A very coveted city by students and tourists, Bordeaux is a popular site that is cherished by all. Whether you enjoy history, wine, or simply strolling, the city offers an infinite amount of activities to satisfy all types of visitors.
It is a welcoming city that always appeals. Perceived as a city of art and history, it counts approximately 350 buildings that are listed and considered as masterpieces of architecture.
I am now offering you a guide to the best things to see and do in Bordeaux.
Table of Contents
Best things to see and do in Bordeaux
1) Cathédrale Saint André – Tour Pey Berland
Place Pey Berland
With almost 1,000 years of service, the Cathédrale Saint André is a marvel of gothic architecture. Revisited many times along the centuries, it is now considered as one of the most important monuments of Bordeaux and is also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Within the cathedral, you will find the elements that made its reputation: the great organs, retouched and reworked many times since their creation. There is also the royal portal, a detailed sculpture depicting a scene from the Last Judgement, worked in the years 1240-50.
The Tour Pey Berland is a monument in itself: serving as a bell tower and separated from the cathedral, it offers, at the top of its 231 steps, one of the best panoramas of the whole city.
Prices:
- Full fee: €6
- Reduced fee: €5
Website: Cathédrale Saint-André (website not in English)
2) Miroir d’eau – Place de la Bourse
Place de la Bourse
You are in Bordeaux, and the sun is beating down. You would then want an efficient way to cool down while still keeping on with your visit of la belle endormie. In that case, head over to the miroir d’eau (water mirror) in front of the Place de la Bourse.
Made of granite of 130 meters by 42, this installation releases water at regular intervals. Besides having a refreshing effect, the water reflects perfectly on the slates, creating a mirror effect (hence its name) of the Place de la Bourse – a purely captivating sight.
Continue on your way with a visit to the legendary Place de la Bourse, which has, in the past, contributed greatly to the city’s growing reputation.
Website: Miroir d’eau
3) Cité du vin
Esplanade de Pontac, 134 Quai de Bacalan
Bordeaux is absolutely a city of wine and obviously has enough to satisfy wine lovers (and why not even the uninterested): conceived as a tourist place but more importantly a cultural one, the Cité du vin is an extraordinary documentary of the history of wine in itself.
You’ll want to take a closer look just by looking at it from the outside: who wouldn’t be intrigued by such an infrastructure? Round shapes give a feeling of perpetual movement, along with bright and colorful materials…
Discover the history and the secrets of wine through numerous experiences: projections, sculptures, paintings… all sorts of activities that will make you have an instructive and relaxing time.
Take this opportunity to enjoy a themed wine tasting, in the part of the building reserved specifically for it.
Price: depends on the offer you wish to take: Cité du Vin prices
Website: Cité du Vin
4) Musée d’Aquitaine
20 Cours Pasteur
The musée d’Aquitaine is one of the largest history museums in the province. Discover Bordeaux during prehistory, antiquity, or even in the Middle Ages, the modern age, and the 20th century.
Retrace the city’s entire history through large collections of art pieces and antique objects. In addition, the museum has temporary exhibitions, allowing you to discover the history of all the world’s different cultures.
Located in the middle of the downtown area, the musée d’Aquitaine is a place that should not be missed if you’re in Bordeaux.
Prices:
- Full fee: €5
- Reduced fee: €3
- Audioguide: €2.50
5) Quartier Saint Pierre
The quartier Saint Pierre is one of Bordeaux’s oldest districts. It consists of different squares, like the place du Palais or the place du Parlement. Besides, a lot of the places we recommend visiting are located in this very district, like the place de la Bourse.
You’ll come across historical monuments like the porte Cailhau. Built towards the end of the 15th century, it was part of the city’s stone walls during the Middle Ages. It offers a breathtaking view of the docks, enough for an unforgettable souvenir.
The district is very lively, full of cafes, stores and restaurants.
6) Bateau sur la Garonne
The port of Bordeaux was one of the most prominent during the 18th century. Discovering the city by boat offers a brand-new perspective of Bordeaux and is a great way to spend a fun time with family and friends.
Many companies offer boat rides along with meals. What could be better than enjoying a good meal on a boat, all while discovering Bordeaux and its surroundings?
Let the on-board guides make you see Bordeaux under a new light.
Boat rides:
- Bordeaux sur l’Eau (website not in English)
- Croisière Burdigala: head over to bordeaux-tourism for details in English. If you wish to book a ride, check out the official website (only in French).
7) Place des Quinconces
The place des Quinconces dates back to the 19th century and gets its name from the way the trees were planted: in quincunx. It is the largest square in France (approximately 12 hectares or 31 acres). You’ll find the Girondins Column here.
