You’ve chosen to visit Bordeaux on your own? Amazing idea! There’s no shortage of incredible things to do here in the French wine capital. Whether you’re seeking culture, adventure, or relaxation, Bordeaux has something for everyone and is a perfect destination for solo travelers. Here’s a list of the best and most unique activities you can do in Bordeaux to make your solo trip unforgettable.
Discover Bordeaux with an Audio Guide
If you don’t want to join other travelers in a group tour and rather explore Bordeaux at your own pace, you should try my self-guided audio tour. This allows you to dive deep into the city’s history and culture without rushing. You’ll uncover hidden gems and popular landmarks, all while learning fascinating stories along the way.
I created this tour after several years of guiding tours in Bordeaux with the idea people discover the city with the help of a local, without the need to actually look for one when arriving here for a short stay. That’s why I chose to narrate the tour and add plenty of personal recommendations, hope you’ll love it. Check it out here.
Rent a Bike and Explore Bordeaux
Renting a bike is a fantastic way to see Bordeaux. The city is very bike-friendly, with many paths and scenic routes. Pedal along the Garonne River or through charming neighborhoods, stopping whenever something catches your eye. You can read about how to rent bikes in Bordeaux and about my favorite circuit in this article. Another option is taking this fun biking tour that takes you through some of the most interesting neighborhoods in Bordeaux.
Do Wine Tasting
Bordeaux is synonymous with wine, so indulging in wine tasting on your solo trip is almost a must! That’s the best way to learn about the different varietals and what makes Bordeaux wines so special.
There are a few places that offer wine-tasting sessions for beginners in the center of Bordeaux, a few of my favorites are:
– this wine workshop by two brothers that is done at their beautiful wine shop.
– The introduction to wine workshop with cheese and charcuterie
If you have more time you can also join a wine tour to one of Bordeaux’s wine regions – here are wine tour recommendations.
Learn How to Assemble Wine in a Château
Take your wine experience to the next level by learning how to blend your own wine in a château. This unique experience lets you create a custom blend to take home as a souvenir. There are wineries that offer that experience, however, one of the best ones is actually located in the Bordeaux Metropole area. The stunning Chateau Pape Clement is located in the Pessac Leognan appellation and you can actually get there by public transport. Apart from different tours, the prestigious wineries offer a “create your own wine” workshop in English.
Take a Camera and Go on a Hunt for the Best Street Art in Bordeaux
Bordeaux has a vibrant street art scene. Grab your camera and explore neighborhoods like Chartrons and Bacalan. You’ll find colorful murals and creative graffiti that make for excellent photo opportunities. The best place for street however is Darwin, Bordeaux’s hippest spot! Darwin is an old military base turned into an urban space with coffee shops, a skate park, cool shops, and plenty of amazing street art! If you speak French, you can also take a street art tour.
See the View from the Top of Pey Berland
For stunning views of Bordeaux, climb the 231 steps of the Pey Berland Tower. This 15th-century Gothic bell tower, next to Cathédrale Saint-André, offers breathtaking 360° views of the city’s rooftops and landmarks. Though the climb is steep, the panoramic vista from the top is well worth the effort, making it a must-see for any solo traveler exploring Bordeaux.
The tower is open daily but the hours differ in different seasons, see all the info here.
Go for a Brunch
Brunch has become a beloved tradition in France, and Bordeaux is no exception. Many places offer delightful brunch menus, especially on weekends. Some favorites include Eriu, She and Him, Frida, Hotel Zoologie, and Miah Café.
See a Movie in UTOPIA
Catch a movie at UTOPIA, an independent cinema housed in a former church. It screens a mix of mainstream and indie films, often in their original languages. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy some French cinema. See the program of the week here.
Do a Wine Spa Session
Pamper yourself with a wine spa session. Bordeaux offers unique vinotherapy treatments that use grape extracts for their rejuvenating properties. It’s a luxurious way to unwind and treat yourself. The spa session is accompanied by wine tasting so you get to enjoy all the benefits of wine in one place 🙂
See all the details here.
Go for a Language Exchange with Bla Bla Bordeaux
Join a language exchange event with Bla Bla Bordeaux. It’s a fantastic way to meet locals and practice your French. These events are casual and friendly, making it easy to connect with others. You can see their upcoming events here.
Relax in Jardin Public
Take a peaceful stroll or have a picnic in Jardin Public. This beautiful park in the heart of Bordeaux is perfect for unwinding and enjoying nature. It’s an ideal spot for some quiet reflection. Jardin Public is, of course, not the only beautiful park in Bordeaux, here’s my list of the most stunning green spots in Bordeaux.
Explore the Cité du Vin
I’m pretty sure you’ve heard about Cité du Vin before visiting Bordeaux. This spectacular wine museum offers interactive exhibits, tastings, and a panoramic view of the city from its rooftop. It’s an immersive experience for any wine enthusiast, sort of an attraction park for wine lovers 🙂
You should know that there’s A Lot to see there! So make sure you have at least 4 free hours to make the most of your visit. You can get tickets here.
Visit Musée d’Aquitaine
Dive into the rich history of Bordeaux at Musée d’Aquitaine. The museum showcases artifacts from prehistoric times to the modern era, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the region’s past. Just a few minutes walk from there you can also visit Bordeaux Fine Art Museum. Both museums are included in the Bordeaux City Pass, so if you’re thinking of visiting a few museums or monuments in Bordeaux, I highly recommend buying one.
Read my guide to the best museums to visit in Bordeaux.
Go to a Cooking Class
Bordeaux offers various cooking classes where you can master classic dishes like canelés and foie gras. While there are formal cooking classes in Bordeaux, I highly recommend joining a class or a dinner offered by locals who are enthusiastic about food. The best platform to find such experiences is the Eatwith app.
Discovering Bordeaux solo is a journey filled with adventure, culture, and, of course, incredible wine. Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace and make the most of this beautiful city. Don’t forget to enhance your experience with my Bordeaux digital map, designed to make your solo trip even more memorable!
More Bordeaux Tips
If it’s your first time in Bordeaux you may also like to read some of the following “intro to Bordeaux” articles I wrote:
The Ultimate Guide to a weekend Bordeaux
The best districts in Bordeaux
Where to stay in Bordeaux
What to do in one day in Bordeaux
50 best things to do in Bordeaux
Need more ideas for things to do in and around Bordeaux? you should definitely join my newsletter where I share a lot of info about the area – sign up here.
You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:
