A Travel Price Comparison for France Nice vs. Bordeaux for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Old Town

Should you visit Nice 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 Nice 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.

Nice

Nice is a beautiful, opulent, and trendy seaside destination. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

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.

Nice and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nice or Bordeaux?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bordeaux than Nice, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bordeaux is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Nice is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is well known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Bordeaux is well known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Also, Bordeaux is famous for Cathédrale Saint-André.

How is Nice different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bordeaux is a city with good options for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

Bordeaux offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Nice or Bordeaux? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at terrific restaurants in both Nice and Bordeaux.

Many restaurants in Nice have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

Eat your way through Bordeaux, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Nice or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Nice is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Nice just to party. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice or Bordeaux Better for Resorts?

Nice is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Bordeaux is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Nice is a great choice. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Bordeaux is not a resort destination.

Is Nice or Bordeaux Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bordeaux is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Bordeaux is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nice or Bordeaux Better for Beaches?

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

Nice is considered a top beach destination. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Bordeaux is not a beach destination.

Is Nice or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Nice 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 Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

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 Nice or Bordeaux?

Both Nice and Bordeaux are excellent shopping destinations.

Nice is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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 Nice or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Both Nice and Bordeaux are notable to visit with kids.

Nice is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Bordeaux is a family-friendly seaside destination. 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 Nice or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Nice is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Nice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

Bordeaux is a great seaside destination 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 Nice or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Nice and Bordeaux are notable destinations for backpackers.

Nice is a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Nice or Bordeaux Better for Students?

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

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Both Nice and Bordeaux offer excellent public transit options.

The public transit in Nice can get you around easily. There are both buses and trams.

Bordeaux offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Is Nice or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Nice is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Nice on foot is easy. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting? and Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Nice?

How long in Nice or Bordeaux?

In either Nice or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Nice has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nice than Bordeaux. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

Couples should spend more time in Nice than Bordeaux. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nice that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nice 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 Nice.

One day in Nice or Bordeaux?

The beautiful seaside destination of Nice offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bordeaux. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Nice or Bordeaux?

Nice is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Bordeaux is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nice or Bordeaux?

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the elegant destination of Bordeaux. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Nice or Bordeaux?

Nice 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 seaside destination offers something for everyone.

The elegant city of Bordeaux offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, and The Best River Cruises in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Nice and Bordeaux, we can see that Nice is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Nice or Bordeaux?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Nice 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 Nice 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 Nice or Bordeaux in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and Bordeaux. Many travelers come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Nice is a little warmer than Bordeaux in the summer. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In July, Nice usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nice or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nice as well as Bordeaux. Many visitors come to Nice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, 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, Nice is a little warmer than Bordeaux. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nice in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Nice receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nice usually gets more rain in October than Bordeaux. Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or Bordeaux in the Winter?

Both Bordeaux and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nice for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Nice is generally a little warmer than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 9°C (48°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. In January, Nice usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Nice gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nice or Bordeaux in the Spring?

Both Bordeaux and Nice during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Nice because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

Nice is a little warmer than Bordeaux in the spring. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Nice usually gets less rain in April than Bordeaux. Nice gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Nice