Things to Do in Bordeaux: The 22 Best Highlights

Our Tips for Staying in Bordeaux

Before we dive into the best things to do in Bordeaux, here are three hotel recommendations at every price point:

Staycity Aparthotels Bordeaux City Centre: affordable studios right in the center. Great decor, excellent amenities, and there’s even an underground parking garage.

Hôtel Life Bordeaux Gare – BG: a solid pick close to the train station with a surprisingly nice location. Modern rooms, a delicious breakfast, and great value for money.

Hôtel Singulier Bordeaux: a luxurious hotel with a gorgeous rooftop and an excellent breakfast. Very stylish, and the location is central.

The Most Beautiful Sights in Bordeaux

Is a trip to Bordeaux worth it? Absolutely! The city is packed with things to do and see. Here are the 22 best highlights.

All Bordeaux Attractions on One Map

To help you get your bearings, we’ve put together a Bordeaux city map featuring all the key sights.

You can also download the map and view it offline.

Place de la Bourse and Water Mirror

The Place de la Bourse is one of the central squares in Bordeaux — but the real star isn’t the square itself. It’s the water mirror right next to it.

The Miroir d’eau sits between the Place de la Bourse and the Garonne River. It’s a granite slab covered by a water surface roughly two centimeters deep, fed by a fountain mechanism pumping water up from a tank below.

The result is a seriously cool reflection that makes for incredible photo opportunities.

The water mirror runs between 10 AM and 10 PM. From November to March, it’s shut down completely.

Old Town of Bordeaux

Bordeaux’s historic center is a true architectural standout — and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason.

You’ll find charming sandstone buildings and Baroque-style squares around every corner. It’s super easy to just wander the alleyways and duck into a cute café whenever you need a break.

We really recommend booking a guided walking tour of Bordeaux. You’ll pick up fascinating stories about the history and architecture that you’d never find on your own.

Book the guided walking tour of Bordeaux

Cathédrale Saint-André

No city trip is complete without a cathedral visit — and Bordeaux’s is absolutely worth your time.

The Cathédrale Saint-André was built largely in the Gothic style, and it’s seriously impressive both inside and out.

Best of all: admission is free.

Pey Berland Tower

Right next to the cathedral stands the bell tower Tour Pey-Berland. Climb it and you’re rewarded with a fantastic panorama over the city.

Fair warning: there’s no elevator. You’ll need to tackle 231 steps to get to the top.

Admission is 9 euros for adults; under-25s get in free. It’s worth buying tickets in advance online.

Our tip: Admission to the Pey Berland Tower is included in the Bordeaux City Pass.

Grosse Cloche

The Grosse Cloche — literally “big bell” — is one of the most iconic points of interest in Bordeaux. It weighs 7,750 kilograms and sits above a former juvenile detention center.

Even from street level it makes a great photo subject and is totally impressive.

Want a closer look? You can visit for 6 euros — tickets are best booked online.

Porte Cailhau

The Porte Cailhau stands between the historic district and the Garonne River and was long the main entrance into the city.

At 23 meters tall, the gate is open to visitors — and from the top you get a beautiful view over the Garonne.

Entry costs 7 euros; children under 12 get in free. Grab your tickets for the Porte Cailhau online.

Our tip: Admission to the Porte Cailhau is included in the Bordeaux City Pass.

Pont de Pierre

The Pont de Pierre is Bordeaux’s oldest bridge, crossing the Garonne — the same river, by the way, that flows through Toulouse.

The Stone Bridge spans 487 meters across 17 arches and is one of the most photographed spots in the city.

It’s accessible only to public transit, cyclists, and pedestrians — so no cars to dodge while you’re snapping photos.

Rue Sainte-Catherine

At 1,200 meters, the Rue Sainte-Catherine is one of the longest pedestrian zones in Europe.

Only the Strøget in Copenhagen and the shopping street in Jesolo near Venice are longer.

Running from the Place de la Victoire to the Place de la Comédie, it’s Bordeaux’s main shopping street — great for browsing, window shopping, or just people-watching.

Grand Théâtre

The Grand Théâtre is Bordeaux’s premier venue for theater and opera. It sits on the Place de la Comédie and is especially stunning on the inside.

The opera house welcomes visitors Tuesday through Saturday from 1 PM to 6:30 PM, and admission is 10 euros. Book tickets online.

If you’d like to catch a live performance, check the current program on the opera’s website.

Monument aux Girondins

The Monument aux Girondins is a memorial to the Girondists — a group of French deputies who lost their lives during the French Revolution.

