Bordeaux is a city in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region of France situated on bank of river Garonne. It is one of the most significant historical cities of France. Majority of the best places to visit in Bordeaux, France are popular owing to their history. The city has played a particularly important role during the French revolution. There are several buildings and monuments erected in honor of the 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 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 chateau’s have years of wine making history behind them. From 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 outstanding collection of historical, modern as well as contemporary art. The city has attracted many renowned artists from across the world among Bordeaux 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.
Top 14 Tourist Places to Visit in Bordeaux in 2 Days (Trip Itinerary)
Day 1
1. Pont de Pierre
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 Royale 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
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 Theatre
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. Musee des Arts Decoratifs
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. 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. Musee 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. Cathedral Saint Andre
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. Musee 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 Musee d’Art Contemporain
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
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.
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