Bordeaux Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
General Planning & Logistics
Is Bordeaux worth visiting?
Answer: Overwhelmingly yes! Travelers describe it as a beautiful, hip city with great wine, delicious food, and friendly people. It’s often compared favorably to major US cities in terms of cost.
How many days should I spend in Bordeaux?
Answer: Opinions vary, but 3-4 days are often considered enough to explore the city center. However, 7 days is suggested if you want to really delve into museums, enjoy the city at a leisurely pace, and take day trips.
What’s the best time of year to visit Bordeaux?
Answer: While generally pleasant, late February/early March can be cold and rainy with shorter days. Many recommend spring or fall for better weather and vineyard experiences. Summer can be hot.
How expensive is Bordeaux?
Answer: Accommodation is typically the most expensive part. Food, transport, and drinks can be quite reasonable, especially if you avoid tourist hotspots and opt for “menu du jour” deals at lunch.
Is Bordeaux walkable?
Answer: Yes, Bordeaux is very pedestrian-friendly and easy to navigate on foot. Many recommend exploring different neighborhoods this way.
Getting Around
What’s the best way to get around Bordeaux?
Answer: Walking, biking, and public transport (trams and buses) are highly recommended. The TBM app is useful for tickets and validation.
Is a public transport pass worth it?
Answer: The Bordeaux City Pass (up to 72 hours) includes unlimited public transport, free museum entry, and a walking tour. It’s suggested if you plan to visit at least three museums to get your money’s worth.
How do I get from Bordeaux Airport to the city center?
Answer: The #1 bus is a common and affordable option. You can also take a bus directly to Bordeaux Saint Jean (the main train station).
Do I need a car in Bordeaux?
Answer: No, not for exploring the city itself. Public transport is excellent. A car is generally only recommended if you plan extensive, independent day trips to more rural areas or multiple chateaux that are spread out.
Can I use ride-sharing apps like Uber?
Answer: Uber is available, but for more rural day trips (e.g., Sauternes), Ubers back to Bordeaux might be difficult to find and expensive.
Sightseeing & Attractions
What are the must-see attractions in Bordeaux city center?
Answer: Place de la Bourse & Water Mirror (Miroir d’eau), Grosse Cloche, Porte Cailhau, Saint-André Cathedral, Cité du Vin, Bassins des Lumières, Musée d’Aquitaine, Opera / Golden Triangle area, Basilique Saint-Michel, Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts, Wine Trade Museum, Place des Quinconces with Monument aux Girondins fountain.
What is the Cité du Vin? Is it worth visiting?
Answer: It’s a comprehensive wine museum and highly recommended for wine enthusiasts. Budget at least 3 hours for it.
Are there any free walking tours?
Answer: Yes, some travelers have recommended freewalkingtoursbordeaux.com.
What are some “non-guidebook” things to do?
Answer: Explore different neighborhoods, walk along the Garonne River and quays, visit the Botanic Garden, check out local open-air electronic music events (Amplitudes Radio, Bordeaux Open Air, L’orangade, La derniere Fois), and explore Darwin Écosystème (including its indoor skate park).
Are there good museums beyond the wine museum?
Answer: Yes, Musee d’Aquitaine (history), Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts, and the Wine Trade Museum are commonly mentioned.
What about shopping?
Answer: Rue des Remparts is a good place for shops. The city center generally has many options.
Is there a botanical garden?
Answer: Yes, the botanic garden is recommended, especially on a sunny day.
Are there any interesting churches/cathedrals?
Answer: Saint-André Cathedral and Basilique Saint-Michel (even with scaffolding, the view from nearby bars is nice).
What is the Miroir d’eau?
Answer: The “Water Mirror” is a shallow reflecting pool that creates a stunning effect, especially at sunset.
Is there a big bell?
Answer: Yes, the Grosse Cloche (Big Bell) is a historical landmark.
Food & Drink
What are some recommended restaurants in Bordeaux?
Answer: Echo (open kitchen, excellent food, natural wines), Brasserie Maillard, Ganache, Demeter, Chez Thérèse, Papy, Zinc.
For Asian food: BIBIBAP (Korean), Que Toi (Vietnamese), Maki Shop (Sushi), Nai Nai (Cantonese, especially good!), Au bonheur du palais (Chinese gastronomique).
For burgers: Kokomo, Colette, Edmond Pure Burger, The Flying Pig, Canard Street (duck burgers), Bioburguer.
