Things to do in Bordeaux

Activities, attractions and tours

Bordeaux showing heritage elements and street scenes
Bordeaux
Bordeaux
Bordeaux
Bordeaux featuring food
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Top places to visit

1. Rue Sainte-Catherine

Bordeaux’s Rue Sainte-Catherine (Saint Catherine Street) stretches as far as you can see from one end to the other. It is one of Europe’s longest commercial pedestrian streets, measuring 0.8 miles (1.2 kilometers) long. Walk freely along this street filled with people. It is closed to vehicles, apart from an occasional delivery van. Be sure to explore the many side streets that offer unique and interesting stores and places to eat.
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Place de la Victoire featuring a square or plaza, heritage elements and a city

2. Place de la Bourse

Place de la Bourse is an elegant city square, bordered by grand, palatial buildings and facing the Garonne River. Marvel at the perfect symmetry of the square and surrounding buildings, designed to reflect the king's power and bring Bordeaux into modernity.
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Place de la Bourse

3. Place des Quinconces

The vast Place des Quinconces stretches for about 30 acres (120,000 square meters) across the center of Bordeaux, making it an ideal venue for concerts and festivals. Explore the tree-lined square and admire its ensemble of monuments, which are dotted around the edges of the plaza. Take in views of the adjacent Garonne River.
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Place des Quinconces

4. Grand Theatre of Bordeaux

Admire the exquisite French building, the Grand Theater of Bordeaux, home of the Bordeaux National Opera. This 18th-century architectural masterpiece fits well in a city of historic stone buildings and greets visitors with its row of statues of mythological figures sitting atop a row of Corinthian stone pillars. It is also the venue for many other acclaimed performances throughout the year.
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Grand Theater Opera National of Bordeaux

5. Place de la Victoire

Like Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris, Place de la Victoire features an arch monument and has roads leading off in every direction toward other city neighborhoods. Unlike its bigger counterpart, however, Bordeaux's cool plaza is not swamped with tourists. The laid-back atmosphere here makes it an ideal place to linger a while. Rest from sightseeing at one of the square’s cafés and bars and watch people coming and going.
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Place de la Victoire featuring a square or plaza, heritage elements and a city

What to do in Bordeaux

Popular places to visit

Cité du Vin

Cité du Vin

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Cité du Vin during your travels in Bordeaux. Discover the area's shops or seek out its local tours.

Cité du Vin
Bordeaux which includes a city and street scenes

Rue Sainte-Catherine

If you love to shop, this French street has great appeal. People watch as you have a drink or meal. The street seems to have a life of its own.

Rue Sainte-Catherine
Place de la Bourse showing an administrative building, night scenes and heritage architecture

Place de la Bourse

Explore this photogenic riverside square, which is bordered by two grand neoclassical palaces and features a spectacular fountain at its center.

Place de la Bourse
Place des Quinconces featuring a park and a statue or sculpture

Place des Quinconces

The biggest square in France, this plaza hosts festivals, concerts and markets and features monuments dedicated to famous writers.

Place des Quinconces
Bordeaux featuring theatre scenes and heritage architecture

Grand Theatre of Bordeaux

As with many stately buildings that dominate their space, this one has a superb presence. Tour this magnificent building and enjoy one of its performances.

Grand Theatre of Bordeaux
Bordeaux showing a square or plaza and shopping

Place Saint Pierre

Learn about the local history of Bordeaux with a stop at Place Saint Pierre. Wander the area's riverfront or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.

Place Saint Pierre
Hotel de Ville featuring an administrative building and heritage architecture

Hotel de Ville Palais Rohan

Bordeaux’s city hall is housed in a spectacular palace, which features ornate interiors, elegant gardens and an art gallery stocked with masterpieces.

Hotel de Ville Palais Rohan
Place de la Victoire

Place de la Victoire

A gateway to the rest of the city, this bustling square in Bordeaux's student quarter is home to classical monuments and stylish restaurants.

Place de la Victoire
Cathedrale St. Andre featuring a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Bordeaux Cathedral

Marvel at panoramic views of the city and reflect in the peaceful nave at this iconic religious building, the seat of the Archdiocese of Bordeaux.

Bordeaux Cathedral

Areas of Bordeaux

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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
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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
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Saint Jean Station District

The river views and coffee shops are a few things visitors like about Saint Jean Station District. Check out Rock School Barbey while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Belcier Tram Station or Carle Vernet Tram Station to get around town.

Saint Jean Station District
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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 Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum, and catch the metro at Cours du Medoc Tram Station or Les Hangars Tram Station to see more of the area.

Chartrons
Notre Dame Church which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Bordeaux Golden Triangle

4.5/5(28 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Bordeaux Golden Triangle, you might enjoy attractions like Place de la Comédie and Rue Sainte-Catherine. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Grand Theatre Tram Station to see more of the city.

Bordeaux Golden Triangle

 

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Chateau Pape Clement featuring a park and a castle

Pessac

Photo by Didier Voinson

Lanton

Frequently asked questions

Is Bordeaux worth visiting?
Whether you're here to experience the local charm and cultural attractions or try regional foods and explore the outdoors, there's no shortage of things to do in Bordeaux.
How do I spend a day in Bordeaux?
Start your day with a visit to Hotel de Ville Palais Rohan and Zoo Bordeaux-Pessac. Then, tour different areas of Bordeaux for local restaurants and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bordeaux?
The top tourist attraction in Bordeaux is Bordeaux Cathedral, so be sure to add it to your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Bordeaux?
Three days in Bordeaux is enough to visit the city's main attractions. Many travellers spend three days on average. Bordeaux Cathedral, Hotel de Ville Palais Rohan and Maison du Vin de Bordeaux are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a while longer to explore nearby hotspots like Merignac.
Is Bordeaux a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city centre, Bordeaux is a good place to discover on foot. Wander between Bordeaux Cathedral and Hotel de Ville Palais Rohan. Then take a stroll through Hôtel de Ville - Quinconces, located 0.32 kilometres from the centre, and Bordeaux Sud, which is roughly 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Bordeaux with kids?
Planning what to do in Bordeaux with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're getting away with toddlers or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Bordeaux for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or fan of Mother Nature, there are loads of things to do in Bordeaux for adults including Château Smith Haut Lafitte and Maison du Vin de Bordeaux.
Are there free things to do in Bordeaux?
In Bordeaux, Bordeaux Cathedral is a popular spot for anyone wanting to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the local neighbourhoods and parks, and speak with a local tour guide. It's a good way to find out about the best free things to do in Bordeaux.

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