Spending 5 Days in Bordeaux? This Free Itinerary is Your VIP Pass to the City
From stunning art exhibitions in old submarine bases to Michelin-star restaurants and speakeasy bars, Bordeaux has become the new Paris. Where once there were old warehouses lining the Garonne River by the docks there’s now gorgeous water mirrors and luxury hotels located in historic buildings waiting to impress.
The city has had a makeover, and it’s completely intoxicating, and I’m not talking about the wine, though there’s no denying it’s fabulous. There’s a wonderful feel to Bordeaux that you just can’t get enough of, it’s all just so relaxed. Plus, with an entire eight-floor museum dedicated to wine, Cité du Vin, it’s hard not to love it.
It’s easier than ever to get there. Since the TGV line was extended in 2017, you can be out of Paris and by the Garonne in two hours from Montparnasse. Technically, you could visit for the day, but that would be a crying shame as you’d miss out on the restaurants, history, wine tastings, and vibe of this wonderful city.
My Top 3 Picks: Things to do in 5 Days in Bordeaux
Your 5-Day Itinerary in Bordeaux
One of the first things I do when I visit a new city or town is to find the local tourist office. They always have so much information and are really helpful.
The Bordeaux Tourist Office is excellent and will have everything you need, including maps, tour information, and plenty of help with restaurants, etc.
As the tourist office is located in Place des Quinconces, I suggest this is where you start exploring. It’s one of the largest city squares in Europe and the transport hub of Bordeaux.
From there, you can walk to Place de la Bourse, home to the famous Miroir d’Eau (mirror of water), one of the most photographed sights in France, along with the Eiffel Tower.
The square played a significant role in history, originally featuring a statue of Louis XV in the centre, which was destroyed during the French Revolution.
Day 1 – Discover Bordeaux City Center with a River Cruise & Night Tour
Take a River Cruise on the Garonne
One of the best ways to view the city is on the river. And situated right near the Miroir d’Eau is Yacht de Bordeaux.
Spend 90 minutes aboard Le Luna listening to your English-speaking guide tell you about the history of Bordeaux as you drift down the river, taking in the scenery.
Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and canelé (regional cake). I did this tour and loved it; it was a great way to spend 90 minutes.
FIVE STAR REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Great trip. Lovely commentary and guide. Recommend. Whole booking process easy. Nice glass of wine and canel.”
– David
Enjoy Bordeaux at Night
After enjoying a nice, relaxing time on the river cruise, you’ll be ready for something different in the evening.
Bordeaux by night is magical, and the city comes alive with music, entertainment, and fun.
I have two options for you to choose from. The first is a food and wine-tasting night tour, and the second is a private tour of Bordeaux in a sidecar, and I’m not joking.
No. 1 – A 3-Hour Night Tour with Food & Wine Tasting in Bordeaux
If you’re a foodie, you’ll love this tour, which combines great food and wine with history and sightseeing.
Let your guide take you back in time to when Bordeaux was a fortified city. Marvel at Porte Cailhau, still standing after 300 years, and see the Grosse Cloche de Bordeaux with its famous clocks.
FIVE STAR REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Said was a fabulous guide. Told us all the interesting bits about the city. Shared some dinner recommendations.”
– Theresa
No. 2 – Private tour of Bordeaux at night in a sidecar
Spend 90 minutes discovering Bordeaux the fun way. Take a spin in a sidecar through the magical streets of the city and take in the sights.
They’ll pick you up and drop you off at your chosen location within Bordeaux and include a glass of wine as well. It really is the perfect way to see the landmarks of the city standing against the night sky.
FIVE STAR REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Our driver Alex was on time, well-presented and very friendly. His enthusiasm for Bordeaux was infectious, and it was like having a friend show you their town.”
– Katherine
Day 2 – Take in the Culture of the City of Bordeaux
Bordeaux is home to some great museums, in particular, City du Vin and Les Bassins de Lumières. So allowing a day in your schedule to enjoy a couple of them is a must.
And remember, by getting a Bordeaux City Pass, you’ll get access to 15 museums. However, the included access to City du Vin is only till noon.
Bordeaux La Cité du Vin Wine Culture Museum
This building is easily recognizable and architecturally designed to represent wine pouring into a glass.
