Last Updated on: 23rd January 2025, 11:06 am

Is Bordeaux worth visiting? Yes, most definitely, it’s an absolutely beautiful city.

After a week of housesitting in Beziers and before starting my next housesit in Chabanais, I found myself with a few days to spare. Bordeaux was conveniently located halfway, making it an ideal stop for a few days. The city is beautiful, with stunning architecture, and, of course, it’s famous for its wine. It was the perfect choice for a relaxing city break.

Here are some of the very best things to do in Bordeaux.

Take A Walking Tour 

A walking tour is a great way to get your bearings, learn a little about the place you’re visiting and pick up lots of tips on what to see and do. I did this excellent Essential Bordeaux Free Walking Tour with Guru Walks.

 Other highly rated walking tours include this Private Guided Walking Tour of the Must-Sees of Bordeaux or maybe you fancy exploring more of Bordeaux’s neighbourhoods, so why not try this bicycle tour?

Explore Bordeaux Old Town

Bordeaux was simply stunning. I had no idea it was going to be this beautiful. It was lovely just aimlessly wandering the city streets, admiring the old buildings, finding cute coffee shops and, of course, sipping a few glasses of wine along the way. 

Here are some of the sights you will come across as you explore the city. 

Hôtel de Ville de Bordeaux (City Hall) 

The Bordeaux Hotel de Ville is a beautiful Renaissance-style building in the city’s centre. Initially constructed in the 16th century as the Archbishop’s Palace of Bordeaux, it later served as the Gironde department prefecture after the French Revolution in 1791. And in 1837, it was transformed into the Bordeaux Town Hall.

In more recent history, on 23rd March 2023, protesters during the pension reform strikes set the building on fire. The front door suffered damage, but firefighters swiftly extinguished the flames.

Visit the Cathedral Saint-André

The Cathedral St. Andre, also known as Bordeaux Cathedral, was built in the 13th century and is an excellent example of Gothic architecture, featuring beautiful stained glass windows and tall spires.

Bordeaux Cathedral is right in the heart of the historic center of Bordeaux, right by the City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) on Place Pey-Berland. It is easily reachable on foot, by tram via Route A and B (stop Hôtel de Ville), or by car. 

Climb The Pey Berland Tower  

Built between 1440 and 1500, the Pey Berland Tower on Place Pey Berland serves as the separate bell tower of Bordeaux Cathedral.

Initially, the bell tower was kept separate from the cathedral to protect it from the vibrations caused by the bells. However, after being built, no funds were left to buy bells, so the tower was used instead for housing until 1790. 

After that, a lead factory was set up in the tower. Only after 1851 the bells were finally installed, and the tower began to serve its intended purpose.

Today, the Pey Berland Tower is open to the public. You can climb its 230 steps to enjoy breathtaking views of Bordeaux. However, access to the tower requires a time-stamped e-ticket, which must be reserved in advance; you can do that here.   

The current ticket prices are 6 € for regular entry, and free for visitors with the Bordeaux Métropole City Pass.

Porte Cailhou

Porte Cailhau is a medieval gateway in Bordeaux that used to be the main entrance to the city when walls surrounded it.

The best time to visit is in the morning when the sunlight shines through the gateway, creating a beautiful illumination, except when I was there because it was raining and overcast! 

Place de la Bourse

The Place de la Bourse is Bordeaux’s most famous square, known for its elegant and symmetrical design. Architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel created it over several decades between 1730 and 1775, marking the city’s transformation as the historic centre opened up to the River Garonne. The medieval city walls were demolished to make space for this expansive square. 

The square is surrounded by beautiful buildings, such as the Hôtel des Fermes, now a customs museum, which once housed the king’s tax collectors and the city’s shipping exchange, the Palais de la Bourse.

The Water Mirror 

The Mirroir d’Eau ( Water Mirror) in Bordeaux is a very popular and highly photographed site, but as you can see, I really need to work on my reflection photography, obviously I blame the light. It’s located between the River Garonne and the charming 18th-century buildings of the Place de la Bourse. This contemporary attraction is recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Take A Stroll Along The Quais de Bordeaux

The left bank of the Garonne River is truly stunning. It’s a World Heritage site from the 18th century, with grand neo-classical buildings lining an 80-meter wide riverside promenade. 

The area feels open and spacious, with the Pont de Pierre, an arched bridge crossing the wide Garonne River. It’s an excellent spot for a walk or bike ride, with benches, flower beds, and lawns under plane trees to relax and enjoy the view.

Shop On Rue Sainte Catherine – Europe’s Longest Pedestrian Shopping Street 

If you love shopping, head to Rue Sainte Catherine. At 1.2 kilometres, it is the longest pedestrianised shopping street in Europe. It was busy when I visited in April, but if you visit during the clearance sales in February and July, it apparently gets crazy busy. 

It runs north to south from Place de la Comédie, where the Grand Théâtre is, to Place de la Victoire, where the Theimer Column is.

The upper part of the street has all the usual international brands, while the further down you go, the more bohemian the street becomes.

Spend An Afternoon At Cité du Vin 

The Cité du Vin is a fantastic museum that offers an interactive journey into the world of wine. The permanent exhibition on the second floor is filled with videos, touch screens, and sensory tables, making it a fun and engaging experience. An audio guide is provided and should be used to enjoy the exhibits fully. The exhibition covers various wine regions worldwide, exploring wine history, culture, grapes, and more.

