Bordeaux is one of our favorite cities in France, it feels a bit like Paris with all its Haussmann-style buildings, but more laid back. We’re sharing the Top 10 things to do in Bordeaux France. From exploring its foodie culture, the famous Bordeaux wines, to must-do day trips that are easy to get to and much more. And we’re sure you’ll add at least one of these things on your itinerary.
Grab your FREE Travel Guide for Bordeaux France!
Make sure to grab the free Bordeaux travel guide we’ve created for you with our favourite attractions, useful information about public transport in Bordeaux and links to all the activities and locations!
1. Enjoy the Foodie Scene of Bordeaux City
Bordeaux has an amazing restaurant scene that really comes alive in the evening, with the lights and people out enjoying dinner or some Bordeaux wine, though lunch also has a great vibe. There are so many places to choose from, offering all kinds of cuisine.
For evening drinks, we recommend heading to the restaurant cafés by the river, like Vintage Café. And when it comes to a proper meal, these are our favourite spots, the ones we go back to every time we visit Bordeaux because we know they’re always good:
Le Michel’s
For classic French cuisine, we recommend Le Michel’s, we really love this restaurant. It’s on a beautiful street, so try to sit outside if the weather’s nice, and it’s always busy (so come early). The staff is super friendly, our waitress even recognised us from the year before.
You definitely need to try the duck confit (duck slow-cooked in its own fat) or the duck confit burger, which is just as good. We also love the ribs with mash and the French onion soup topped with a dome of puff pastry.
Osteria Palatino
If you’re in the mood for Italian food, we suggest Palatino (the restaurant front says Osteria Palatino because that is a type of restaurant in Italy), part of the Big Mama Group. The decor is very European, eccentric and whimsical, yet still sophisticated with a touch of retro (and the food is amazing!).
Definitely try one of their pizzas; the dough is soft, chewy, and full of flavor, with super fresh ingredients. They also do great cocktails and mocktails, so you can enjoy a delicious drink whether you’re having alcohol or not. Just make sure to book a table in advance as it fill up quickly!
Chez Anatole
Chez Anatole is a popular spot, too, especially with students, and there’s almost always a line. It’s the go-to place if you’re after a good kebab on the go at a great price (8€ with fries on the side).
2. Get a sweet treat in Bordeaux Old Town
Try a typical dessert from Bordeaux
After a good meal, it’s definitely time for something sweet. In Bordeaux, you have to try a canelé — a small local pastry flavoured with rum and vanilla, with a soft, custardy centre and a thick, caramelized crust. Some places we recommend are Cassonade Cannelés & Spécialités and La Toque Cuivrée.
However, there are other places we love in case you’re in the mood for something else.
Suzette Crêperie Urbaine
Suzette Crêperie Urbaine is the perfect spot for a crêpe on the go. They do have a few tables, but the main idea is takeaway. You can pick from lots of toppings like lemon and sugar, salted caramel, or apple, and they fold it into a little cardboard holder that makes it super easy to eat while walking around.
Aux Merveilleux de Fred
Aux Merveilleux de Fred is a well-known bakery and coffee shop all over Europe, famous for its gorgeous crystal chandelier and its meringue desserts. They come in lots of flavours like white chocolate, cherry, and caramel (and they’re delicious!).
Chocolatiers in Bordeaux
Chocolateries: Bordeaux’s chocolate isn’t as famous as Brussels or Bayonne, the historical birthplace of French chocolate, but being just two hours from Bayonne, it’s inherited some of that tradition and has several renowned chocolatiers, like Hasnaâ Chocolats Grands Crus. Since Bordeaux is best known for its wine, their chocolate is often crafted to pair perfectly with local wines.
Visitors to Bordeaux can explore the city’s chocolate scene by taking a self-guided tour or joining a guided tour. These tours provide an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of chocolate production in the region, as well as sample some of the finest chocolates in the world.
3. Visit Bordeaux (Bordeaux Sightseeing)
Porte Cailhau
Porte Cailhau is an old city gate, built in the late 1400s, it’s one of the only medieval city entrances still standing. You can actually go inside, there’s a small exhibit, and the top has a nice view over the river and Pont de Pierre.
Place de la Bourse
The most photographed square in Bordeaux, right by the river. It includes the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce, the Musée National des Douanes, and the Trois Grâces fountain right in the middle of the square, featuring the Three Graces from Greek mythology: Aglaé (beauty), Euphrosyne (joy), and Thalie (abundance).
