15+ top attractions & best places to visit in Bordeaux

What does Bordeaux have besides its famous wine? What ancient squares, unique works of art and poetic gardens are waiting for you to discover? Find out now with 15+ top attractions & best places to visit in Bordeaux in this article!

Bordeaux – the charming city in the Southwest of France, is not only famous for its fine wine but also captivates visitors with its classical beauty mixed with modern breath. Strolling through the magnificent squares, admiring the enchanting Gothic architecture or relaxing on the windy banks of the Garonne River, you will feel the poetic beauty of Bordeaux in your own way.

Join us to check out 15 must-see places in Bordeaux for a truly memorable journey!

Place De La Bourse – The Ancient Architectural Symbol of Bordeaux

Place de la Bourse Square has been an architectural symbol of Bordeaux for centuries. Built between 1730 and 1775 by architect Jacques Gabriel and his son Ange-Jacques Gabriel, this square clearly shows the neoclassical style of 18th-century France. Located on the banks of the Garonne River, Place de la Bourse was once an important trading center of the city.

The two main buildings surrounding the square are the Hôtel des Fermes and the Hôtel de la Bourse, featuring sophisticated sculptures, artistic wrought iron balconies and beautiful limestone facades. In the middle of the square is the Three Muses Fountain (Fontaine des Trois Grâces) – a check-in spot that cannot be missed by visitors. During the day, Place de la Bourse has a solemn, ancient beauty, and at night, the lights reflecting on the stone floor make this place splendid and magical.

• Address: Place de la Bourse, 33000 Bordeaux, France
• Opening hours: All day

Miroir D’eau – The World’s Largest Water Mirror

Located right across from Place de la Bourse, Miroir d’Eau (Water Mirror) is the most checked-in spot in Bordeaux. With an area of ​​3,450 square meters, this is the world’s largest water mirror, creating a beautiful reflection effect between the water surface and the surrounding architectural works. Miroir d’Eau is also a fun place for children and locals in the summer. Walk on the water, feel the cool water under your feet or simply enjoy a relaxing moment in the heart of Bordeaux.

This project was designed by architect Michel Corajoud and put into operation in 2006. The modern water pump system helps the water surface to be only about 2cm high, creating a perfect mirror effect. Every 15 minutes, the misting system is activated, creating a magical and enchanting space.

• Address: Quai de la Douane, 33000 Bordeaux, France
• Opening hours: Open from April to October

Best places to visit in Bordeaux: Rue Sainte-Catherine – The Busiest Shopping Street in Bordeaux

If you are a shopaholic, Rue Sainte-Catherine is the paradise for you! With a length of 1.2km, this is considered the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe, connecting Place de la Comédie and Place de la Victoire. Rue Sainte-Catherine is divided into two main areas: the northern area concentrates many high-end fashion brands such as Zara, H&M, Apple Store, while the southern area is home to local shops, restaurants and bustling cafes.

This street has been planned as a completely pedestrian area since 1984, providing a comfortable and safe shopping space for visitors. Every year, Rue Sainte-Catherine is especially vibrant during the February and July sales season, when a series of stores simultaneously offer deep discounts. In addition, if you need to rest after hours of shopping, stop at the cafes along the street such as Café Napoléon or Les Négociants to enjoy a strong espresso.

• Address: Rue Sainte-Catherine, 33000 Bordeaux, France
• Opening hours: All day (depending on each store)

La Cité Du Vin – Unique Wine Museum

If there is a place that takes you on a journey to discover the essence of wine, it is La Cité du Vin – a world-class wine museum, preserving the essence of hundreds of years of winemaking culture of the Bordeaux region. Located on the banks of the Garonne River, this building makes a strong impression at first sight with its unique curving design, simulating the shape of a rotating wine glass.

Inside La Cité du Vin, visitors will experience 18 interactive areas, from the history of wine, the production process to the drinking culture in many countries. The highlight of the museum is the Belvédère rooftop, where visitors can enjoy a glass of wine while admiring the panoramic view of Bordeaux from a height of 35 meters. In addition, La Cité du Vin also has wine tasting classes, seminars, restaurants and specialized shops with more than 800 wines from 70 countries.

