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

Should you visit Dover or Bordeaux?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dover and Bordeaux can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a natural, breathtaking, and iconic town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a elegant, charming, and romantic 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dover and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Bordeaux?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bordeaux. Although Dover and Bordeaux are both popular with visitors, Bordeaux has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bordeaux is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Dover is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Bordeaux is more touristy than Dover and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also home to Cathédrale Saint-André. Dover is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

How is Dover different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Dover or Bordeaux.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dover. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

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.

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

Bordeaux is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Dover or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Bordeaux is very good for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bordeaux. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Dover does not have a historic old town.

Bordeaux offers a nice historic old town area. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Dover does not have a historic old town.

Is Dover or Bordeaux Better for Hiking?

Dover 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 Dover. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Bordeaux is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Bordeaux Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Dover or Bordeaux.

Dover is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Bordeaux is a family-friendly town. 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 Dover or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Both Dover and Bordeaux are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Dover is a very popular place to visit for couples. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

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 Dover or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Dover and Bordeaux are good destinations for backpackers.

Dover is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Dover or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Bordeaux is a well-known place for students. However, Dover is not popular with students.

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.

Dover is not popular with students.

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

Bordeaux is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Bordeaux is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Dover?

How long in Dover or Bordeaux?

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

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

The beautiful town of Dover offers museums 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.

In Bordeaux, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this romantic 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 Dover or Bordeaux?

Dover is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dover, 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 Dover or Bordeaux?

Dover 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 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 Dover or Bordeaux?

Dover is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Dover or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover 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 Dover 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 Dover or Bordeaux in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Bordeaux. Most visitors come to Dover for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dover is generally cooler than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 17°C (63°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bordeaux this time of the year. In Dover, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dover usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during summer. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dover usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bordeaux. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dover or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dover as well as Bordeaux. The autumn months attract visitors to Dover because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

Dover is cooler than Bordeaux in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Dover often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in October than Bordeaux. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Bordeaux in the Winter?

Both Bordeaux and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Dover in the winter. In the winter, Dover is cooler than Bordeaux. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dover in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Dover usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during winter. Dover gets 57 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, Dover usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dover or Bordeaux in the Spring?

Both Bordeaux and Dover during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dover for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Dover is generally cooler than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 9°C (47°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Dover often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in April than Bordeaux. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Dover