Top 10: Things to Do in Bordeaux

Welcome to Bordeaux, a wine and history lover’s dream destination! This bustling city is home to incredibly diverse architecture, lots of festivals, fantastic food and wine and an awful lot more… Bordeaux has an eclectic history, having been inhabited by the Celts, the Romans, the Visigoths the Franks, the Vikings and the English before it was brought under French rule. Each of these cultures has left its mark on the city as it stands today. This deep history along with unbelievable food and wine make it a must-visit destination. Let us take you on a journey through the stunning city in the heart of the New Aquitaine region with our picks of the best things to do in Bordeaux.

1. Start a Free Walking Tour from Place des Quinconces

Kick off your adventure through Bordeaux at one of Europe’s largest open-air plazas, Place des Quinconces. With up to 63 acres (25.6 hectares) of open space, Place des Quinconces hosts a constant flow of festivals and local events year-round.

The centerpiece of the plaza is undoubtedly the Monument aux Girondins. The sculptures surrounding the foot of the monument’s column narrate the tragic story of the Girondists who fell victim to France’s Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. Dive deeper into this pivotal chapter of French history with a free walking tour.

2. Visit Bordeaux Cathedral

Take a stroll through Bordeaux’s historic center and make sure to visit Bordeaux Cathedral, one of the city’s Angevin Gothic masterpieces. Its distinctive gable on the north side, which features the main façade topped by twin bell towers, is one of the greatest architectural landmarks of the city.

Once inside, don’t forget to check out the detailed ribbed vault and the set of organs. If you time your visit right, you may even catch a few spare notes from these instruments filling the air. Combine a visit to the cathedral with a tour of Bordeaux’s old town and the neighboring St. Michel neighborhood, ensuring you don’t miss a thing.

3. Climb the Pey-Berland Tower

Also part of Bordeaux Cathedral is the Pey-Berland Tower. Built in the Gothic style and reaching a towering height of 50 meters (164 feet), the tower offers sweeping panoramic views.

Getting to the top is a bit of a climb, but the 231-stair adventure won’t disappoint! Plus, when you reach the top, you can take a peek at the historic bells up close.

4. Go to Porte Cailhau

In any medieval city, you have to check out the former city gates, right? So let’s travel back in time and stroll down Loup and Bahutiers streets, soaking up the medieval architecture leading up to Porte Cailhau. The gate, built in the classic Gothic-Renaissance style, stands as a tall reminder of Bordeaux’s fortified past.

Porte Cailhau, also called Cailhau Gate, is not just a piece of history, it’s also a stunning addition to the city skyline!

5. Wine Lover? Check out La Cité Du Vin

If you’re a wine enthusiast, you’re in the right place! Sure, Bordeaux is famous for its wine, but it’s not just about the bottles. This city is packed with cool stuff all about everyone’s favorite beverage—wine!

Dive into Bordeaux’s wine culture with a visit to Cité du Vin, where you can sip, swirl, and savor the region’s finest varieties. Be sure to explore the interactive exhibits and workshops for a truly immersive experience. To secure your spot, we recommend reserving your ticket to the Cité du Vin in advance. This way, you don’t run the risk of them selling out.

If, after your visit to the Cité du Vin, you find yourself thirsty for more, check out this wine workshop. You’ll become an expert in distinguishing wine flavors in just two short hours. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to craft your own signature blend for the ultimate souvenir!

6. Admire Grosse Cloche Tower

Uncover more of Bordeaux’s history at Grosse Cloche Tower. This bell tower, built in the 15th century, served as a gateway to the medieval city and is another prime example of the city’s medieval roots.

The clock tower of the Grosse Cloche is found at the crossroads between Guienne and Saint-James streets, one of the main shopping areas in Bordeaux. After purchasing the Bordeaux City Pass, climb to the top for panoramic views and enjoy other must-see sites. With the city pass, you’ll gain access to plenty of other monuments and attractions in Bordeaux.

7. Stroll Along the Garonne River

Why not take a leisurely stroll along the tranquil Garonne River as it weaves its way through the heart of the city? Enjoy stunning views of Bordeaux’s most significant monuments from a different perspective—this is a great way to enjoy the evening and one of our favorite things to do in Bordeaux.

Along the riverbanks, you’ll often find locals enjoying a picnic and sunbathing in the tranquil riverside atmosphere. Take it all in with a relaxing river cruise through the calm waters and see how many of Bordeaux’s monuments you can spot!

8. End the Day at Place de la Bourse

Cap off your day at Place de la Bourse, an iconic square that showcases a masterpiece of French classical architecture.

While locals often gather here to enjoy a picturesque sunset, the real gem of the square is the Miroir d’Eau. The square’s reflecting pool, one of the largest in the world, creates a perfect mirror of the Palais de la Bourse, making for a stunning view. If you really want to amp up the wow factor, the best time to visit the square is after dark on a night tour through the city. Watch as the lights create a visual spectacle found nowhere else in the world!

9. Discover Museums in Bordeaux

Still looking for things to do in Bordeaux? The medieval city is jam-packed with history and culture, offering visitors plenty to discover. Dive into the history of the Aquitaine region with a visit to the Museum of Aquitaine and the Museum of Fine Art in Bordeaux. Soak up pieces from some of the greats like Delacroix, Van Dyck, Picasso, Renoir, Rubens, and Véronèse.

If you’re not feeling up to a museum visit, we’ve also got you covered! That free walking tour we mentioned earlier? Why not enjoy a similar route but on a sidecar tour of Bordeaux? Or, if you’re visiting during the summer months, we recommend a two-wheeled adventure through Bordeaux with a city bike tour.

10. Exploring Beyond Bordeaux

If you find yourself on an extended visit within the New Aquitaine capital, take advantage of its convenient location and explore beyond Bordeaux! Don’t miss out on some of the cutest little towns nearby that you can visit in just one day.

One of our favorite spots is Arcachon, known for its picturesque landscapes and seaside charm. It’s the perfect getaway for history buffs and foodies alike! Check out this day trip to Arcachon and visit not one but two small towns outside of Bordeaux. Plus, top off the adventure with an oyster tasting to cover all your bases in one day.

But hey, if you’re all about the wine scene in Bordeaux, let’s kick it up a notch and take a deep dive into the Aquitaine region for a tour of Saint-Émilion. Meet in front of the Place des Quinconces and treat your tastebuds to some more fine wine!

Bonus Gems in Bordeaux

Love fun facts as much as we do? Did you know that Bordeaux was often nicknamed “The Sleeping Beauty?”. This is because of how the city has dramatically transformed into one of the country’s finest through a series of developments. There are so many secrets to uncover that the fun never ends in this city. Dive deeper into Bordeaux’s mysteries on a private tour where you can tailor the itinerary to your interests. And yes, that includes an itinerary full of fun facts!

And let’s talk food—because no trip to France is complete without some kind of food experience. Bordeaux may be renowned for its wine, but don’t sleep on the bustling food scene in the New Aquitaine capital! Check out a Bordeaux food tour and taste your way through the medieval city.

Of course, we couldn’t include everything we wanted on our list. If you’re making the journey, be sure to check out more activities in Bordeaux with Civitatis, so that you can fill your itinerary. One thing you can definitely count on in Bordeaux—you won’t be Bored-eaux!