A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bordeaux vs. Sestri Levante for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bordeaux or Sestri Levante?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux or Sestri Levante? 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. 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a scenic, local, and quaint seaside town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food and beaches.

Bordeaux and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Bordeaux or Sestri Levante?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bordeaux. Although Bordeaux and Sestri Levante are both popular with visitors, Bordeaux has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bordeaux is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Sestri Levante is known for its resorts, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Bordeaux is more touristy than Sestri Levante and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also home to Cathédrale Saint-André. Sestri Levante is popular for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Bordeaux different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bordeaux
Sestri Levante

Bordeaux is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Bordeaux
Sestri Levante

Bordeaux is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its local cuisine and 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sestri Levante makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find many restaurants along the central road in the old town, Via XXV Aprile. Seafood is popular, as are many other Italian favorites. If you're visiting during the summer months then it's best to make reservations as wait times can be long.

Is Bordeaux or Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

Bordeaux
Sestri Levante

Bordeaux is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Sestri Levante for the nightlife. There are a few places to grab a drink, but if you're looking for nightlife, you'll really need to head out of town.

Is Bordeaux or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Bordeaux
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a popular place for its resorts. However, Bordeaux is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Sestri Levante makes a nice vacation spot. There are a number of hotels in the old town or by the beach. You'll also find a decent selection of vacation rentals. During peak season you'll want to make your reservations early.

Bordeaux is not a resort destination.


Is Bordeaux or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

Bordeaux
Sestri Levante

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

Sestri Levante is a good option for a beach vacation. Home to two beaches, this makes a nice holiday spot if you're hoping to relax by the water. The beaches can get crowded with Italians during the summer months, but it still offers a charming seaside spot. Many people head to the beach by the the Bay of Silence in part because it's free. Make sure you arrive early. By the Bay of Fairytales you can rent chairs and umbrellas and enjoy a little more space.

Bordeaux is not a beach destination.

Is Bordeaux or Sestri Levante Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux
Sestri Levante

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

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.

Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bordeaux or Sestri Levante?

Bordeaux
Sestri Levante

Bordeaux is great for its shopping areas. However, Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Bordeaux or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Bordeaux
Sestri Levante

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bordeaux or Sestri Levante.

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.

Sestri Levante offers lots of family activities. This is a great spot for families that want a relaxing holiday with a small town vibe. The picturesque setting is said to have inspired fairytales, and today kids will enjoy playing on the playgrounds or exploring at the adventure park. There are also hikes, activities, and restaurants that are great for kids and adults alike.

Is Bordeaux or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

Bordeaux
Sestri Levante

Bordeaux is great for couples. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for romance.

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.

Sestri Levante is a nice destination for couples. This scenic setting offers a relaxing holiday for couples who want to enjoy quiet time together. There are plenty of outdoor activities and a cultural town with a lot of beauty to explore. It's one of the lesser known destinations in the area, so you will have a peaceful small town vibe that's great for a romantic getaway.

Is Bordeaux or Sestri Levante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bordeaux
Sestri Levante

Bordeaux is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for backpackers.

Bordeaux is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Sestri Levante is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some dorm rooms in town, but most backpackers head to one of the more well known destinations in the area. The atmosphere and history makes for a unique experience for those who do make the trip.


Is Bordeaux or Sestri Levante Better for Students?

Bordeaux
Sestri Levante

Bordeaux is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Sestri Levante 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.

Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

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

Bordeaux
Sestri Levante

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

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

Sestri Levante has a few public transit options. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

Is Bordeaux or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Bordeaux
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante on foot is easy. There are pedestrian promenades and charming streets through town that are 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 Sestri Levante Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Bordeaux?

How long in Bordeaux or Sestri Levante?

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

Couples should spend more time in Bordeaux than Sestri Levante. 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 Bordeaux than Sestri Levante 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 Bordeaux.


  • How many days in Bordeaux or Sestri Levante? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bordeaux 2-5 
    Sestri Levante 1-3

One day in Bordeaux or Sestri Levante?

In Bordeaux, you'll find museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Sestri Levante is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. 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 Sestri Levante?

