Which place is cheaper, Bordeaux or Coimbra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Coimbra or Bordeaux?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Coimbra or Bordeaux? 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.
Where Should I go: Coimbra or Bordeaux?
Coimbra
Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is the place to go for fine wines. It's a very mellow, cultural city where you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a quaint cafe or restaurant without being rushed. The city is the capital of Gironde, and the entire metropolitan area has over one million residents. The city also has a rather large and vibrant university and the population is known to be very tolerant and liberal. There is a very strong artistic vibe in the city and, due to it's history of English rule, there is an English flair to the area. The large student population means that there is no shortage of opportunities to see shows, hear music, or visit a museum.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCoimbra €103Bordeaux €118
The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €103, while the average daily cost in Bordeaux is €118. 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 Coimbra and Bordeaux in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCoimbra €44Bordeaux €63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCoimbra €88Bordeaux €126
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Bordeaux
Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Bordeaux? 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.
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: Coimbra Hotel Prices and Bordeaux Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Coimbra €11Bordeaux €15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra
Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $147
- Transfer Viseu - Porto: $157
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bordeaux
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bordeaux:
- Transfer Airport, Hotel, Station and others places: $96
- Private Transfer from Bordeaux Airport to City of Bordeaux: $87
- Private Transfer from Airport to Bordeaux City: $165
- Private Transfer Bordeaux City to Bordeaux Airport BOD by Car: $97
- Departure Private Transfers : Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $108
- Bordeaux to Airport Private Transfer in Premium Class: $147
- Bordeaux to Airport Private Transfer in Business Sedan: $108
- Bordeaux Airport 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
- Arrival Private Transfer Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux by Van: $115
- Airport to Lège-Cap-Ferret Transfer in Business Sedan: $273
Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Bordeaux?
Prices for flights to both Bordeaux and Coimbra 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
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Food Meals for one dayCoimbra €48Bordeaux €45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Chanfana: Cooking Traditional Portuguese Cuisine Experience: $49
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Coimbra €18Bordeaux €7.89
Tours and Activities in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $3.21
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.21
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.45
- Coimbra's Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Historical Highlights: $6.99
- Tomar: Unveiling the Templar Order with a Self-Guided Tour: $7.62
- Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.65
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Tomar Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Discover Coimbra's Legacy through a Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Portugal dos Pequenitos entry ticket: $16
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCoimbra €12Bordeaux €26
Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:
- Wine Tasting Experience in Portugal: $27
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 comparing the travel costs between Coimbra 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 Coimbra Expensive? and Is Bordeaux Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Bordeaux?
Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra 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 Coimbra 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 Coimbra or Bordeaux in the Summer?
Both Bordeaux and Coimbra during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.
In July, Coimbra is generally a little warmer than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 23°C (73°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
In Bordeaux, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Coimbra. In the summer, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Bordeaux. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun.
Coimbra usually gets less rain in July than Bordeaux. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCoimbra 23°C (73°F)Bordeaux 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Bordeaux in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Bordeaux. Also, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Coimbra is a little warmer than Bordeaux in the autumn. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Bordeaux during autumn. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Coimbra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCoimbra 18°C (65°F)Bordeaux 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Bordeaux in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Bordeaux. Also, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Coimbra is much warmer than Bordeaux. Typically, the winter temperatures in Coimbra in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 6°C (43°F).
In the winter, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Bordeaux. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bordeaux. Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Coimbra usually gets more rain in January than Bordeaux. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCoimbra 11°C (51°F)Bordeaux 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Bordeaux in the Spring?
Both Bordeaux and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Coimbra is generally a little warmer than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 15°C (59°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Bordeaux during spring. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCoimbra 15°C (59°F)Bordeaux 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Coimbra
| Coimbra | Bordeaux | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.