The city of Bordeaux is mostly associated with its fine wines. Bordeaux with its beautiful stone façades and fine wines attracts many visitors.
Besides wine, Bordeaux is a popular historic city. Since 2007, almost all of Bordeaux city center has been listed as a Unesco World Heritage site. Unesco describes Bordeaux as The Port of the Moon, the port city of Bordeaux in south-west France, is inscribed as an inhabited historic city, an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble, created in the age of the Enlightenment, whose values continued up to the first half of the 20th century, with more protected buildings than any other French city except Paris.
The best way to explore the historic part of Bordeaux will be on foot. Bordeaux City Pass gives you free or discounted access to most of the city’s museums, attractions, tours, and exhibition centers. The pass also gives you unlimited access to urban public transport (tram, Bat river shuttle, bus services, parks, rides) for 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours.
5 Must Do Things in Bordeaux
Visit The Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux
The cathedral is more than just a place of worship, it is a living sanctuary, and also the largest public place in Bordeaux. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998.
Accessible Wednesday and Saturday from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. Entry 2€, free entry for under 12s.
See Miroir d’Eau – The Water Mirror
Place de la Bourse is one of the most stunning buildings in the city. Head across the road and see the Miroir d’Eau, the world’s largest reflecting pool. The “Miroir d’Eau” is less than 20 years old but already become one of the main attractions of Bordeaux. It might be one of the most Instagrammable locations in Bordeaux.
Take a boat tour
Since you will come to the banks of the river, why don’t you take a boat tour and listen to the stories of Bordeaux from a local guide? Besides, if you purchase Bordeaux City Pass, you will receive free access to a boat tour. But beware that you may need to book a time slot for your tour. Depending on the time of your visit, there may not be available time upon your arrival at the dock.
Visit La Cité du Vin
La Cité du Vin (The City of Wine) is a must-visit museum. It was developed to present winemaking’s wealth, cultural journey. Visitors will experience immersive and sensory experiences. The museum features permanent displays, temporary exhibitions, and three tasting areas. It has a big line-up of cultural events in 2023. You can read them here. You will have discounted entry to the museum if you got Bordeaux City Pass
Walk Through the City and Cross Pont de Pierre on Foot
Bordeaux is a lively and vibrant city that makes it a pleasure to walk through its streets, watch the architecture, enter its churches, see interactions of locals and tourists, and drink wine that makes the city world famous. You can experience it by yourself or join a walking group or take a private tour.
The oldest and largest area in the world that produces fine wines, Bordeaux features hundreds of wine-producing businesses, châteaux, and wine hotels. I stayed at Quality Hotel Bordeaux Centre, which is centrally located in the city. I highly recommend this hotel.
If you are interested in extending your trip, travelers can make day trips to wineries around the city.
