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

Should you visit Bordeaux or Venice?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux or Venice? 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.

Venice

Venice is a romantic, cultural, and magical city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Bordeaux and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bordeaux or Venice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Venice. Although Bordeaux and Venice are both popular with visitors, Venice has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Venice is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bordeaux is known for its food, nightlife, and big city activities. Bordeaux is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Venice is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also home to St. Mark's Basilica.

How is Bordeaux different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Venice are among the most recognizable in the world. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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 Venice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bordeaux is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Bordeaux has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Bordeaux or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Bordeaux is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice 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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Bordeaux or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Venice is revered around the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

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 Venice?

Venice is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Venice make it a world-class shopping destination. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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.

Is Bordeaux or Venice Better for Families?

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

Venice is a very kid-friendly city. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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 Venice Better for Couples?

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

Venice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Venice is a great city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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 Venice Better for Students?

Venice 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 Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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 Venice Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Venice is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Venice can get you around easily. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bordeaux. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Is Bordeaux or Venice a more walkable city?

Venice 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 Venice on foot is easy. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Venice or Bordeaux?

How long in Bordeaux or Venice?

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

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

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

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

One day in Bordeaux or Venice?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bordeaux. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful city of Venice offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Venice?

Bordeaux is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Bordeaux or Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bordeaux. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Venice is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Venice, 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 Venice?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Bordeaux. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Venice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice has to offer. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Venice?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

Both Venice and Bordeaux during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Venice for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bordeaux is cooler than Venice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bordeaux in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Venice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Venice, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bordeaux. In the summer, Bordeaux often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Venice. Bordeaux gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux usually gets less rain in July than Venice. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Venice in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and Venice. Many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Venice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bordeaux is generally around the same temperature as Venice. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 14°C (58°F), and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Bordeaux usually receives more sunshine than Venice during autumn. Bordeaux gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Venice. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Venice in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Venice. Many visitors come to Bordeaux in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Venice for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Venice can be very cold during winter. Bordeaux is much warmer than Venice in the winter. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Bordeaux often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Venice. Bordeaux gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bordeaux usually gets more rain in January than Venice. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Venice in the Spring?

Both Venice and Bordeaux are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Venice because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bordeaux is around the same temperature as Venice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bordeaux in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Venice averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Bordeaux usually receives more sunshine than Venice during spring. Bordeaux gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Venice. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Venice and Bordeaux