Right in the downtown area, on the left bank, it is the stage of a number of cultural events: fairs, music festivals… It is also has a number of bronze statues, including the Statue of Liberty, standing at a height of 54 meters (or 144 ft).
8) Utopia
5 Place Camille Jullian
Settled in an old church, the Utopia cinema is listed in the “art and trial” category, meaning that besides watching the latest movie hits, you can discover independent productions, which we are given the opportunity to get to know.
In addition, the Utopia also screens foreign movies in their original language, with subtitles.
Equipped with a small restaurant-bar, the church has now converted into a cinema, and successfully offers an exceptional cinematographic experience in an authentic and majestic setting.
Website (in French): Utopia
9) The Christmas market
Open at the end of the year, the Christmas market attracts more than 300,000 people each year and hosts around 150 exhibitors. With your family, come here to discover the sellers’ displays, the Christmas events, or even the exhibitors’ culinary specialties.
You will also find all kinds of original present ideas for your loved ones or even yourself, in a friendly and festive atmosphere.
Your children will be able to enjoy a kids’ playground, accessible for 8-year-olds and older!
10) The Sainte Catherine Street
Being one of the biggest shopping streets in France and in Europe, the Sainte Catherine street can be enjoyed by the youngest as well as the oldest, with shop windows spreading over 3 kilometers.
Visited each day by an increasing number of visitors, the Sainte Catherine street sees its popularity peak during winter sales (February) and summer sales (July).
It is considered as a preferred venue to go on a shopping frenzy during a trip.
11) Le pont de Pierre: the Stone Bridge
The Stone Bridge was built in the 19th century under Napoleon the First, to make the crossing of the Garonne quicker and simpler. Cars have been forbidden here since 2018; it is now exclusively reserved to tourists and public transports.
It is one of the best places in Bordeaux to take an unforgettable souvenir picture with the splendid Garonne in the background.
12) Le Grand Théâtre – Opéra National
Place de la Comédie
Dating back to the end of the 1700s, the Grand Théâtre of Bordeaux is considered one of the most beautiful theaters in the world. Adorned with statuettes and mythological sculptures, it is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture from the 18th century.
Hosting a lot of art pieces and major works in one place, le Grand Théâtre is a major cultural center and is one of the biggest French scenes.
Feel free to enjoy a theater piece or an opera – you will be pleased by the atmosphere and the effect that the magnificence of the site has.
Website (in French): Opéra Bordeaux
13) Cap Sciences
Hangar 20, Quai de Bacalan
Cap Sciences offers its visitors scientific and cultural outings through interactive exhibitions and numerous attractive animations.
Targeted towards the younger as well as the older, Cap Sciences offers to all generations an enriching and thrilling discovery of the scientific universe. Attend lectures or guided visits for a bigger dip into it.
Enjoy as well a breathtaking view at the café space, on a suspended terrace where you will be comfortably seated to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Prices:
- Full price €9
- Discounted price €6.5
Website (in French): Cap Sciences
14) Taste the cannelés
41 Rue des Trois-Conils
111 Rue de la Porte Dijeaux
Sweet specialties of the city, the rum cannelés are definitely something you should not miss while in Bordeaux. Some shops like the Baillardran shops are specialized in the field and offer a large selection of different cannelés.
Choose between one of the numerous shops in the city and grant yourself a typically Bordeaux-like tea-time snack.
15) The Quai des Marques
Hangars 15 à 19 Quai des Chartrons
Just like the Sainte Catherine street, the Quai des Marques is one of the best shopping outings in Bordeaux. However, compared to the Sainte Catherine street, you won’t find small or medium stalls here.
Instead, you’ll find some of the greatest brands (for example: Hugo Boss, Kaporal, Lindt, le Coq Sportif) generally as low-priced retail outlets, gathered together in an alley for everyone’s happiness.
You will find fashion, beauty and also home products, as well as sportswear, food products and restaurants!
Website (in French): Quai des Marques
Original & quirky activities in Bordeaux
The Frères Jacks’ axe-throwing
152 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 33600 Pessac
Let’s switch from the usual traditional visits by dropping at the Frères Jacks’ axe-throwing stall, 20 minutes away by public transport from Bordeaux’s center. Roll up your sleeves and get ready to use all of your arm’s muscles.
Alone or with other people, the time spent here goes by too fast: helped by the staff in a very friendly and warm atmosphere, you will be immediately immersed and quickly, this feeling won’t leave you.
Price: €48
Website (in French): Les Frères Jacks
Simfactory
9, Rue Dumont d’Urville 33300 Bordeaux
Have you ever dreamt of becoming a racing pilot, even for a few hours? Well, you can make this a reality with Simfactory, one of the best driving simulators in the Aquitaine region.
Discover the joy of the simulation alone or accompanied by up to 10 people.