The roughly 50-meter-tall column is flanked by two fountains decorated with bronze figures.

It stands on the Place des Quinconces, one of Bordeaux’s main squares, where markets and events are regularly held.

La Cité du Vin

La Cité du Vin is a genuinely one-of-a-kind wine museum spread across 10 floors. You’ll get introduced to everything there is to know about wine — its history, culture, and production from around the world.

The museum has permanent and temporary exhibitions, tasting areas, and a reading room. The real standout is the 360° observation deck, where the wine tasting experience is seriously memorable.

The standard ticket covers the permanent exhibitions plus the observation deck with a wine tasting. It costs 22 euros.

Get your skip-the-line ticket for La Cité du Vin

On the Cité du Vin website you can also book wine tastings and tickets for temporary exhibitions.

Our tip: Admission to the Cité du Vin is included in the Bordeaux City Pass.

Submarine Bunker Bassins des Lumières

During World War II, this massive bunker sheltered submarines of the German occupying forces. Today it’s home to the digital art experience Bassins des Lumières — and it’s unlike anything else in Bordeaux.

In a unique underwater atmosphere, large-scale light shows play out across the walls and water. Even if contemporary art isn’t usually your thing, this one will blow you away.

Tickets cost 16 euros for adults.

Get your ticket for Les Bassins des Lumières

Jardin Public

The Jardin Public is a large park just a short distance from the city center — the perfect escape when you need a breather from sightseeing.

You can take a relaxed stroll through the grounds or spread out on the grass for a picnic.

It’s also a great stop if you’re traveling with kids — there’s a big playground here.

Darwin écosystème

With so many historic buildings and museums, it’s easy to forget that Bordeaux has a seriously hip and modern side too.

The Darwin écosystème is one of those under-the-radar picks you’ll rarely find in travel guides. It’s an old military barracks that’s been transformed into a creative urban hub.

You’ll find a skate park, eco-friendly cafés and restaurants, and some really cool street art.

It’s located on the other side of the river — totally worth the short trip across.

Les Chartrons

Les Chartrons is the neighborhood that impressed us most after the old quarter. It’s one of our favorite local tips for Bordeaux.

There are far fewer tourists here, and you can leisurely wander the charming little alleyways at your own pace.

Don’t miss the church Saint-Louis des Chartrons while you’re in the neighborhood.

The Most Beautiful Beaches near Bordeaux

Bordeaux is only about an hour’s drive from the Atlantic coast and its stunning beaches. Here are our top three beaches near Bordeaux.

Lacanau

Lacanau is a small seaside village about 45 kilometers from Bordeaux — and a perfect day-trip destination if you want to escape the city.

With its fine sand and dunes, it has a real North Sea feel to it. Outside of peak summer, the vibe is totally relaxed. During the main vacation season, the beach fills up fast.

Getting to Lacanau

By car, it’s just over an hour from Bordeaux.

Bus line 421 runs from Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station to Lacanau in about 1.5 hours. A one-way ticket costs 2.50 euros.

You’ll find departure times on the TBM website.

Beaches of Arcachon

Arcachon is about 60 kilometers from Bordeaux, sitting on the sheltered Bassin d’Arcachon bay.

Because the bay is enclosed by the Cap Ferret peninsula, the water here is usually very calm — ideal for a relaxed beach day near Bordeaux.

The beaches are wide with fine sand, so finding your own patch of shore is never a problem.

Getting to Arcachon

The easiest way is by train. From Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean, you’ll reach Arcachon in 50 minutes for 13.80 euros each way.

Beaches of Cap Ferret

The Cap Ferret peninsula is about 70 kilometers from Bordeaux and offers some breathtaking stretches of sand.

The village center sits at the very southern tip of the narrow peninsula, meaning the west and east coasts are surprisingly close to each other.

The west coast is wilder and windier — great for dramatic photos and surfing. The east coast is calmer and better for swimming, making it a great choice for families with kids.

Getting to Cap Ferret

By car, it’s about a one-hour-forty-minute drive from Bordeaux.

Alternatively, bus line 412 departs from the Place des Quinconces and reaches Cap Ferret in about two hours. Buy your ticket from the driver — it costs 2.50 euros.

The Coolest Day Trips and Activities in Bordeaux

Want to go beyond sightseeing and beach time? Bordeaux has plenty of great experiences on offer.

Boat Tour on the Garonne

A boat tour along the Garonne gives you a completely different perspective on the city — and some great photo angles of the sights.