• Address: Esplanade de Pontac, 134 Quai de Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux, France
• Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (may vary depending on the season)

Pont De Pierre – The Ancient Stone Bridge Over the Garonne River

Pont de Pierre is the oldest bridge in Bordeaux, built by order of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1819 and completed in 1822. The bridge is 487 meters long with 17 arches – a number that is said to match the number of letters in the name “Napoleon Bonaparte”. This stone bridge was once the only road connecting the two banks of the Garonne River before other bridges were built.

The special feature of Pont de Pierre is its structure built of red bricks and white stone, highlighting its classic and timeless beauty. At night, when the lighting system is turned on, the bridge becomes magical and sparkling, attracting many visitors to check-in. Currently, the bridge is only for pedestrians, bicycles and trams, helping visitors enjoy a peaceful and poetic space in the heart of Bordeaux.

• Address: Quai Richelieu, 33000 Bordeaux, France
• Opening hours: Open 24/7

Saint-André De Bordeaux Cathedral – A Stunning Gothic Masterpiece

Located in the heart of the city, Saint-André de Bordeaux Cathedral is the most important Gothic architectural work in the Southwest of France. Built in the 12th century, this cathedral has witnessed many important historical events, such as the wedding of King Louis VII and Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1137.

The majestic facade of the cathedral with elaborate sculptures, brilliant stained glass windows and the 66-meter-high Pey-Berland bell tower – a place to enjoy panoramic views of Bordeaux. The spacious interior of the cathedral with soaring columns and delicately carved domes creates a solemn and ancient atmosphere. Visitors here also have the opportunity to participate in hymn concerts and unique art exhibitions.

• Address: Place Pey Berland, 33000 Bordeaux, France
• Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (changes depending on holidays)

Le Grand Théâtre – The Magnificent Classical Theatre

Regarded as one of the most beautiful theatres in Europe, Le Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux is a destination for art lovers, a place where the quintessence of French culture converges. Located right on Place de la Comédie square, the building was built in the 18th century in Neoclassical style, featuring majestic Corinthian columns and 12 statues of Greek goddesses on the roof.

Inside, the space is decorated in royal blue, white and gold, with a beautiful painted ceiling and a 1.2-ton Bohemian crystal chandelier. This place has welcomed many famous artists such as Liszt, Plácido Domingo or Cecilia Bartoli. In addition to admiring the architecture, visitors can also join guided tours or enjoy world-class operas and ballets.

• Address: Place de la Comédie, 33000 Bordeaux, France
• Opening hours: Usually 10:00 – 17:00 (may vary depending on events)

Médoc Vineyards – A Paradise for Wine Lovers

Médoc is the famous wine-producing region of Bordeaux, home to vast vineyards and famous châteaux. In particular, Haut-Médoc – a prominent sub-region of Médoc – is the place to produce premium red wines with a balance between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with typical flavors of red berries, cassis, tobacco and oak.

Here, visitors can visit famous wineries such as Château La Lagune or Château Cantemerle, learn about the winemaking process from harvest to aging, and experience tasting a bottle of fine wine. Médoc also fascinates visitors with its peaceful countryside scenery, tree-lined streets, ancient castles and unique cuisine. A bike ride and wine tasting on the banks of the Gironde River will definitely be an unforgettable experience on your journey to Bordeaux.

• Address: Médoc Region, Bordeaux, France
• Opening hours: Depending on the winery, usually from 10:00 – 18:00

Marché Des Capucins – Bordeaux’s Most Attractive Food Market

Marché des Capucins, known as the “stomach of Bordeaux”, is the city’s largest and busiest food market. The market dates back to the 18th century and is home to over 80 stalls selling everything from fresh seafood, cold cuts, cheese, bread to local fruits and vegetables.

Strolling around the market, you will come across countless stalls selling fresh seafood, including oysters from the Arcachon region, lobster, crab and fresh salmon. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy fresh oysters on the spot, sipping on a glass of cool white wine – a very typical Bordeaux culinary experience.

