15 Top Things to See and Do in Bordeaux
Bordeaux isn’t always at the top of France travel lists, but it should be. Travelers who go often say the same thing: they didn’t expect much, and they were completely won over.
The city combines elegant architecture with a laid-back rhythm, offering the food and café culture you’d expect in Paris, just without the chaos. It’s easy to explore on foot, and even easier with a €25 pass that gets you on trams, buses, bikes, and riverboats.
Locals say it’s the most loved city in France, and once you’ve wandered its streets or sipped wine on a sunny square, it’s hard to disagree.
Here’s a list of essential things to see and do, with some extras for wine lovers too.
1. Explore the Water Mirror and Place de la Bourse
This is the most iconic view in Bordeaux. The Place de la Bourse is a grand 18th-century square on the riverbank, and in front of it is the Miroir d’eau, the world’s largest reflecting pool. Go when it’s filled for the mirror effect.
2. Visit the Cité du Vin
More than just a wine museum, it’s a modern, interactive space dedicated to the culture of wine around the world. You can spend hours here. The top floor has wine tastings with panoramic views over the Garonne.
3. Wander Rue Sainte-Catherine
This is Bordeaux’s main pedestrian shopping street. It’s long, busy, and buzzing from morning to evening. If you want to take a break, there are plenty of side streets with cafés and wine bars.
4. Admire the Grosse Cloche and Porte Cailhau
Both are historic gates in the old city walls. The Grosse Cloche is a huge bell tower, and Porte Cailhau looks like a small medieval castle. They’re close enough to see back-to-back while walking through the old center.
5. Relax in Place des Quinconces
One of the biggest squares in Europe, it’s where you’ll find the Monument aux Girondins, a tall fountain and column honoring the revolutionaries from the region. Good place to sit and rest under the trees.
6. Climb the Tower at Saint-André Cathedral
The cathedral itself is worth a visit, but the adjacent Pey-Berland tower gives you one of the best views over Bordeaux. Go early if you want fewer people at the top.
7. Take a Boat Ride on the Garonne
The Bat³ river shuttle is part of Bordeaux’s public transport system. You can ride it for the same price as a tram. It’s a fantastic and peaceful way to see the city from the water, especially around sunset.
8. Visit the Bassins des Lumières
Inside a converted WWII submarine base, this is one of the most unique digital art venues in Europe. The immersive light and sound shows reflect off the water and the massive concrete walls. Check what’s on before you go.
9. Have a Glass at Le Bar à Vin
This isn’t just any wine bar, it’s run by the Bordeaux Wine Council. Tastings are affordable and curated. It’s a great way to sample the region without splurging.
10. Eat at Marché Food Stalls
Skip the formal sit-down meal and head to a market instead. Several travelers said their best food in Bordeaux came from simple stalls, like moules-frites served with carafes of local wine. It’s casual, affordable, and full of local flavor.
11. Try Tapas Around Place Saint-Michel
This neighborhood has a relaxed vibe, especially in the evenings. Grab a table at Tapas Royal, Colom, Donestia, or Le Gigi. The food is unfussy and good, with plenty of wine flowing and a view of the basilica if you sit outside.
12. Do a Day Trip to Saint-Émilion
One of the most popular day trips from Bordeaux. You can reach it in 30 minutes by train. Walk through the vineyards into town, then explore the cobbled streets, wine shops, and underground church. Several châteaux offer tastings within walking distance.
13. See the Dune du Pilat and Le Bassin d’Arcachonç
Take a day to see the coast. Climb the Dune du Pilat – the tallest sand dune in Europe – for sweeping views, then explore the bay around Arcachon. The area is known for oyster farms, quiet beaches, and small villages like L’Herbe. Trains run regularly, or rent a car for more freedom.
14. Take a Free Walking Tour
If you want a low-effort introduction to the city’s layout and history, book one of the daily free tours. Most leave from the center and last around two hours. Great way to orient yourself early in your trip.
15. Visit the Wine Trade Museum
Different from the Cité du Vin, this smaller museum focuses on Bordeaux’s wine commerce history. It’s housed in old cellars in the Chartrons district and often gets overlooked.
16. Check Out Bassins à flot and Darwin
For something different, head to the renovated docks. You’ll find modern architecture, urban art, food trucks, and spaces like Darwin, a warehouse turned eco-space with shops, bars, and even a skatepark.
Final Notes
You don’t need a car to enjoy Bordeaux, especially if you’re focused on the city and a couple of nearby day trips. The tram system is easy and cheap, and most of the sights above are walkable from each other.
It’s one of those cities where even wandering aimlessly feels worthwhile. Just give yourself time, and bring good shoes.