How to Spend 2 Days in Bordeaux from Someone Who Lived There

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Bordeaux is such an underrated city in France (in my humble opinion). It’s the 6th largest and is located in the southwest in the Aquitaine region. It’s known for its wine and while truly wonderful, the city also has a rich history, wonderful foodie culture, and lovely things to do.

It’s why I chose the city for my immersive French-language learning program, called Alliance Française. 

I lived in Bordeaux for a month and during that month, I got to experience everything Bordeaux has to offer. I lived with a local family, took tours with locals, and got so many local recommendations that I’m confident I know some of the best spots to share with you.

If you’re visiting for a weekend or quick two-day trip, this itinerary for 2 days in Bordeaux will leave you satisfied. You’ll visit the top attractions, try local favorite restaurants, and learn more about this beautiful city.

Let’s go!

Summary and Quick Links

Map of Your 2 Days in Bordeaux

Itinerary for Bordeaux in 2 Days

Since you have two days, I’ve split up this itinerary into two parts: classic and modern Bordeaux. Day one will be focused on historic Bordeaux, to learn more about the city and Aquitaine region through its iconic attractions. Day two is a more modern take on Bordeaux with the newest things to do and the underrated artsy scene you’ll find across the river.

Day 1: Classic Bordeaux

Breakfast at Books & Coffee

Okay, technically this is a modern start, but it’s in a historic part of town so it’s really two birds, one stone.

Books & Coffee opened in 2013 and has won numerous awards for their espresso and as a favorite spot in Bordeaux. They have everything from full breakfast (think eggs and pancakes) to homemade pastries made in house. 

Plus, the space is the kind of spot you’ll want to spend some time in. With plants everywhere inside and adorable outdoor cafe tables, you can opt for a traditional coffee shop vibe or a slow French morning people-watching from the sidewalk.

Want something quick? Pop into their pastry to-go shop, La Pâtisserie, right next door to bypass sitting down.

La Grosse Cloche

From Books & Coffee (and potentially on your way there), you’ll see La Grosse Cloche.

La Grosse Cloche is pretty hard to miss because it’s a giant belfry, which is a historic structure typically found in Europe built to house giant bells. It looks like a super thick arch with space for a massive bell on the top.

This one in Bordeaux was originally built in the 13th century and rebuilt in the 15th century. The bell itself weighs over 7 tons! It was built over a juvenile jail and now the bell is only rung for special occasions.

When you visit, you’ll likely only see it from the outside and even if that’s all, it’s still massively impressive. The architecture is beautiful and it really makes Rue St. James stunning since it acts as a port to the (now) shopping street.

If you happen to be visiting Bordeaux on a Saturday, you can book a 30 minute guided tour where you can go inside and learn more from an expert! It only costs €6 and you can book direct here.

Explore Rue St James

Before departing the area, I’d highly recommend walking along Rue St. James and browsing the shops.

I am not a shopper, but there’s something about these shops that really pulled me in. Many of them are small businesses with unique products, art, jewelry, or books. 

Some of my favorites were BONENDROI for home goods, Book Lovers, a romantasy bookstore, and Marcel Travel Posters.

Musée d’Aquitane

Just a couple blocks from La Grosse Cloche is Musée d’Aquitane, which shares the history of Bordeaux and the Aquitane region where Bordeaux sits. It’s displayed chronologically from prehistoric times to modern history.

This museum, while a bit dated in some of its exhibits, does tell the area’s history quite well and it’s truly very interesting!

I especially enjoyed seeing the prehistoric tools they’ve uncovered in the area and appreciated learning about Bordeaux and France’s role in the Atlantic Slave Trade.

Tickets are 6€ and you can spend 1-2 hours here depending how much information you’re after.

Lunch at Perrin

Hop to Maison Perrin, a fantastic boulangerie just around the corner from the public garden. You can get there from Musée d’Aquitane on tram line B, getting off at the Quinconces stop.

While there are definitely a bunch of restaurants you can try in Bordeaux, I highly recommend popping into Maison Perrin, grabbing a sandwich and a pastry. Since I was taking classes nearby, almost every day, I would get a caprese sandwich (called the vegetarian) and a tresse au chocolat, which was a chocolate twist – kind of like a chocolate croissant but better chocolate distribution and with added light custard filling.

And PS in Bordeaux (and the region in general), pain au chocolat is called chocolatine here, so be sure to order it correctly if you can remember!

Jardin Public

Take your lunch goodies over to Le Jardin Public just around the corner.

Grab a spot on a bench or on the grass and enjoy a slow lunch. I came here pretty much every day with my lunch and people-watched and listened to my audiobook (I was reading the Powerless series by Lauren Roberts at the time).

If it’s busy in the garden and there aren’t many spots you can see right away, be sure to walk around because it’s bigger than you might realize.

And people will share benches with you if you ask, so don’t be shy, especially if you’re solo and see a bench with space for you.

Walking Tour of Gambetta Area

In the afternoon, spend some time in the Gambetta area on a walking tour.

