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

Should you visit Bordeaux or Houston?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux or Houston? 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Houston

Houston is a one-of-a-kind, diverse, and sprawling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Bordeaux and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bordeaux or Houston?

You'll generally find more things to do in Houston than Bordeaux. Houston is bigger than Bordeaux, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Houston is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Bordeaux is more popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Bordeaux is more touristy than Houston and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Houston is well known for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. Also, Houston is famous for The Space Center Houston.

How is Bordeaux different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Houston 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 Houston?

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

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

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 Houston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bordeaux is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Houston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is Bordeaux or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Houston 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 Houston know how to have a good time. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

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 Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Bordeaux is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Bordeaux is not a live music destination.

Is Bordeaux or Houston Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a good destination for its old town. However, Houston does not have a historic old town.

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

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bordeaux or Houston?

Bordeaux is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Bordeaux or Houston Better for Families?

Houston is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Houston is a very kid-friendly city. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

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 Bordeaux or Houston Better for Couples?

Bordeaux is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Houston is a good city for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Bordeaux or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bordeaux is a good destination for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Bordeaux or Houston Better for Students?

Bordeaux is well known for students. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

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

Bordeaux is well known for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Bordeaux can get you to some places easily. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Public transit is mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Bordeaux or Houston a more walkable city?

Bordeaux is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Houston or Bordeaux?

How long in Bordeaux or Houston?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Bordeaux than Houston. 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 Bordeaux than Houston 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 Bordeaux.

One day in Bordeaux or Houston?

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.

Houston 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.

A weekend in Bordeaux or Houston?

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.

Houston 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 Houston, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Bordeaux or Houston?

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.

Houston 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 Houston?

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.

Houston 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bordeaux and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Bordeaux much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bordeaux is in Europe and Houston is in North America, 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 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston 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 Bordeaux Expensive? and Is Houston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux and Houston, 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 Houston?

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 Houston in the Summer?

Both Houston and Bordeaux are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Houston because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bordeaux is cooler than Houston in the summer. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. In July, Bordeaux usually receives less rain than Houston. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Bordeaux during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In the autumn, Bordeaux is much colder than Houston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bordeaux in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Houston averages at about 71°F (22°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bordeaux usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Houston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and Houston. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Bordeaux is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 6°C (43°F), and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Bordeaux gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Houston. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Houston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Houston. Many travelers come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Houston in the spring for the activities around the city.

Bordeaux is much colder than Houston in the spring. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Bordeaux usually gets less rain in April than Houston. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Houston and Bordeaux