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

Should you visit Bordeaux or Pisa?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux or Pisa? 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 historical, elegant, and charming 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Pisa

Pisa is a iconic, world-famous, and classic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Bordeaux and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bordeaux or Pisa?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bordeaux than Pisa. Bordeaux is bigger than Pisa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bordeaux is better known for its food and big city activities, while Pisa is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and historical sights. Bordeaux is more touristy than Pisa and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Also, Bordeaux is famous for Cathédrale Saint-André. Pisa is well known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere.

How is Bordeaux different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pisa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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 Pisa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bordeaux is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Dining out in Pisa is an experience not to be missed. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Is Bordeaux or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Pisa 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 Pisa know how to have a good time. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

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 Pisa Better for Beaches?

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

Pisa is a good option for a beach vacation. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Bordeaux is not a beach destination.

Is Bordeaux or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Pisa is a great destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

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 the Shopping Better in Bordeaux or Pisa?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Pisa and Bordeaux.

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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Pisa. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

Is Bordeaux or Pisa Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bordeaux or Pisa.

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.

Pisa offers lots of family activities. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Bordeaux or Pisa Better for Couples?

Bordeaux is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Bordeaux is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Bordeaux or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Pisa is a great city to visit for backpackers. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

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 Pisa Better for Students?

Pisa is a world-class destination for students. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Pisa. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

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.

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

Bordeaux is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The public transit in Bordeaux can get you around easily. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Pisa has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Bordeaux or Pisa a more walkable city?

Bordeaux and Pisa both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Pisa is a very walkable destination. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Bordeaux?

How long in Bordeaux or Pisa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bordeaux and Pisa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than in Pisa. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Bordeaux, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pisa.

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

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

One day in Bordeaux or Pisa?

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 city of Pisa offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Bordeaux or Pisa?

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.

Pisa 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pisa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Bordeaux or Pisa?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the charming 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.

Pisa 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 Pisa?

The historical 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.

Pisa is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Bordeaux and Pisa, we can see that Pisa 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 Pisa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Pisa?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux and Pisa, 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 Pisa?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Pisa in the Summer?

Both Pisa and Bordeaux during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

Bordeaux is cooler than Pisa in the summer. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Pisa fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Pisa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bordeaux. In the summer, Bordeaux often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Bordeaux gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux usually gets more rain in July than Pisa. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Pisa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and Pisa. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pisa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bordeaux is cooler than Pisa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bordeaux in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Pisa averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Bordeaux usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pisa during autumn. Bordeaux gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pisa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Bordeaux usually receives less rain than Pisa. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Pisa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Pisa. Many travelers come to Bordeaux for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Pisa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Bordeaux is generally cooler than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 6°C (43°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Bordeaux often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Bordeaux gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bordeaux usually gets more rain in January than Pisa. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Pisa in the Spring?

Both Pisa and Bordeaux are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bordeaux in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Pisa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Bordeaux is cooler than Pisa in the spring. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Bordeaux usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pisa during spring. Bordeaux gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pisa. In April, Bordeaux usually receives less rain than Pisa. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Bordeaux