Holiday time in Bordeaux is in full swing, and we’re here to be your city guide for 3 Days in Bordeaux! If you’re traveling to Bordeaux this summer, you’re going to want to map out all the best things to do and places to see, to make the most out of your stay!
Our Insider’s Travel Guide for 3 Days in Bordeaux, all the must see attractions and best places to visit during your trip to Bordeaux!
In 2015, it was crowned as the ‘BEST EUROPEAN DESTINATION’ by the European travel guide. So make sure that you have all the information you need to get the best out of your 3 Days in Bordeaux!
Day 1: SAINT PIERRE & SAINT MICHEL
1) Once you’ve checked into your hotel, don’t waste anytime getting out to enjoy the city! Head straight to the historic Saint-Pierre District and Place Saint Pierre, admiring the architecture on your way.
2) See the amazing Place de la Bourse and the Miroir d’Eau, and look right to gaze upon the Napoleonic Pont de Pierre. Afterwards, sit on the Place du Palais and look up at the 15th century city gate, Porte Cailhau with a glass of wine as you watch the sun go down.
3) Bordeaux’s churches and squares are lit up beautifully in the evening, so take a stroll past the Grosse Cloche. Then head towards the Basilique Saint-Michel before having dinner on the Passage Saint-Michel terrace.
4) If you’re still keen afterwards, walk over towards Place de la Victoire for pubs in the area, like the HMS Victory. Or, stop in at the Quartier Libre for more drinks and fun, French style!
LOCAL TIP: Bordeaux is known for wine and cocktails… but if you ever want a cold pint of craft beer, be sure to swing through Sweeney Todd’s while you’re in Saint-Pierre!
Day 2 : SAINT ÉMILION & A NIGHT OUT
1) After your ‘lie-in’ (GO ON! You’re on holiday), head to the Breakfast Club for a lazy breakfast with plenty of coffee and tea. Try their homemade cakes and scones, they’re delicious!
2) If you are interested in wine (you probably are because you’re in Bordeaux), you MUST book yourself a day trip out to Saint-Émilion! Use either the Tourist Office or with our favourite anglophone tour guides, Rustic Vines Tours.
3) When you get back into the city after a long afternoon of wine tasting, you’re probably going to want to walk it off. Why not walk the famous Cours de L’Intendance between Place de la Comedie and Place Gambetta… Be sure and see the tucked away church, l’Église Notre Dame on your way!
Night Out: Bordeaux is your oyster! Stop by Pey Berland and take in the massive cathedral by night. Then experience the culture at some the best French Bars in the city, or meet fellow travellers in the awesome International Pubs!
LOCAL TIP: There is a little known ‘speakeasy’ cocktail bar in the old city centre called Le Cancan. The entrance is hidden behind a book shop, and well worth seeking out!
Day 3 : CHARTRONS DISTRICT or RUE SAINT CATHERINE
So it’s your last day of your 3 Days in Bordeaux! Best make the most of it… In our opinion you have two main options for an easy afternoon;
Option 1 : Take a stroll in the Chartrons District down the very French, Rue Notre Dame. Check out all of the great shops and French antiques before eating lunch either at the outdoor food market on the quays (a must if you’re here on Sunday) or stop in a local favourite like Le Boucher.
Afterwards the Wine Museum, just next door, is definitely worth a visit! And in the evening, head to the terraces of the Marché des Chartrons to have a drink (The Market Tavern is a great spot) and enjoy the sunset!
Option 2 : Start your last day at Place de la Victoire and walk the longest shopping street in Europe, Rue Saint Catherine towards Place de la Comedie (notice how the shops get larger as you get closer to the Grand Theatre).
Want to eat like a local? While you’re shopping, think about getting a bottle of wine, and a few different cheeses and dried meats…. Then, head to the Quays on either side of the Garonne River for and sit with other Bordelais for a Local Style PicNic.
LOCAL TIP: On Sunday nights, there’s a really vibrant Bilingual Pub Quiz in the Houses of Parliament that makes a great end to an awesome weekend away!
If you’re tired of walking at any point, take the BatCub Boat Ferry from Les Hangars to Quinconces! It’s a GREAT way to see the city from another angle.
More info from our friends at Invisible Bordeaux here >
Now that you’ve read our guide to the best things to see and do for 3 Days in Bordeaux… have a look at the rest of our recommendations, and see if you agree with the locals.