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

Should you visit Bordeaux or Sorrento?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux or Sorrento? 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.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a historic, relaxing, and accessible small 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. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Bordeaux and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bordeaux or Sorrento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sorrento. Although Bordeaux and Sorrento are popular destinations, Sorrento has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sorrento is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Bordeaux attracts visitors for its museums and historical sights. Bordeaux is more touristy than Sorrento and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Sorrento is famous for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. It is also well known for Marina Grande and Marina Piccola.

How is Bordeaux different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bordeaux is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento 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.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Bordeaux and Sorrento both to be terrific 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.

Sorrento has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

Is Bordeaux or Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Bordeaux or Sorrento 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 Sorrento has a few options to choose from. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

Is Bordeaux or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is a great destination for its resorts. However, Bordeaux is not a resort destination.

Sorrento is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Bordeaux is not a resort destination.

Is Bordeaux or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is a small city with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bordeaux is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Sorrento has a few snorkeling spots. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Bordeaux is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bordeaux or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

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

Sorrento is a good option for a beach vacation. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

Bordeaux is not a beach destination.

Is Bordeaux or Sorrento Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Bordeaux to see the historical old town. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Bordeaux or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento 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 Sorrento. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

Bordeaux is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bordeaux or Sorrento?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sorrento 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 Sorrento. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

Is Bordeaux or Sorrento Better for Families?

Sorrento is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Sorrento is a very kid-friendly small city. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Bordeaux or Sorrento Better for Couples?

Sorrento is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Sorrento makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

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.

Is Bordeaux or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Sorrento. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

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 Sorrento Better for Students?

Bordeaux is a great destination for students. However, Sorrento 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.

Sorrento is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bordeaux and Sorrento.

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Sorrento. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

Is Bordeaux or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Bordeaux and Sorrento both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Sorrento is a very walkable destination. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

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

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Bordeaux?

How long in Bordeaux or Sorrento?

Both Bordeaux and Sorrento have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sorrento than in Bordeaux. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Bordeaux, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sorrento.

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

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

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

One day in Bordeaux or Sorrento?

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 beautiful small city of Sorrento offers nightlife 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 Sorrento?

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.

Sorrento is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Sorrento?

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.

Sorrento 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 Sorrento, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Bordeaux or Sorrento?

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.

Sorrento is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sorrento has to offer. This small 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 Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Sorrento?

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

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 Sorrento in the Summer?

Both Sorrento and Bordeaux are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bordeaux in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Sorrento for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Bordeaux is generally cooler than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 21°C (69°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Sorrento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. Bordeaux usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during summer. Bordeaux gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Sorrento. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Sorrento in the Autumn?

Both Sorrento and Bordeaux during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Sorrento because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Bordeaux often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Bordeaux gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

Sorrento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bordeaux usually gets less rain in October than Sorrento. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Sorrento in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and Sorrento. The winter months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

In the winter, Bordeaux is cooler than Sorrento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bordeaux in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Sorrento averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Bordeaux usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during winter. Bordeaux gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sorrento 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 Sorrento. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Sorrento in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Sorrento. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sorrento for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Bordeaux is generally cooler than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 12°C (53°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Bordeaux often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sorrento. Bordeaux gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Sorrento. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Bordeaux