This is where you’ll find important Bordeaux architecture and landmarks. It’s important to take a guided walking tour because while the buildings are stunning, many of them have been converted to modern shops inside.

So, it’s easy to walk right by and miss all the history.

Some highlights you’ll want to see and learn about are the Opéra Theatre, Miroir d’eau, Place de la Bourse, and the mascarons in the architecture (all the decorative stone faces everywhere).

Here’s a highly recommended tour you can book from the office of tourism. It is a bilingual tour, so the information will be repeated in both French and English. I took a walking tour through my school at the time, but this one looks fantastic!

If after the tour, you’re ready for dinner, I’ll share my recommendation. If you need more time to let that appetite brew, I’d definitely recommend browsing the shops around here.

Or for a really special idea, you can reserve a spa experience at the Caudalie Spa. This very popular skincare brand in France uses Bordeaux wine grapes and byproducts in their skincare products. So, their spa experiences are really top tier.

I did a massage here and I’ve truly never smelled so good in my life after! I may have even brought some goodies home to try to capture that scent long after my trip.

Dessert Before Dinner

I know this is about to feel out of order, but there are some desserts you simply must try in Bordeaux and unfortunately the pastry shops close before you’ll be done with dinner, so best to go sometime before dinner.

First is the canelé. It’s a fluted shape with a carmelized crunchy exterior and soft, moist interior. It’s flavored with vanilla, carmel, and rum. Technically there’s two main places to get it and they have a famous feud, but really one is the historic spot and the other is the TikTok famous one. 

I’d go for the classic option: La Toque Cuivrée.

There’s a location of La Toque Cuivrée at 41 Pl. Gambetta, so it’s nearby! The other spot is called Baillardran, and there’s also a location within walking distance, so you can get some at both spots and compare.

Personally, I find canelés taste too much like rum for my liking.

The other dessert, which I very much prefer, is called a dune blanche. 

They’re made by one bakery chain called Chez Pascal and are supposed to look like a white sand dune, which is based on Le Dune Pilat, a real sand dune found in neighboring city, Arcachon.

These pastries are similar to choux, a circular puff pastry with cream in the middle and topped with powdered sugar.

They have different flavors, so you can try the classic vanilla, and see what rotating options they have. I’ve loved the chocolate and the peanut butter, too.

Dinner at Le Crêpe Funky

For dinner, I’d personally visit Le Crêpe Funky. This became a regular spot for me during my stay in Bordeaux.

They have galettes and crêpes. The former are made of buckwheat flour and are savory, while the latter are sweet and made with wheat flour.

It’s very typical to order one of each – one as your main course (a galette) and the other as a dessert (a crêpe).

The café is run by Patrick, who is just the sweetest. He makes sure everyone is taken care of and has a very prestigious culinary background, so I promise this menu is GOOD.

Modern Bordeaux

Today we’re exploring the modern side of Bordeaux. This city has an underrated side to it beyond the historic, classic experience you may be picturing, so it’s so fun to dedicate a whole day to discovering that.

Breakfast at Darwin

Start by crossing the Garonne river to the Right Bank aka La Rive Droite. 

You can easily take the A tram to Stalingrad stop, bus lines 25 or 61 to Darwin, a boat to get across (Le Bato 2, stop Bastide-Darwin), or rent a bike via Le Vélo, Bordeaux’s public bike system operated by TBM who operates all public transit.

The Right Bank has a beautiful green space, called Parc aux Angéliques, that runs along the river so it makes for a scenic bike ride or walk, if you want to start your morning that way. The park has sculptures and other landmarks, so you can spend some time exploring too.

No matter how you choose to get there, your endpoint should be the Darwin Ecosystem.

This space used to be military barracks, but has since been converted into the most interesting, urban alternative space.

It’s home to a number of local restaurants, shops, and other businesses.

For breakfast, head inside The General Store, which acts as a food hall of sorts, to try coffee roasted by L’Alchimiste or hot chocolate by Origines, and bread and pastries by Babelbread.

Once you’re no longer hungry, take some time to explore Darwin.

There’s a skatepark, a bunch of beautiful street art that’s constantly changing, sculptures, and shops. My favorite was La Géolibri, the bookstore! They had a great collection of books, perfect if you’re learning French, and also lots of beautiful art and postcards.

Cité du Vin and Lunch

Once you’re ready to move on, it’s time to visit La Cité du Vin. Bordeaux is known as France’s top winery region, so this museum is a must visit.

It takes you through the wine making process in a fun, interactive way. Plus, you’ll learn about the history and uses of wine, wine in pop culture, and wine from around the world.

I don’t even like wine and I don’t drink, but this museum was so well done (similar to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin) that I still think it’s a must visit for everyone.

To top it off, your ticket comes with a glass of wine or grape juice. It’s actually incredibly special because the bar where you get that glass is on the top floor, so there are truly spectacular views of Bordeaux.

You can get to Cité du Vin from Darwin on bus lines 25 or 61, getting off at the Cité du Vin stop (the first one back across the Garonne River).

