well-reviewed hotel is a luxurious five-star retreat complete with turrets and all the amenities you would expect from a luxury place to stay. Check prices and availability here.

Villa Reale, 9 Place du Parlement, 33000 Bordeaux: Constructed in the 18th-century, this villa offers several self-catering apartments in the centre of the city. Set amidst a backdrop of five-star style luxury, think of this as your home away from home. Check prices and availability here.

Video of the best things to do in Bordeaux

Enjoyed reading about the best reasons to visit Bordeaux? Pin it now, read it again later: