Do you have deep pockets but still want to take advantage of the opportunities on offer in La Belle Endormie? Don’t panic! Bordeaux Secret reconciles you with your banker by offering you a top 10 list of the best free things to do in Bordeaux for next to nothing.
1. A feast for the eyes
Every first Sunday of the month is an unmissable cultural event for curious Bordeaux residents! In fact, Bordeaux’s museums are free of charge; the perfect opportunity to visit the CAPC, the Musée d’Aquitaine, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Base Sous-Marine, the Muséum de Bordeaux or the Jardin Botanique.
2. Saddling up
With the aim of introducing Bordeaux residents to the use of bicycles, the metropolis is offering residents of borrow a bike for free. All you have to do is come of age and live in one of Bordeaux’s communes. And since to try it is to adopt it, Vélo-Cité organizes turnkey participative workshops to repair your two-wheeler.
📍See youat Mériadeck level 2 every third Tuesday of the month.
3. A slice of laughter
Every Wednesday, come and have a free laugh at the Engrenage Comedy Club ! On the menu: 1 hour of laughter, surprises and conviviality just a stone’s throw from Gambetta. We start with happy hour from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, followed by a bar of laughs courtesy of quality stand-up artists.
📍8rue Castelnau d’Auros, 33000 Bordeaux
4. Opening up your horizons
Improv theater, musical blind-test, games library, pop-culture quiz, documentary screenings, silent party and even sexy lotto… The Pourquoi Pas cultural café offers a multitude of fun and eclectic activities from 0 to 5€.
📍97Rue Malbec, 33800 Bordeaux
5. Revising the classics
Brush up on your classics and scales! The Bordeaux Conservatory allows you to attend a concert free of charge. Simply book a concert and immerse yourself in the world of classical music (or not). Chamber Orchestra, piano concert, electro-acoustics, improvisations, singing, dancing… You’re spoilt for choice. Find out more about the Conservatoire’s public stages, click here.
6. Bring back the science
Psynapse, the leading hypnosis school, offers a wide range of free training courses. Program: personal coaching (leadershiP, NLP courses), sophrology, hypnosis sessions… In short, the perfect way to show off your science and become a better version of yourself.
📍54Quai de Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux
7. Tasting grands crus
Wine lovers, La Maison du Vin de Bordeaux has something for you. Right in the heart of the historic center, in an 18th-century mansion, you’re invited to take part in an assisted wine tasting in a wine bar. Discover the full range of Bordeaux wines in a unique architectural setting, and take a voyage of discovery through Bordeaux’s wine appellations.
📍3cours du XXX Juillet, 33000 Bordeaux
8. Make the bass vibrate
The IBOAT opens its doors free of charge to Bordeaux residents in search of sonic expeditions. Foot-tappers and freshwater sailors are all invited to come aboard this floating club to experience electronic music in a different way. Funk, jazz, deep house, indie dance, disco… An eclectic crew!
📍Bassinà Flot n°, 1 Cr Henri Brunet, 33300 Bordeaux
9. Cards on the table
Is it raining? Are you in a gambling mood but can’t afford to blow it all at the casino? Don’t panic, in Bordeaux there are a good number of game bars and toy libraries that let you play it safe.
10. Taking the plunge
Climbing to the very top of Pey-Berland Tower, a jewel of flamboyant Gothic architecture, and enjoying a breathtaking view of the city, is priceless. Well, it’s 6€. Unless you’re in the under-25s club. In this case, it’s free.
📍Pl. Pey Berland, 33000 Bordeaux