A Travel Price Comparison for France Dijon vs. Bordeaux for Food, Attractions, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Dijon or Bordeaux?

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

Should I visit Dijon 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.

Dijon

Dijon is a relaxing, historical, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a elegant, charming, and romantic 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dijon and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dijon or Bordeaux?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bordeaux than Dijon. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bordeaux is very popular for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Dijon attracts visitors for its museums. Bordeaux is more touristy than Dijon and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also well known for Cathédrale Saint-André. Dijon is famous for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards.

How is Dijon different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Dijon offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

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 Dijon or Bordeaux? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Dijon and Bordeaux.

For foodies, Dijon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

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.

Is Dijon or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Dijon and Bordeaux.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bordeaux. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Dijon or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Dijon 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.

Dijon does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dijon or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is notable for shopping. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dijon. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Is Dijon or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Dijon or Bordeaux.

Dijon is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

Bordeaux is a family-friendly city. 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 Dijon or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Dijon and Bordeaux make for a high quality place to visit.

Dijon is a very popular place to visit for couples. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

Bordeaux makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Dijon or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Dijon and Bordeaux are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dijon. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Bordeaux is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Dijon or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Bordeaux is notable for students. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Bordeaux is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Plenty of students visit Dijon. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

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

Bordeaux is notable for its public transit. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Bordeaux can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Dijon has some public transit options. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Is Dijon or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Bordeaux is notable for its walkability. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Dijon?

How long in Dijon or Bordeaux?

In either Dijon or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Dijon because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dijon, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

Families should spend more time in Bordeaux than Dijon. 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 Dijon. 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 Dijon 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 Dijon or Bordeaux?

The city of Dijon 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.

In Bordeaux, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dijon or Bordeaux?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bordeaux. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dijon or Bordeaux?

Dijon is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 fun place to experience. In Bordeaux, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dijon or Bordeaux?

Dijon 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the romantic destination of Bordeaux. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Dijon or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Dijon. When comparing the sizes of Dijon 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 Dijon or Bordeaux?

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 Dijon or Bordeaux in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dijon and Bordeaux. The summer months attract visitors to Dijon because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

In the summer, Dijon is around the same temperature as Bordeaux. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dijon in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bordeaux this time of the year. In Dijon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dijon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeaux during summer. Dijon gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dijon usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Dijon gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dijon or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dijon as well as Bordeaux. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dijon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dijon is generally cooler than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Dijon average around 13°C (55°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Dijon often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Dijon gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun.

Dijon usually gets less rain in October than Bordeaux. Dijon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dijon or Bordeaux in the Winter?

Both Bordeaux and Dijon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dijon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dijon. Dijon is much colder than Bordeaux in the winter. The daily temperature in Dijon averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Dijon usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during winter. Dijon gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. In January, Dijon usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Dijon gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dijon or Bordeaux in the Spring?

Both Bordeaux and Dijon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dijon in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Dijon is around the same temperature as Bordeaux. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dijon in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Dijon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeaux. Dijon gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun.

Dijon usually gets less rain in April than Bordeaux. Dijon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Dijon