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

Should you visit Shanghai or Bordeaux?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Shanghai and Bordeaux. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a trendy, modern, and cosmopolitan port city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. 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.

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.

Shanghai and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Bordeaux?

You'll generally find more things to do in Shanghai than Bordeaux. Shanghai is bigger than Bordeaux, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Shanghai is better known for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Bordeaux is more popular for its historical sights. Bordeaux is more touristy than Shanghai and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Shanghai is well known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Also, Shanghai is famous for The Bund.

How is Shanghai different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Shanghai is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Shanghai are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

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 Shanghai or Bordeaux? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Shanghai and Bordeaux both to be amazing destinations.

Eat your way through Shanghai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

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.

Is Shanghai or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Shanghai and Bordeaux.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bordeaux. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Shanghai or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a good destination for its old town. However, Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Bordeaux to see the old town. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Bordeaux?

Shanghai is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Shanghai make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

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 Shanghai or Bordeaux Better for Families?

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

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly port city. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

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 Shanghai or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

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

Shanghai makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

Bordeaux is a great port city 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 Shanghai or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Shanghai is a great port city to visit for backpackers. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

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

Is Shanghai or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Shanghai and Bordeaux are both superb destinations for students and younger travelers.

Many students visit Shanghai. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Bordeaux is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. 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 Shanghai or Bordeaux Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Shanghai and Bordeaux offer superb public transit options.

Shanghai has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

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

Is Shanghai or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Bordeaux both are superb when exploring on foot.

Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

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 Shanghai Worth Visiting? and Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Bordeaux?

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

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

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

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

One day in Shanghai or Bordeaux?

Shanghai is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

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 Shanghai or Bordeaux?

Shanghai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Shanghai, 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 Shanghai or Bordeaux?

Shanghai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Shanghai, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Shanghai or Bordeaux?

Shanghai 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 port 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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Shanghai and Bordeaux, we can see that Bordeaux 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. Even though Shanghai is in Asia and Bordeaux is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Bordeaux?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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 Shanghai or Bordeaux in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Bordeaux. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Shanghai is a little warmer than Bordeaux in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bordeaux this time of the year. In Shanghai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Shanghai or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Bordeaux. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Shanghai is a little warmer than Bordeaux. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Shanghai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeaux. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Bordeaux. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Bordeaux in the Winter?

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

Shanghai can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Shanghai is generally cooler than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Bordeaux during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Shanghai or Bordeaux in the Spring?

Both Bordeaux and Shanghai during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Shanghai is a little warmer than Bordeaux in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets more rain in April than Bordeaux. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Shanghai