Jardin Public
The city’s main park, designed in the mid-1700s as a “second Bourse” where merchants could meet. It’s big, peaceful, and has a small botanical garden. Locals use it for walking, running, or just relaxing. It’s the perfect place for a picnic, too!
Bordeaux Water Mirror (Miroir d’Eau)
The Miroir d’eau is a shallow pool that reflects Place de la Bourse, with mist and water cycles every few minutes, that way it’s always wet, which is great for photos and cooling off in summer. Just keep in mind, it’s not always on and follows a schedule.
Place de Quinonces and the Monument aux Girondins
One of the largest squares in Europe. The main reason to go is the huge Monument aux Girondins, a 54-meter column covered in bronze horses, fountains, and statues like Liberty breaking chains. It often hosts fairs, markets and events.
Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux
Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux is the city’s main cathedral, where kings used to be crowned. It’s free to enter, and you can climb the Pey-Berland tower next to it for panoramic views.
Grosse Cloche
Medieval 15th century bell tower that’s now one of Bordeaux’s symbols. You can go inside on a guided visit.
Flèche de la Basilique Saint-Michel
The tall spire next to Saint-Michel Basilica, as tall as 114 meters. You can climb it for views of the city and river, said to be the best view of the city. Just keep in mind it’s still being renovated and is scheduled to be done in May 2026.
4. Visit Bordeaux Vineyards and Experience a Wine Tasting
Bordeaux is known as the world capital of wine, so when you’re there, you have to try a wine tasting or visit a vineyard and cellar. Especially in places like Saint-Émilion, which we’ll cover more on in number 5.
Bordeaux is famous for its red wines, usually blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, rich with dark fruit and a touch of spice. The region also produces well-known dry whites from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, as well as sweet wines from areas like Sauternes, about 1 hour away from Bordeaux.
Some vineyards you can visit are Château Margaux or Château Palmer in the Margaux area, around 40 mins away by car.
5. The Best Bordeaux Day Trips
Saint Emilion
Saint-Émilion is a charming medieval town about 30 minutes from Bordeaux, famous for its vineyards. The town itself is beautiful, with the Monolithic Church of Saint-Émilion at its centre. The views of the town from the church are incredible. There are plenty of cute streets with shops and restaurants to explore, and lots of opportunities for wine tastings.
Arcachon
Arcachon is a charming seaside town known for oyster farming, beautiful beaches, and Belle Époque architecture. It’s a popular spot for seafood lovers and perfect for a picnic on the beach. The main attraction here is the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s largest sand dune.
Dune du Pilat
Dune du Pilat, which is a 15 min drive from the centre of Arcachon, has a paid parking lot about 5-10 min walking distance to the dunes and costs around 7€ for the day. The first 30 mins are free but it takes longer than that to go up, see the view and go down. You can also rent a bike and ride to the dunes on the designated bike paths along the Arcachon Basin. Once you’re there, climb to the top for breathtaking views. And it’s also really fun to run down the dunes!
From Paris to Bordeaux
Paris is only two hours away by train and can easily be done as a day trip from Bordeaux. We’ve put together a 24-hour Paris itinerary to show that it’s possible to enjoy the city even with limited time, so check out the link in the description to see if it’s something you’d like to try.
Perigueux
Périgueux, only 1 hour and a half away from Bordeaux, is the capital of Dordogne. It combines Roman history with charming medieval streets that are easy to explore. The highlight is the 12th-century Saint-Front Cathedral with its five domes, best viewed from the Pont des Barris, and inside you’ll find beautiful stained glass and even a small gift shop. The city feels very clean and well cared for with many cute boutiques, restaurants and cafés.
For more detailed information about Perigueux and the Dordogne region, read this blog post next where we give more info, plus a free Dordogne travel guide.
Bordeaux Trains
If you don’t have a car, all of these places are accessible by train. We highly recommend booking your tickets with Omio to compare prices and find the option that fits your budget. Plus, you’ll have all your tickets in one place on your phone, making it super easy and convenient. You can download the app here.
6. Visit the Cite du Vin Bordeaux
La Cité du Vin is Bordeaux’s wine museum and cultural space, shaped like a swirling glass of wine. Inside you’ll find interactive exhibitions that take you through the history, culture, and science of wine from around the world. It’s not just for wine lovers, there are sensory stations, films, workshops, and a panoramic rooftop bar where adults can taste wine and kids get grape juice with the view. The building also has a restaurant, and a shop.
