14 Awesome Tourist Attractions to Visit and Things to Do in Bordeaux

February 6, 2022 Mustafa Natalwala 3137 Views

Bordeaux is a city in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region of France situated on the bank of the river Garonne. It is one of the most significant historical cities of France. The majority of the best places to visit in Bordeaux, France are popular owing to their history. The city played a particularly important role during the French revolution. There are several buildings and monuments erected in honor of the revolution in the city.

The best things to see in Bordeaux are historical buildings with outstanding architecture. You will also get to see wonderful works of architecture in form of government buildings, palaces, chateaus, and churches. The city exhibits some of the finest wonders in Art Nouveau, Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque styles. This history of Bordeaux tourist attractions is highly revered. The Port of the Moon area of the city is included among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Besides buildings, other places to see in Bordeaux include sculptural fountains, historical squares, markets, and more.

The city is also hailed as the world capital of wine. Wine tasting tours are among the most fun things to do in Bordeaux. The city is surrounded by several vineyards and wineries. Many of the chateaus have years of wine-making history behind them. From a cultural and historical point of view, these places are integral to Bordeaux sightseeing.

Being a prominent French city, the art scene here is quite vibrant. You will get to explore numerous art museums and art galleries among famous places in Bordeaux. The city has an outstanding collection of historical, modern as well as contemporary art. The city has attracted many renowned artists from across the world among Bordeaux’s top sights. It also exhibits works by some of the most poignant artists from history and present times.

The city is also well known as a center for unique French cuisine. Seafood and sweets hailing from this city are quite popular. You will come across restaurants of celebrated chefs. The city is equally well known for its street food and experimental dishes.

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Table of Contents

Top 14 Tourist Places to Visit in Bordeaux in 2 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Pont de Pierre (Stone Bridge)

This was the first bridge in the city, built in 1822. It was commissioned by Napoleon and it connects old part of the city with the new one. It’s a wonderful place to begin Bordeaux sightseeing. You will need about half an hour or so for this bridge.

2. Place de la Bourse and Miroir d’eau

These magnificent 18th century building are among the best things to see in Bordeaux. In front of these buildings there is a shallow pool which perfectly reflects the buildings. You would need 30 to 45 minutes to explore these buildings.

3. Monument aux Girondins / Place des Quinconces

This monument was built to honor the martyrs of the French Revolution. The fountain is beautifully designed. It is one of the most beautiful Bordeaux tourist attractions. You would need about 30 minutes for this fountain when you visit Bordeaux.

4. Bar a Vin de la Maison

This wine bar holds a special place among Bordeaux attractions. It is home to the government organization which represents the city’s wine industry. Wine tasting here is one of the best things to do in Bordeaux. You will need an hour for this experience.

5. Grand Théâtre Bordeaux

Also known as Victor Louis’ Palace, this is one of the most beautiful theatres in all of Europe. It is one of the best places to visit in Bordeaux to experience performance arts in the city. You will need about an hour to experience this theatre during Bordeaux travel.

6. Notre Dame Church

This 17th century is among Bordeaux must see places. It is renowned for its facade and its iconic stonework. You will need an hour or so to explore the exterior and interior of this church.

7. Museum of Decorative Arts & Design (Musée des Arts décoratifs et du Design)

You can’t experience a French city without enjoying a good art museum. This museum is one of the finest places to see in Bordeaux. The museum focuses on decorative arts from 18th century onwards. You will need an hour or so for this museum.

Day 2

1. Porte Caihau

This is one of the historic gates of the city. The gate was build to commemorate the victory of Charles VIII in Italy as the Battle of Fornovo. It is one of the most famous places in Bordeaux. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes for this gate.

2. Basilica of St. Michael (Basilique Saint-Michel)

This masterpiece of a cathedral was built in 1472 and it renowned for several reasons. It is among the top Bordeaux France tourist attractions to admire gothic architecture. It is also known for 2nd highest bell tower in France. You would need an hour for this cathedral.