For pizza/pasta: Bistro Mimi.
For meat/steakhouse: La Brasserie Bordelaise, Moelleuse et Persillées, L’Etal du Boucher.
What’s a “menu du jour” and why should I look for it?
Answer: It’s a set-price lunch menu (often 10-15 euro) offering good value. Many restaurants close firmly at 2 PM and reopen for dinner.
Where can I find good breakfast spots?
Answer: Gllm Guillame boulangerie is mentioned for pastries. Some users specifically ask for healthy options but don’t get many specific replies beyond general cafes.
Are there any good food markets?
Answer: Marché des Capucins is an institution with many vendors and small restaurants, especially for seafood and tapas.
What’s a typical local pastry/sweet to try?
Answer: Canelés are a local specialty. Some users seek recommendations beyond the popular Baillardran.
What are some good wine bars in Bordeaux?
Answer: Le Bar a Vin is specifically mentioned for affordable wine tastings.
Do restaurants welcome dogs?
Answer: Many restaurants in Bordeaux accept and welcome dogs both indoors and on terraces.
Any recommendations for a Brazilian food spot?
Answer: Carioca Café is suggested for hearty and flavorful Brazilian food.
What about vegetarian/vegan options?
Answer: Demeter is mentioned as a restaurant.
Wine Tours & Experiences
Should I do a wine tour?
Answer: Highly recommended for first-timers to explore the surrounding vineyards.
What are the main wine regions to visit near Bordeaux?
Answer: Saint-Émilion (UNESCO heritage town, often easier to visit without a car by train) and Médoc (famous chateaux, often requires a car or tour). Sauternes is also mentioned for sweet wines.
Do wine tours typically include tasting fees?
Answer: Many tours (especially those booked through the Bordeaux Tourist Office) include tastings. Some may or may not include lunch. Always confirm what’s included when booking.
What tour companies are recommended?
Answer: Bordeaux Vertigo, 33 Tour, Rustic Wine Tours, Bordeaux Wine Trails, and Atlas Bordeaux Tour are mentioned. Bordeaux Tourist Office is also a good resource for booking.
Can I visit chateaux without a tour?
Answer: Yes, some chateaux offer direct tastings you can buy. However, a car might be needed for independent travel to scattered chateaux.
Is it possible to stay overnight in Saint-Émilion?
Answer: Yes, it can be nice to spend a night in the quieter, rural area of Saint-Émilion, perhaps in a chateau.
What about visiting Sauternes?
Answer: Visiting Sauternes (known for sweet wines like Ch. d’Yquem) often requires a car due to limited public transport. Some chateaux offer lunch options.
What’s the general process for wine tasting at a chateau?
Answer: Typically, you taste and spit, though you can drink small amounts.
Are there any private car and driver services for wine tours?
Answer: Yes, a private car and driver are recommended for visiting multiple stops in areas like Sauternes due to public transport limitations.
Day Trips from Bordeaux
What are the most popular day trips from Bordeaux?
Answer: Saint-Émilion (easy by train), Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat (train to Arcachon, then bus to Dune), Cap Ferret (for seaside villages and oyster tasting).
Can I do a day trip to Toulouse or Biarritz/Bayonne?
Answer: Yes, these are possible day trips by train (Toulouse is about 2.5 hours, Biarritz/Bayonne about 2.5 hours), but they will be long days.
What is there to do in Arcachon?
Answer: Walk along the seaside, explore pedestrian roads, visit “Ville d’Hiver” for beautiful villas (it’s a hilly walk), and enjoy the beach (e.g., La Hume). Le Bikini bar on the beach offers great views.
How do I get to Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat?
Answer: Arcachon is easily accessible by train from Bordeaux (around 50 minutes). From Arcachon, you can take a bus directly to the Dune du Pilat.
What’s the Dune du Pilat?
Answer: Europe’s tallest sand dune, offering panoramic views.
Are there other coastal day trip options besides Arcachon?
Answer: Lacanau, Le Porge, and Carcans are magnificent beaches. La Rochelle, Île de Ré, Île d’Oleron, and Île d’Aix are also mentioned as coastal options.
What if I’m looking for historical sites beyond wine?
Answer: Chateau Roquetaillade and the Dordogne area (Périgueux, castles, prehistoric cave sites) are suggested.
Accommodation
What areas are good for hotels in Bordeaux?
Answer: Place Gambetta area, city center for major attractions, Chartrons.
What are some recommended hotels in Bordeaux?