After your visit, don’t forget to head up to the Belvedere on the 8th floor, where you can enjoy a lovely view of Bordeaux. And as a perfect conclusion to your visit, you can choose a wine from one of the featured regions and savour it on the balcony while admiring the scenery. 

The Cité du Vin is a popular tourist attraction, so I highly recommend buying your ticket in advance to avoid queuing. 

How long to spend at Cite du Vin In Bordeaux?

Allow at least two to three hours to wander around and enjoy the exhibits. 

How To Get To Cité du Vin In Bordeaux

Cité du Vin is just a two minute walk from tram line B stop La Cité du Vin. 

Wander Around The Gorgeous Chartrons Neighbourhood

Just a ten-minute walk from the centre of Bordeaux and located roughly halfway between the old city and the Cité du Vin, Chartrons is a delightful neighbourhood and also a great place to stay during your visit to Bordeaux. 

This district is known for its quaint cobbled streets and historic residences. Key attractions in the area include the Chartrons Temple, Notre Dame Street, and the charming eateries found in Les Halles des Chartrons.

Try The Canelé 

During my trip to Bordeaux, I was looking forward to trying the canelé, a sweet pastry famous in the region. It’s a small treat flavoured with rum and vanilla, boasting a custard-like texture. 

I visited one of the La Toque Cuivrée bakeries, which are dotted around Bordeaux and are known for their canelés, but to be honest, I was a bit underwhelmed by the taste. But just because I wasn’t keen on them doesn’t mean you won’t be, and trying the local delicacies is always a good idea. 

Sample The Local Wine

The French are experts in gastronomy, art, and producing some of the world’s best wines. Bordeaux, surrounded by vineyards and countryside, offers some top-notch wine labels. So be sure to allow plenty of time to enjoy Bordeaux’s many wine bars and experience the typical French lifestyle.

Day Trip To Saint Emilion 

 

And while we are on the topic of wine, be sure to visit nearby St Emilion. 

If time is limited, there are several excellent half-day wine tours to St Emilion, like this one here. 

Or this highly-rated full-day wine tour to Saint Emilion and Medoc. 

I decided, well, it was my birthday, to spend a couple of nights in Saint Emilion. It’s a delightful little town, and once all the day trippers have left, it’s even more idyllic.

Best Coffee Shop In Bordeaux 

For excellent coffee, try the L’Alchimiste Café Boutique. It is very small, with limited seating inside, but the coffee is amazingly good, and there are some wonderful chocolate shops nearby too. It is located in the heart of the “Triangle d’Or” shopping district. 

Recommended Restaurants

 

I enjoyed great dinners at these restaurants, Casa Gaia and Le Mirabelle. Both these restaurants are located in the Chartrons district. 

Where To Stay In Bordeaux 

There’s an abundance of hotels and guesthouses in Bordeaux to stay in. Check here for accommodation and prices. I stayed at the Hotel Notre Dame Hotel in the charming district of Chartrons. It’s a lovely neighbourhood and just a short walk from the city centre. One of those – ooh, I could live here areas! 

Prefer something a little more luxurious, then check out the fabulous Grand Hotel opposite the Grand Theatre. 

How To Get To Bordeaux City Centre From Bordeaux Airport 

By Airport Shuttle 

The 30’Direct shuttle offers a direct 30-minute service between Bordeaux Airport and Saint-Jean train station in Bordeaux. Check here for the schedule. 

The shuttle departs from Hall B of Bordeaux Airport to Hall 2 of Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station, and it helps travellers transfer quickly from plane to train and vice versa. These coaches operate every day of the year, have air-conditioning and free onboard WiFi, and are accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. Passengers are guaranteed a seat.

Buy your ticket from the 30 Direct Shuttle online store and get a 10% discount. 

By Tram

 

Travelling by tram is the cheapest way into town. Tram A goes all the way to Bordeaux city centre from the airport. You can buy your ticket from the ticket machines on the tram platform. Don’t forget to validate your ticket when boarding by placing your ticket in one of the yellow machines on board. 

By Taxi 

The quickest way into town is by taxi. The journey time is around 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Cost 45 to 50 euros. 

How To Get To Bordeaux City Centre By Train 

Bordeaux St Jean train station is a 20-25 minute walk from the city centre. If you don’t fancy walking, you can take Tram line C, the only tram route in Bordeaux that serves Saint-Jean station. The tram stop, ‘Gare Saint Jean,’ is right outside Hall 2 of the station. If you use the main street exit from the station, coming out of Hall 1, you will find the tram stop on your left.

Tram Line C offers excellent accessibility to the eastern edge of the city centre as it runs along the west bank of The Garonne River. This makes it a convenient option for travellers heading to the heart of Bordeaux.

To reach the heart of the old town from Bordeaux-St Jean, take tram line C to the ‘Porte De Bourgogne’ stop. There, you can transfer to Tram line A, which takes you further into the city’s historic heart. The ‘Hotel De Ville’ stop near the cathedral will be your destination.

Is Bordeaux Safe For Solo Female Travellers?

I am a solo female traveller and felt completely safe when exploring Bordeaux. The city is well-lit, has a low crime rate, and the people are friendly and welcoming. There are numerous attractions to discover, and navigating the city is straightforward. I just follow the same precautions as I would back home.

How Many Days Should I Spend In Bordeaux? 

I spent two full days in Bordeaux; I wish I had spent longer. I would recommend a minimum of three just to explore the city itself. Allow more time for trips to nearby St Emilion and other day tours. 

 So Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting? 

Absolutely, you won’t be disappointed. 

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