How Many Days in Bordeaux Do You Really Need?

How Many Days in Bordeaux Do You Need?

3 days in Bordeaux are perfect for enjoying the city at a reasonable pace and including a day trip. This means spending 2 full days downtown to discover the town and its monuments, then dedicating 1 full day to a day trip not far from the heart of Bordeaux.

This is my quick answer for the average tourist. But keep reading for a detailed breakdown and a more precise answer based on your profile.

In a hurry? Check out my handcrafted Bordeaux itineraries:

• 1 day in Bordeaux
• 2 days in Bordeaux
• 3 days in Bordeaux

Water Mirror in Bordeaux

Minimal Duration to Just See the Highlights: 2 Days in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is France’s 9th largest city. It’s a key destination in south-west France, thanks to its historic center and the region’s rich historical and natural heritage.

Now, Bordeaux isn’t a sprawling metropolis; it’s a city with a welcoming, human scale. This is one reason why it’s become popular among lots of Parisians who’ve relocated here in recent years.

Highlights not to be missed on a visit to Bordeaux include the Cathédrale Saint-André and its Pey Berland bell tower, the Miroir d’Eau, the Grosse Cloche, the Porte Cailhau, the Rue Sainte Catherine and the Esplanade des Quinconces.
 

 
To be honest, Nesrine and I personally managed to visit all these sights in just one day. We spent the whole day walking and ended up with sore feet at the end, but it’s possible and an option to consider for budget travelers or if you’re really short on time.

However, I definitely recommend spending 2 days to discover Bordeaux’s UNESCO sites and most popular attractions, especially if you’re in the middle of summer when temperatures are sweltering. Not only you’ll be able to explore at a more leisurely pace, but you’ll also be able to indulge in some local food and partake in some wine tasting.

You might also like this post: Paris to Bordeaux Day Trip, The Full Guide.

Ideal Duration for First-Timers: 3 Days in Bordeaux

When visiting Bordeaux for the first time, the excitement of exploring a new city can be overwhelming. You’re eager to see as much as possible, enter the monuments, explore the museums, and soak in the city’s atmosphere. In short, you really want to make the most of your trip!

If you don’t want to end up with an overloaded itinerary and end up overwhelmed, or even with regrets, the sweet spot is to spend 3 days in Bordeaux. This will keep you busy throughout your stay, without feeling rushed. The city is just the right size for a weekend getaway!
 

 
With 3 days, you’ll have plenty of time to explore Bordeaux’s old town, climb the Pey Berland Tower to admire the view, take a cruise on the Garonne River, have brunch in the Chartrons district, and even visit La Cité du Vin.

If your schedule allows, I’d suggest adding an extra day to go on a day trip around Bordeaux as the whole region is absolutely incredible. Going to the Dune du Pilat & Arcachon is the best choice during the warmer months, otherwise, you should go for an unforgettable wine trip to St Emilion.
 

Ideal Duration for Wine Lovers: 5 Days in Bordeaux

If you’re a wine enthusiast and passionate about enology, then Bordeaux and its surroundings are a dream come true. Bordeaux isn’t hailed as the world’s wine capital for nothing!
 

Saint Emilion vineyard

For a brief history, wine first appeared in the region in the 1st century A.D. So, over 2 millennia have shaped the Bordeaux vineyards thanks to a unique combination of geology, climate, and people of course. Recognized and rewarded, Bordeaux wine ranks among the finest and the region promises a unique experience to travelers from all over the world.

To truly dive into this rich history and savor some of the world’s best wines, it’s ideal to spend 5 days in Bordeaux distributed as follows: 2 days to explore the downtown including a proper visit to La Cité du Vin, 2 days for wine excursions in the area, and 1 day to explore the beautiful Atlantic coast.
 

Saint Emilion medieval town

Seriously, the coast is too amazing to be skipped. But if you find yourself in Bordeaux during the winter season and the beach isn’t your thing during this time of the year, then you may prefer spending 3 days in the city center and 2 days in the vineyards. This way, you’d have room to discover Cognac if you want.

Also, to find out the best time to go to Bordeaux, especially for winery visits, make sure to check out this post.

Final Thoughts on How Many Days to Spend in Bordeaux

I hope this post helps you decide how many days do you need in Bordeaux for your next trip.

Here’s a quick sum up: discover Bordeaux’s highlights in 2 days for the fastest itineraries, plan a 3-day trip to enjoy Bordeaux at the fullest for the first time, or spend 5 days if you’re in the area for wine tastings. But you could even spend a whole week scoring the region from top to bottom if you wish!

Whatever you choose, my advice is not to only visit downtown Bordeaux. You should absolutely include at least one day trip, either to the beach or to a vineyard for a complete Bordeaux experience. We really enjoyed the city, but we loved even more the region, especially the Atlantic coast.
 

Where to Stay in Bordeaux

Ready to book your trip to Bordeaux? Here are my best hotel recommendations where you’ll have an amazing stay in Bordeaux, whatever your budget:

✅ Best Hotel – Hotel Konti Bordeaux by HappyCulture: It’s the best value-for-money hotel you could find in Bordeaux old town!

💰 Best Budget Hotel – Central Hostel Bordeaux Centre: This is the backpacker pick in central Bordeaux. With dormitory options, you can’t find cheaper!

✨ Best Luxury Hotel – Hôtel Singulier Bordeaux: This 4-star hotel stands out thanks to an amazing rooftop with a view right in the city center!
 
I hope you enjoy your trip to Bordeaux; if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below. Help a fellow traveler and share this guide using the buttons below! 🙂