Tickets are $26 per person and you don’t need to get them ahead of time if you prefer not to.

For lunch, I’d recommend eating at their restaurant on site, called Le 7 Restaurant, located on the 7th floor with beautiful views of the city.

Alternatively, you can walk across the street to Le Jardin Pécheur, a highly recommended seafood restaurant. They are committed to employing those with disabilities, so they’re a fabulous establishment to support!

Bassin des Lumières

One last major modern attraction to see in Bordeaux is Bassin des Lumières. 

This building used to house submarines during World War II. In 1940, Bordeaux was occupied by the Germans and they built this space because of its access to the Atlantic Ocean and strategic position near Britain and America.

It became the target of Allied force attacks and eventually was abandoned by the Germans.

In 1999, the base was reopened as a revitalized space for arts exhibitions.

Now, it is Bassin des Lumières, the largest digital art center in the world. They project digital art from famous artists on the walls and the water to create an interactive experience allowing you to see the art in a new way.

When I was there, they were showing exhibits on Henri Matisse and Frida Kahlo.

The space also has an exhibit on the history of the submarine base, so you can learn more about that as well.

Tickets are $18 and you can spend about an hour and a half there, to see all the rooms and exhibits. It’s a really beautiful and calming end to the day where you can slow down and just take in the art.

To get there from Cité du Vin, take bus line H2 to Latule.

Dinner at Entrecôte

For dinner, head back to the city center on bus line 5 from the Bassins à Flot stop to the Tourny stop. 

There are still so many restaurants to try, but for a modern pick, I’d go with Entrecôte, a specialty steak-frites restaurant.

Technically, they’ve been around since 1959, but for France, that really is modern.

They have 5 locations in France (and 1 in Barcelona, just for fun) and are known for having a fixed price menu.

For 23€, you get salad with walnuts, steak with their signature sauce, and endless fries.

They also have à la carte dessert and house wine that perfectly pairs with their menu.

They don’t take reservations and they can get a bit crowded, so I would aim to be there when they open at 7pm or even a bit earlier to get in line.

FAQs About Visiting Bordeaux, France

How much does it cost to visit Bordeaux for 2 days?

What’s the best way to get around Bordeaux?

TBM operates all public transit in Bordeaux and it’s plentiful. There are buses, trams, boats, and bikes.

The easiest way to get around is to download the TBM app and purchase a 48 hour pass for 11 €.

You can also pay for each fare individually for 1,90 € if you think you will only be taking 5 or fewer journeys (then it’s cheaper this way).

PS I’d recommend an eSIM while you’re traveling abroad from the US so you don’t run into any connectivity issues, especially since you need it to tap into public transit. I used Airalo the entire time I was in Bordeaux and it was really great! If you’ve never used them before, you can use my code ALANNA2916 to save.

Where should you stay in Bordeaux?

I personally stayed with a homestay family when I was living there because I was there as part of a French language immersion program called Alliance Française. So while I can’t personally vouch for hotels in Bordeaux, here’s where I’d choose if I was booking one.

Hôtel Majestic is highly rated and in a terrific location within walking distance to so many things on this itinerary and a tram station. Not to mention prices start at only $154 per night, so I’d choose this one!

How do you get to Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a small airport that is easily accessible from many major airports in Europe. I actually traveled to Strasbourg, France and Venice, Italy while I was in Bordeaux, so I got to experience their airport firsthand. The tram lines run to and from the airport so it’s easy to fly in and then take the tram to the city center.

Alternatively, you can take a train. This is how I personally got to Bordeaux, since I started my trip in Paris. You can get tickets on Omio and depending on where you’re coming from, it can be a quite affordable way to travel.

Is 2 days enough in Bordeaux?

I truly think you can check off all the best things in Bordeaux in just two days. It’s a major city in France, but it’s also quite doable as far as sightseeing goes.

If you only have two days, you’ll still be satisfied when you leave by following this itinerary.

I have extra time, what should I do?

If you have an extra day or two in Bordeaux, I’d honestly recommend taking a day trip to Arcachon, the seaside city, or Saint-Émilion, the mountainous wine town. Both are only a 30 minute to an hour train ride away and you can see them in a day.

If you’d prefer to stay in Bordeaux, I would honestly still do this itinerary, but just space things out a bit more so it’s a slower pace.

You could add in the cathedral and Monument aux Girondins, a giant fountain commemorating the Girondin group of French Revolutionaries.

I’m short on time, what should I cut?

Personally, I would cut out the shopping and any attractions that maybe aren’t up your alley.

If you’re not into history, maybe skip the Musée d’Aquitane.

If you look at Bassins des Lumières and the featured artists aren’t your favorite, I’d skip that.

I’d say the musts are the walking tour of Gambetta and Cité du Vin, to really get a good feel for Bordeaux. But hey, it’s your itinerary!

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That wraps up how to spend two days in Bordeaux. I hope by the end of this itinerary, you feel satisfied that you’ve seen some of the highlights, some local favorites, and of course, have wined and dined as much as possible.

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