• Address: Pl. des Capucins, 33800 Bordeaux, France
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday: 6:00 – 14:00; Saturday and Sunday: 5:30 – 14:30

Bordeaux Old Town – A Place to Preserve Historical Marks

The Bordeaux Old Town (Vieux Bordeaux) is a vivid picture of French history and architecture. This area includes small districts such as Saint-Pierre, Sainte-Colombe, Saint-Michel and Sainte-Croix, which used to be the bustling commercial center of the city. The old town stands out with its combination of classic beauty and modern life.

Some of the notable monuments such as Porte Cailhau – the 15th century city gate, Saint-Pierre Cathedral and Parlement Square reflect the prosperity of Bordeaux in the past. Visitors can stroll on the small streets, admire the sophisticated wrought iron balconies and explore famous cafes and bakeries. If you visit the local markets, you can also taste the famous Bordeaux wine.

• Address: The area between Cours de l’Intendance and rue Peyronnet, Bordeaux, France
• Opening hours: Free to visit all day

Big Bell – The Heritage Symbol of Bordeaux

Big Bell or Grosse Cloche de Bordeaux is one of the oldest symbols of the city. This giant bell is 2.10m in diameter, weighs nearly 7,800kg and has been associated with the history of Bordeaux since the 13th century. Initially, this place was a city gate, then used as a prison for those who violated the city’s laws.

Grosse Cloche bears a strong historical mark with its unique medieval architecture. When passing through the Saint-Eloi gate, visitors will admire a majestic bell tower with a relief depicting the image of King Charles VIII. Inside the tower, the old prison space is still preserved, full of mystery. In addition, from the top of the tower, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Bordeaux, with the poetic Garonne River.

• Address: 53 Rue Saint-James, 33000 Bordeaux, France
• Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (varies by season)

Place De La Victoire – The City’s Most Lively Square

Known as Bordeaux’s busiest square, Place de la Victoire is a place where history meets modern life. This area attracts a large number of students and tourists because of its vibrant atmosphere day and night with a series of bars, cafes, restaurants and fashion stores along both sides of the street.

Right in the center of the square, you will easily recognize the Arc de Triomphe Porte d’Aquitaine – with classic architecture, reminiscent of the time when Bordeaux was a bustling commercial center. Opposite the gate is a sculpture of two giant bronze turtles by artist Ivan Theimer, bringing a unique artistic touch to honor the Bordeaux wine industry. If you want to immerse yourself in the exciting local life, this is the ideal place.

• Address: Pl. de la Victoire, 33000 Bordeaux, France
• Opening hours: Free to visit all day

Place Des Quinconces – A Space Full of Art and History

Built in 1820 on the foundation of the Château Trompette fortress, Place des Quinconces is a destination that contains the city’s unique historical and artistic imprints. This 12-hectare square has rows of trees planted in a staggered pattern (quinconce), providing a cool and relaxing green space in the heart of the city.

The main attraction here is the majestic Girondins Monument, which represents the spirit of freedom of the French Revolution in the late 19th century. The statue consists of a 43m high column topped by the Statue of Liberty, surrounded by reliefs and fountains depicting the vibrant image of a galloping warhorse.

In the summer, this square becomes the venue for many major events such as fairs, art festivals, live music performances and outdoor exhibitions. This is also an ideal place for visitors to enjoy the open space, watch the sunset on the banks of the Garonne River or explore the city by bike.

• Address: Pl. des Quinconces, 33000 Bordeaux, France
• Hours: Open all day, free admission

Palais Gallien – Roman Ruins in the Modern City

Tucked away in the heart of modern Bordeaux, Palais Gallien is the oldest Roman monument in the area, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into the history of Burdigala (the ancient name for Bordeaux). Built in the 2nd century under the Romans, the arena was once the site of gladiatorial fights and could accommodate up to 20,000 spectators.

Although largely destroyed over the centuries, Palais Gallien still retains some of its entrance and solid stone walls. In particular, if you look closely, you will find some traces of the drainage system and seating structure typical of ancient Roman arenas. Visitors can join guided tours to learn more about the history here.

