Travel Budget for Bordeaux Visit Bordeaux on a Budget or Travel in Style

Bordeaux, Aquitaine, France

Bordeaux is a romantic city known for La Cité du Vin, the Bordeaux Wine Route, and the Miroir d’Eau. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're eating the delicious cuisine or taking in the beauty, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Bordeaux that stays within your budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Bordeaux?

You should plan to spend around $163 (€156) per day on your vacation in Bordeaux. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $82 (€79) on meals
  • $16 (€15) on local transportation
  • $132 (€126) on hotels

A one week trip to Bordeaux for two people costs, on average, $2,285 (€2,184). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $163
    156
  • One Week Per person
    $1,143
    1,092
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,285
    2,184
  • One Month Per person
    $4,897
    4,680
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,285
    2,184
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $4,570
    4,368
  • One Month For a couple
    $9,794
    9,360
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Bordeaux cost?

A one week trip to Bordeaux usually costs around $1,143 (€1,092) for one person and $2,285 (€2,184) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Bordeaux on average costs around $2,285 (€2,184) for one person and $4,570 (€4,368) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Bordeaux will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Bordeaux on average costs around $4,897 (€4,680) for one person and $9,794 (€9,360) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Bordeaux expensive to visit?

Bordeaux is a popular city among visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

While Bordeaux can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $71 (€68) per day, mid-range travelers spend $161 (€156) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $308 (€299) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Bordeaux.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Bordeaux is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Galway or Biarritz.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Bordeaux Expensive?

Sunrise over the vinyards, Bordeaux, France Sunrise over the vinyards, Bordeaux, France

How much money do I need for a trip to Bordeaux?

The average Bordeaux trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Bordeaux travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Bordeaux cost?

Bordeaux on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$29
(28)
$66
(63)
$121
(115)
Local Transportation 1 $7
(6.70)
$16
(15)
$31
(30)
Food 2 $36
(34)
$82
(79)
$161
(154)
Entertainment 1 $9
(8.87)
$23
(22)
$55
(53)
Alcohol 2 $6-18
(6-17)
$14-41
(13-39)
$26-79
(25-75)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to be realistic about your budget for Bordeaux. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.

The Truth on Budget Travel

You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $71 that backpackers often get by on.

Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.

Luckily, Bordeaux has plenty of hostels, including Hostel 20 Bordeaux, Central Hostel, and Whoo Bordeaux Bacalan - Hostel. Here, you can enjoy budget dorm accommodation along with a friendly, social vibe, but amenities are quite limited. The city features reliable public transit, making it possible for budget travelers to avoid expensive taxis or rideshare options. While food is a highlight for many in Bordeaux, budget travelers often resort to street food or self-catering in hostels, which can lead to missed opportunities for savoring the local cuisine.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most visitors to Bordeaux will want to visit La Cité du Vin, the Bordeaux Wine Route, or the Miroir d’Eau. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $161 per person, per day.

There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Bordeaux. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Les Chambres d'Art is a great choice for kids, and La Course is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Bordeaux hotel costs guide.

Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?

If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $308 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the city, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Tour of Bordeaux in a Sidecar 1h30 - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Bordeaux

The hotel prices in Bordeaux might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $112, but during peak summer season, expect to pay around $209. Prices vary from $67 to $377, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Bordeaux for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $132 (€126). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $66 (€63) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $66
    63
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $132
    126

Hotels in Bordeaux

Looking for a hotel in Bordeaux? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Bordeaux

The average hotel room price in Bordeaux based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $112 in the low season and $209 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Bordeaux include:

  • L'Hotel Particulier starting at $224
  • Le Boutique Hotel Bordeaux Centre starting at $282
  • Hotel Vatel starting at $134
  • La Maison Bordeaux starting at $157
  • Seeko'o Hotel Design starting at $107
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Bordeaux

While Bordeaux has a great public transit system, staying outside the city to save on accommodation could mean higher transportation costs and less convenience if you're short on time.

Spending a week in Bordeaux? You may want to consider a vacation rental with a kitchen, especially for longer stays, so you can cook some of your own meals.

Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of summer) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.

Walking is a popular way to explore Bordeaux, so staying in a prime area is recommended. Just be prepared for potentially higher prices.

The city's famous old town is a major attraction for travelers. While hotels in this area can be more expensive, they usually offer a lot of charm and easy access to all the main sights.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Bordeaux

Public transit in Bordeaux is highly reliable. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river. It's the most affordable and fastest way to get around, but taxis and rideshares are also at your service throughout town.

Explorers who prefer to walk will have a fantastic time here. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (great)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (great)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $16 (€15) per person, per day, on local transportation in Bordeaux. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Bordeaux is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $16
    15

A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Airport to Lège-Cap-Ferret Transfer in Business Sedan for $264 details
  • Private Transfer Bordeaux City to Bordeaux Airport BOD by Sedan for $49 details
  • Private One way Transfer from Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport for $52 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Bordeaux
How much does it cost to go to Bordeaux? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Bordeaux
The price of renting a car in Bordeaux will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Bordeaux

Don't miss the chance to experience the world-class cuisine in Bordeaux. Spend some time at local dining spots to taste their renowned dishes. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Bordeaux can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Bordeaux is $82 (€79) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $82
    79

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Bordeaux is around $81 (€79) per person, with previous travelers spending from $35 to $159. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Bordeaux are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $8 to $24
  • Lunch: $12 to $32
  • Dinner: $24 to $57
  • Coffee: $6
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $12

Dining in Bordeaux is an experience in and of itself. There are no shortage of restaurants, many of them French, but there is also a decent representation of Asian, Middle Eastern, or African options. If you're looking for great French food there are restaurant options that offer samplings from all over the country. It truly is a delight for food lovers, and it is worth the splurge to get a taste of the region's best specialties.

