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

Should you visit Bordeaux or Hvar?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux or Hvar? 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 elegant, charming, and romantic 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Hvar

Hvar is a party-oriented, historic, and beautiful island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Bordeaux and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bordeaux or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bordeaux than Hvar, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bordeaux is better known for its food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Hvar is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Bordeaux is well known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Also, Bordeaux is famous for Cathédrale Saint-André. Hvar is well known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine.

How is Bordeaux different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Bordeaux and Hvar.

Bordeaux offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Bordeaux is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Bordeaux have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Hvar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

Is Bordeaux or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar 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 Hvar just to party. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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 Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bordeaux is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hvar has a few good snorkeling spots. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Bordeaux is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bordeaux or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a great destination for the beache. However, Bordeaux is not a beach destination.

Hvar is considered a top beach destination. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Bordeaux is not a beach destination.

Is Bordeaux or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a city with good options for its old town. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Bordeaux or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Bordeaux is not a hiking destination.

Hvar is a good destination for hiking. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Bordeaux is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bordeaux or Hvar?

Bordeaux is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit 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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Bordeaux or Hvar Better for Families?

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

Hvar is a very kid-friendly island. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

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 Hvar Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bordeaux and Hvar make for a excellent place to visit.

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.

Hvar is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Bordeaux or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Hvar. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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 Hvar Better for Students?

Bordeaux is notable for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Bordeaux is notable for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit 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.

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Bordeaux or Hvar a more walkable city?

Bordeaux is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Bordeaux?

How long in Bordeaux or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Bordeaux or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Bordeaux due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Bordeaux, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

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

One day in Bordeaux or Hvar?

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.

The beautiful island of Hvar offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Hvar?

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.

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

Five days in Bordeaux or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the elegant 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.

Hvar is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife 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.

A week in Bordeaux or Hvar?

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.

Hvar is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island 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 in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Bordeaux and Hvar, we can see that Bordeaux 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Hvar?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and Hvar. Many visitors come to Bordeaux in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bordeaux is cooler than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In Bordeaux, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bordeaux usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Bordeaux gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Hvar. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Hvar. 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. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Hvar because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bordeaux is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bordeaux in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the autumn, Bordeaux often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Bordeaux gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux usually gets more rain in October than Hvar. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Bordeaux are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In January, Bordeaux is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 6°C (43°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Bordeaux usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Bordeaux gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Bordeaux. In January, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Hvar. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Bordeaux during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Bordeaux is cooler than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Bordeaux often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Bordeaux gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux usually gets more rain in April than Hvar. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Bordeaux