Bordeaux
Save36 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 3 ready-made day plans ↓Show on the map
Tips
8 places on the map
Walking Tour
- 1
15th-century gate on the quays
3 tips
- Great photo from the quay
- Short stop
- Can be visited seasonally
📷 Photos
- 2
18th-century square, the postcard view of Bordeaux
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Best at night when lit up
- Walk along the quays
- Free to visit
📷 Photos
- 3
Giant reflecting pool facing the Place de la Bourse
3 tips
- Best on a warm day
- Bring a towel for kids
- Great reflection shots at dusk
📷 Photos
- 4
Charming small square lined with cafés
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: At night
2 tips
- Great for a drink
- Pretty at night
📷 Photos
- 5
Neoclassical opera house with grand columns
3 tips
- Take a guided tour
- See a performance
- Photogenic facade
📷 Photos
- 6
UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Free entry
- Check the Royal Portal
📷 Photos
- 7
Bell tower with a panoramic view over the city
3 tips
- Climb the 231 steps
- Buy tickets at the foot
- Best views on clear days
📷 Photos
- 8
Medieval belfry and gate
3 tips
- Pass through on a walk
- Good photo spot
- Free to see
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Bordeaux tips
Transportation
- Ride the tram: Bordeaux's TBM tram network covers the centre and riverfront; buy tickets or passes before boarding and validate them on the tram.
- Rent a V3 bike: The city's bike share system and flat terrain make cycling along the Garonne quays an easy way to explore.
- Take the train to Saint-Émilion: Regional trains from Bordeaux Saint-Jean reach Saint-Émilion and other wine towns, so you can taste without driving.
Security
- Watch for pickpockets: Keep an eye on bags around Saint-Jean station, on crowded trams and in busy squares.
- Be careful at night near the station: The area around Saint-Jean can feel uneasy late at night, so use the tram or a taxi to get to your hotel.
- Cycle with care: Watch for tram tracks, which can catch bike wheels, and stick to bike lanes in the centre.
Saving
- Get a city pass: The Bordeaux CityPass bundles public transport and entry to many museums, good value if you plan a full sightseeing day.
- Order the formule midi: Many bistros offer a lunch set menu that is much cheaper than dinner, a great way to eat well on a budget.
- Check for free museum days: Some city museums offer free entry on certain days, so check before planning your visits.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack for rain: Bordeaux has an oceanic climate with frequent showers, especially from autumn to spring, so bring an umbrella or rain jacket.
- Dress light in summer: Summers are warm to hot, so bring breathable clothes and sun protection for walking along the quays.
- Bring layers for winter: Winters are mild but damp and cool, so a warm coat and scarf will keep you comfortable.
Cultural
- Taste canelés: These small caramelised pastries with a soft custard centre are a Bordeaux speciality, best fresh from a bakery.
- Greet before you ask: Always start with bonjour when entering shops or speaking to staff; it is considered basic French courtesy.
- Learn about wine: The Cité du Vin museum offers an interactive look at wine culture worldwide, with a tasting at the top floor bar.
Local Hacks
- Visit the Marché des Capucins: The city's lively covered market is great for oysters, cheese and a glass of wine with locals, especially on weekend mornings.
- See the Miroir d'eau: The water mirror in front of the Place de la Bourse is magical at dusk and when the mist effect turns on.
- Explore Chartrons and Darwin: The Chartrons district has antique shops and cafés, while Darwin across the river is a creative space with skate park and organic food.
1-day itineraries in Bordeaux
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 3
Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux and around
🕘 9:30–16:30📍 6 stops
- 1Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux
- 2Place du Parlement
- 3Miroir d'eau
- 4Place de la Bourse
- 5Porte Cailhau
- and 1 more
Day 2 of 3
Grosse Cloche and around
🕘 9:30–15:00📍 4 stops
- 1Musée d'Aquitaine
- 2Grosse Cloche
- 3Basilique Saint-Michel
- 4Pont de Pierre
Day 3 of 3
Jardin Public and around
🕘 9:30–13:45📍 3 stops
- 1CAPC musée d'art contemporain
- 2Jardin Public
- 3Muséum de Bordeaux
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