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

Should you visit Inverness 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 Inverness and Bordeaux can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a local, historic, and cultural city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a elegant, charming, and romantic 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Inverness and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Inverness or Bordeaux?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bordeaux than Inverness, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bordeaux is better known for its food, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Inverness is more popular for its museums and small town charm. Bordeaux is more touristy than Inverness and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Also, Bordeaux is famous for Cathédrale Saint-André. Inverness is well known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness.

How is Inverness different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Inverness
Bordeaux

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

Inverness offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

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 Inverness or Bordeaux? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Inverness
Bordeaux

Bordeaux is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Inverness has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

Is Inverness or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Bordeaux

Both Inverness and Bordeaux are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

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 Inverness or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Inverness
Bordeaux

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

Many people head to Bordeaux to see the old town. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Inverness does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Bordeaux?

Inverness
Bordeaux

Both Inverness and Bordeaux are great shopping destinations.

Inverness is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Is Inverness or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Inverness
Bordeaux

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Inverness or Bordeaux.

Inverness is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

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 Inverness or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Inverness
Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Bordeaux is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Inverness is a good city for couples to visit. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.


Is Inverness or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Bordeaux

Bordeaux is very good for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.

Is Inverness or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Inverness
Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a well-known place for students. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness is not popular with students.

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

Inverness
Bordeaux

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.


Is Inverness or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Inverness
Bordeaux

Inverness and Bordeaux both are great when exploring on foot.

Inverness is a very walkable city. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

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 Inverness Worth Visiting? and Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Bordeaux?

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

Families should spend more time in Bordeaux than Inverness. 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 Inverness. 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 Inverness 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.


  • How many days in Inverness or Bordeaux? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Bordeaux 2-5

One day in Inverness or Bordeaux?

The city of Inverness 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.

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 Inverness or Bordeaux?

Inverness 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 Inverness, 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 Inverness or Bordeaux?

Inverness 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 romantic 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 Inverness or Bordeaux?

Inverness 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.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Bordeaux or Inverness?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Inverness is £168, while the average daily cost in Bordeaux is £101. 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 Inverness and Bordeaux in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Bordeaux £54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Bordeaux £108
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Bordeaux

Looking for a hotel in Inverness 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.

Hotels in Inverness


Hotels in Bordeaux


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: Inverness Hotel Prices and Bordeaux Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Bordeaux £13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bordeaux

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bordeaux:

  • Private Transfer from Bordeaux Airport to City of Bordeaux: $87
  • Transfer Airport, Hotel, Station and others places: $96
  • Private Transfer Bordeaux City to Bordeaux Airport BOD by Car: $97
  • Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Business Car: $103
  • Arrival Private Transfers : Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Business Car: $103
  • Bordeaux to Airport Private Transfer in Business Sedan: $108
  • Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $108
  • Departure Private Transfers : Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $108
  • Arrival Private Transfer Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux by Van: $115
  • Bordeaux to Airport Private Transfer in Premium Class: $147
  • Private Transfer from Airport to Bordeaux City: $165
  • Airport to Lège-Cap-Ferret Transfer in Business Sedan: $273

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Bordeaux?

Prices for flights to both Bordeaux and Inverness 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Inverness £49
    Bordeaux £39

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Bordeaux £6.75

Tours and Activities in Inverness

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Inverness are as follows:

  • City Discovery App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $15
  • Inverness City Daily Walking Tour (11:30am, 2pm & 5:30pm): $15
  • Guided Walking Tour with a Local: $17
  • SEA LIFE Loch Lomond General Admission Ticket: $20
  • Northern Highlights Sightseeing Pass: $25
  • Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views: $27
  • Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch: $38
  • Glenaladale Cruise - Great for wizard spotting!: $38
  • Inverness Bike Tour a 2 hours guided bike tour around the Waterways of Inverness: $39
  • Gaskan cruise - Golden Eagles!: $44
  • Puffin Tour: $57

Tours and Activities in Bordeaux

Here are a few actual costs in Bordeaux for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bordeaux : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
  • Free Walking City Tour: $2.14
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Bordeaux Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • City Highlights & Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Tour: $6.95
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • The best of Find more than wine on this self-guided audio tour: $6.99
  • Centre of Explore 2,000 years of history on a self-guided audio tour: $8.99
  • Bordeaux Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Guided Walking Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Bordeaux £22

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124

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


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Inverness 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 Inverness 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 Inverness or Bordeaux in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Bordeaux. Most visitors come to Inverness for the small town charm 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.

Inverness is cooler than Bordeaux in the summer. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bordeaux this time of the year. Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during summer. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Inverness usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Inverness 14°C (58°F) 
    Bordeaux 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Bordeaux. The autumn months attract visitors to Inverness because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. 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.

In the autumn, Inverness is much colder than Bordeaux. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Inverness in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in October than Bordeaux. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Bordeaux 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Bordeaux in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Inverness in the winter. In January, Inverness is generally much colder than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 3°C (38°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during winter. Inverness gets 42 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, Inverness usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Bordeaux 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Bordeaux in the Spring?

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

Inverness is much colder than Bordeaux in the spring. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in April than Bordeaux. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Bordeaux 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Inverness

Inverness Bordeaux
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)