Bordeaux

Travel Guide

Bordeaux featuring street scenes and heritage elements
Place de la Bourse
The City of Wine
Pont de Pierre
Bordeaux which includes food
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 caliber 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 centered 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 360 miles (580 kilometers) 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 center, or make use of the city’s bike sharing program, 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 center 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 center.

Bordeaux is located just 31 miles (50 kilometers) 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

Place de la Bourse

Bordeaux City Centre

5/5(106 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Place Gambetta while getting to know Bordeaux City Centre, and be sure to check out the lively bars. You can hop aboard the metro at Gambetta Tram Station or Grand Theatre Tram Station to see more of the area.

Bordeaux City Centre
Bordeaux

Hôtel de Ville - Quinconces

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

Hôtel de Ville - Quinconces
Default Image

Saint Jean Station District

Noted for its river views and coffeehouses, 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
Bordeaux Maritime

Quartier du Lac

3.5/5(21 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 Aushopping Bordeaux Lac 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
Chartrons

Chartrons

4.5/5(16 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Chartrons. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Cours du Medoc Tram Station or Les Hangars Tram Station.

Chartrons
Bastide

Bastide

3/5(2 area reviews)

Bastide is a destination travelers like for its river views, and you might hop aboard the metro at Thiers - Benauge Tram Station or Galin Tram Station to explore sights like Bordeaux Botanical Garden.

Bastide
Residhotel Galerie Tatry
Residhotel Galerie Tatry
3 out of 5
174 Cours du Medoc, Bordeaux
The price is ¥6,568 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥6,568
¥8,065 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
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 clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,229 reviews)
"This nice and modern aparthotel is well maintained and its location is very convenient as there is a tram station just half a block away. You can be in Bordeaux’s historic center in less than 20 minutes and if you’re traveling to the next destination by train, the train station (Saint-Jeanne) is ..."

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Residhotel Galerie Tatry
Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux Centre
Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux Centre
4 out of 5
17 Allée de Rio, Bordeaux
The price is ¥11,925 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥11,925
¥14,400 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Bordeaux. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (994 reviews)
"Stayed here for a short mini break. On arrival Justin on reception was very helpful polite and welcoming. As a food allergy customer (gf and df) I found breakfast quite limited. Had to ask for bread rolls to be cooked, no pastries, food was questionable to what was ok and what wasn’t. One evening ..."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux Centre
 Hotel 56 - Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint Jean
Hotel 56 - Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint Jean
4 out of 5
56 Quai de Paludate, Bordeaux, Gironde
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥20,540 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
¥20,540
¥23,874 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Bordeaux. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Rue Sainte-Catherine and Place ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (90 reviews)
"Wonderful. Everything about this hotel was wonderful, the room, staff and location great. 20 min walk into main town."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Hotel 56 - Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint Jean
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 clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,229 reviews)
"This nice and modern aparthotel is well maintained and its location is very convenient as there is a tram station just half a block away. You can be in Bordeaux’s historic center in less than 20 minutes and if you’re traveling to the next destination by train, the train station (Saint-Jeanne) is ..."

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

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! (406 reviews)
"Really enjoyed our stay, everything you need incl comfy bed, kitchen with all utensils, good shower, gym, large windows, black out curtains. Really great location near lots of sights, river and cafes and bars, all in walking distance."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Staycity Aparthotels, Bordeaux City Centre
Zenitude Hôtel - Résidences Bordeaux Aéroport
Zenitude Hôtel - Résidences Bordeaux Aéroport
3 out of 5
33 Avenue Neil Armstrong, Merignac, Gironde
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified aparthotel in Merignac. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (706 reviews)
"Very good breakfast and service overall. Unfortunately, absolutely no decoration in the room, which makes you feel like in an hospital..."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Zenitude Hôtel - Résidences Bordeaux Aéroport
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.

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Reviews of Bordeaux

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
159
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
61
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
13
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

DSS0511

Loved it here!!! Will definitely be back!

4/5 - Good

John

Bordeaux is a great town

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Nice city but not a destination I’d go out of my way to see again.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Bordeaux is a much larger city than I thought it would be. My two day stay did not give me enough time to see it all. We walked everywhere. Our favorite place we visited was the Cité du Vin - perfect place to learn about win making history.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

My favorite city of this trip. !!! I fell in love with Bordeaux.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

One grey city. We expected for more beauty towards the christmas....and were disappointed

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