What to Do in Bordeaux: 10 Unmissable Activities You Shouldn't Miss

Discover the secrets of the city of Bordeaux

Looking for the best ideas for visiting Bordeaux? This article offers a selection of tips for all visitors, whether you're travelling as a family, as a couple or with friends, whatever your age. And if you ever feel like living in Bordeaux, you'll quickly see why the city is so appealing. Renowned for its elegant architecture and lively cultural scene, the city welcomes millions of visitors every year.

Discover the city of Bordeaux, the wine capital listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its landmark sites such as the Cité du Vin and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. The city has plenty of green spaces and lively waterfronts.

Stroll on foot along the quays of the Garonne and admire the elegant architecture of the city centre, easy to reach thanks to the tram line. Families particularly enjoy this pedestrian city centre, its green spaces and its relaxing spots.

Visit the Porte Cailhau, a medieval monument that has been renovated to enhance its historical presentation, offering a stunning view over the city and its surroundings.

Discover the city's secrets with a guide who will take you to the most hidden sites. From the smallest historic site to the quietest street corner, Bordeaux has a gift for charming everyone who takes the time to explore it.

Cultural activities

Explore the city's museums, such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Cité du Vin, which offer a deep dive into the history and culture of Bordeaux. The Cité du Vin offers an immersive activity for everyone, with a tasting glass at the belvedere, and passed 415,000 visitors in 2024.

The natural history museum, the Musée de l'Illusion and Cap Sciences are exhibition venues that children will love.

Attend a show at the Théâtre National de Bordeaux en Aquitaine or the Opéra National de Bordeaux, each a top address for cultural outings. The Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, a major cultural venue, also hosts many performances and events.

Visit the temporary exhibitions and cultural events that bring the city to life all year round: plenty of opportunities to discover new artistic projects.

Discover contemporary artworks at the CAPC, a renowned contemporary art museum housed in a historic building, a former warehouse whose large exhibition spaces host a variety of exhibitions and cultural events.

Head to Darwin, a giant 10,000 m² "tiers-lieu" (community hub) hosting more than 250 events a year.

Join a guided street-art tour to discover the murals and graffiti of urban artists: the city has a vibrant street-art scene, with many works spread across its neighbourhoods.

Gastronomic experiences

Discover Bordeaux's cuisine, renowned for its wines and traditional dishes such as duck confit and oysters from the Arcachon Bay. There is a wide choice for all tastes and budgets.

Visit the city's markets, such as the Marché des Capucins, and discover local produce and the flavours of the South-West. It's also a good way to support the local economy.

Taste Bordeaux wines in one of the city's many wine bars, over a glass and a platter of regional products.

Discover the city's Michelin-starred restaurants and enjoy gourmet cuisine created by the best chefs. Prices vary depending on the menus: remember to book.

Outdoor leisure

Stroll through the Jardin Public, a green space in the heart of the city, or the Parc Bordelais, one of the most beautiful parks in Bordeaux, ideal for children. Along with the banks of the Garonne, these places are perfect for games and family picnics.

Children can also take part in treasure hunts thanks to the "pistes de Robin" trails, available at the tourist office.

Cycle along the Garonne quays or explore the trails of the Bordeaux metropolitan area, from Mérignac to the right bank.

Visit the Arcachon Bay, an ideal spot for nature lovers and water sports fans, with plenty of swimming areas.

Discover the beaches of the Atlantic coast, about an hour's drive from Bordeaux, and enjoy the mild ocean climate.

Activities in the South-West region

Visit the region's vineyards and discover the secrets of Bordeaux wine production, with tastings and direct sales at many producers. The region is known for its renowned châteaux and wine estates, and visitors can explore the Bordeaux vineyards by public transport.

Château La Gaffelière in Saint-Émilion is a renowned vineyard near Bordeaux. Château de Portets, in Graves and Sauternes, and Château Gayon, in Entre-deux-Mers, can also be visited from Bordeaux, as can Château Marquis de Vauban in Blaye, which is accessible by train. Oenology workshops are offered at several wine estates around Bordeaux.

Explore the region's picturesque villages, such as Saint-Émilion and Arcachon, for a change-of-scenery day trip.

Go skiing or snowboarding in the Pyrenees, a few hours' drive from Bordeaux, for a great weekend project.

Discover the region's festivals and events, such as the Bordeaux Jazz Festival, not to be missed at every new edition.

Immersive activities

Discover virtual reality in Bordeaux and enjoy an immersive experience at one of the city's leisure centres, a top pick for family outings.

Attend the immersive show LUMINISCENCE in Saint-André Cathedral: it promises a unique sensory immersion and has already attracted more than 500,000 spectators.

Dive into the Bassins des Lumières museum, which offers total immersion with artworks projected across 12,000 m².

The Musée de l'Illusion offers interactive experiences that put your senses and perception to the test, while the SENSAS sensory trail, based on the 5 senses, also helps raise awareness of disability.

Visit the city's escape rooms and take on puzzles and challenges as a team.

Try a laser game or paintball session with your friends to burn off all your energy.

Discover simulation experiences, such as flight simulation or racing simulation.

Discovering the Chartrons district

Explore the Chartrons district, a historic neighbourhood of Bordeaux and former stronghold of wine merchants.

Visit the neighbourhood's shops and art galleries, and don't forget the antique dealers for finding beautiful pieces.

Discover the neighbourhood's restaurants and cafés and enjoy local cuisine in a warm setting.

Take a guided tour of the district for good time management and discover its secrets and history.

Relaxation activities

Unwind in one of the city's many spas and enjoy a variety of wellness services. The beer spa in Bordeaux lets you soak in a hot bath with beer-based ingredients while tasting beers.

Do yoga or Pilates in one of the city's studios to find calm and balance.

Visit the city's wellness and relaxation centres.

Discover the meditation and breathing activities offered by the city's leisure centres, and answer the call of serenity.

Nightlife

Discover Bordeaux's nightlife and explore the city's bars, clubs and lounges.

Visit the city's lively neighbourhoods, such as the Victoire district, very popular with locals and students. Looking to settle in this lively corner? Discover our flatshares in Bordeaux.

Enjoy a casino night at the Casino de Bordeaux.

Discover the city's concerts and shows, held in concert halls and theatres.

Creative workshops

Discover the city's creative workshops, offering activities such as painting, sculpture and pottery, perfect for bringing your creative projects to life.

Visit the city's art schools and discover students' work.

Take a cooking workshop and discover the secrets of Bordeaux gastronomy.

Discover the dance and theatre workshops offered by the city's leisure centres.

Games and adventures

Discover the games and adventures offered by the city's leisure centres, such as escape rooms and laser games.

Spend a day at Walygator Sud-Ouest, an amusement park ideal for a family day out, with its rides and shows.

Try Bubble Football, a fun activity that involves playing football inside giant bubbles.

Take part in a forest survival course near Bordeaux to learn survival techniques in the wild.

Visit the region's golf courses and take on golf's challenges.

Go out to sea and enjoy the pleasures of fishing or sailing.

Discover outdoor activities, such as cycling or hiking, offered by the city's leisure centres.