Equipped with moving platforms, the latest driving helmets and huge panoramic screens, driving here feels just like driving a real racing car.
Website (in French): Simfactory
Things to do close to Bordeaux
Bordeaux is not the only tourist attraction in the Gironde region: it is in fact a very attractive area that captivates everyone with its landscape and weather.
Phare de Cordouan
Le Verdon-sur-Mer
In France, this is the last lighthouse that is still occupied by a lighthouse keeper. It is open to the public and, from the top of its 301 steps, you will be enticed by a beautiful view of the sea. Classified as a historical monument since 1862, it really is an architectural masterpiece.
Website: Phare de Cordouan
Bassin d’Arcachon
Golfe de Gascogne
Nature-lovers, say hello! Relax your mind here with beautiful scenery. Located 50 kilometers from Bordeaux, the Bassin d’Arcachon stretches out on 85 kilometers.
Go around the shore on bike or by boat, taste delicious seafood in front of the sea, go paragliding, relax on the beach… There are numerous activities offered here, which will surely last you the entire day.
The Bassin also shelters an historical monument: the Phare du Cap. Climb up 258 meters for a total of 53 steps and enjoy a breathtaking view; a meeting between sea and forest, it is a very nice way to end a sunny summer day.
Phare du Cap prices:
– Adults: €6
– Kids: €4
The Bordeaux vineyards
After the Cité du Vin, let’s discover the vineyards of Bordeaux. The beauty and the quality of the vines in Bordeaux are unquestionable. With around 8,000 domains comprising classified Grands Crus, covering 112,000 hectares and producing 5 millions hectolitres of wine, Bordeaux is one of the main (if not ‘the’ main) cities of wine in France.
The city is full of buildings and historical structures tightly linked to wine production. There are a crazy number of ideas to make your visit exciting: visit winemakers by car, by motorcycle, by bike or even by plane for a breathtaking aerial view…
Visits:
– Wine Cab
Surfing lessons
The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region has some of the best surfing spots in the country, such as the Cap Ferret, Lacanau, Biscarrosse, Hossegor (all within one and a half to two hours of driving), or even a little bit farther is Anglet, the host of many surfing competitions all year round.
Whether you are experienced or not, you will nonetheless appreciate an initiation class, or an advanced one if you know the basics already, with instructors who know the sea and its secrets by heart. Discover the thrills of surfing – a relaxing feeling of absolute quietness.
Lessons: City Surf
Parc de Majolan
Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 33290 Blanquefort
Spreading over 300 hectares, the Parc de Majolan is truly a masterpiece, with natural caves here and there, old bridges and fabulous trees of all kinds. Walk around the park’s paths and discover the perfectly balanced fauna and flora living in harmony in this verdant area.
If you want to decompress or simply relax after a long day, this park’s serenity and peacefulness will suit you perfectly.
It is also the best place to take your children to, as they will be able to play under and inside the trees, explore caves or just enjoy the kids’ playground areas.
Saint-Emilion
If you wish to visit a typical small French town full of charms, then the town of Saint-Emilion is perfect for you. Mainly known for the Crus wine that is produced here, it is also a place full of history. Indeed, this town is known as a medieval city and you can feel it from the scenery, and the houses made out of stones.
The many shops with old and authentic storefronts will surely attract you, and make you buy a good wine from the area. Walk around the streets made of stone and go on the main square to enjoy a meal on a terrace accompanied by a view of the town’s beautiful church.
Website: Saint-Emilion
How many days to visit Bordeaux?
Let’s state it clearly – you will need time to visit all these places and, depending on the number of days you will spend in Bordeaux, you will not necessarily have time to do and see everything.
However, there are existing routes that allow you to visit as much as possible the city and to enjoy it at the fullest, depending on your free time.
Whether you are staying in Bordeaux one, two or three days, we have created some roadmaps to help you. Of course, you can do these visits on foot or by bike.
Visit Bordeaux in 1 day
One day is quite short, but you will still be able to see a good chunk of what the metropolis has to offer.
- Start with a stroll on the Miroir d’eau (Water Mirror) on the Place de la Bourse.
- Then, continue on the Place de la Bourse, and go see the Hôtel de la Bourse and the Hôtel des Fermes.
- Walk towards the Saint Pierre district which is a few minutes away from the Place de la Bourse, and has a lot of shops and bars.
- Visit the Musée d’Aquitaine to see what the exhibitions have to offer.
- Then, go towards the Saint André cathedral and take the opportunity to go to the Pey Berland tower.
- After that, go around the Opéra National. Contemplate the exterior and take a look inside and, if the opportunity is presented to you, why not attend a performance?
- End the day with a short boat trip on the Garonne while watching the sunset.
