Planning a trip to Bordeaux and want to know what to do? I have compiled the top 13 things to do in Bordeaux for first-time visitors.
Ahh, the wine capital of the world!
Located in the southwest region of France, Bordeaux is a place worth visiting if you want to be transported to medieval times while indulging in a nice glass of Bordeaux.
There are many things to see and do in Bordeaux from architecture to wine and shopping!
Continue reading to know the top 13 things to do in Bordeaux.
What To Know Before You Go
Language – French is the official language in France. Many people in Bordeaux speak English though it may be helpful to know basic French.
*From experience, the French appreciate it when you try to speak French.*
- Hello – Bonjour
- Goodbye- Au revoir
- Thank you – merci
- Please- S’il vous plaît
- Excuse me- Pardon
- How much is it?- Combien ça coûte?
- Do you speak English? -Parlez Anglais?
Currency – France’s currency is Euros (EUR).
1 USD=1 EUR
Climate- Bordeaux has a mainstream climate. Winters are relatively cold. From November through March Bordeaux has an average high of 56°F and a low of 37°F. The summer months are moderately warm. From June through September Bordeaux has an average high of 76°F and a low of 60°F.
Safety- I did my first ever solo trip in Bordeaux and I felt very safe walking around the city alone, especially at night. The city is always full of people out on the streets and rarely was I walking all by myself. That being said I would recommend Bordeaux for solo female travelers!
In case of any emergency, the number to dial is 112.
Daily Budget- You’ll want to budget around 60 euros per day in Bordeaux, including food, drinks, and excursions.
I spent 30 euros a night at my hostel, spent a little less than 20 euros for both breakfast and lunch, 20 euros for dinner and drinks, and 10-15 euros for excursions/miscellaneous things.
Top 13 Things To Do In Bordeaux
1. Place de la Bourse
A perfect example of French architecture, built in the 18th century by Ange-Jacques Gabriel, is now a recognizable UNESCO World Heritage site.
Place de la Bourse faces the Garonne River giving prominence to an open plaza and a reflecting pool known as the Miroir d’Eau.
2. La Grosse Cloche
Get transported back to medieval times at Bordeaux’s most recognizable monument. Once a prison, La Grosse Cloche (Big Bell) dates back to the 15th century. Situated in the heart of the city, it is a can’t-miss landmark!
3. Rue Saint James
Located in front of La Grosse Cloche, Rue Saint James is a long street filled with restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.
I recommend Books & Coffee for a pick-me-up coffee! Sit outside and enjoy people-watching on the busy street of Saint James.
4. Promenade Sainte Catherine
If you’re looking to do some shopping Promenade Sainte Catherine is the place to go! Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street, a length of 1.2 kilometers (~1 mile), has more than 230 shops and several restaurants/cafes to spend a lovely afternoon shopping.
5. Jardin Public
Want to experience a French picnic? Well grab some cheese, wine, and bread and make your way to Jardin Public. A lovely park where you will see locals picnicking, lots of beautiful gardens, and a pond in the center of the park.
Take a stroll around the park, have a picnic, or sit on a bench and relax with a book!
6. Try Canelés
You can’t go to Bordeaux without trying their popular dessert- the canelé! Bordeaux’s signature pastry is made out of rum and vanilla with a soft spongy texture interior and a caramelized crust makes for a perfect dessert! They also make the perfect gift as they are boxed and easy to travel with.
7. La Porte Cailhau
Another of Bordeaux’s historical landmarks, standing at 35 meters high, is an extraordinary entryway from the Garonne River resembling a medieval castle. A landmark worth seeing!
8. Pont de Pierre
Walk along the Garonne River and cross Pont de Pierre (Stone Bridge). The first bridge to go across the Garonne River designed by Claude Descamps has become one of Bordeaux’s most iconic sites.
9. Cathedral Saint-Andre
Resembling the popular Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Cathedral Saint-Andre is a beautiful cathedral in the heart of Bordeaux and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend a few minutes admiring the gothic architecture from the outside and check the inside for its marvelous stained glass. Free entry to the public!
10. Place des Quinconces
A big open space located near Jardin Public which almost always has some sort of festival, flea market, etc. going on. While I was there a fair was going on with lots of rides, fair food, and games. I Highly recommend checking it out as it always changes.
11. Try Bordeaux Wine at Le Bar à Vin
Le Bar à Vin was recommended to me by a friend who studied abroad in Bordeaux. A wine bar serving cheap exquisite wine by the glass. Though they don’t serve food, they have cheese that pairs wonderfully with a glass of wine. Must get a glass of Sauternes!
12. La Cité Du Vin
Interested in Bordeaux wine? La Cite du Vin is a wine museum containing many exhibitions of wines from all over the world and of Bordeaux of course! If your interested in all things wine and would love to get a taste for yourself, definitely check it out.
Take the B tram from the center of Bordeaux, which goes along the Garonne River, for about 25 minutes and you’ll reach La Cite Du Vin. You can buy tickets here.
13. Take a free walking tour
If you are short on time and want an introduction to Bordeaux, I highly recommend a free walking tour. Though the tour is not entirely free, towards the end of the tour you can tip the tour guide however much you think the tour was worth. The great thing about this is that you choose how much you want to pay and get a locals’ insight on recommendations. Here are a few walking tours to choose from.
Wine & Dine Recommendations
- Le Michel’s – On my first night in Bordeaux, I went to Le Michel’s for dinner on 15 rue du Pas-Saint Georges. I had their French onion soup and probably the best french onion soup I’ve ever had! Highly recommend sitting outside for a classic French ambiance!
- Books & Coffee – Mentioned before in the post, Books & Coffee has great coffee, a cozy ambiance, and great outdoor sitting for people-watching. I got their smoked salmon with goat cheese salad which was delicious!
- Contrast – If you’re looking for the best avocado toast or vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, Contrast for brunch is the place to go! They have amazing coffee and a variety of sweet and savory brunch food! I recommend going early/ close to when they open to avoid waiting in line for a while. I showed up before it opened (on a Saturday) and had to wait in a short line. Worth the wait though!
- Mélodie – A recommendation from my friend who studied abroad here. A charming restaurant where you can get a 3-course meal for 20 euros! They only take reservations so I highly suggest making one online in advance.
Hostel Recommendation
I stayed at Central Hostel located right in the center hub of Bordeaux. It was probably one of the best and cleanest hostels I stayed at. Best of all it was within walking distance to Bordeaux’s popular sites and lots of cafes and restaurants. The only downside is that you have to rent towels, other than that this hostel was a 10/10! I would highly recommend Central Hostel for a inexpensive accommodation and a prime location.
If you want to opt out on the hostel experience, there are private rooms to choose from too!
Final Thoughts
Bordeaux is full of charm, wine, and great food. It is worth a visit if you want something similar to Paris but more laid back and less touristy. There are lots of things to do in Bordeaux, especially in the center, the architecture is one to enjoy as you stroll around the city. Though I was only there for a weekend I felt that there were several things to do in Bordeaux that were sufficient enough to see it all in just 3 days.
One final piece of advice is to walk around the center and go through side streets, there are lots of cool boutiques to check out, and a great way to see different parts of Bordeaux.
I hope this guide helped plan your Bordeaux trip and made it easy to pinpoint the main things to do in Bordeaux.