A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bath vs. Bordeaux for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Old Town

Should you visit Bath or Bordeaux?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bath and Bordeaux can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bath

Bath is a architectural, charming, and historical spa town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a charming, romantic, and historical city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Bath and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bath or Bordeaux?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bordeaux than Bath. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bordeaux is very popular for its food and big city activities, while Bath attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Bordeaux is more touristy than Bath and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also well known for Cathédrale Saint-André. Bath is famous for its world-renowned Roman built baths as well as its historical architecture and many museums.

How is Bath different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bordeaux and Bath. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bath or Bordeaux?

Bath is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Bath are among the most recognizable in the world. The main draw to Bath is the rich history and most sights are focused on the area's spa city past. The Roman Baths are a highlight of a trip to the city, but other not to be missed places include Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

Is the Food Better in Bath or Bordeaux? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bordeaux is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Bordeaux has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bath. Sample afternoon tea or try some local fish and chips. There are a diversity of restaurants to choose from so it's easy to find local favorites, vegetarian options, or international cuisine.

Is Bath or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Both Bath and Bordeaux have nice vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bath. Head to George Street, which is the liveliest part of the city at night. You'll find a mix of high end restaurants, pubs, and cocktail bars that keep the energy high. One of the most popular nightlife venues in Bath is Bath Komedia, which is a popular music and comedy club.

Bordeaux has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Bath or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Bath is a great destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bath. The Roman old town has charming streets and a vibrant environment. On pleasant weekends you'll find tourists and locals alike filling the restaurants and town squares, giving the city an energy and lively atmosphere.

Bordeaux has an old town worth visiting. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Bath or Bordeaux?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Bath and Bordeaux.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bath. Head to Stall Street and Union Street for the most popular shopping streets in town. Many visitors pick up jewelry, glass, and fudge or other sweets while exploring the area.

Bordeaux is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Is Bath or Bordeaux Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Bath or Bordeaux.

Bath is a family-friendly spa town. The city is all about history and architecture, so at times it can be challenging for the kids to stay entertained. For a change of pace, take a boat on the canal or explore one of the beautiful gardens.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bordeaux. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Bath or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Bath is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Bath makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its beautiful architecture and fascinating history, this city is perfect for couples. Take a canal cruise or wander through the scenic areas to enjoy a romantic trip.

Bordeaux is a great spa town if you're traveling as a couple. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

Is Bath or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bath and Bordeaux are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Bath is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find a surprising number of hostels around town so it's not hard to meet other backpackers while you're in the area.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Bath or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Both Bath and Bordeaux are great destinations for students.

Bath is very popular with students. The University of Bath offers a number of different programs so this is a popular city for local and international students.

Bordeaux is a great spa town to visit as a student. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

Is Bath or Bordeaux Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bordeaux is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Bordeaux. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

You'll find some public transit in Bath, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You likely won't need public transit because it's easy to walk most places, but there are buses around town.

Is Bath or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Bath is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Bath on foot is easy. It is a very walkable city with most sights and activities packed into a very compact area. There are also many pedestrian areas that are easy to explore on foot.

Bordeaux is a very walkable destination. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

For even more information, also check out Is Bath Worth Visiting? and Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Bath?

How long in Bath or Bordeaux?

In either Bath or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Bath because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bath, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

Families should spend more time in Bath than Bordeaux. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bath, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bath than Bordeaux. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bath that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bath than Bordeaux if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Bath.

One day in Bath or Bordeaux?

The beautiful spa town of Bath offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bordeaux. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bath or Bordeaux?

Bath is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this spa town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bath, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Bordeaux is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bath or Bordeaux?

Bath is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the romantic destination of Bordeaux. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Bath or Bordeaux?

Bath is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This spa town offers something for everyone.

The romantic city of Bordeaux offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bath and Bordeaux, we can see that Bath is more expensive. And not only is Bordeaux much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bordeaux would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bordeaux and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bath would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bath than you might in Bordeaux.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bath Expensive? and Is Bordeaux Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bath or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bath. When comparing the sizes of Bath and Bordeaux, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.