Bordeaux, France: 12 Super Fun Things To Do
By Sam Lee, 2025. Welcome to beautiful Bordeaux, the wine capital of France, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an 18th-century port city.
Bordeaux might be old, but it’s got a youthful, energetic vibe with a trendy underground scene, converted warehouses, futuristic buildings, and skate parks. It’s a super fun city to explore. Read on for my top things to do in Bordeaux, including the best places to eat and drink, where to stay, and a few hidden gems.
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Bordeaux Travel Tips
Looking for somewhere to stay in Bordeaux?
Bordeaux is a very touristy city packed with boutique and budget hotels, but to be honest, the quality is hit and miss. Here are a few of my recommendations: YNDO Hotel (super posh), the very lovely Villas Foch (upmarket), Hotel Burdigala (upper mid-range), Mama Shelter (lower-mid range), and Jost Hostel (budget).
Where to eat in Bordeaux?
This is a hard one. I’m not sure there is enough room on this page for all the places I love to eat in Bordeaux — however, here are a few places I go back to time and time again: Madame Pang (love!), Le Carre, Restaurant PrinceFesses, and Restaurant C’yusha.
The best time to visit Bordeaux?
Visit between May and October for the best weather and beautiful vineyards. Expect tourism overload in July and August.
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Explore Cathédrale St-André
Stroll around Pey Berland, and you’ll discover Bordeaux's largest urban UNESCO gem, Cathédrale St-André. This icon, dating from the 13th to the 16th century, boasts flying buttresses, intricate stonework, and Gothic spires that could pierce the heavens. Feeling brave? Climb those 233 steps to the belfry for panoramic views and embrace the thigh burn. It’s worth it.
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Pedal along the river on a bike
Let’s channel your inner Tour de France champion and explore Bordeaux by renting a bicycle or an e-bike. Discover all the districts yourself or take a small-group local tour. Whatever you decide, it’s gonna be great.
Start from the historic Pont de Pierre and make your way to the modern Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas, which, by the way, looks like a sci-fi spaceship when lit up at night. Roll through the quirky neighborhoods of St. Pierre, St. Paul, Chartrons, and Bacalan. Cross the river near La Cité du Vin to the right bank, then head south along quai de Brazza into La Bastide.
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Munch on fresh oysters at the Sunday market
Every Sunday morning, the Marché des Quais on Quai des Chartrons wakes up from its beauty sleep and transforms into a foodie's playground. Dozens of food trucks and stalls flaunt their goodies, from oysters to fruits, veggies, cheese, fish, and wine. For under 10 Euros, you can savor a plate of fresh oysters while sipping on a glass of white wine. It's the ultimate way to embrace Bordeaux’s chill, food-loving vibe.
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Visit the quirky Darwin Ecosystem hub
Darwin is one of the most interesting, out-of-the-box spots in Bordeaux. What used to be an old military base has been magically transformed into a lively urban playground that features a workspace/incubator for startups, a skate park for all ages, a restaurant, and a smorgasbord of other attractions—all with a heavy dose of eco-friendliness.
It’s a street art paradise. Besides its artsy vibe, Darwin hosts heaps of events, from artisan markets to classic car shows, so there’s always something to keep you entertained. If you’re wondering where to go on a rainy day in Bordeaux, Darwin is your go-to spot.
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Catch a show at Bordeaux’s best riverside hangout
Catch a Show at Bordeaux’s Best Riverside Hangout: La Guinguette Chez Alriq. La Guinguette Chez Alriq is the go-to outdoor tavern on the right bank of the Garonne, in the Bastide neighborhood—right across from Darwin.
Every summer, this legendary spot throws down with a killer lineup of live concerts, featuring bands and artists from all over the globe, creating a chill party vibe. Concerts usually cost a few bucks from Wednesday to Saturday, but Sundays are free. This place is popular, so expect to queue up.
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Soak up 13th-century vibes
Get ready to channel your inner wanderer and dive into some good old-fashioned meandering in medieval St. Pierre. Seriously, getting lost in these narrow, twisty streets—once home to candlestick makers and coopers—is the best way to soak up the 13th-century vibes.
