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

Should you visit Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a accessible, bustling, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a charming, romantic, and historical city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Heraklion and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Bordeaux?

Both Bordeaux and Heraklion have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Heraklion is better known for its museums, nightlife, and beaches, while Bordeaux is more popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Bordeaux is more touristy than Heraklion and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Heraklion is well known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene.

How is Heraklion different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Heraklion offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

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 Heraklion or Bordeaux? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bordeaux is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Heraklion is an experience not to be missed. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

Is Heraklion or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion 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 Heraklion know how to have a good time. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

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 Heraklion or Bordeaux Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a great destination for the beache. However, Bordeaux is not a beach destination.

Heraklion is considered a top beach destination. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Bordeaux is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a city with good options for its old town. However, Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bordeaux. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Bordeaux is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Heraklion to go shopping. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Is Heraklion or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Bordeaux are notable to visit with kids.

Heraklion is a family-friendly city. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bordeaux. 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 Heraklion or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Bordeaux are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Heraklion makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

Couples visit Bordeaux frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Heraklion or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Heraklion is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

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

Is Heraklion or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Bordeaux is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion is not popular with 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.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Bordeaux is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Bordeaux has some very good public transit options. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

You'll find some public transit in Heraklion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Is Heraklion or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Bordeaux are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Heraklion is a very walkable city. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

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 Heraklion Worth Visiting? and Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Bordeaux?

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

Couples should spend more time in Bordeaux than Heraklion. 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion.

One day in Heraklion or Bordeaux?

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bordeaux. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Bordeaux?

Heraklion 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Heraklion, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Bordeaux. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Bordeaux?

Heraklion 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the charming city of Bordeaux. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Heraklion or Bordeaux?

Heraklion is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Bordeaux is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, 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 Heraklion and Bordeaux, we can see that Heraklion 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 Heraklion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heraklion 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 Heraklion Expensive? and Is Bordeaux Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Bordeaux?

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

Both Bordeaux and Heraklion during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Bordeaux in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Bordeaux, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Bordeaux. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Bordeaux. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Heraklion is a little warmer than Bordeaux. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Bordeaux during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Bordeaux in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Bordeaux. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Bordeaux. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bordeaux. Heraklion usually gets less rain in January than Bordeaux. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Bordeaux in the Spring?

Both Bordeaux and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Bordeaux in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Bordeaux during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Heraklion