Spread out over 8 floors the top floor gives you a 360-degree panoramic view of Bordeaux. Even if you’re not into wine, you’ll want to visit as it’s so much more than just another museum.
It’s an immersive experience with different themed areas and a digital audio guide available in 8 languages. You could easily spend all day here as there is just so much to watch, listen to and read.
You’ll discover the varied wine culture the city is famed for and understand more about how it has developed over the years.
FIVE STAR REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“My husband and I enjoyed the many interactive activities. It was interesting and entertaining. We purchased wine in the store downstairs afterwards and ate lunch in their restaurant. We spent an entire day there! We would most definitely recommend.”
– Cristina
Les Bassins de Lumières
Possibly one of the coolest museums in Bordeaux, it’s located in a former submarine base and is the largest digital art center in the world. It’s an immersive experience dedicated to the history of art and great artists.
It combines the architecture of the submarine base with digital art, and the images are reflected in 4 huge pools of water 12m high, 110m long and 22m wide. It is simply stunning and has to be seen to be believed, as words don’t do it justice.
You can read more about Les Bassins de Lumières here.
FIVE STAR REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Simply breathtaking. I couldn’t pull myself away and just stood watching and listening to the beautiful music which accompanied the art. This is a MUST see when visiting Bordeaux. I loved it.”
– Julie
Day 3 – Tour the Wine Region of Bordeaux
You can’t visit Bordeaux and not see some of the great Wine Chateaux of the region. Time to hone your wine tasting skills and find out more about the different wine regions of Bordeaux.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a wine tour, so I’ll stick with two I’ve been on and enjoyed.
My advice is to dedicate a whole day to this, if you have time, so you can really relax and enjoy the experience.
And I have a couple of great options for you.
1. Bordeaux Private Full-Day Wine Tour
If you’re in a group or enjoy a private tour like I do, this full-day tour is perfect. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven in air-conditioned comfort around the wine region.
You have the option of pre-selecting the wine regions you’d like to visit so you can fully customize your tour.
Visit three different chateaux within the Medoc, Saint Emilion, Graves, or Sauternes and enjoy private wine tastings with your English-speaking guide.
FIVE STAR REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Jerome was our guide. Exceeded expectations. While we were driving to the wineries, he gave us a great history about the city and wineries. We stopped by some elite top 1 wineries and he shared the history of those too. He was on time, polite, funny and definitely made it a great experience. Highly recommended experience. This is all you need to check Bordeaux off your bucket list.“
– Shirley
2. Full-Day tour to Saint-Emilion and Medoc, from Bordeaux
Nobody needs to be the designated driver with this small group guided tour. Spend the morning exploring Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a grand cru tasting at Château la Croizille.
After a picnic lunch and obligatory glass of wine, the next stop will be tastings at Château Siran and the grand cru classé Château Marquis de Terme.
This tour includes two classic Bordeaux appellations: Margaux and Saint-Emilion.
FIVE STAR REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Great experience, would definitely recommend. A lot of knowledge on wine and history, all rounded trip. ???”
– Kristy
Day 4 – Shopping, Markets and Bordeaux Street Art
After a busy day tasting wine and visiting the chateaux around Bordeaux, it’s time to enjoy a little bit of retail therapy.
Bordeaux has some fantastic markets to enjoy from Marche des Quais along the River Garonne in the fashionable Chartrons district to the daily market of Marché des Capucins.
And my favorite, Marché des Bouquinistes, the book market held on a Wednesday with just twenty or so stalls. You might even discover a rare vintage book to add to your collection.
Then, of course, there is Rue Sainte Catherine, Europe’s longest shopping street, which was pedestrianized back in 1977. It stretches for just over a kilometer between Place de la Comédie and Place de la Victoire.
It doesn’t matter if you’re just browsing or buying you’ll still enjoy a meander along this street. It’s shopaholic heaven!
As I mentioned earlier, Bordeaux is a foodie city, and it can be hard to know where to find the best places to eat or the best markets to visit.
So I highly recommend taking one of the food & history tours as you’ll discover everything you could possibly want to know about food in Bordeaux.
I have two great food tours I can recommend having done both of them myself.
1. Bordeaux Food Tour in the Wine District
If you want to learn about Bordeaux’s culinary history you’ll love this tour. Starting in the afternoon, you’ll be part of a small group visiting different gourmet artisan establishments tasting everything from pastries to charcuterie, and of course, a glass of wine to go with it.
