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

Should you visit Oxford or Bordeaux?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford 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.

Oxford

Oxford is a beautiful, historic, and scholarly college town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a charming, romantic, and historical city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Oxford and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Bordeaux?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bordeaux than Oxford. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bordeaux is very popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Oxford attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Bordeaux is more touristy than Oxford and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also well known for Cathédrale Saint-André. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Oxford different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Oxford offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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 Oxford or Bordeaux? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Oxford 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 Oxford know how to have a good time. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

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 Oxford or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Oxford does not have a historic old town.

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.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Oxford or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Oxford and Bordeaux are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bordeaux. 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 Oxford or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Oxford and Bordeaux are both very good to visit as a couple.

Oxford makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

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.

Is Oxford or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bordeaux is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Oxford 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 Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

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

Bordeaux is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Bordeaux. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Oxford or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Oxford and Bordeaux are very good when it comes to walkability.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Bordeaux?

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

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

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bordeaux. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Oxford or Bordeaux?

Oxford is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this college town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oxford, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Bordeaux is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Oxford or Bordeaux?

Oxford 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bordeaux. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Oxford or Bordeaux?

Oxford 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 college town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Bordeaux. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Oxford and Bordeaux, we can see that Oxford 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 Oxford would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oxford 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 Oxford Expensive? and Is Bordeaux Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford or Bordeaux?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Oxford or Bordeaux in the Summer?

Both Bordeaux and Oxford during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Oxford in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Oxford is cooler than Bordeaux. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oxford in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 21°C (69°F).

In Bordeaux, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bordeaux. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Bordeaux. Most visitors come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Oxford is generally cooler than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 11°C (52°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during autumn. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oxford usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oxford or Bordeaux in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Bordeaux. The winter months attract visitors to Oxford because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

The weather in Oxford can be very cold. Oxford is much colder than Bordeaux in the winter. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bordeaux. Oxford usually gets less rain in January than Bordeaux. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Bordeaux in the Spring?

Both Bordeaux and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Oxford is cooler than Bordeaux. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oxford in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during spring. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oxford usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Oxford