Bordeaux, FranceChillTrip

City guideFrance

Bordeaux

Bordeaux travel guide · Europe

ContinentEuropeLanguageFrenchCurrencyEURLocal specialtyBordeaux red wine (Claret)Free to read

Bordeaux is a magnificent city in southwest France, world-renowned for its exceptional wines and stunning neo-classical architecture. Its elegant 18th-century waterfront and old town have earned UNESCO World Heritage status, stretching 3 km along the River Garonne. A vibrant blend of history, gastronomy, and culture, Bordeaux is one of France's most captivating destinations.

01

Best time to visit Bordeaux

mayjunejulyaugustseptember

The warm months offer ideal conditions for exploring the city's outdoor spaces, riverfront, and surrounding vineyards, with long sunny days perfect for wine tours and sightseeing.

02

What to see in Bordeaux

Place des QuinconcesChillTrip
Must-see
01monument

Place des Quinconces

One of the largest city squares in Europe, featuring the ornate Girondins Memorial commemorating victims of the Revolutionary Reign of Terror. A major transport hub and social gathering point.

FreeAbout 30 minhistoryculture

Address33000 Bordeaux, France

Open in Google Maps

Port of the MoonChillTrip
Must-see
02viewpoint

Port of the Moon

The elegant UNESCO-listed waterfront crescent centred on Place des Quinconces, featuring stunning 18th-century neo-classical buildings stretching 3 km along the Garonne. Best admired from the opposite bank at dusk.

FreeAbout 60 minculturehistory

Address33000 Bordeaux, France

4.7/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Cathédrale Saint-André de BordeauxChillTrip
Must-see
03church

Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux

Grand Gothic cathedral built from 1170, trashed during the Revolution and restored from 1803. Features the detached Pey-Berland bell-tower which can be climbed for panoramic views.

FreeAbout 60 minhistoryculture

AddressPl. Pey Berland, 33000 Bordeaux, France

4.6/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday10 am–12 pm, 2–7 pm
  • Friday10 am–12 pm, 2–7 pm
  • Saturday10 am–12 pm, 2–7 pm
  • Sunday9:30 am–12 pm, 2–6 pm
  • Monday2–7 pm
  • Tuesday10 am–12 pm, 2–7 pm
  • Wednesday10 am–12 pm, 2–7 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Place de la BourseChillTrip
Must-see
04monument

Place de la Bourse

Magnificent 18th-century square surrounded by grand classical buildings. Famous for the Miroir d'Eau (Water Mirror) across the boulevard, where a thin reflective skin of water mirrors the architecture.

FreeAbout 45 minhistoryculture

AddressPl. de la Bourse, 33000 Bordeaux, France

4.6/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • MondayOpen 24 hours

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Musée des Beaux-Arts de BordeauxChillTrip
05museum

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux

Enlightening walk through the history of western art, from the Renaissance and Flemish masters through major 19th and early 20th-century movements. Located on the west side of the Hôtel de Ville.

Paid entryAbout 90 minculturehistory

Address20 Cr d'Albret, 33000 Bordeaux, France

4.3/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Monday11 am–6 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Musée d'AquitaineChillTrip
Must-see
06museum

Musée d'Aquitaine

Brilliant museum covering the region's history from the Old Stone Age through Roman times to the early modern period. One of the best historical museums in southwest France.

Paid entryAbout 90 minhistoryculture

Address20 Cr Pasteur, 33000 Bordeaux, France

4.5/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday11 am–6 pm
  • Friday11 am–6 pm
  • Saturday11 am–6 pm
  • Sunday11 am–6 pm
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday11 am–6 pm
  • Wednesday11 am–6 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Cité du VinChillTrip
Must-see
07museum

Cité du Vin

Iconic wine museum and cultural centre dedicated to 2000 years of wine production in the Bordeaux region. Features interactive exhibits, tastings, and a panoramic viewing deck.

Paid entryAbout 120 minculturefood & dining

Address134 Quai de Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux, France

4.3/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday10 am–6 pm
  • Friday10 am–6 pm
  • Saturday10 am–7 pm
  • Sunday10 am–6 pm
  • Monday10 am–6 pm
  • Tuesday10 am–6 pm
  • Wednesday10 am–6 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

03

Where to eat in Bordeaux

La TupinaChillTrip
01French regional

La Tupina

Beloved bistro serving great regional cuisine with friendly service. Famous for its corn-fed Landes fowl and hearty southwestern French dishes cooked over an open fire.

Price $$$Must tryCorn-fed Landes fowl

Address6 Rue Prte de la Monnaie, 33800 Bordeaux, France

4.3/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday12–2 pm, 7–10 pm
  • Friday12–2 pm, 7–10 pm
  • Saturday12–2 pm, 7–10 pm
  • Sunday12–2 pm, 7–10 pm
  • Monday7–10 pm
  • Tuesday12–2 pm, 7–10 pm
  • Wednesday12–2 pm, 7–10 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

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04

Things to do in Bordeaux

Musée du Vin et du Négoce

tourPaid entryAbout 90 min

Explore 2000 years of wine production history in the Bordeaux region through exhibits of old equipment and new technology. Entry includes a tasting of two wines.

Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux

showPaid entryAbout 150 min

Attend an opera, ballet, or musical at Bordeaux's magnificent neoclassical National Opera house on Place de la Comédie, one of the finest opera venues in France.

Stade Matmut Atlantique

otherPaid entryAbout 120 min

Watch FC Girondins de Bordeaux play football at their modern 42,000-capacity stadium, 10 km north of the city centre. Tickets are generally easy to obtain on match day.

Stade Chaban-Delmas

otherPaid entryAbout 120 min

Catch a Top 14 rugby union match with Union Bordeaux Bègles at their 34,400-capacity home ground west of the city centre.

Jeux Barjo

otherPaid entryAbout 120 min

Unique bar specialising in board games ancient and modern near Grosse Cloche. Pay to play one long or three short games, with staff on hand to explain unfamiliar games. Also hosts tournaments.

05

Where to go near Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

Train 35minCar 40min

UNESCO World Heritage village to the east of Bordeaux, surrounded by top-rank wine châteaux and stunning medieval architecture. A must for wine lovers.

Arcachon

Train 50minCar 1h

Attractive small seaside town on the Atlantic coast to the west, known for its beautiful sandy beaches, the famous Dune du Pilat, and oyster culture.

Soulac-sur-Mer

Car 1h30

Charming seaside resort at the tip of the Médoc peninsula to the north, almost engulfed by dramatic sand dunes and offering long Atlantic beaches.

Bayonne

Train 1h30Bus 2hCar 1h45

Historic Basque city to the south with a beautiful old town, famous for its ham, chocolate, and vibrant festivals. Gateway to the Basque Country.

Biarritz

Train 2hCar 2h

Glamorous Atlantic resort town to the south, renowned for its surf culture, elegant Belle Époque architecture, and beautiful beaches.

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