Soak up the ambience of Bordeaux on foot and hear all about how the city became a world-renowned food and wine capital.
FIVE STAR REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“We thoroughly enjoyed the food and wine tour, good food and some local knowledge of the History of Bordeaux also provided which was an added extra. Food included pastries, cheese, coffee, bread and a small glass of wine to end with.”
– Howard
2. Private Guided Walking Tour with Local Sophia
If you want to learn about Bordeaux’s culinary history you’ll love this tour.
Starting in the afternoon, you’ll be part of a small group visiting different gourmet artisan establishments tasting everything from pastries to charcuterie, and of course, a glass of wine to go with it.
Soak up the ambience of Bordeaux on foot and hear all about how the city became a world-renowned food and wine capital.
FIVE STAR REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“One of the top guides ever, stories about Eleanor of Aquitaine, the pastry shop, squares, alleys and enthusiasm for Bordeaux and France. It was a great introduction to Bordeaux’s architecture, history, food and the life of the city today. DO NOT MISS HER.”
– Mark
Day 5 – Sand Dunes and Oysters at the Bay of Arcachon
No trip to Bordeaux would be complete without a day trip to visit the Bay of Arcachon, just over an hour’s drive from the city.
With stunning beaches, superb seafood and beautiful architecture, Arachon is divided into four regions and known for its oyster harvesting.
It’s home to the famous Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest at 110 meters. It’s really quite something to see, and once you get to the top, it offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Arcachon Half Day Trip with Pyla Sand Dune Climb & Oyster Tasting
Enjoy an escape to the seaside to try some fresh oysters and shrimp on this guided tour. You’ll leave Bordeaux in the comfort of an air-conditioned van and hike to the top of Pyla Dune.
Walk along the beach and take in the breathtaking views and sample some of the best oysters in Arcachon Bay.
Soak up the ambience of Bordeaux on foot and hear all about how the city became a world-renowned food and wine capital.
FIVE STAR REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Thrilling walk up and across dunes with magnificent views. Host was both informative and charming. Topped off with wonderful oysters and prawns.”
– James
Best time to visit Bordeaux
Let me say that any time is a good time to visit Bordeaux, as there is so much to see and do, no matter what the weather is like.
Having said that, planning a trip between May and November is the best time to visit Bordeaux if you’re a wine lover.
The grapes are usually harvested from August to October, so for me, that is the perfect time to go.
And there are some great wine tours you can take to find out more about Bordeaux as a wine region.
And although I’m not a fan of winter, the Christmas Markets are beautiful, not to mention lots of fun, especially if you visit some of the nearby villages as well.
A glass of vin chaud (hot wine) is obligatory.
What is Bordeaux famous for other than wine?
Where do I start? I should probably start with this – Bordeaux is the biggest UNESCO World Heritage site anywhere in the world.
Impressive, isn’t it? It’s an incredibly historic city dating back to 500 BC.
Food is another big part of this city’s culture and something it’s famed for.
It’s a foodie’s idea of heaven, from the amazing chocolate shops to the famous Arcachon Bay oysters.
Oh, and did I mention, they also have the world’s largest reflecting pool, Miroir d’Eau?
I won’t go on because you’re about to discover the best things this city has to offer and see why it’s so popular even the Parisians are leaving Paris to come here.
And if you don’t believe me, it was even voted as Europe’s Best Destination in 2017.
A little bit of Bordeaux history
Now don’t worry I’m not going to overload you with history, but it’s important to understand a bit of the back story.
So Bordeaux was originally a port city and a bustling hub for trade and commerce. Its strategic location on the Garonne River allowed merchants to transport goods from the Atlantic Ocean to the heart of the city.
And in the Middle Ages, it earned the nickname of Port of the Moon (Port de Lune) because of the crescent shape it makes as it comes across the city.
You’ll also see this in the city’s coat of arms.
The port is still a hive of activity, especially with tourists, and is often referred to now as the harbor.
But Bordeaux is also a city of culture. It was Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the most influential figures of the Middle Ages, who left an indelible mark on the city.
Eleanor, known for her intellect and refined tastes, played a pivotal role in fostering a flourishing courtly culture in the city. She brought troubadours, poets, and artists to her court, greatly influencing troubadour poetry and courtly love in the region.
