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

Should you visit Bordeaux or Seattle?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux or Seattle? 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Seattle

Seattle is a cultural, outdoorsy, and laid-back city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Bordeaux and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bordeaux or Seattle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seattle than Bordeaux, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Seattle is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Bordeaux is known for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Bordeaux is more touristy than Seattle and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Seattle is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also home to The Space Needle.

How is Bordeaux different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Seattle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art 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 Bordeaux or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a popular place for its theatre productions. However, Bordeaux is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Bordeaux is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bordeaux is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Bordeaux or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Seattle 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 Seattle know how to have a good time. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

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 Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is a great destination for its live music scene. However, Bordeaux is not a live music destination.

Seattle has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Bordeaux is not a live music destination.

Is Bordeaux or Seattle Better for Beaches?

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

Seattle is a good option for a beach vacation. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Bordeaux is not a beach destination.

Is Bordeaux or Seattle Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Bordeaux offers a nice historic old town area. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Is Bordeaux or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle 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 Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Bordeaux is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bordeaux or Seattle?

Bordeaux is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Bordeaux or Seattle Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bordeaux or Seattle.

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.

Seattle offers lots of family activities. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Bordeaux or Seattle Better for Couples?

Bordeaux is notable for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Bordeaux is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Bordeaux or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bordeaux and Seattle are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Seattle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Bordeaux or Seattle Better for Students?

Bordeaux and Seattle are very good places to visit for students.

Bordeaux is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Seattle is very popular with students. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

Bordeaux is notable for its public transit. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Bordeaux offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Bordeaux or Seattle a more walkable city?

Bordeaux and Seattle both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Seattle is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Bordeaux?

How long in Bordeaux or Seattle?

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

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

One day in Bordeaux or Seattle?

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.

Seattle is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Seattle?

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.

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

Five days in Bordeaux or Seattle?

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.

Seattle 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 Seattle?

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.

Seattle 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and Seattle. Many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Seattle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bordeaux is around the same temperature as Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bordeaux in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In Bordeaux, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bordeaux usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during summer. Bordeaux gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Seattle. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Seattle. Many visitors come to Bordeaux in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Bordeaux is generally a little warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 14°C (58°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Bordeaux often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Bordeaux gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Seattle. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and Bordeaux are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bordeaux for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Seattle because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Bordeaux is a little warmer than Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Bordeaux usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Bordeaux gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seattle. It's quite rainy in Bordeaux. In January, Bordeaux usually receives less rain than Seattle. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle and Bordeaux during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

In the spring, Bordeaux is around the same temperature as Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bordeaux in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C).

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

Bordeaux usually gets more rain in April than Seattle. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Bordeaux