3. Grosse Cloche de Bordeaux

This 15th century city was built over another 13th century gate. You can tour the gate outside and inside. It is of the most important historical places to go in Bordeaux. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for this city gate.

4. Museum of Aquitaine (Musée d’Aquitaine)

Outside of Paris, this is the biggest French history museums in the country. This museum delves in the history of the city as well as Aquitaine region. It is one of the very first Bordeaux France attractions you should visit. It will help put rest of the journey in perspective. You will need about 2 hours for this museum.

5. Bordeaux Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux)

This is yet another magnificent cathedral among Bordeaux top sights. It is known for its blend of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. You will need about an hour for this cathedral.

6. Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux Arts)

This arts museum is home to several top things to see in Bordeaux. It is home to masterpieces by numerous renowned artists. The museum exhibits paintings, sculptures and art installations hailing from Renaissance onwards. You will need about an hour to explore this museum.

7. CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art of Bordeaux (CAPC musée d’art contemporain de Bordeaux)

This art museum is focused on works of contemporary art. It has both permanent and changing exhibitions. This museum has one of the finest collection of contemporary art in France. For art admirers, it is an integral part of sightseeing in Bordeaux city. You will need about an hour for this museum.

If you are looking for more must see places in Bordeaux, check out the section below.

Things to do in Bordeaux

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Bordeaux

La Ciudad del Vino
Place de la Bourse
Bordeaux Cathedral
Gran Teatro de Burdeos
Musee d’Aquitaine
CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art of Bordeaux
Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts
El Espejo de Agua
Porte Cailhau
Grosse Cloche
Monument aux Girondins
Pey Berland Tower
Basilica of Saint Michael
Les Bassins des Lumieres
Musee des Arts decoratifs et du Design
Musee du Vin et du Negoce de Bordeaux
Base de Submarinos de Burdeos
Musee Mer Marine
Palais Gallien
Bernard Magrez Cultural Institute
Musee National des Douanes
Museum de Bordeaux – science et nature
Cap Sciences
Eglise Sainte Croix de Bordeaux
Fleche de la Basilique Saint Michel
Porte de Bourgogne
Porte Dijeaux
Eglise Saint Pierre
Gallery of Fine Arts
Eglise Notre Dame de Bordeaux
Basilique Saint Seurin
Centre Jean Moulin
Fuente de las Tres Gracias
Porte d’Aquiaine
Parc Riviere
Musee de I’Historie Maritime de Bordeaux
Eglise Saint Eloi de Bordeaux
Musee d’Ethnography
Musee de la Creation Franche
Chateau de Bourran
Chateau Haut Brion
Chateau de Peixotto
Parc Majolan
Old St. Vincent Church
Ermitage Sainte Catherine de Lormont
Cite Fruges le Corbuiser Museum
Chateau Bardins
Musee National de I’Assurance Maladie
Prieure de Cayac
Museum Georges de Sonneville

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Bordeaux

Reserve ecologique des barlais
Plage du Lac
Reserve Naturelle Nationalle des Marais de Bruges

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Bordeaux

Jardin Public
Jardin Botanique de Bordeaux
Parc Bordelais
Chateau les Carmes Haut Brion
Les Halles Bacalan
Casino Barriere
Chateau Luchey Halde
Zoo de Bordeaux Pessac
Begles Plage
Domaine de la Burthe
Le Nuage Refuge Periurbain
Bois du Burck
Bois de Thouars
Parc Animalier Rene Canivenc
Chateau du Taillan
Foret du Bourgailh
Chateau d’Agassac
Chateau Senailhac

Shopping in Bordeaux

Calle Santa Catalina
Meriadeck Shopping Center
Chartons District
Europe Shopping Center
Rue Saint Catherine
Galerie les Grands Hommes
Marche des Capucins
Saint Cristoly Shopping Center
Rue Porte Dijeaux
Bordeaux Lac
Quai des Marques
Saint Michael District
Marche Neuf

