The 10 Top Bordeaux Tourist Attractions You Simply Can’t Skip
If love at first sight exists, Bordeaux will steal your heart and leave you breathless. Often called France’s most beautiful city, it blends urban elegance with provincial charm like nowhere else.
Known as The Sleeping Beauty, Bordeaux offers romance at every corner and endless discoveries. With so many attractions to explore, deciding where to begin can feel overwhelming. From must-see landmarks to hidden gems, here are the Bordeaux tourist attractions you simply can’t miss.
P.S. Bordeaux brims with some amazing accommodation options, so while planning your next trip, check out the best hotels in the city.
The 10 must things to do in Bordeaux
A quick solution to what to do in Bordeaux isn’t always the easiest thing to get, courtesy of the sheer number of possibilities, which is why I also had to write an article with the 50 best things to do in Bordeaux. That said, here’s an insider’s pick of the ten best things to do in Bordeaux.
Note: I talk in detail about many of these places in my Self Guided Tour of Bordeaux, which you should check out when visiting the city.
1. Explore the Place de la Bourse and Miroir d’eau
The Age of Enlightenment left many remnants and architectural wonders around the world. Bordeaux is no exception, and the result is a half-mile stretch of palatial buildings that line the city’s quays – Place de la Bourse.
Personifying the beauty and harmony of neoclassical 18th-century architecture, these magnificent monuments overlook the Garonne River. The Fountain of the Three Graces is at its center, with the Hôtel de la Bourse and the Hôtel des Fermes du Roi flanking its sides.
The Miroir d’eau (or Water Mirror) will leave you speechless among the many picturesque Bordeaux sightseeing snapshot spots. At a whopping 3,450 square meters, the world’s largest reflecting pool magically reflects and doubles the image of Place de la Bourse.
2. Tour Bordeaux’s Iconic Landmarks
If you’ve got the time, there is no excuse for missing out on seeing Bordeaux’s medieval and classic monuments. Now, while there are countless to pick from, the best place to start is at the Old Center of Bordeaux, brimming with renovated classical and neoclassical buildings.
Aside from touring the Old Center, Bordeaux is awash with breathtaking public squares that personify the city’s elegance. A definite must-visit is Place de la Comédie, which hosts the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux and the Intercontinental Bourdeaux Le Grand Hotel.
Then, head for the historic center of town, where two landmark gates have survived the test of time and are stunning. First up is the fairytale-esque turreted Porte Cailhau, standing alongside the Grosse Cloche (home to a 7.75-tonne bell).
3. Wander Through Marché des Capucins
Hours spent blissfully roaming the corridors of Capucins Market, or Marché des Capucins, will quickly reveal its charm. Comically referred to as “Bordeaux’s Stomach”, the market dates back to the 18th century.
A lot has changed since then, and today, thanks to hefty renovations in the 2000s, it is the city’s premier covered market. While many come for the shopping, most stay for the vibe, and everyone comes back for the food.
There are dozens of must-try eateries in the market. After venturing through stalls of fruit, veggies, sweets, herbs, and spices, these lively cafés and restaurants are the perfect go-to. Sunday mornings are when the market is at its most vibrant, making them ideal for a tour.
4. Attend a Performance at the National Opera
The imposing and sumptuous National Opera (Le Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux) quickly takes on the title of the most beautiful building in the city. Dating back to 1780, its facade resembles a Greek temple. After taking it all in, step inside for a better look.
Grand lobby columns support a majestic coffered ceiling, and a striking frescoed dome crowns the auditorium. There’s also the 2,860-pound crystal chandelier suspended from the ceiling, but you won’t be able to miss that.
While sightseeing through the building is a memorable experience, attending a performance here is pure heaven. Tickets to shows at the National Opera are always in high demand, so it’s best to try snagging one as soon as possible. Have a look at the full schedule here.
Just know that even if you don’t have the chance to enter the building, you must still pass by it during your visit to Bordeaux—it’s one of the city’s most beautiful landmarks!
5. Treat Your Tastebuds to A Canelé
You won’t ever have to walk more than a few feet to find a canelé in Bordeaux. What is a canelé, you might be wondering. A sweet, specialty treat that calls Bordeaux its home. These cute, caramelized pastries resemble a fluted fez with a dimple on top, and you’ll find them everywhere.
Traditionally, they’re flavored with vanilla and rum and have a delicious custardy center. Not limited in flavor variants, a food tour of Bordeaux is the best way to try as many as you can. Standout spots to indulge include La Toque Cuivrée and Cassonade.