Eleanor’s marriage to Louis VII saw Bordeaux fall under French rule. But when her marriage to him was annulled in 1152, she then married Henry Plantagenet, who became King Henry II shortly after their marriage.
This alliance saw Bordeaux fall under English rule playing an important role in strengthening Bordeaux’s wine trade and international reputation.
The English, particularly the nobility, developed a strong taste for Bordeaux wines. As a result, the wine industry in the region flourished, and Bordeaux wines gained prominence in European markets.
The English presence in Bordeaux helped promote the city as a major center for wine production and trade, a legacy that continues to this day.
Free things to do in Bordeaux
One of the best things to do when you come to Bordeaux is to ditch the car and use public transport instead.
And I highly recommend getting the Bordeaux City Pass. It gives you unlimited FREE access to all buses and trams throughout the city. You’ll even get to use the river shuttle as part of it as well.
But you’ll also get free entry to 15 of Bordeaux’s museums and monuments and access to one guided tour.
You can get a pass for 24, 48 or 72 hours. We got a 3-day pass on a recent trip, and it was invaluable.
It’s also worth mentioning that the museums in Bordeaux are free to visit on the first Sunday of every month, apart from July and August.
Things to do in Bordeaux at night
Bordeaux is a safe city, even at night. Walk through the streets, stroll down to the harbour and don’t forget to go to the Place de la Bourse to see the reflection of the Palais de la Bourse in the Miroir d’Eau.
Bordeaux comes alive at night with its many bars and restaurants. From the Frog & Rosbif, housed in a 16th-century former women’s prison, to the Wave Surf Café, where you can surf on an artificial wave.
If you love dancing like I do, make sure you go dancing on the Bordeaux quays. During the summer the whole place turns into a giant dancefloor and becomes a free open-air nightclub. You’ll find everything from salsa to country on offer.
Finally, there are some great night tours you can enjoy including whipping around Bordeaux in a sidecar and taking part in a food and wine tasting tour.
Things to do in Bordeaux with the family
Bordeaux is a very family-friendly city with plenty to keep the kids occupied. The Zoo de Bordeaux Pessac is worth visiting, and they have an amazing night experience staying at one of their two lodges right next to the tiger enclosure.
If you want to add a museum to the list, then Cap Sciences is one I’d recommend as very kid-friendly. It’s located in an old hangar in the Baclan district and brings science to life with its digital displays. It’s a great immersive experience with a focus on accessibility for the younger generation.
There are also plenty of lovely parks in Bordeaux, perfect for indulging in the French pastime of picnicking.
Wine tours from Bordeaux
Let’s be honest, the first thing you think of when someone says they’re visiting Bordeaux is wine.
And for good reason….Bordeaux wine is fantastic.
There are many great wine tours to choose from, and it all depends on time, preferences and budget.
Personally, if you have the time, which if you’re in Bordeaux for seven days you will have, I’d suggest doing a full-day tour to get as much out of the experience as possible.
The other thing to consider is whether you want to do a private tour or a group tour.
Private tours are great if you prefer a more intimate experience. I’ve done a couple of private tours now and always love them as you can personalise them. Who doesn’t love the luxury of your own private chauffeur-driven tour?
If your budget stretches to it then there is even a private wine tour in a Tesla where you’ll visit three wine regions, Saint-Émilion, Médoc and Sauternes.
Day trips from Bordeaux
Bordeaux has a great train network, so taking a day out, away from Bordeaux during your stay isn’t difficult.
One of the most popular places to visit is Arachon. It’s a seaside town with beautiful beaches and is home to the famous Arachon Bay Oysters. It’s only an hour away and can be combined with a visit to Dune du Pilat, the tallest dune in Europe.
To enjoy Arachon in style, take a look at this fun day trip combining Arachon, oysters and Dune du Pilat.
The city of Angouleme is only 35 minutes by train and is the comic capital of Europe. Like so many cities in this part of France, it’s full of history and was once the home of Isabella of Angouleme, Queen of England through marriage to King John.
You can book your train tickets here >>>
Although it’s just over two hours by train, another beautiful seaside town is La Rochelle. Its prime position on the Atlantic coast, with its historic harbor, cobbled streets, and beautiful beaches, makes it worth a day trip.
