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

Should you visit Melbourne or Bordeaux?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Bordeaux? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a cultural, progressive, and livable city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. 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.

Melbourne and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Bordeaux?

You'll generally find more things to do in Melbourne than Bordeaux. Melbourne is bigger than Bordeaux, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Melbourne is better known for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Bordeaux is more popular for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Bordeaux is more touristy than Melbourne and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Melbourne is well known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Also, Melbourne is famous for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Melbourne different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Melbourne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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 Melbourne or Bordeaux? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bordeaux is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Bordeaux is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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 Melbourne is an experience not to be missed. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Melbourne or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne know how to have a good time. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

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 Melbourne or Bordeaux Better for Beaches?

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

Melbourne is considered a top beach destination. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Bordeaux is not a beach destination.

Is Melbourne or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a popular place for its old town. However, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Bordeaux?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Melbourne and Bordeaux.

Melbourne is well-known for its shopping. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

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.

Is Melbourne or Bordeaux Better for Families?

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

Melbourne is a very kid-friendly city. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Bordeaux is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Melbourne or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Melbourne and Bordeaux are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

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

Is Melbourne or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Melbourne is a world-class destination for students. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Melbourne. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

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.

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

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Melbourne and Bordeaux.

Public transit in Melbourne can get you to some places easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bordeaux. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Is Melbourne or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Melbourne and Bordeaux are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting? and Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Bordeaux?

In either Melbourne or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Melbourne has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Melbourne than Bordeaux. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Melbourne or Bordeaux?

Melbourne is a big city with plenty to do. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

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 Melbourne or Bordeaux?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne, 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 Melbourne or Bordeaux?

Melbourne is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Melbourne, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the elegant 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 Melbourne or Bordeaux?

Melbourne 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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, 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 Melbourne and Bordeaux, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Bordeaux much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Melbourne is in Pacific and Bordeaux is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive? and Is Bordeaux Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Bordeaux?

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Bordeaux has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Melbourne or Bordeaux in the Summer?

Both Bordeaux and Melbourne during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

Melbourne is around the same temperature as Bordeaux in the summer. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in July.

In Bordeaux, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Melbourne. In the summer, Melbourne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeauxin July. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bordeauxin July. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Bordeaux. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Melbourne is around the same temperature as Bordeaux. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Melbourne in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 14°C (58°F)in October.

Melbourne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeaux during autumn. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Bordeauxin October. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Melbourne or Bordeaux in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Bordeaux. Many travelers come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Melbourne is generally much warmer than Bordeauxin January. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 9°C (49°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Bordeauxin January. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bordeaux. Melbourne usually gets less rain in July than Bordeauxin January. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Bordeaux in the Spring?

Both Bordeaux and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Melbourne is a little warmer than Bordeaux in the spring. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Bordeaux during spring. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Bordeauxin April. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Melbourne