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

Should you visit Bordeaux or Kotor?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux or Kotor? 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.

Kotor

Kotor is a historic, peaceful, and remote coastal town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Bordeaux and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bordeaux or Kotor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bordeaux. Although Bordeaux and Kotor are popular destinations, Bordeaux has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bordeaux is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Kotor attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bordeaux is more touristy than Kotor and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also well known for Cathédrale Saint-André. Kotor is famous for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

How is Bordeaux different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bordeaux is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Bordeaux is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Bordeaux and Kotor both to be world-class 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.

Kotor has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

Is Bordeaux or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Bordeaux is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Bordeaux or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a coastal town with a few options for its resorts. However, Bordeaux is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Bordeaux is not a resort destination.

Is Bordeaux or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Kotor has a few good snorkeling spots. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Bordeaux is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bordeaux or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Kotor is a popular place for the beache. However, Bordeaux is not a beach destination.

Kotor is a good option for a beach vacation. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Bordeaux is not a beach destination.

Is Bordeaux or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Kotor is revered around the world. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

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 Bordeaux or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bordeaux is not a hiking destination.

People visit Kotor specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Bordeaux is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bordeaux or Kotor?

Bordeaux is well known for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bordeaux or Kotor Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bordeaux or Kotor.

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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Bordeaux or Kotor Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bordeaux and Kotor make for a great 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.

Kotor is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Bordeaux or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Kotor is a great coastal town to visit for backpackers. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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 Kotor Better for Students?

Bordeaux is well known for students. However, Kotor is not popular with students.

Bordeaux is very popular with students. 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.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

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

Visitors to Bordeaux can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Bordeaux or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor 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 Kotor on foot is easy. The old town is best explored 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 Bordeaux Worth Visiting? and Is Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Bordeaux?

How long in Bordeaux or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Bordeaux or Kotor. 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 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

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

One day in Bordeaux or Kotor?

In Bordeaux, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this romantic destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bordeaux. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Five days in Bordeaux or Kotor?

Bordeaux is a fun place to experience. In Bordeaux, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Kotor 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 Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the elegant destination of Bordeaux. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kotor is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal town 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bordeaux and Kotor, we can see that Bordeaux is more expensive. And not only is Kotor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kotor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kotor 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 Kotor.

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

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Kotor?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Bordeaux are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bordeaux is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 21°C (69°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. Bordeaux usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Bordeaux gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bordeaux usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kotor. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Bordeaux during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kotor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Bordeaux is cooler than Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 14°C (58°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Bordeaux often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Bordeaux gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bordeaux usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and Kotor. Many visitors come to Bordeaux in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kotor for the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Bordeaux is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bordeaux in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Bordeaux usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during winter. Bordeaux gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bordeaux gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bordeaux usually receives less rain than Kotor. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Kotor. Most visitors come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Bordeaux is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 12°C (53°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Bordeaux often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Bordeaux gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Bordeaux usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Bordeaux