Answer: Intercontinental Grand Hotel (spacious, luxurious), Hotel de Seze (spacious, heated bathroom floors, central), Adiago (aparthotel, good price/space in center), Hotel Indigo Chartrons (good location/service/room size), La Zoologie, The Moxy Hotel (near tram B, close to Les Halles de Bacalan), Hôtel de Tourny (boutique, spacious/modern, central), Quality Hotel Bordeaux Centre (lively area, comfortable/spacious), Hôtel La Cour Carrée (charming, well-sized rooms, quiet street yet central).
Are there “musty” or small hotel rooms to avoid?
Answer: Travelers note that small, expensive rooms can be common in the city center. Mama Shelter rooms are mentioned as small. It’s recommended to check room dimensions before booking.
Are there student accommodation options?
Answer: Crous is the main option for Erasmus students, with Village 1 and Village 3 being good choices. Other options might be harder to find and more expensive.
Tips for finding good accommodation value?
Answer: Consider hotels slightly outside the immediate city center, as Bordeaux’s public transport makes getting around easy, and you might get more spacious rooms for the price.
Nightlife & Socializing
What’s the nightlife like in Bordeaux?
Answer: Bordeaux has a vibrant student population and a good bar scene. Clubs generally close at 2 AM. There’s a decent techno/house/disco scene, but less variation than some other cities (e.g., UK).
Are there good clubs in Bordeaux?
Answer: IBOAT and Hangar FL are mentioned for techno/house events. Other collectives like Amplitudes Radio, Bordeaux Open Air, L’Orangade, La Dernière Fois also organize events, often open-air.
Are there good places to meet people?
Answer: The bar scene is good. For electronic music, check out specific collective Instagram pages.
Is Bordeaux safe at night?
Answer: Generally considered safe, but like any city, be aware of your surroundings, especially in less familiar areas.
Any specific bar recommendations?
Answer: Julo or Lola near the St Michel church, and tapas restaurants like Le Gigi and Donestia in the same area.
Other Tips & Considerations
Is it useful to know French?
Answer: While many tourist-facing staff speak English, having some French will enhance your experience, especially in smaller, local establishments.
Are there any unique experiences like boat trips on the river?
Answer: The Bat3 boat trip up the river to Lormont is recommended as a scenic and affordable option (costs the same as a tram ticket).
Are there any escape rooms?
Answer: Yes, Bordeaux has many escape rooms, including a virtual reality one in the Bacalan area and Face à Face near Chartrons.
Are there amusement parks near Bordeaux?
Answer: Not major ones within the city. UCPA Mérignac is a water park. Further south towards the Basque Country, there are more water parks.
Is there a strong skate scene?
Answer: Yes, Bordeaux is a polished, paved, and flat city with plenty of skaters. Darwin Écosystème has a large indoor skate park, and there are many free spots.
What’s the general vibe of Bordeaux?
Answer: Described as beautiful, hip, with great architecture (Haussmann), and a relaxed atmosphere. Some describe it as “bobo” (bourgeois bohemian).
Is it a good place for architecture enthusiasts?
Answer: Definitely. The city center is beautiful with impressive Haussmann architecture.
What about visiting in winter (February)?
Answer: Still worth it for the city’s beauty and museums, but expect cold and rain. Outdoor activities like the Dune du Pilat might not be ideal.
Can I find places that are less touristy?
Answer: Yes, many travelers seek out and recommend local favorites, smaller restaurants, and boulangeries. Exploring neighborhoods beyond the immediate city center can help.
Are there any “hidden gems”?
Answer: The Botanic Garden and taking the Bat3 boat trip are often mentioned as underrated experiences.
What’s the deal with canelés?
Answer: A small, fluted pastry with a soft, custard-like center and a dark, caramelized crust. A Bordeaux specialty.
How to learn about Bordeaux wines without waiting for them to age?
Answer: Visiting the Cité du Vin and doing various wine tastings (e.g., at Le Bar a Vin or through tours) will give you a good introduction.
Is it easy to rent bikes in the city?
Answer: Yes, electric bikes and scooters can be rented via the TBM app.
Are there specific areas to avoid for safety?
Answer: General consensus is that Bordeaux is safe, but as with any city, be mindful in less populated areas at night. Specific “no-go” zones are not commonly highlighted by travelers.
What’s the general opinion on the locals?
Answer: Described as great and friendly people.
Can I bring my dog to Bordeaux?
