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

Should you visit Bordeaux or Portland?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux or Portland? 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 charming, romantic, and historical 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a eclectic, tree-lined, and nature-filled city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Bordeaux and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bordeaux or Portland?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Bordeaux than Portland. While Portland is larger than Bordeaux, Bordeaux has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bordeaux is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Portland attracts visitors for its music, hiking, and small town charm. Bordeaux is more touristy than Portland and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also well known for Cathédrale Saint-André. Portland is famous for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty.

How is Bordeaux different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bordeaux is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its 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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Bordeaux is very popular for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Bordeaux or Portland Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Bordeaux or Portland has a better nightlife scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Portland has a few options to choose from. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Bordeaux or Portland Better for Music?

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

The music scene in Portland is active and vibrant. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Bordeaux is not a live music destination.

Is Bordeaux or Portland Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Portland does not have a historic old town.

Bordeaux is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

Is Bordeaux or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bordeaux is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Bordeaux is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bordeaux or Portland?

Bordeaux is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bordeaux. 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.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Bordeaux or Portland Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bordeaux or Portland.

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.

Portland offers lots of family activities. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Bordeaux or Portland Better for Couples?

Bordeaux is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Bordeaux makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Bordeaux or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Portland is a great city to visit for backpackers. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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 Portland Better for Students?

Bordeaux is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

Bordeaux is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Bordeaux or Portland a more walkable city?

Bordeaux and Portland both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Portland is a very walkable destination. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Bordeaux?

How long in Bordeaux or Portland?

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

Families should spend more time in Bordeaux than Portland. 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 Portland. 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.

One day in Bordeaux or Portland?

The beautiful city of Bordeaux offers food and shopping. 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.

The city of Portland offers nightlife and live music. 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 Portland?

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

Portland 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 spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portland, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Bordeaux or Portland?

Bordeaux is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bordeaux, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Portland 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 Portland?

Bordeaux is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

Portland 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 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bordeaux and Portland, we can see that Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland 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 Portland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Portland?

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

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 Portland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Portland. Many visitors come to Bordeaux in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Bordeaux is generally around the same temperature as Portland. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 21°C (69°F), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bordeaux this time of the year. In the summer, Bordeaux often gets less sunshine than Portland. Bordeaux gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Bordeaux are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Bordeaux is a little warmer than Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 14°C (58°F) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Bordeaux usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland during autumn. Bordeaux gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Portland. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Bordeaux during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

It's quite cold in Portland in the winter. In the winter, Bordeaux is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bordeaux in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Bordeaux often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland. Bordeaux gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

Portland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. Bordeaux usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Portland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and Portland. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Bordeaux is generally around the same temperature as Portland. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 12°C (53°F), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. Bordeaux usually receives less sunshine than Portland during spring. Bordeaux gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Portland. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Bordeaux