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

Should you visit Bordeaux or Austin?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux or Austin? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a romantic, historical, and elegant 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Austin

Austin is a lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. It's a big city with many activities to entertain visitors, too. This is a very beautiful destination, too. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Bordeaux and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bordeaux or Austin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin than Bordeaux. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Austin is very popular for its museums & sights, nightlife, music, and hiking, while Bordeaux attracts visitors for its historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Bordeaux is more touristy than Austin and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Austin is famous for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also well known for The Texas Capital.

How is Bordeaux different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Austin is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Austin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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 Bordeaux or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Bordeaux and Austin both to be fantastic destinations.

For foodies, Bordeaux is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Austin has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

Is Bordeaux or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Austin just to party. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

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 Bordeaux or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Bordeaux is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Austin Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Bordeaux is not a live music destination.

Is Bordeaux or Austin Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Austin does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Bordeaux to see the historical old town. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Austin does not have a historic old town.

Is Bordeaux or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Bordeaux is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Bordeaux is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bordeaux or Austin?

Bordeaux is a great destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Bordeaux is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Bordeaux or Austin Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bordeaux or Austin.

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.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Bordeaux or Austin Better for Couples?

Bordeaux is a great destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Bordeaux or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Austin is a great city to visit for backpackers. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

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

Is Bordeaux or Austin Better for Students?

Bordeaux and Austin are very good places to visit for students.

Bordeaux is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Austin is very popular with students. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

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

Bordeaux is a great destination for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Bordeaux is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Bordeaux or Austin a more walkable city?

Bordeaux is a great destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Austin or Bordeaux?

How long in Bordeaux or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bordeaux and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than in Austin. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Bordeaux, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

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

One day in Bordeaux or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bordeaux. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Austin offers museums and nightlife. 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.

A weekend in Bordeaux or Austin?

Bordeaux is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Austin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Austin, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Bordeaux or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bordeaux. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Austin is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

A week in Bordeaux or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Bordeaux. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Austin is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Bordeaux and Austin, we can see that Austin is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Bordeaux is in Europe and Austin is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux and Austin, 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 Bordeaux or Austin?

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 Bordeaux or Austin in the Summer?

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

In July, Bordeaux is generally cooler than Austin. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 21°C (69°F), and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. Bordeaux usually receives less sunshine than Austin during summer. Bordeaux gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bordeaux usually receives around the same amount of rain as Austin. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Bordeaux during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bordeaux 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 Austin for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bordeaux is much colder than Austin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 14°C (58°F) in October, and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Bordeaux often gets less sunshine than Austin. Bordeaux gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux usually gets more rain in October than Austin. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Austin in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Bordeaux is much colder than Austin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bordeaux in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Austin averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Bordeaux usually receives less sunshine than Austin during winter. Bordeaux gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bordeaux gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Austin. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Austin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Austin. The spring months attract visitors to Bordeaux 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 Austin this time of year.

In April, Bordeaux is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 12°C (53°F), and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. In the spring, Bordeaux often gets less sunshine than Austin. Bordeaux gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Austin and Bordeaux