A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers York vs. Bordeaux for Food, Old Town, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit York or Bordeaux?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a elegant, charming, and romantic 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in York or Bordeaux?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bordeaux than York. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bordeaux is very popular for its shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while York attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights. Bordeaux is more touristy than York and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also well known for Cathédrale Saint-André. York is famous for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours.

How is York different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

York
Bordeaux

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

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York or Bordeaux? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York
Bordeaux

Foodies will find both York and Bordeaux both to be first-rate destinations.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

Bordeaux has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 York or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

York
Bordeaux

York 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 York know how to have a good time. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

York
Bordeaux

York is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of York is revered around the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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 York or Bordeaux?

York
Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a well-known place for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Bordeaux is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Bordeaux Better for Families?

York
Bordeaux

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

As it has a large number of activities for kids, York is a very family-friendly destination. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

York
Bordeaux

With fun activities for couples, both York and Bordeaux make for a high quality place to visit.

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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.


Is York or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York
Bordeaux

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

York is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around 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 York or Bordeaux Better for Students?

York
Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a well-known place for students. However, York is not popular with students.

Bordeaux is a very popular 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.

York is not popular with students.

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

York
Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Bordeaux is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.


Is York or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

York
Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or York?

How long in York or Bordeaux?

In either York or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than York because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

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


  • How many days in York or Bordeaux? Ideal Length of Stay
    York 2-4 
    Bordeaux 2-5

One day in York or Bordeaux?

The city of York offers food and shopping. 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 York or Bordeaux?

York 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in York, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 York or Bordeaux?

York is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the romantic 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 York or Bordeaux?

York is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 city offers something for everyone.

The historical 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 from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Bordeaux or York?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in York is £106, while the average daily cost in Bordeaux is £101. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for York and Bordeaux in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    York £59
    Bordeaux £54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    York £118
    Bordeaux £108
Compare Hotels in York and Bordeaux

Looking for a hotel in York or Bordeaux? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in York


Hotels in Bordeaux


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: York Hotel Prices and Bordeaux Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    York £12
    Bordeaux £13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in York

Some specific examples of transportation prices in York:

  • Private Transfer from Hambleton to Manchester Airport (MAN): $163
  • Private Transfer from Hull to Manchester Airport (MAN): $271
  • Private Transfer from York to Manchester Airport (MAN): $279

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bordeaux

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bordeaux:

  • Private Transfer from Bordeaux Airport to City of Bordeaux: $87
  • Transfer Airport, Hotel, Station and others places: $96
  • Private Transfer Bordeaux City to Bordeaux Airport BOD by Car: $97
  • Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Business Car: $103
  • Arrival Private Transfers : Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Business Car: $103
  • Bordeaux to Airport Private Transfer in Business Sedan: $108
  • Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $108
  • Departure Private Transfers : Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $108
  • Arrival Private Transfer Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux by Van: $115
  • Bordeaux to Airport Private Transfer in Premium Class: $147
  • Private Transfer from Airport to Bordeaux City: $165
  • Airport to Lège-Cap-Ferret Transfer in Business Sedan: $273

Is it cheaper to fly into York or Bordeaux?

Prices for flights to both Bordeaux and York change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    York £32
    Bordeaux £39
Typical Food Prices in York

Some typical examples of dining costs in York are as follows:


  • Dinner
    £22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in York

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in York.

  • Breakfast Food Tour in York: $51
  • Party Cruise with Welcome Drink, Dinner, and DJ Music: $56
  • York on a Fork Food Tour: $83

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bordeaux

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bordeaux.

  • No Diet Club : Bordeaux Food Tour in Les Chartrons !: $63
  • Bordeaux - sweet food tour of the old city: $63
  • NO DIET CLUB - Unique food tour in Bordeaux !: $64
  • 2-Hour River Dinner Cruise: $74
  • Sweet Specialties Tasting Bakeries Food Tour: $82
  • Bordeaux : Afternoon Food Tour by a local guide: $84
  • Bordeaux Organic Food Tour - French Apéro Style: $93
  • Bordeaux : unforgettable Food Tour by a local guide: $95
  • Private Bakery, Chocolate & Patisserie Food Tour: $95
  • Food Tour in Bordeaux : $97
  • Bordeaux Food Tour - Bakeries, Pastries, Chocolate and more!: $98
  • Bordeaux Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $103

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    York £11
    Bordeaux £6.75

Tours and Activities in York

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for York are as follows:

  • York Guide - Everybody Hates a Tourist: $6.35
  • Tower Tour: $7.63
  • Romans, Vikings and Medieval Marvels in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Discover York's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour of the City Walls: $11
  • York Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Private York Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • York Cocoa Works Guided Tour and Tasting: $12
  • Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • Original Harry Potter Locations Tour - York: $13
  • York Bird of Prey Centre Entry Ticket: $14
  • City Chronicles Historical Walking Tour: $15

Tours and Activities in Bordeaux

Here are a few actual costs in Bordeaux for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bordeaux : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
  • Free Walking City Tour: $2.14
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Bordeaux Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • City Highlights & Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Tour: $6.95
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • The best of Find more than wine on this self-guided audio tour: $6.99
  • Centre of Explore 2,000 years of history on a self-guided audio tour: $8.99
  • Bordeaux Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Guided Walking Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    York £13
    Bordeaux £22
Typical Alcohol Prices in York

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in York are as follows:


  • A Couple Beers
    £9.00

Sample the Local Flavors in York

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in York:

  • Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting: $32
  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • The Full Hoot Distillery Tour & Guided Hooting Owl Experience: $57

Sample the Local Flavors in Bordeaux

Also in Bordeaux, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine and Trade Museum Entry Ticket & Wine Tasting: $11
  • Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum Admission Ticket with Wine Tasting: $11
  • Distillery Tour in Bordeaux with Spirits Tasting: $16
  • Wine Tasting Cruise: $22
  • Cité du Vin Direct Ticket and Wine Tasting: $24
  • Bordeaux Pub Crawl: $25
  • Taillan-Médoc: Château Visit and Wine Tasting in Bordeaux: $27
  • Wine Tour and Tasting: $29
  • Unusual Wine Tasting Experience - Wood & Wine: $30
  • Discover Bordeaux vineyard : special wine tasting with two cellar men brothers: $32
  • Wine Country Vineyards Tour w/ Local Wine Tastings: $59
  • Bordeaux Vineyards Wine Tasting Half-Day Trip: $62


When comparing the travel costs between York and Bordeaux, we can see that York 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 York Expensive? and Is Bordeaux Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, York or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Bordeaux in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Bordeaux. The summer months attract visitors to York because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

In the summer, York is cooler than Bordeaux. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bordeaux this time of the year. York usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    York 16°C (62°F) 
    Bordeaux 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit York or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to York as well as Bordeaux. The shopping scene are the main draw to York this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, York often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Bordeaux. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    York 11°C (52°F) 
    Bordeaux 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit York or Bordeaux in the Winter?

Both Bordeaux and York are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in York. York is much colder than Bordeaux in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during winter. York gets 61 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, York usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    York 4°C (39°F) 
    Bordeaux 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit York or Bordeaux in the Spring?

Both Bordeaux and York during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, York is cooler than Bordeaux. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, York often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in April than Bordeaux. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    York 8°C (46°F) 
    Bordeaux 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and York

York Bordeaux
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)


Related Articles for Bordeaux