Bordeaux is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Sestri Levante is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this seaside town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sestri Levante, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Bordeaux or Sestri Levante?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bordeaux. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Bordeaux. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

Sestri Levante is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This seaside 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Sestri Levante or Bordeaux?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bordeaux is €118, while the average daily cost in Sestri Levante is €143. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bordeaux and Sestri Levante in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bordeaux 63
    Sestri Levante 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bordeaux 126
    Sestri Levante 150
Compare Hotels in Bordeaux and Sestri Levante

Looking for a hotel in Bordeaux or Sestri Levante? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bordeaux


Hotels in Sestri Levante


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bordeaux Hotel Prices and Sestri Levante Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bordeaux 15
    Sestri Levante 56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bordeaux

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bordeaux:

  • Airport to Lège-Cap-Ferret Transfer in Business Sedan: $273
  • Airport to Bordeaux Premium Class Private Transfer: $273
  • Private Transfer from Airport to Bordeaux City: $165
  • Bordeaux to Airport Private Transfer in Premium Class: $147
  • Arrival Private Transfer Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux by Van: $115
  • Bordeaux to Airport Private Transfer in Business Sedan: $108
  • Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $108
  • Departure Private Transfers : Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $108
  • Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Business Car: $103
  • Arrival Private Transfers : Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Business Car: $103
  • Private Transfer Bordeaux City to Bordeaux Airport BOD by Car: $97
  • Transfer Airport, Hotel, Station and others places: $96

Is it cheaper to fly into Bordeaux or Sestri Levante?

Prices for flights to both Sestri Levante and Bordeaux change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bordeaux 45
    Sestri Levante 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bordeaux

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bordeaux.

  • No Diet Club : Bordeaux Food Tour in Les Chartrons !: $63
  • Bordeaux - sweet food tour of the old city: $63
  • NO DIET CLUB - Unique food tour in Bordeaux !: $64
  • 2-Hour River Dinner Cruise: $74
  • Sweet Specialties Tasting Bakeries Food Tour: $82
  • Bordeaux : Afternoon Food Tour by a local guide: $84
  • Bordeaux Organic Food Tour - French Apéro Style: $93
  • Bordeaux : unforgettable Food Tour by a local guide: $95
  • Private Bakery, Chocolate & Patisserie Food Tour: $95
  • Food Tour in Bordeaux : $97
  • Bordeaux Food Tour - Bakeries, Pastries, Chocolate and more!: $98
  • Bordeaux Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $103

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bordeaux 7.89
    Sestri Levante 25

Tours and Activities in Bordeaux

Here are a few actual costs in Bordeaux for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • "Bordeaux by bicycle: a 3-hour tour immersive experience": $39
  • "Explore Saint-Émilion on e-Bikes: Small Group, Full-Day Tour": $196
  • 1-Hour Bordeaux Electric Scooter Tour: $27
  • 2 hours - Bordeaux Private tour with a native guide: $164
  • 4 Hours Gastronomic Tour in Bordeaux the Sandwiches of the World: $64
  • Aperitive guided cruise « Wine and Canelé »: $20
  • Blind Tasting: 5 Bordeaux Natural Wine + Cheese experience: $53
  • Bordeaux - Private Historic Walking Tour: $459
  • Bordeaux : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
  • Bordeaux : Must-See Attractions Walking Tour: $75
  • Bordeaux Bike Tour - Private: $217
  • Bordeaux Christmas Market Tour: $307

Tours and Activities in Sestri Levante

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sestri Levante.

  • Punta Manara Hiking Tour: $503

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bordeaux 26
    Sestri Levante 7.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Bordeaux

Also in Bordeaux, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine and Trade Museum Entry Ticket & Wine Tasting: $11
  • Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum Admission Ticket with Wine Tasting: $11
  • Distillery Tour in Bordeaux with Spirits Tasting: $16
  • Wine Tasting Cruise: $22
  • Cité du Vin Direct Ticket and Wine Tasting: $24
  • Bordeaux Pub Crawl: $25
  • Taillan-Médoc: Château Visit and Wine Tasting in Bordeaux: $27
  • Wine Tour and Tasting: $29
  • Unusual Wine Tasting Experience - Wood & Wine: $30
  • Discover Bordeaux vineyard : special wine tasting with two cellar men brothers: $32
  • Wine Country Vineyards Tour w/ Local Wine Tastings: $59
  • Bordeaux Vineyards Wine Tasting Half-Day Trip: $62


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bordeaux and Sestri Levante, we can see that Sestri Levante is more expensive. And not only is Bordeaux much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Sestri Levante would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Sestri Levante?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sestri Levante. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux and Sestri Levante, 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.

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