Getting there is easy: take Tram B to the “Cité du Vin” stop, hop on the Batcub river shuttle along the Garonne if you’re staying on the other side of the river, or walk about 30 minutes from the city center by the river.
7. Make the Most of the Garonne River in Bordeaux France
Stroll next to the River in Bordeaux
Many people enjoy taking a stroll along the river or even biking next to it. We’ve included info on the city bikes you can rent and all the station locations in our free guide, so definitely check that out. The vibe along the river is so relaxing. We love grabbing some food to go and eating on a bench while watching the water.
Take a River Cruise in Bordeaux
You can also go on a 2 hour river cruise, either with a 3-course dinner (a great option for date night) or lunch. Or an 1h30 one with a glass of wine and a canelé.
See the Bordeaux Bridges crossing the Garonne River
Bordeaux has 8 main bridges crossing the Garonne River. Some are more practical than pretty, but a few are worth seeing. Pont de Pierre, built in 1822, commissioned by Napoleon, it’s the oldest and most iconic bridge in Bordeaux. Recognizable for its 17 arches (matching the letters in Napoléon Bonaparte). Pont d’Aquitaine, built in 1967, is a massive suspension bridge (kind of like a mini Golden Gate. Pont Jacques-Chaban-Delmas, which was built more recently, in 2013. It’s a modern vertical-lift bridge. It rises to let ships pass and at night it’s beautifully lit.
8. Go Shopping in Bordeaux
There are plenty of opportunities to go shopping in Bordeaux. The most popular shopping location is Rue Sainte Catherine. It’s one of Europe’s longest shopping streets, filled with stores, cafés, and restaurants. It stretches from Place de la Victoire all the way to Place de la Comedie.
It’s a must-visit but it can get extremely crowded so we recommend going in the morning before 11am and late in the evening on weekdays, but avoid the weekends.
If you prefer thrifting or brocante shopping, Bordeaux has many flea markets, like the one every Sunday morning by the Saint-Michel Cathedral, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
9. Ride on the Electric Tourist Train
In Bordeaux you can also take the little electric tourist train. It’s a 45-minute ride that takes you through the main neighborhoods while you listen to the history of the city. Tickets cost 12 € per person, and since the train is electric it’s quiet and easy to enjoy. The meeting point is right next to Place des Quinconces, so it’s very central and easy to get to with public transport or fit into your itinerary.
Public Transport in Bordeaux – Bordeaux Tram Tickets
Speaking of public transport, Bordeaux mainly runs on trams. There are four lines with over 100 stops. You can buy Bordeaux tram tickets at the machines in the stations or directly on board, but note that lines 1 and 9 are the only lines you can pay with credit card on. Tickets are also available on the TBM app. We’ve included a map of the tram lines and details on other transport options in the free guide.
10. Visit the Bordeaux Museums
Opéra National de Bordeaux
Opéra National de Bordeaux is the city ‘s main opera house, in Place de la Comedie, close to Place de Quinonces. You can see a performance or join a guided tour to go inside, if you’re not attending a show.
Musee National des Douanes
A small museum about customs and trade, showcasing the history of French customs through uniforms, tools, contraband, artwork (including a Monet called Customs Hut, Afternoon Effect), and interactive exhibits.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Bordeaux also has a Museum of Contemporary Art if you’re looking for something different from classic paintings. It’s a 19th century warehouse turned into a museum in the late 80s, showcasing almost 2000 pieces by many prominent international artists.
We’ve also included two super fun family-friendly activities in our free guide!
Where to Stay in Bordeaux – Best Hotels in Bordeaux for Every Budget
For Low Budget Travelers:
For Medium Budget Travelers:
- Marty Hotel Bordeaux
More French Getaways, Road Trip Inspo & Budget Hacks You’ll Love
If you’re looking for more ideas on where to go in France, make sure to check out our blog post “8 Top French Holiday Destinations” for some seriously beautiful spots. And if the south of France is on your list, don’t miss our full French Riviera Road Trip — it’s packed with dreamy stops and practical tips. Traveling on a budget? We’ve got you covered. Head over to our Top Budget Travel Hacks to learn how to plan the trip of your dreams without spending a fortune.
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