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

Should you visit Bristol or Bordeaux?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bristol and Bordeaux can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bristol

Bristol is a cultural, friendly, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Bristol and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bristol or Bordeaux?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Bordeaux than Bristol. While Bristol is larger than Bordeaux, Bordeaux has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bordeaux is more popular for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Bristol is known for its museums and nightlife. Bordeaux is more touristy than Bristol and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also home to Cathédrale Saint-André. Bristol is popular for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies.

How is Bristol different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bordeaux and Bristol. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bristol or Bordeaux?

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

Bristol offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

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 Bristol or Bordeaux? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bordeaux is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Bristol offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Is Bristol or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Bristol 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 Bristol know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

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 Bristol or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Bristol 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.

Bristol does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bristol or Bordeaux?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bristol and Bordeaux both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bristol. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

Bordeaux is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Bristol or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Both Bristol and Bordeaux are good to visit with kids.

Bristol offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Bordeaux is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Bristol or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Bordeaux is great for couples. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Bristol is a nice destination for couples. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

Is Bristol or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bordeaux is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Bristol or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Bordeaux is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Bristol is a good city to visit for students. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

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

Bordeaux is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Bristol has a few public transit options. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

Is Bristol or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Bristol and Bordeaux are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Bristol is a very walkable destination. The city center is well designed for walking.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Bordeaux?

In either Bristol or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Bristol because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bristol, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bordeaux than Bristol 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.

One day in Bristol or Bordeaux?

The city of Bristol offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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.

A weekend in Bristol or Bordeaux?

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

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.

Five days in Bristol or Bordeaux?

Bristol 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.

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.

A week in Bristol or Bordeaux?

Bristol 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 city offers something for everyone.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Bristol and Bordeaux, we can see that Bordeaux is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bristol Expensive? and Is Bordeaux Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bristol or Bordeaux?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Bristol and Bordeaux, 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 Bristol or Bordeaux?

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 Bristol or Bordeaux in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Bordeaux. Many travelers come to Bristol for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bristol is generally cooler than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 18°C (64°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Bristol usually gets less rain in July than Bordeaux. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

Both Bordeaux and Bristol are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bristol in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, 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.

Bristol is around the same temperature as Bordeaux in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In October, Bristol usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bordeaux. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bristol or Bordeaux in the Winter?

Both Bordeaux and Bristol during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bristol for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Bristol is around the same temperature as Bordeaux. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bristol in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Bordeaux gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bristol usually gets less rain in January than Bordeaux. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Bordeaux in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Bordeaux. The spring months attract visitors to Bristol because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

In April, Bristol is generally cooler than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 10°C (50°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Bristol usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Bristol