A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beijing vs. Bordeaux for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Beijing or Bordeaux?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Bordeaux can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Beijing

Beijing is a jam-packed, cultural, and fascinating city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a romantic, historical, and elegant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Beijing and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Bordeaux?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing than Bordeaux, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Beijing is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Bordeaux is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Beijing is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City. Bordeaux is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards.

How is Beijing different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Beijing 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 Beijing are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

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 Beijing or Bordeaux? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Beijing and Bordeaux can be an enjoyable experience.

Many restaurants in Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

Eat your way through Bordeaux, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Beijing or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Beijing is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Beijing know how to have a good time. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

If you're looking for night time activities Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Beijing or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Bordeaux offers a nice historic old town area. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Bordeaux?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bordeaux and Beijing.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bordeaux. 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 Beijing or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Both Beijing and Bordeaux are good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Beijing. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. 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 Beijing or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Bordeaux is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Bordeaux frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Beijing or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Beijing is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Bordeaux is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Beijing or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Beijing and Bordeaux are excellent places to visit for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Many students visit Bordeaux. 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 Beijing or Bordeaux Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Beijing and Bordeaux.

Beijing offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

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

Is Beijing or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Bordeaux is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Bordeaux?

In either Beijing or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than Bordeaux because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beijing 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 Beijing.

One day in Beijing or Bordeaux?

Beijing is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Bordeaux, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Beijing or Bordeaux?

Beijing is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Bordeaux, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bordeaux has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Bordeaux?

Beijing is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beijing, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bordeaux is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bordeaux has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Beijing or Bordeaux?

Beijing is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beijing has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bordeaux. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bordeaux. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, 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 Beijing and Bordeaux, we can see that Bordeaux is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia and Bordeaux is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Bordeaux would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bordeaux than you might in Beijing.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Bordeaux?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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.

When is the best time to visit Beijing or Bordeaux?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Beijing or Bordeaux in the Summer?

Both Bordeaux and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Beijing is generally a little warmer than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 27°C (80°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Bordeaux. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during summer. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Beijing. In July, Beijing usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beijing or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

Both Bordeaux and Beijing during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Beijing in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Beijing is around the same temperature as Bordeaux in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the autumn, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Bordeaux. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Bordeaux. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Bordeaux in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Bordeaux. Most visitors come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Beijing can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Beijing is much colder than Bordeaux. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beijing in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Bordeaux during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bordeaux receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beijing or Bordeaux in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Bordeaux. The spring months attract visitors to Beijing because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

In April, Beijing is generally a little warmer than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (57°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the spring, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Bordeaux. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Bordeaux. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Beijing