Bordeaux is not just about its monuments, its grand crus or its golden light. It is also a string of experiences, rituals, small moments that, put together, draw what we call "living Bordeaux". For a wider view: our Discovering Bordeaux pillar guide. We made the list: 50 things to do in Bordeaux and around at least once.
The great heritage classics
- See Place de la Bourse reflected in the water mirror at dusk.
- Climb the 233 steps of Pey-Berland tower for a 360° view.
- Attend a National Opera performance at the Grand Théâtre.
- Cross the pont de pierre on foot at sunset.
- Walk through the Cailhau gate and feel medieval for two minutes.
- Do a full loop of Place des Quinconces, Europe's largest.
- Look up at the mascarons of 18th-century facades (600 hidden sculptures).
- Have a coffee on Place du Parlement terrace, heart of old Bordeaux.
Neighbourhoods to explore one by one
- Hang out on Rue Notre-Dame in the Chartrons on a Saturday morning.
- Rummage at the monthly Quai des Chartrons flea market (second Sunday of the month).
- Get lost in the pedestrian alleys of Saint-Pierre between two terraces.
- Walk down Cours Victor Hugo to Saint-Michel.
- Spend an evening at Darwin Ecosystème on the right bank.
- Discover Bacalan and its rehabilitated basins.
Bordeaux gastronomy, on the menu
- Eat Bassin oysters standing at the Capucins counter at 8:30am.
- Taste a real hot cannelé straight out of the oven (Baillardran or independent baker).
- Order lamproie à la bordelaise in a traditional bistro.
- Do your shopping at Grands-Hommes market on Saturday morning.
- Lunch on a burger at Halles de Bacalan facing the basins.
- Try an entrecôte with bone marrow and a glass of Saint-Émilion in a bouchon.
- Have a classic breakfast in a Triangle d'or brasserie.
- Treat yourself to a Michelin-starred table at least once (La Grande Maison, Le Pressoir d'Argent).
Wine, obviously
- Visit the Cité du Vin and taste at the 8th-floor belvedere.
- Have a glass at Bar à Vin du CIVB on Place de la Bourse (city's best prices).
- Spend a day in the Médoc and visit a grand cru classé.
- Get lost in Saint-Émilion and go down into the monolithic church.
- Drive the Entre-deux-Mers wine route on a Sunday.
- Taste a Sauternes at the end of a meal on an estate.
- Attend the Jurade de Saint-Émilion Spring Festival in June.
- Follow the harvest at a château opening its doors in September.
Culture, art and creation
- Let yourself be wrapped by an immersive show at the Bassins de Lumières.
- Cross the stone nave of the CAPC and see contemporary art differently.
- Spot the street art frescoes scattered across the city.
- Visit the submarine base and shiver in front of its concrete volumes.
- Go to a vernissage at Galerie Magnetic.
- See a concert at Rocher de Palmer or the Auditorium.
Nature, all around
- Climb the Dune du Pilat at sunset (114 metres, tallest in Europe).
- Cycle to Lacanau or Le Porge via the Roger-Lapébie cycle path.
- Walk to the tip of Cap-Ferret and eat oysters at the small port.
- Spend a day on Île Nouvelle, wild, in the middle of the Garonne.
- Picnic at Parc de Majolan and feel like a romantic hero.
- Swim at Lake Hostens in summer.
Bordeaux rituals and vibes
- Live a Union Bordeaux Bègles rugby match at Stade Chaban-Delmas on a Saturday night.
- Have a drink feet-in-water at a Garonne guinguette in summer.
- Cross Bordeaux by tram after midnight, when the city empties.
- Attend Bordeaux Fête le Vin or Bordeaux Fête le Fleuve (even years).
Escapes that extend the city
- Take the train from Saint-Jean to La Rochelle, San Sebastian or Toulouse for a weekend.
- Follow the Gironde estuary to Blaye and visit the Vauban citadel.
- Sleep a night in a wine château with private tasting.
- Watch the mascarets on the Garonne at rising tide, a rare natural spectacle.
Going further
To plan your stay: Bordeaux in 1 day, where to stay. The best Bordeaux memory you will take home is not the ticked box, but the surprise you did not see coming.
