A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kilkenny vs. Bordeaux for Food, Attractions, Old Town, and Families

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

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a fascinating, active, and ancient town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a romantic, historical, and elegant 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kilkenny and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kilkenny or Bordeaux?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bordeaux than Kilkenny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bordeaux is better known for its food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Kilkenny is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Bordeaux is more touristy than Kilkenny and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Also, Bordeaux is famous for Cathédrale Saint-André. Kilkenny is well known for its medieval castle and long running history.

How is Kilkenny different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Kilkenny offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's seeped in history and there are many historic landmarks in the area including Kilkenny Castle. Also make sure you check out the National Design & Craft Gallery, Saint Mary's Cathedral, and the Medieval Mile Museum.

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 Kilkenny or Bordeaux? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bordeaux is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Kilkenny has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Is Kilkenny or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Kilkenny or Bordeaux has a better nightlife scene.

Kilkenny has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

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 Kilkenny or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny is a great destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Kilkenny. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Bordeaux has an old town worth visiting. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Kilkenny or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Bordeaux is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Kilkenny has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of shopping malls, shopping streets, and local markets. Make sure you check out Market Cross Shopping Centre, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, Connolly's Red Mills, and Castleinch Sunday Market.

Is Kilkenny or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Kilkenny is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Kilkenny is a very kid-friendly town. The obvious activity is visiting the Kilkenny Castle, but there are so many other adventures that your family can have. You can do the zip line and other outdoor adventures at Castlecomer Discovery Park, try out falconry, or visit the National Reptile Museum. There's also river rafting, kayaking, and many other outdoor adventures in the area.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. 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 Kilkenny or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Kilkenny frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Adventure lovers will enjoy rafting, kayaking, hiking, and cycling through the area. There are also Michelin starred restaurants and other romantic settings that make for a great couple's weekend.

Bordeaux is a great town if you're traveling as 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 Kilkenny or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny and Bordeaux are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kilkenny is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in 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 Kilkenny or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Bordeaux is a great destination for students. However, Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

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

Bordeaux is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Kilkenny offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are city buses through town.

Is Kilkenny or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Kilkenny and Bordeaux both are great when exploring on foot.

Kilkenny is a very walkable town. The town is easy to walk around and most areas can be explored 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 Kilkenny Worth Visiting? and Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Kilkenny?

How long in Kilkenny or Bordeaux?

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

Families should spend more time in Kilkenny than Bordeaux. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kilkenny, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bordeaux than Kilkenny. 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 Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny or Bordeaux?

The town of Kilkenny offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The beautiful city of Bordeaux 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.

A weekend in Kilkenny or Bordeaux?

Kilkenny 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 visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kilkenny, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Kilkenny or Bordeaux?

Kilkenny 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bordeaux, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Kilkenny or Bordeaux?

Kilkenny is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Bordeaux 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland, 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 Kilkenny and Bordeaux, we can see that Bordeaux is more expensive. And not only is Kilkenny much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kilkenny would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kilkenny 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 Bordeaux would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bordeaux than you might in Kilkenny.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kilkenny Expensive? and Is Bordeaux Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kilkenny or Bordeaux?

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

Both Bordeaux and Kilkenny are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kilkenny for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Kilkenny is cooler than Bordeaux in the summer. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Bordeaux. Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during summer. Kilkenny gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kilkenny usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Kilkenny gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

Both Bordeaux and Kilkenny during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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, Kilkenny is cooler than Bordeaux. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kilkenny in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Kilkenny gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bordeaux. Kilkenny gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Bordeaux in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kilkenny and Bordeaux. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Kilkenny is generally cooler than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Kilkenny average around 5°C (41°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during winter. Kilkenny gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bordeaux receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Kilkenny usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Kilkenny gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Bordeaux in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kilkenny as well as Bordeaux. Many travelers come to Kilkenny for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Kilkenny is cooler than Bordeaux in the spring. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Kilkenny gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets less rain in April than Bordeaux. Kilkenny gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Kilkenny