Check out the stained glass in Église St-Pierre, and don’t miss the massive 17,086-pound Grosse Cloche (Big Bell) on Rue St-James, which was apparently hoisted up by 14 pairs of oxen back in the day.
Eventually, you’ll stumble out onto the iconic Place de la Bourse, created in the 18th century when they decided to knock down the city walls. Finish off your adventure with a barefoot splash in the mesmerizing miroir d’eau.
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Cool off at Bordeaux’s famous water mirror
I love the hot sun, but even I admit it can get toasty in Bordeaux during the summer. So, when the Bordeaux sun decides to roast you alive, make a beeline for Le Miroir d’Eau, the city’s giant puddle of relief. Right across from Place de la Bourse, this colossal water mirror is a kid magnet, with little ones splashing and running like they’ve never seen water before. But it’s not just for kids. I’ve been known to take a quick stroll through the water jets from time to time.
08—
Take the perfect day trip to Saint-Émilion
Saint-Émilion is one of the world’s top wine regions, attracting over a million visitors annually. Yeah, you read that right—a million. This charming town has been a hub for royalty, winegrowers, and pilgrims for centuries. Historic squares? Tick! Stunning architecture? Tick! Fabulous wine? Tick!
Two of my favorite things to do in Saint-Emilion? Enjoy wine tasting at local wineries with a picnic lunch and cycle around the vineyards with someone super knowledgeable about wine.
Pro Travel Tip: If you take the train from Bordeaux to Saint-Emilion, expect to walk 30 minutes to the town center. There are often no taxis or alternate transport options. I personally think small group tours are the best way to experience Saint-Emilion.
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Drink & learn about Bordeaux wine at La Cité du Vin
Bordeaux’s landmark museum, La Cité du Vin (City of Wine), is designed like a ginormous wine decanter. Yes, it’s as extra as it sounds, glittering in all its curvy glory right across from the city’s industrial wet docks. This is your go-to spot to get schooled on Bordeaux’s lifeblood, where the Romans got the wine party started 2000 years ago.
Pro Travel Tip: Wine tasting at the Bar à Vins inside the Maison du Vin de Bordeaux is one of the cheapest in town.
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Take a day trip to the beach
Why not take a day trip to the stunning Arcachon Bay? When Napoleon III decided to make Arcachon its own little autonomous municipality in 1857, it was basically a few fishermen hanging out in a pine forest. Now, it's a gorgeous beach spot with (allegedly) the best oysters in France.
There are so many things to do in Archachon, from surfing to hiking epic sand dunes and strolling through the old town. You can hire a car and do this yourself or take this fab half-day tour, which will throw in some oyster tasting. It books out fast, though, so don’t wait.
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Hang out at the Garage Moderne
The Garage Moderne is a repair shop-café hybrid that’s been stuck in a time warp. This giant warehouse is like a DIY paradise where you can fix your car, bike, or even your life. Locals flock here for repairs, but honestly, it’s a great spot to chill, even if you’re just here for the vibes. Think construction lab meets cultural hub, with a side of vintage car porn. The artsy types and families love it. Grab some home-cooked food at the café and terrace or stay late in the summer for live music and events.
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Embark on a classy (& educational) pub crawl
Whether you're sipping a full-bodied red from St-Émilion or hipster craft beer brewed at Darwin, let's face it: Bordeaux takes its booze very seriously. Like, almost too seriously. But hey, I’m not here to judge (just to enjoy!).
I recommend starting with a short wine tasting where you can perfect your knowledge of Bordeaux wine and train your senses to detect the finer notes of a variety of local wines.
Then, check out a traditional wine bar like Aux 4 Coins du Vin, or if you prefer your wine with a side of skyline, head to a rooftop. Gina, perched on the 9th floor of the Renaissance Bordeaux Hotel, offers great views.
Not a wine person? No problem. Bordeaux’s got you covered with its gin scene. Try a Moon Harbour gin, distilled in the depths of a WWI submarine bunker (yes, they give tours). Bordeaux also hosts its very own Gin Festival.
That’s a wrap!
Bordeaux is such a great city. I always have so much fun when I visit (even when the weather is not great). I hope my list of 12 fun things to do in Bordeaux inspires your next getaway.
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