Bordeaux Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Bordeaux

Bordeaux Travel Guide Video

Cycle along the city’s network of bike paths as you taste local wines, look across the Garonne River or relax in one of the city’s many gardens and parks.

Known around the world for its high calibre of wines, a visit to this French city reveals far more than just grapes and cellar doors. Bordeaux is a city loved by its residents for its laid back approach to life, and a progressive community of musicians and artists. Spurred by a large student population from one of France’s largest universities, the city has a vivid nightlife centred on the historic La Victoire district. The Garonne River provides a stunning backdrop to the picturesque city, and visitors to the city will love the scenic Les Quais quarter.

Bordeaux is a particularly flat city and, with 580 kilometres (360 miles) of paved cycling routes, a bike is the ideal mode of transport for visitors. Hire a bike from one of the many vendors in the city centre, or make use of the city’s bike sharing programme, with stations at regular intervals throughout the city. Bordeaux’s mild winters mean that bikes are a great way to see the city year round, although bringing a raincoat couldn’t hurt, even in summer.

The city’s major attractions are focused around its historic attractions and cultural institutions. Head to Sainte-Catherine Street in the pedestrian centre of the city for excellent shopping and views, or climb the more than 200 steps to reach the top of the Basilica of St Michel’s gothic spire. The Musee D’Art Contemporain is a must for anyone with an interest in art, while those more interested in the outdoors will love Bordeaux’s botanic garden.

Once you’ve explored the city it’s time to sample its wares, and the vineyards around the city are a great place to start. The area is a world renowned region for wine production, and tours of the most famous wineries are available from the city centre. 

Bordeaux is located just 50 kilometres (31 miles) inland from France’s southwest coast. Bus or train to the city from Barcelona, Marseille or Paris, or fly to Bordeaux’s international airport from further afield.

Where to stay in Bordeaux

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Bordeaux City Centre

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

Travellers choose Bordeaux City Centre for its great bars. Hop aboard the metro at Gambetta Tram Station or Grand Theatre Tram Station and check out top sights like Place Gambetta.

Bordeaux City Centre
Bordeaux

Hôtel de Ville - Quinconces

If you're spending time in Hôtel de Ville - Quinconces, check out sights like Grand Theater Opera National of Bordeaux or Place de la Comédie and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Grand Theatre Tram Station or Gambetta Tram Station.

Hôtel de Ville - Quinconces
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Saint Jean Station District

Noted for its river views and coffee shops, there's plenty to explore in Saint Jean Station District. Top attractions like Sacre Coeur Church and Rock School Barbey are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Belcier Tram Station or Carle Vernet Tram Station to see more of the city.

Saint Jean Station District
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Chartrons

4/5(7 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Chartrons. Spend some time visiting top spots like Quai des Marques, and catch the metro at Cours du Medoc Tram Station or Les Hangars Tram Station to see more of the area.

Chartrons
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Quartier du Lac

4/5(2 area reviews)

Noted for its lake views and bars, there's plenty to explore in Quartier du Lac. Top attractions like Barriere Casino Theatre and Matmut Atlantique Stadium are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Claveau Tram Station or Brandenburg Tram Station to see more of the city.

Quartier du Lac
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Bordeaux-Lac

Lake views and bars are highlights of Bordeaux-Lac. Make a stop by Bordeaux Exhibition Center or Bordeaux Stadium while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Claveau Tram Station to get around town.

Bordeaux-Lac
Residhotel Galerie Tatry
Residhotel Galerie Tatry
3 out of 5
174 Cours du Medoc, Bordeaux
The price is NZ$85 per night from 26 May to 27 May
NZ$85
per night
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Bordeaux. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,017 reviews)
"The hotel was well located, bed very comfortable. Property condition and cleanliness could be improved."

Reviewed on 3 Nov. 2023

Residhotel Galerie Tatry
Staycity Aparthotels, Bordeaux City Centre
Staycity Aparthotels, Bordeaux City Centre
3 out of 5
45 Rue Leyteire, Bordeaux, Gironde
The price is NZ$177 per night from 12 May to 13 May
NZ$177
per night
12 May - 13 May
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Bordeaux. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (168 reviews)
"Great property, great staff, great service"

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Staycity Aparthotels, Bordeaux City Centre
Eklo Bordeaux Centre Bastide - Hostel
Eklo Bordeaux Centre Bastide - Hostel
10 Rue de la Gare d'Orléans, Bordeaux
The price is NZ$93 per night from 26 May to 27 May
NZ$93
per night
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this hostel in Bordeaux. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the comfy beds in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.8/10 Good! (298 reviews)
Comfortable family room
"Room was clean, comfortable and enough space for family of 4. The staff were helpful and friendly."

Reviewed on 21 Apr. 2024

Eklo Bordeaux Centre Bastide - Hostel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residhotel Galerie Tatry
Residhotel Galerie Tatry
3 out of 5
174 Cours du Medoc, Bordeaux
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Bordeaux. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,017 reviews)
"The hotel was well located, bed very comfortable. Property condition and cleanliness could be improved."

Reviewed on 3 Nov. 2023

Residhotel Galerie Tatry
Staycity Aparthotels, Bordeaux City Centre
Staycity Aparthotels, Bordeaux City Centre
3 out of 5
45 Rue Leyteire, Bordeaux, Gironde
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Bordeaux. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (168 reviews)
"Great property, great staff, great service"

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Staycity Aparthotels, Bordeaux City Centre
All Suites Appart Hotel Bordeaux Marne
All Suites Appart Hotel Bordeaux Marne
3 out of 5
21 cours Barbey, Bordeaux
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified residence in Bordeaux. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8/10 Very Good! (950 reviews)
"Good location close to the train station, easily walkable to the trams. Good for what you pay for."

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

All Suites Appart Hotel Bordeaux Marne
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Bordeaux

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
24
" "5 - Excellent 57.142857142857146%
4 - Good
17
" "4 - Good 40.476190476190474%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 2.380952380952381%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
19 Jan 2020

If you arrive in Bordeaux by train or bus, try to book a taxi ahead, as there were none to be found when I arrived. The city was very clean and well kept. Look up addresses of things you want to visit, as not everything is easy to find.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
29 Oct 2019

A very nice place to visit, it has a bit of everything and it is easy to get around.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
17 Oct 2019

Very walkable city with great eating options Public transport very gooh.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
5 Aug 2019

Love the scale and wildness of the river and the small boat cruise we did. The Cite du Vin is a good 2 hour interactive in a clever building design. Eating options are plenty we enjoyed the many choices at Les Halles de Bacalan. Wines a plenty.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
1 Aug 2019

Wonderful experience.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
23 Jul 2019

Mini Paris - relaxed

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