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

Should you visit Lausanne or Bordeaux?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lausanne or Bordeaux, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lausanne

Lausanne is a diverse, vibrant, and cultural city. 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. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lausanne and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lausanne or Bordeaux?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bordeaux than Lausanne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bordeaux is more popular for its food, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Lausanne is known for its museums. Bordeaux is more touristy than Lausanne and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also home to Cathédrale Saint-André. Lausanne is popular for being the home of the International Olympic Committee headquarters.

How is Lausanne different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Lausanne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. You'll find many great museums around town that cover a range of topics. The Olympic Museum is very interesting. You should also check out the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and the Hermitage Foundation.

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 Lausanne or Bordeaux? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bordeaux is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bordeaux is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Lausanne. The city is filled with delicious chocolate, cheese, and wine. Fondue is a favorite, but you'll also find cured meats on most menus. While food can be expensive, it's also high quality and usually locally produced.

Is Lausanne or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Lausanne and Bordeaux.

Lausanne has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a surprising number of clubs around town and it's not hard to find somewhere to party. The large student population and the international vibe make this a fascinating place for nightlife.

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 Lausanne or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Lausanne and Bordeaux both have good historical old towns that attract visitors.

Lausanne offers a nice historic old town area. There's a relatively large historic section that has a Gothic cathedral and many quaint shops.

Bordeaux is a good destination for visiting its old town. 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 Lausanne or Bordeaux?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bordeaux and Lausanne.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Lausanne. You'll find luxury Swiss watch brands, jewelry, chocolate, and many other interesting things to buy. Prices can be high, but so is the quality. It's fun to look, even if you're not planning to purchase.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Lausanne or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Lausanne and Bordeaux are both good destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Lausanne. There are kid-friendly museums, petting zoos, and other fun activities in town. You can also take a boat ride or let the kids run around one of the parks in town.

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 Lausanne or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Bordeaux is well known for couples. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Lausanne is a nice destination for couples. The medieval old city is fun to explore. The lakefront setting also offers fun activities like boating. There are also a number of museums in town to explore.

Is Lausanne or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bordeaux is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Lausanne is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Lausanne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular town for backpackers but there are some affordable hotels. It's also more reasonably priced than many Swiss cities.

Is Lausanne or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Lausanne and Bordeaux are very good places to visit for students.

Lausanne is a great city to visit as a student. There are 11 institutes for higher learning in town, so students make up a significant percentage of the population. The city is also full of culture, making it a very livable city.

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.

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

Bordeaux is well known for its public transit. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Lausanne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive network of transportation options available in town including buses and boats.

Is Lausanne or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Bordeaux is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Lausanne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Lausanne is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city, including the historic sections, and relatively easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Lausanne?

How long in Lausanne or Bordeaux?

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

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

The city of Lausanne 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.

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 Lausanne or Bordeaux?

Lausanne 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 Lausanne, 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 Lausanne or Bordeaux?

Lausanne 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 Lausanne or Bordeaux?

Lausanne 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 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 Luxury Tours to Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland, 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 Lausanne and Bordeaux, we can see that Lausanne 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 Lausanne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lausanne 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 Lausanne Expensive? and Is Bordeaux Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lausanne or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lausanne. When comparing the sizes of Lausanne 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.