• Address: 126 Rue du Dr Albert Barraud, 33000 Bordeaux, France
• Opening hours: Free outdoor tours, guided tours available at certain times of the year.

CAPC Modern Art Museum Bordeaux – A Gathering Place for Contemporary Creativity

If you are a contemporary art lover, CAPC Modern Art Museum Bordeaux is a must-see destination. The museum was founded in 1973 and is located in the Entrepôt Lainé, a 19th-century warehouse, offering a unique combination of classical architecture and contemporary art space.

The CAPC collection includes more than 1,300 works by world-renowned artists such as Keith Haring, Christian Boltanski and Richard Long. The museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions on a variety of creative themes, from paintings and sculptures to installations and performances.

In addition to visiting the exhibitions, visitors can visit Café Putman, a minimalist café designed by designer Andrée Putman, or shop at the gift shop with many unique products. The CAPC is not only a museum, but also a space that inspires creativity for all ages.

• Address: 7 Rue Ferrere, 33000 Bordeaux, France
• Opening hours: 11:00 – 18:00, closed on Mondays

Bordeaux is famous for its vast vineyards, but also attracts visitors with its splendid architecture, historic squares and sophisticated cuisine. From the legendary Place de la Bourse to the ancient wine castle, each destination has its own charm, offering a complete journey for those who are passionate about discovery and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bordeaux Travel

When is the best time to travel to Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is beautiful all year round, however, the ideal time to travel is from May to October. Spring (May-June) has pleasant weather, flowers in full bloom, suitable for walking around the streets and visiting vineyards. Autumn (September-October) is the grape harvest season, join wine tasting tours at the castles. July-August has warm weather, vibrant with many festivals and is also the peak tourist season.

How to get from Paris to Bordeaux?

There are many ways to get from Paris to Bordeaux:

• TGV high-speed train: Fastest, only takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes from Montparnasse station.
• Plane: Flights from Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airport to Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport take about 1 hour. Bus: Cheapest but takes longer, about 6-8 hours.
• Self-drive car rental: Takes about 5-6 hours, suitable if you want to explore the stops along the way.

Where can you visit vineyards and taste wine in Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is famous for its prestigious wine regions. Suggested places to visit and taste wine are:

• Médoc – Home of fine red wines. Saint-Émilion – UNESCO heritage area, famous for fine wines and beautiful old villages.
• Graves & Sauternes – Famous for white and sweet wines.
• La Cité du Vin – Unique wine museum in Bordeaux, where you can taste many wines from around the world.

Is Bordeaux suitable for family travel?

Yes! Bordeaux is a family-friendly city with many interesting activities:

• Jardin Public Park – An ideal place to relax and let the kids have fun.
• La Cité du Vin – There is a children’s experience area about wine culture (no wine tasting).
• Garonne Riverbank – A spacious space for walking, cycling or playing.
• Zoo de Bordeaux Pessac – A fascinating zoo for children.

What are the outstanding festivals in Bordeaux?

Bordeaux hosts many attractive festivals, of which the most notable are:

• Bordeaux Wine Festival (Fête du Vin) – The region’s largest wine event, taking place in June, attracting thousands of visitors. Fête le Fleuve – A river festival held every two years in June, with a boat parade, fireworks and music. Marché de Noël – The year-end Christmas market with a warm, colorful atmosphere.
• Carnaval des Deux Rives – A vibrant parade in March, suitable for the whole family.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Bordeaux you can refer to

• Bordeaux City Pass
• Bordeaux Winery Tour
• Bordeaux Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience
• Bordeaux Historic and Gourmet City Tour
• Bordeaux 48-Hour or 72-Hour CityPass
• The Great Escape Full Day Tour from Bordeaux
• Bordeaux Wine, Sweet, and Savory Food Walking Tour
• Saint-Emilion Half or Full Day Wine Tour from Bordeaux
• Private Wine Day Tour from Bordeaux
• Bordeaux Private Wine Charter in a Tesla to St Emilion, Médoc, Entre deux Mers, Paulliac & Margaux
• Arcachon Bay Discovery Private Day Tour from Bordeaux

Read more France guide here. And Bordeaux here.