Answer: Many restaurants are dog-friendly, and some chateaux and tours (like the petit train or tuk-tuk tour) also welcome dogs.
What’s the “Golden Triangle” area?
Answer: Refers to the area around the Opera, known for its elegant architecture and upscale shops.
Is Bordeaux suitable for a solo traveler?
Answer: Yes, it’s pedestrian-friendly and easy to navigate independently.
Any specific advice for finding affordable food?
Answer: Look for “menu du jour” deals at lunch and explore small, local places in the city center.
What’s the best way to get a good view of the city?
Answer: From Basilique Saint-Michel (even with scaffolding) or from a boat trip on the Garonne.
Are there specific places for coffee?
Answer: Travelers mention coffee shop recommendations, but specific names aren’t consistently highlighted. Many local boulangeries and cafes will offer good coffee.
What about street art or cultural venues?
Answer: Darwin Écosystème is known for its alternative vibe and sometimes has street art. For electronic music and cultural events, specific Instagram pages are recommended.
Are there any hidden passages or interesting streets to explore?
Answer: Rue des Faussets (near Place St Pierre) is described as very pretty.
Is it a good city for photography?
Answer: The Haussmann architecture, water mirror, and historic landmarks offer many photo opportunities.
What are some local specialties besides wine and canelés?
Answer: While not extensively detailed, traditional French cuisine, especially local dishes focusing on fresh produce and meats, are widely available. Duck is a common ingredient (e.g., duck burgers at Canard Street).
How long does it take to become familiar with the city?
Answer: Many travelers feel that after 2 days, you’ll be quite familiar with the city center.
Are there any good places for picnics?
Answer: The quays along the Garonne on the Rive Droite (right bank) are suggested for a relaxing walk and picnic.
What about public parks?
Answer: Jardin Public is mentioned, and it’s possible to rent small boats there.
Are there any specific historical periods highlighted in Bordeaux?
Answer: The city has a rich history, particularly evident in its architecture (18th-century Haussmann style) and its role in the wine trade. The Musée d’Aquitaine covers broader history.
What’s the best way to avoid tourist crowds?
Answer: Visiting during the off-season (e.g., late winter) or exploring less central neighborhoods and seeking out local spots can help.
Are there any unique local shops to visit?
Answer: Libraire Mollat is mentioned as a well-loved bookstore.
Is it a good place for art galleries?
Answer: Some art galleries are dog-friendly. The Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts is a major art institution.
What if I have limited time, like just one day?
Answer: Focus on the historic city center, see the main landmarks, and enjoy a good meal.
Is it easy to find vegetarian/vegan options?
Answer: While not a dedicated vegan city, places like Demeter exist, and many restaurants will have vegetarian options, especially with the prevalence of “menu du jour” that can be adapted.
What about safety in specific areas?
Answer: While generally safe, some discussions touch on perceived safety, but no specific “unsafe” areas are consistently flagged for tourists.
Are there any good places for street food or casual eats?
Answer: Marché des Capucins is great for casual dining, and many smaller restaurants offer good value for lunch. Kebab shops and Burger King are also mentioned as quick, late-night options.
What are the best views of the Porte Cailhau?
Answer: It’s described as a “gorgeous” historical gate, implying it’s easily viewed from surrounding streets.
How far is Bordeaux from Paris by train?
Answer: About 2 hours by high-speed train, making it a possible, though long, day trip from Paris.
Are there any good spots for a quiet drink?
Answer: Many wine bars offer a more relaxed atmosphere than clubs.
What is the typical opening/closing time for restaurants?
Answer: Be aware that many restaurants close firmly at 2 PM after lunch service and reopen later for dinner.
Are there events or festivals throughout the year?
Answer: Bordeaux Open Air is a recurring electronic music event. Checking local event listings upon arrival is recommended.
Is it easy to get lost in the city center?
Answer: No, the city center is not huge, and many travelers find it easy to navigate.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect in Bordeaux?
Answer: Described as “hip,” “vibrant,” and a city with “good vibes.”
Any advice on dealing with language barriers?
Answer: Most tourist-facing places will have English speakers. Learning a few basic French phrases (hello, thank you, please, etc.) is always appreciated.
What’s the overall takeaway from travelers about Bordeaux?
Answer: A highly recommended destination, beautiful and manageable, with excellent food and wine, great public transport, and a friendly atmosphere, offering a fantastic cultural experience without being overwhelmingly expensive.