Beaches in Bordeaux

Plage Arcachon
Plage de Pereiere
Dune of Pilat
Plage Thiers
Plage de I’ocean
Plage des Arbousiers
Hourtin South Beach
Plage d’Eyrac

Offbeat Places & Adventure Activities in Bordeaux

Hiking
Swimming
Surfing
Boat Tours

Sightseeing in Bordeaux

Place des Quinconces
Pont de Pierre
Place de la Bourse
Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas
Place de la Victoire
Hotel de ville de Bordeaux
Place du Parlement
Parc Floral
Place de la Comedie
Pont d’Aquitaine
Parc aux Angeliques
Quinconces Square
Parc de Bourran
Quartiers Modernes Fruges
Parc de I’Ermitage Sainte Catherine
Parc Peixotto
Parque Palmer
Parc du Crpressat

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Bordeaux

Le Brasserie Bordelaise
Le Petit Commerce
La Tupina
Michel’s
Le 7
Bo tannique
Le Chien de Pavlov
Rest’O
Symbiose
L’Estacade
Le Canopee Cafe
Le Prince Noir
Bistro du Musee
La Brasserie L’Orleans
Le Chiopot
BLISSS
LouLou
Le Cent 33
Arcada
Garopapilles
Les Moules de Cabanon
Le Bouchon Bordelais
Le Saint James
Petit Mignon
Peppone
Influences
Bocce
Lume
La Mama
Chez Jean Mi
Pizzeria Masaniello
La Grand’Vigne
El Nacional
Chai Les Copains
Madame Pand

Where to Stay in Bordeaux?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Bordeaux. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Bordeaux.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Bordeaux

How to Reach Bordeaux?

By Air

Bordeaux Merignac Airport is the easiest option for Bordeaux travel. This airport mostly receives domestic and international flights from cities like Paris, Athens, Dublin, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Montreal, Bucharest, London, Brussels, Berlin, Faro, Bristol, Milan, Porto, Luxembourg, Manchester, Lille, Rhodes, Madrid, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Oslo, Casablanca, Rome, Malta, Venice, Budapest, Seville, Valencia, Prague, Naples, Zurich, Lisbon, Barcelona and more. You can bus and cabs to get around for top things to do in Bordeaux, France.

By Road

You can get direct trains to visit Bordeaux from Paris, Angouleme, Toulouse, Marseille, Nice, Clermont and more cities in France. The bus network connects you to several cities in France and Europe for Bordeaux travel.

If you are planning to go Bordeaux sightseeing, you should head for routes A10, N10 or A63.

By Water

There are no direct water routes to reach Bordeaux.

Image Reference

Pont de Pierre (Stone Bridge) – Licya Puleio / PixaBay
Place de la Bourse and Miroir d’eau – Clément Livolsi / Flickr
Monument aux Girondins / Place des Quinconces – Christian Martin / PixaBay
Bar a Vin de la Maison – Jefunky / Wikimedia Commons
Grand Théâtre Bordeaux – Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
Notre Dame Church Bordeaux – Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
Museum of Decorative Arts & Design (Musée des Arts décoratifs et du Design) – Dark Attsios / Wikimedia Commons
Porte Cailhau – Hervé Simon / Flickr
Basilica of St. Michael (Basilique Saint-Michel) – Julia Casado / PixaBay
Grosse Cloche de Bordeaux – Havang(nl) / Wikimedia Commons
Museum of Aquitaine (Musée d’Aquitaine) – ActuaLitté / Flickr
Bordeaux Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux) – Chabe01 / Wikimedia Commons
Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux Arts) – Bernard Blanc / Flickr
CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art of Bordeaux (CAPC musée d’art contemporain de Bordeaux) – Captaintapas / Wikimedia Commons