Should You Visit Bordeaux?

Is Bordeaux worth visiting?

Yes, Bordeaux is absolutely a city that any traveler should visit. During our time here, we had so much fun.

Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the amazing food and fantastic shopping.

Bordeaux is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including Reader's Digest's Best Places to Travel in 2023.

Bordeaux is a the heart of France's winegrowing district. It's also a port city that's filled with a lot of history and architecture. The surrounding countryside is filled with vineyards and the city has many great restaurants where you can sample traditional cuisine and local wine.

Sunrise over the vinyards, Bordeaux, France

5 Reasons to Visit Bordeaux

1. Food

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.

2. Shopping

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.

3. Museums & Sights

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.

4. Nightlife

The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

5. Historical Sights

The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is Bordeaux worth visiting in the Summer?

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 21°C (69°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 26°C (80°F).

The peak season for travel is summer in Bordeaux, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is very popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect tourist crowds to be very large, and prices to be higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.

You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, enjoy the city's energy, and admire the historic sights. Also, you'll be able to enjoy an evening out.

Summer Weather in Bordeaux

Is Bordeaux worth visiting in the Autumn?

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Bordeaux. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 14°C (58°F).

You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to admire the wonderful scenery, browse around the old town, and browse through museums. Also, you can experience the big city activities.

Autumn Weather in Bordeaux

Is Bordeaux worth visiting in the Winter?

This is the low season for travel in Bordeaux. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.

The weather in Bordeaux can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 6°C (43°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, and the historic old town. Also, you can dance the night away and soak up the big city atmosphere.

Winter Weather in Bordeaux

Is Bordeaux worth visiting in the Spring?

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 12°C (53°F).

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Bordeaux, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.

The scenery of the town this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, browse the museums, and admire the wonderful scenery. Also, you can check out the historic old town and the nightlife.

Spring Weather in Bordeaux

Things to Consider Before Visiting Bordeaux

Lots of Tourists
Bordeaux sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Bordeaux might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Bordeaux here or see if Bordeaux is expensive here.

Related

What is Bordeaux most famous for?

Bordeaux is most famous for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. The city is very popular for its food. It's also known for shopping. And many travelers come for the museums & sights, nightlife, and historical sights, as well. It is often described as elegant, charming, romantic, and historical.

What is the most famous sight in Bordeaux?

The most popular sight in Bordeaux is Cathédrale Saint-André. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Bordeaux on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Cathédrale Saint-André and other attractions here.

How touristy is Bordeaux? Is it a popular city to visit?

Bordeaux is a very touristy city that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Afternoon culinary tour in Bordeaux: $55
• Half-day private tour in Saint-Emilion in a sidecar: $279
• Private tour of Bordeaux at night in a sidecar: $123
• Blending workshop and tour of the chateau: $43
• "Explore Saint-Émilion on e-Bikes: Small Group, Full-Day Tour": $201
• Private tour in the prestigious Médoc wine region: $212
• Private tour in the Sauternes wine region - discover Bordeaux sweet Crus Classés: $215
• Bordeaux Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $52

How long should I spend in Bordeaux?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Bordeaux is two to five days. Since Bordeaux has a variety of activities such as dining, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Bordeaux?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Bordeaux?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Bordeaux?.

More Things to Do in Bordeaux

• Is La Cité du Vin Worth Visiting?
• Is The Bordeaux Wine Route Worth Visiting?
• Is The Miroir d’Eau Worth Visiting?
• Is Basilica of Saint Michael Worth Visiting?
• Is Les Halles de Bacalan Worth Visiting?
• Is The Bordeaux City Center Worth Visiting?
• Is Base Sous-Marine Worth Visiting?
• Is Place de la Bourse Worth Visiting?
• Is The Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts Worth Visiting?