During the river cruise, you’ll pick up interesting stories about Bordeaux and — as you’d expect in wine country — a glass of wine is included.

Book the river cruise on the Garonne

Cheese and Wine Tasting

Bordeaux is, above all else, a wine city — so skipping a wine tasting would be a real shame.

And what pairs better with a glass of wine in France than a great piece of cheese? For us, it’s the perfect combination.

We really recommend doing a cheese and wine tasting while you’re here. You’ll sample various local cheeses alongside wines from the region.

Book the cheese and wine tasting in Bordeaux

Day Trip to the Dune du Pilat

At roughly 110 meters tall, the Dune du Pilat is the tallest migrating sand dune in Europe and one of the most popular attractions in France — making it a classic day trip from Bordeaux.

Because it’s constantly moving, both its height and position shift a little eastward every year.

Walk along the dune’s ridge and you’re rewarded with a spectacular panoramic vista in every direction.

Steps lead up from the parking lot — roughly 100 meters of climbing. Admission is free.

Getting to the Dune du Pilat

By car from Bordeaux, it takes about an hour. Parking costs 7 euros for four hours.

By public transit, take the train to Arcachon (50 minutes), then transfer at the station to bus line 3. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes.

Wine Tour to Saint-Émilion

If you’re a wine lover, a trip to the charming wine village of Saint-Émilion is an absolute must.

This works perfectly as a half-day excursion — you’ll walk through the medieval village and finish with a wine tasting.

Book the half-day tour to Saint-Émilion from Bordeaux

Thinking about staying at a winery near Bordeaux? Saint-Émilion is the perfect base.

Le Relais de Franc Mayne Saint Emilion is a beautiful property set in the countryside just outside the village — a really special place to stay.

Our Top Tip: The Bordeaux City Pass

With the Bordeaux City Pass, you get free entry to many of the city’s top museums and attractions.

We’ll say it upfront: the Bordeaux City Pass pays for itself very quickly. It’s definitely worth doing the math before you book.

What’s included in the Bordeaux City Pass:

• La Cité du Vin (before 12 PM)
• Submarine Bunker Les Bassins des Lumières
• 12 additional museums
• Porte Cailhau
• Pey Berland Tower
• Public transportation (tram, bus, river shuttle)
• 1 Bordeaux City Tour, Arcachon Walking Tour, Saint-Émilion Underground Tour
• Discounts on additional tours and attractions

The Bordeaux City Pass is time-based — you visit the included attractions within a set window. It’s available for one, two, or three days.

Bordeaux City Pass prices:

The pass is available for travelers aged 18 and older. For ages six to 17, there’s a Junior Pass: 22 euros (24 hours), 28 euros (48 hours), 34 euros (72 hours), 39 euros (96 hours).

Get the Bordeaux City Pass for 48, 72, and 96 hours

Get the Bordeaux City Pass for 24 hours or the Junior Pass

You can pick up the City Pass at the Bordeaux Tourist Office.

Here’s a sample calculation showing how the 48-hour pass pays off. Two days gives you plenty of time to hit all the included highlights.

General Tips for Bordeaux

Before you head off on your city trip, here are a few practical things to know.

#1 Getting Around Bordeaux

The center of Bordeaux — where most of the best things to do are concentrated — is very walkable.

For attractions a bit further out, the tram is your best bet. Bordeaux’s tram network is excellent.

A single ticket costs 1.90 euros, available at ticket machines at the stops. Routes and timetables are on the TBM website.

#2 Getting to Bordeaux

The fastest way to get to Bordeaux is by plane. Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport is well connected to major European cities, though direct options vary by season.

From the airport, you can reach the city center in about 25 minutes by taxi or 40 minutes by tram. The tram is the cheapest option at 1.90 euros.

We always search for flights using Skyscanner — that’s where we find the best deals and connections.

Search for flights to Bordeaux on Skyscanner

Alternatively, the train is a very comfortable option. From Paris, Bordeaux is just two hours away by high-speed TGV. From further afield, connections via Paris are straightforward.

Book train tickets as far in advance as possible on SNCF — last-minute prices can be steep.

#3 The Best Time to Visit Bordeaux

Bordeaux has a mild, pleasant climate that makes it a great destination year-round.

We especially recommend April, May, September, and October — not too hot, not too cold, and the tourist crowds are much more manageable.

If you want to combine your city trip with a beach day, the summer months are the way to go. Just be prepared: sightseeing can get pretty hot in July and August.