Make sure you head down Rue de Saint Remi, which is officially the street of restaurants of Bordeaux. You can easily reach this area by tram and it is near many of the main tourist attractions, so it's a convenient stopping point to enjoy a meal.

Food in Bordeaux

Food & Dining Tips

Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.

Make a picnic to save some cash and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Just find a nearby grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and choose a nice park or scenic area for your meal.

Fill up a water bottle rather than buying drinks every chance you get. It's also kinder to the earth.

If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.

If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Bordeaux, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:

  • Bordeaux Traditional Gourmet Walking Food Tour for $116 details
  • Afternoon Food Tour in Bordeaux : Local delicacies for $58 details
  • Bordeaux Evening Food Tour : Local Delicacies for $105 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Bordeaux

It's clear why Bordeaux attracts visitors, considering its food, romance, museums and attractions, and nightlife.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Bordeaux typically cost an average of $23 (€22) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $23
    22

Some of the most popular sights include:

  • La Cité du Vin for €22
  • The Bordeaux Wine Route for €150
  • The Miroir d’Eau (Free)
  • Basilica of Saint Michael for €5
  • Les Halles de Bacalan (Free)
  • The Bordeaux City Center (Free)
  • Base Sous-Marine for €15
  • Place de la Bourse (Free)
  • The Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts for €8

Bordeaux is famous for it's architecture and sights. Les Quais is a great area to walk along the river. Many of the historical monuments are found in La Victoire, and the Pedestrian Center is where you'll find great shopping. Other interesting squares include Gambetta Square and Quinconces Square. The Jacques-Chaban-Delmas lift bridge is impressive as well.



The most popular activity in Bordeaux is to take a tour of the vineyards and taste the local wines. Or how about a Bordeaux wine workshop? This is the second largest wine growing region in the world, so anything you do here should obviously involve wine, right? There are also summer wine festivals that are worth experiencing if you're in town.

Other activities include walking along the Sainte-Catherine Street in the Pedestrian Center, climbing the tower of Saint-Michel, visiting Jardin Botanique, or visiting the Musee du Vin et du Negoce.

Sightseeing Tips

Shopping:
Shopping in BordeauxYou'll find shopping here to be an experience worth having. 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.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Bordeaux. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Half-day private tour in Saint-Emilion in a sidecar for $264 details
  • Private Tour in 2cv in the Vineyards with Tasting and Picnic for $284 details
  • Private tour in the prestigious Médoc wine region for $201 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Bordeaux

While Bordeaux features some nightlife activities, it doesn't reach the excitement levels of other, more renowned destinations. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $27 (€26) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Bordeaux per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $27
    26
Nightlife Tips

Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.

Drinking at night can be fun, but make sure you're aware of your surroundings. You could attract pickpockets, so it's best to stick with people you trust and stay in a group.

Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Bordeaux. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:

  • Bordeaux Culinary and Wine Tasting Tour for $148 details
  • Backcountry E-Bike Adventure from Wine Tasting & Lunch for $137 details
  • Private city tour of Bordeaux with wine tasting at a chateau - 3H for $216 details

Recommended


Travel cost data last updated: Dec 20, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Bordeaux

  • Save some cash by participating in free sights and activities. A few of the best include:
    • The Miroir d’Eau
    • Les Halles de Bacalan
    • The Bordeaux City Center
    • Place de la Bourse
  • During summer, prices typically soar and the city can feel quite crowded. For those looking to save money and have a quieter visit, the shoulder or low seasons are the way to go.
  • Traveling slower can help save you money while letting you enjoy the beautiful surroundings. If you pack your days with activities, the costs can add up. However, taking it easy often results in a more enjoyable trip with lower expenses.

Budgeting Challenges

  • If you're journeying with small children, you'll likely prefer a private vehicle or taxi. It can often be a lot easier to bypass the difficulties of public transit, though it will cost you a little more.
Traveling in Bordeaux
Bordeaux Bordeaux

Bordeaux is the place to go for fine wines. It's a very mellow, cultural city where you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a quaint cafe or restaurant without being rushed. The city is the capital of Gironde, and the entire metropolitan area has over one million residents. The city also has a rather large and vibrant university and the population is known to be very tolerant and liberal. There is a very strong artistic vibe in the city and, due to it's history of English rule, there is an English flair to the area. The large student population means that there is no shortage of opportunities to see shows, hear music, or visit a museum.

The city is located on the banks of the Garonne. The climate is oceanic, but the summers are warmer and the winters are milder than you might expect. There are frequent frosts during the winter months but it almost never snows. It rains predominantly during the summer months and the temperatures average a pleasant 22 degrees Celsius.



Neighborhoods & Around

Bordeaux is a large city, but most of the tourist attractions are concentrated in the downtown area. Several notable neighborhoods include Chartrons, the city center, Saint Jean, and La Victoire. Chartrons sits on the banks of the river and used to be at the center of the wine trade. Today it is a quiet residential area that is home to the antique shop village and the Chartrons Museum. The city center is right in the middle of the city. The Saint Pierre Quarter is the historic center of the town and it has quaint streets and many excellent restaurants. You'll also find impressive architecture and a beautiful fountain. Saint Jean is where you'll find the city's train station as well as many hotels, restaurants and sex shops. La Victoire is the most vibrant and colorful part of town. There's a young vibe and this is the place to go if you want to interact with the students in the area.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.