Visit Bordeaux in 2 days
If you can stay one more day in Bordeaux, then complete your second day with the following activities:
- Directly start the day by visiting the Place des Quinconces. Discover the statues and structures, then go towards the cannelés shop of your choice to discover or rediscover the best pastry in Bordeaux.
- End your morning with a bike trip in the Parc de Majolan, located 20 minutes away from the heart of Bordeaux, to get a well-deserved break in the harmony of the fauna and the flora of this garden.
Make time in your afternoon, as well as a part of the evening, to visit the Bordeaux vineyard of your choice. Choose your preferred way to visit it and live an authentic experience.
Visit Bordeaux in 3 days
If you can stay in Bordeaux for 3 days, then lucky you! Here’s how you can complete your visit:
- Start your day by directly going to a cultural exhibition at Cap Sciences.
- Then, go to the very close Cité du vin, for a morning full of discoveries and experience.
- Finally, end your stay beautifully with a visit to the Bassin d’Arcachon, located a few kilometers away from Bordeaux, to enjoy one last time the weather and the landscapes of Aquitaine.
Recommended hotels in Bordeaux
While booking activities and visits is one thing, finding and booking a hotel is another. Here’s our selection of hotels that we consider to be the best value in Bordeaux.
Hotel Burdigala
115 Rue Georges Bonnac
Offering a simple and elegant decor, the Hotel Burdigala is the perfect hotel for family stays, with its big, spacious and ventilated rooms.
Calm and very close to the downtown area, it is surely one of the best hotels to stay in to fully enjoy Bordeaux on foot.
Having a privileged access to the Spa Mozaïk and to the Amazonia gym, the Hotel Burdigala offers, besides its luxury and comfort, everything to relax and to enjoy your stay in the best conditions.
Price: starting at €166 per night
TripAdvisor’s rating: 4.5/5
France Hotel Guide booking: Burdigala Hotel – France Hotel Guide
Au Coeur de Bordeaux Chambres d’hôtes et Cave à vin
28, Rue Boulan
The “Au coeur de Bordeaux Chambres d’hôtes et Cave à vin” is probably one of the most Bordeaux-like establishments that you can find: it has a wine cave, where you can taste wines, and is settled in a building dating back to the 19th century, in the heart of Bordeaux.
It is ideally located at the center of the city and right next to the cathedral and the Hôtel de Ville.
Price: starting at €115 per night
TripAdvisor’s rating: 5/5
France Hotel Guide booking: Au Coeur de Bordeaux Chambres d’hôtes et Cave à vin – France Hotel Guide
The Ibis Bordeaux Saint-Jean
19 Quai de Paludate
The Ibis Bordeaux Saint-Jean is located a few meters away from the Saint-Jean train station and only 10 minutes by tramway to the downtown area of Bordeaux.
The hotel has everything for your comfort, such as free wifi access, private bathrooms and also breakfast served each morning as an all-you-can-eat buffet.
All of this for a sweet price that you won’t regret.
Price: starting at €58 per night
TripAdvisor’s rating: 4/5
France Hotel Guide booking: Ibis Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint Jean Bordeaux
La Halte Montaigne
27, Rue Pelleport
Located less than 15 minutes away from the downtown area, the B&B La Halte Montaigne is a home-like establishment, equipped with gorgeous verandas and a very bright green garden.
This hotel is the best place to start a day with a breakfast (included), or to end a day in front of a beautiful sunset, cradled by the sounds of the fauna and flora. It is close to the Saint-Jean train station and is a very good location from which to discover Bordeaux.
Price: starting at €80 per night
TripAdvisor’s rating: 5/5
France Hotel Guide booking: La Halte Montaigne – France Hotel Guide
Hôtel de Sèze
23, Allées de Tourny
Located in the heart of the city and a few steps away from the Grand Théâtre, the Hôtel de Sèze offers its customers its most luxurious rooms as well as a spa, a gastronomic restaurant and a bar.
The hotel is ideally located next to the Place des Quinconces.
Price: starting from €165 per night
TripAdvisor’s rating: 4.5/5
France Hotel Guide booking: Hôtel de Sèze – France Hotel Guide
Mercure Bordeaux Cité mondiale Centre Ville
20, quai des Chartrons
Located in the Chartrons district and very close to the Cité du vin, the Mercure Bordeaux Cité Mondiale Centre Ville is a hotel that has a panoramic terrace offering a view of the Garonne, but also of the Pont de Pierre and of the banks.
Equipped with a restaurant but also a bar, you would also be able to taste and discover a large selection of wine from the area.
Price: starting from €75 per night
TripAdvisor’s rating: 3.5/5
France Hotel Guide booking: Mercure Bordeaux Cité mondiale Centre Ville- France Hotel Guide
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
