Bordeaux for First-Time Visitors | Top Attractions & Travel Tips
- May 23, 2025
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Sitting in the southwest of France, Bordeaux is a beautiful city with wine, wonderful streets, history and everything nice. From grand 18th-century buildings and quiet riverside walks, there is a calm and graceful feel to the city. This guide is for someone who is looking for a laid-back visit to Bordeaux and includes handy tips for making your stay in the southwest of France nice and easy!
You’ll learn how to get into the city and where to stay, plus the top things to see and the food to have. This guide will help you make the most of your time without feeling rushed.
Getting to Bordeaux
Airports and transport
Bordeaux is easily accessible by air and by train. The main airport is Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport, which is located at a distance of approximately 30 minutes from the city center. It operates flights from a number of European cities.
If you are already in France, take the train. High-speed TGV trains depart from Paris and take a little more than 2 hours, arriving at Gare Saint-Jean, near the center of the city.
Train or flight from Paris to Bordeaux
Flights are also available from Paris. However, in general, the train is faster and more convenient. The Bordeaux station has an excellent connection to taxis, buses, and trams waiting outside.
Local transportation (trams, bikes, walking)
Bordeaux is easy to get around. The clean and silent tram network runs throughout all the main parts of the city. Tickets are sold through machines at every stop. You can use a rental bike or get around on foot, especially in the city center, where many places are nearby. The streets are safe to stroll.
Best Time to Visit Bordeaux
The weather in Bordeaux is generally mild most of the year. Spring, with sunny days and cool evenings, and early summer are pleasant. July and August are slightly warmer, though they can get busy. Autumn is relaxing in itself, and it is also the season of harvest — making it a good time to visit vineyards.
The Bordeaux Wine Festival typically occurs in June. It comes every two years and is one of the city’s largest events. Wines from the region, local foods and riverfront fireworks make it worth going if your vacation coincides with the dates.
May, June and September are ideal times to sightsee. The temperature is nice and the city feels more relaxed. The streets are bustling but not overcrowded, and you can enjoy the river views, museums and open spaces at a slow pace without feeling pressed for time.
Where to Stay in Bordeaux
You’ll find a handful of quiet, well-located neighborhoods for your first time in Bordeaux. The Historic Center, or Saint-Pierre, is a maze of narrow streets, old buildings and tiny cafés. It’s very close to many central sights, so walking is easy and pleasant.
Chartrons is slightly north of the middle. It feels quieter and more local and is home to the antique shops, bakeries and river views you come here for. It’s a peaceful kind of place if you like to live slowly.
Bacalan is modern and near the Cité du Vin, the wine museum. The neighborhood has wide walkways, open spaces and a different side of the city to explore.
Here, each area has plenty of places to stay. Small hotels, hostels and a huge variety of Airbnbs are available. Some are virtually on the river’s edge, some shaded down a quiet lane. It’s easy to locate a spot that suits your pace and comfort.
Wine Tours & Day Trips
Saint-Émilion is a peaceful village of vineyards and stone buildings. It’s roughly 45 minutes from Bordeaux by train or car. The streets are narrow and steep with peaceful views of the countryside. In this little neighborhood, many small wine estates give tastings in quiet courtyards or cellars.
Another day trip option is the Médoc region. The road leads you by great châteaux and broad fields of vines. Some spaces may seem grand, but the visits are peaceful and not formal. You can visit one or two spots on the way, taste a few wines, and enjoy the drive back next to the river.
You can book a guided tour from Bordeaux. A number of tours include transportation, a guide and tastings. If you want to take things at your own speed, there are also trains and rental bikes. Walk-ins are permitted at some wineries, and others require advance reservations. It’s a good idea to verify their website before your visit.
Food Scene in Bordeaux
The food scene in Bordeaux is a rich one. The canelé is a small cake with a soft center and caramelized edge. It’s available at just about every bakery, and it’s perfect with coffee or dessert wine. Entrecôte à la Bordelaise is a steak cooked with red wine and shallots. And for seafood lovers, the oysters fresh from the nearby Arcachon Bay, served with a lemon or vinegar, are a must-try.
The city’s main food market is the Marché des Capucins. It’s busy in the morning with many stalls selling cheese, fresh bread and seasonal fruits. You can hit up one of the counters for a fast plate of oysters or charcuterie.
Small bistros can be found in the narrow streets of the old town. Some offer simple food; others feature full wine menus. White wines from Entre-Deux-Mers go well with seafood and a glass of red wine goes with meat. Many offer both, and servers are always happy to offer suggestions.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Most Bordeaux residents speak French. Some speak English, especially in tourist spots, but it’s best to brush up on a few basic phrases like bonjour (hello), merci (thank you) and s’il vous plaît (please).
- A tip is not compulsory but is appreciated. Service charge is generally included in the price of restaurant bills. Tipping 5-10% for good service is standard.
- One says a polite “bonjour” when entering shops or cafés. Most people say “au revoir” when departing.
- Shops close at lunchtime and on Sundays, so time your shopping and errands accordingly. Many options stay open later into the evening for dinner.
2-Day Itinerary
Day 1
The port city of Bordeaux is the starting point. Walk through the Saint-Pierre district, with its old streets and quiet squares. Drop in a cafe and relax in the calmness of the place. From there, make your way to the wine museum, Cité du Vin. It is a casual spot to learn more about wine culture in Bordeaux.
Spend the afternoon on a slow river cruise along the Garonne. The city view from the water is clear and pretty.
Day 2
Half-day wine tour at the local vineyards. Either Saint-Émilion or Médoc would be a fine choice. You can sip local wines and enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside. Head back to the city to shop on Rue Sainte-Catherine. It’s one of the longest shopping streets in Europe.
End the day at the Water Mirror. The sun sets nicely on the water and it is tranquil. It’s a low-key way to end your trip.
Conclusion
Bordeaux is a quiet, charming city of tranquil streets, wines to die for, and (most of the time) calming waters. Every nook has something simple and beautiful to share. Take time to go through it. From eating locally to visiting vineyards, there is much to enjoy without rushing.
If you’re staying longer or are looking for additional suggestions, read our in-depth guides. There’s always more to know in and around Bordeaux.