Bordeaux Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Bordeaux which includes street scenes and heritage elements
Bordeaux
Bordeaux
Bordeaux
Bordeaux showing food

Bordeaux Travel Guide Video

A UNESCO world heritage site since 2007, Bordeaux's urban and architectural treasures are some of the most prestigious in the world.

Let yourself be captivated by its charm and elegance as you stroll along the quaysides on the left bank of the Garonne, which reflect the Bordeaux lifestyle, with their gardens, boutiques, leisure spaces, and pedestrian or bicycle promenades.

From there, immerse yourself in the historic centre of Bordeaux, the picturesque Saint Pierre district. Go down one of the narrow streets, explore the shops and stop off at a cafe terrace to drink in the authentic feel of this neighbourhood.

Then head back up the famous pedestrianised Rue Sainte Catherine, which runs between the Place de la Comédie and the Place de la Victoire, an area popular with students. There you'll find over half a mile of shops to suit all budgets and all tastes.

Take time to visit the Grand Théâtre which, with its three centuries of history, is a must-visit. You'll be amazed by the impressive buildings. For film buffs, Utopia is also well worth a visit. Housed in a former church in Bordeaux's old town, Utopia is a cultural space offering a varied programme: films in their original language, discussion evenings and festivals to name just some of the events. You'll have a great time here.

To see the city from a different angle, cross the Garonne via the Pont de Pierre, an iconic landmark of Bordeaux, and head for the Bastide neighbourhood. Stop off at the Jardin Botanique (Botanic Garden) with its wonderful greenhouses for a spot of lunch. The restaurant "Le Caillou" offers a great range of affordable set menus. You'll also enjoy its terrace and concerts, which are held all year round.

As you walk, let yourself be tempted by the cuisine of Bordeaux to suit your taste and pocket, invariably accompanied by excellent local wines. To help you decide, Expedia offers a wide range of restaurants and accommodation to make your stay in Bordeaux truly unforgettable.

Also take advantage of our holiday offers to discover the treasures of the Bordeaux region: its vineyards, its wine estates, Arcachon bay, the dunes of Pilat...

Where to stay in Bordeaux

Default Image

Bordeaux City Centre

4.5/5(50 area reviews)

Travellers choose Bordeaux City Centre for its great bars. Hop aboard the metro at Gambetta Tram Station or Grand Theatre Tram Station and check out top sights like Place Gambetta.

Bordeaux City Centre
Bordeaux

Hôtel de Ville - Quinconces

If you're spending time in Hôtel de Ville - Quinconces, check out sights like Grand Theatre of Bordeaux or Place de la Comédie and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Grand Theatre Tram Station or Gambetta Tram Station.

Hôtel de Ville - Quinconces
Default Image

Saint Jean Station District

Noted for its river views and coffee shops, there's plenty to explore in Saint Jean Station District. Top attractions like Sacre Coeur Church and Rock School Barbey are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Belcier Tram Station or Carle Vernet Tram Station to see more of the city.

Saint Jean Station District
Default Image

Bastide

4/5(2 area reviews)

You might enjoy the river views while in Bastide. Darwin Eco-Système is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Thiers - Benauge Tram Station or Galin Tram Station to see more of the city.

Bastide
Default Image

Quartier du Lac

4/5(23 area reviews)

Noted for its lake views and bars, there's plenty to explore in Quartier du Lac. Top attractions like Barriere Casino Theatre and Aushopping Bordeaux Lac are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Claveau Tram Station or Brandenburg Tram Station to see more of the city.

Quartier du Lac
Default Image

Chartrons

4.5/5(21 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Chartrons. Spend some time visiting top spots like Quai des Marques, and catch the metro at Cours du Medoc Tram Station or Les Hangars Tram Station to see more of the area.

Chartrons
Residhotel Galerie Tatry
Residhotel Galerie Tatry
3 out of 5
174 Cours du Medoc, Bordeaux
The price is £37 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£37
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Bordeaux. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,223 reviews)
"This nice and modern aparthotel is well maintained and its location is very convenient as there is a tram station just half a block away. You can be in Bordeaux’s historic center in less than 20 minutes and if you’re traveling to the next destination by train, the train station (Saint-Jeanne) is ..."

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2025

Residhotel Galerie Tatry
Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux Centre
Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux Centre
4 out of 5
17 Allée de Rio, Bordeaux
The price is £74 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£74
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Bordeaux. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (994 reviews)
"Rooms not large but all study and stylish furniture. Bath fixtures up to date. Very good shower. Excellent soap and shampoo provided. Best towels."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux Centre
JOST Hôtel Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint Jean
JOST Hôtel Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint Jean
3 out of 5
18 Rue des Ateliers, Saint Germain, Bordeaux, Gironde
The price is £71 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£71
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bordeaux. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (178 reviews)
"lovely hotel, nice design, friendly staff. my only issue was its terrible reach by car and the hotel didn't pick up calls when we were trying to confirm access."

Reviewed on 6 Jun 2025

JOST Hôtel Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint Jean
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residhotel Galerie Tatry
Residhotel Galerie Tatry
3 out of 5
174 Cours du Medoc, Bordeaux
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Bordeaux. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,223 reviews)
"This nice and modern aparthotel is well maintained and its location is very convenient as there is a tram station just half a block away. You can be in Bordeaux’s historic center in less than 20 minutes and if you’re traveling to the next destination by train, the train station (Saint-Jeanne) is ..."

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2025

Residhotel Galerie Tatry
Staycity Aparthotels, Bordeaux City Centre
Staycity Aparthotels, Bordeaux City Centre
3 out of 5
45 Rue Leyteire, Bordeaux, Gironde
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Bordeaux. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (400 reviews)
"Nice rooms, great location"

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2025

Staycity Aparthotels, Bordeaux City Centre
Zenitude Hôtel - Résidences Bordeaux Aéroport
Zenitude Hôtel - Résidences Bordeaux Aéroport
3 out of 5
33 Avenue Neil Armstrong, Merignac, Gironde
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified aparthotel in Merignac. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (699 reviews)
"Staff were helpful and friendly even in english, laundry facility was great, pool was nice."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Zenitude Hôtel - Résidences Bordeaux Aéroport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Bordeaux

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
132
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
65
4 - Good 32%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely place , nice and flat for mobility. Excellent restraints, shops and above all great transport to get about. Will come back

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Excellent team and transport system which is very reasonable and reliable and safe.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

There are wine tasting tours that can be taken through the Bordeaux tourism office to visit Saint-Emilion. The tourist office also offers walking tours or with the City Pass there are also tours on an open top bus or mini train.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lovely range of food options especially the great meat and cheese

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The most beautiful shopping streets. Lots of variety and plenty of restaurants. My only problem was the cyclists and scooters in the pedestrian areas, very hazardous and not very safe.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Great City. Underestimated , great in city transport system.

Cities near Bordeaux