6. Go Wine Tasting
It’s no secret that the Bordeaux wine region is the epicenter for all things wine-related in France and, arguably, Europe. With that in mind, going on a wine tasting is among the top things to do in Bordeaux, and there are plenty of ways to indulge both in and outside the city.
If you’re eager to dive right in, visiting Bar à Vin is a must. On the other hand, if you’re new to the world of wines, grab a seat on a wine masterclass tour. Check out my article about the best wine-tasting experiences in Bordeaux for more detailed info. To shop for a bottle to take home, head for L’intendant to browse its more than 15,000 bottle collection.
Insiders Tip: Head on a winery or a Médoc full-day tour to explore the Médoc Wine Region. You can also opt for a half-day tour with tastings in the Saint Emilion Wine Region.
7. Marvel at La Cité du Vin
Wine tastings and a visit to La Cité du Vin go hand in hand. While tastings allow you to savor the local offerings, La Cité du Vin enriches your experience with its stunning architecture and immersive exhibits celebrating the world of wine. This iconic museum is not only a highlight of the Bordeaux skyline but also deepens your appreciation for the region’s rich wine culture.
Opened in 2016, the museum towers over the River Garonne and houses an immaculately curated history of wine. It features everything you’d expect from the most extensive wine museum in the world, and its interactive exhibitions, tours and tastings take you through French and global wine history.
It’s best to leave all notions of a typical museum at the door as La Cité du Vin bursts with clever, high-tech experiences. These range from 3D films of wine-making techniques to 4D attractions that engage up to five of your senses.
8. Indulge in Bordeaux Gastronomy
Sweet treats? Check. Indulgent wines? Check. Tantalizing local gastronomy? Coming right up. Holding the record for the most number of restaurants per person in France, Bordeaux exploded onto the global culinary scene and has never looked back.
Touring Bordeaux’s food specialties in the region stands out as one of those once-of-a-lifetime things to do in Bordeaux. Whether at the Capucins market, the quayside Chartrons market, or the Bacalan market.
While there are many food tour options in the city, there are an equal number of beyond-belief restaurants with menu items that’ll drive you wild. Here are some of my recommendations for the best gastronomic restaurants and traditional restaurants in Bordeaux.
Read Next: The most family-friendly restaurants in Bordeaux.
9. Visit the Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux and Ascend Tour Pey Berland
Bordeaux’s attractions come in all shapes and sizes, from the modern to the Medieval. For proof, look no further than the Saint André Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux), one of the most emblematic religious buildings in the city.
This Roman Catholic church dates back to the 12th century and is the seat of the Archbishop of Bordeaux. Its interiors rival the greatest in the world, with imposing sculptures of the Last Supper, the Ascension, and Christ in Majesty.
Another unforgettable Bordeaux experience is ascending the cathedral bell tower. Standing separate from the main building, Tour Pey Berland reaches a height of 377 feet. Tackle the 229 steps to the top for ethereal views of the city.
10. Enjoy a Picnic in the Jardin Public
What better way to embrace Bordeaux’s unique atmosphere than by enjoying a picnic at the city’s most famous public park, the Jardin Public? The largest in the city, the Romantic-style English park is a charmingly inviting spot to sit back and immerse yourself in local life.
Being able to draw half of the city’s crowds on a sunny weekend, there are over 2,500 species of flora in the Jardin Botanique to admire and a snapshot-worthy waterlily pond, ideal for late afternoon strolls.
Jardin Public is hands down one of the best places to go to in Bordeaux for families. The grounds also house an old-fashioned carousel and a play park. Don’t miss out on visiting the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle.
A bonus attraction – Darwin
Though it may not be as historically significant as some other landmarks on this list, this place has emerged as a must-visit destination for those wanting to experience the hipster vibe of Bordeaux. Darwin is a former military barracks turned eco-friendly cultural space featuring street art, organic shops, and a laid-back vibe. You can explore the outdoor areas and murals for free. It’s a great spot for something a little offbeat and different from the typical touristy attractions.
The 10 Best Bordeaux Tourist Attractions | Wrapped Up
There you have it, folks. Bordeaux and all its beauty wrapped up into ten unforgettable must-have experiences. But they’re only the beginning, and there’s so much more to see and do. If you need inspiration, check out these articles next:
50 Best Things to Do in Bordeaux
The Ultimate Guide to a Weekend in Bordeaux
What to Do in One Day in Bordeaux
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