Where to stay in Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a popular destination so don’t leave it to the last minute to book your accommodation otherwise you’ll be disappointed. There is so much choice, from apartments and B&Bs to luxury hotels with spas and rooftop terraces.
TOP PICK – Location, Location, Location
Hôtel Cardinal – Bordeaux City Center
This gorgeous boutique hotel is a hidden gem tucked away out of sight in the center of the city within an old 18th-century mansion.
Enjoy pastry delights for breakfast and afternoon tea courtesy of patisserie chocolate shop Pierre MATHIEU and indulge in the well-stocked private wine cellar that forms part of the hotel.
A little bit of luxury during your stay in Bordeaux.
“We loved our suite, the location was amazing- so central, but above all we LOVED the service and the staff. Can’t speak highly enough of the team. We would only stay here when next in Bordeaux. Thank you so much to everyone.”
-Jill (read more reviews)
Fabulous Mid-Range Hotel
Hôtel Madame – Central location
This pet-friendly hotel is well-priced and situated in the golden triangle of Bordeaux making it ideal for exploring the city. You’re just 400 meters from Saint-André Cathedral.
Enjoy a continental breakfast each morning and take advantage of hiring a bike directly from the hotel – definitely one of the best ways to see the city.
“Welcoming super friendly family-run hotel. The hotel is small and has an excellent vibe. It is in a perfect location to explore the best and oldest part of the city, with the Cathedral being extremely close.“
-Colin (read more reviews)
A Self-Catering Gem
Family House City Center
If you prefer more space and are looking for a home-from-home where you can enjoy some time out rather than a hotel stay, this family home is perfect.
With a fully equipped kitchen, WiFi and patio it’s unusual to find a property like this. With four double bedrooms, it’s perfect for a family and is within walking distance of all the major attractions.
“Perfect! A really spacious house for a beautiful stay in the center of Bordeaux. This is a beautiful house in a quiet street and area, a walking distance to the city center and right next to public transport. The house is spacious and offers all equipment that a family would need.”
-Frank (read more reviews)
How to get to Bordeaux
By Air
Bordeaux has an international airport with regular flights. Although the airport isn’t too far outside the city, it’s best to pre-book your airport pick-up.
A shuttle bus also runs from the airport, dropping you at Gare de Bordeaux St. Jean, which runs every 30 minutes. A one-way ticket will cost €8.
By Train
You can get from Paris to Bordeaux in under 3 hours with trains running at regular intervals. Gare de Bordeaux St. Jean is a busy station with plenty of trains from a lot of the major cities in South West France.
I always catch the train to Bordeaux from Angoulême when we visit.
You can book your train tickets here from Trainline >>>
FAQs About Visiting Bordeaux
How many days are enough for Bordeaux?
There is so much to see and do in Bordeaux that I’d recommend 7 days to fully enjoy the experience. But if you only have one day in Bordeaux, you’ll still have enough time for the highlights.
What is the famous street in Bordeaux?
The famous shopping street in Bordeaux is rue Sainte-Catherine, and it’s 1.2 km long.
Is Bordeaux a walkable city?
YES, Bordeaux is a walkable city. Most things are within walking distance, and hopping on a tram when you need to is very easy.
Is Bordeaux very expensive?
As Bordeaux is a city, it is more expensive than going to a smaller town or village. However, it isn’t as expensive as places like Paris or Nice.
What is the famous wine village near Bordeaux?
Saint-Émilion is a beautiful wine village and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
Do I need a car in Bordeaux?
If you’re just in Bordeaux for a couple of days, you can easily use public transport. However, if you’re planning to do a couple of days out away from the cit,y I would recommend hiring a car from Discover Cars.
How far are the wineries from Bordeaux?
There are plenty of wineries close to Bordeaux within 30-60 minutes. However, if you’re planning on tasting the wine, which is part of the fun, then I highly recommend doing one of the many wine tours available so you don’t need to drive.
Final Thoughts: The Best Things to Do in Bordeaux in 5 Days
Wondering if you can do Bordeaux in 5 Days?
Absolutely, you can. As always with trips like this, it’s a question of being organised, booking your tours in advance so you aren’t disappointed, and not trying to pack too much into one day.
Our 5-Day Itinerary covers the best that Bordeaux has to offer without leaving you exhausted.
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