Renowned for its fine wine and architecture, Bordeaux has much more to offer! From its splendid Place de la Bourse to the boutiques of Rue Sainte Catherine, the city is packed with nuggets and cultural activities of all kinds. From immersive multi-sensory exhibitions to local gastronomy and verdant parks, discover our selection of the best things to do in Bordeaux for locals and tourists alike!
1. Taste the canelés at La Toque Cuivrée
© La Toque Cuivrée
Whether you’re a native Bordelais or not, you should know that in Bordeaux, canelés are no joke. A must when visiting the city, this vanilla, rum and sugar-based cake is an institution to be savored without moderation. But with so much competition, where can you find the best? As far as we’re concerned, La Toque Cuivrée is the place to go!
41 Pl. Gambetta, 33000 Bordeaux
2. Visit the Bassin des lumières
The cultural benchmark for immersive exhibitions in Bordeaux, the Bassin des Lumières plunges you into the universe of the world’s most talented souls. Within a former submarine base and a variety of soundproofed exhibition spaces, rediscover the masterpieces of artists such as Mondrian, Van Gogh and Saint-Exupéry through breathtaking digital thematic trails. Not to be missed! Please note, however, that the basin is temporarily closed for the installation of exhibitions. Check the opening dates on their website.
Imp. Brown de Colstoun, 33300 Bordeaux
3. Attend a Candlelight concert
Immerse yourself in the magic of Candlelight in Bordeaux! In an intimate venue decorated with hundreds of candles, in the company of friends and family, let yourself be carried away by classic covers of your favorite songs. From ABBA to Queen to Coldplay, the hardest part will be choosing…
4. Visit the Darwin Ecosystem
For fans of underground culture, there’s the ideal alternative venue on Bordeaux’s Right Bank. With its street-art, skateboarders, activists, music, Emmaus bric-a-brac and Sunday brunch, the Darwin Écosystème is a real place of life and creation, bringing together young and old in an impressive and atypical setting. Go and see for yourself!
87 Quai des Queyries, 33100 Bordeaux
5. Visit the Cité du Vin
How can you talk about Bordeaux without mentioning its love of wine? A true emblem of the capital of Gironde, the Cité du Vin showcases all the knowledge and techniques involved in making this sweet beverage in a 9,000m2 building north of Bordeaux.
Halfway between a museum and an activity center, discover the secrets of oenology in a playful way, in a gigantic building that looks like a work of art. Don’t miss the wine cellar on the first floor, containing no fewer than 9752 bottles from 88 different countries. Nothing less!
134 Quai de Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux
6. Party the night away at MADA
We couldn’t list the best things to do in Bordeaux without mentioning its nightlife! One of our favorite clubs is MADA, a multi-purpose venue offering a refined restaurant, cocktail bar and night club… the ideal three-in-one spot!
7. Have a drink in the Saint-Pierre district
The legendary district of old Bordeaux, Saint-Pierre is also the place to go for an aperitif! Filled with great places to eat and drink, we can’t recommend exploring the streets – you’re bound to find what you’re looking for. For our part, we’ve got a favorite: the LevЯette Café, a decadent bar with a wide selection of wines, spirits, cocktails, beers and hard liquors on the menu. Cheers!
8. Stroll through the Jardin Public
Looking for a quiet place to study, a romantic stroll or a place to go for a run? Look no further than Bordeaux’s Jardin Public. Classified as a “Jardin Remarquable de France”, the park also features an arboretum, children’s play areas and a large pond. If you’ve ever dreamed of more greenery…
9. Admire the Place de la Bourse
Designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel in stone, the Place de la Bourse continues to amaze tourists and locals alike with its 18th-century architecture. A symbol of Bordeaux elegance, this is where you’ll find the famous Bordeaux water mirror and the Trois-Grâces fountain, beautiful by day but even more so by night. To enjoy the setting at its best, we recommend a stroll as the sun is setting… Chills guaranteed!
10. Window-shopping on rue Sainte-Catherine
Feel like an irresistible shopping spree? Go to Rue Sainte Catherine! In the heart of Bordeaux, from Place de la Comédie to Place de la Victoire, this shopping temple is packed with boutiques of all kinds, stores and even shopping malls. And if you need a break, no problem: numerous bars and restaurants await you between two stores. Shopping is exhausting!
11. Buy oysters at the Marché des Quais
In Bordeaux, we’re unquestionably fans of oysters. And the best place to find fresh oysters is the Marché des Quais! Every Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Quai des Chartrons gives way to a magnificent market featuring over sixty stalls in a warm, jovial atmosphere. And what’s more, it’s delicious.
12. See Bordeaux’s big bell
The grosse cloche or Porte Saint Éloi is Bordeaux’s most emblematic gateway. In fact, it’s located in the Unesco World Heritage zone, and it’s easy to see why! Dating from the 13th century, it’s one of the city’s oldest vestige. As you enter the street below, the view is incredible! As you get closer, you can take a closer look at the astronomical clock, which dates back to 1759 and features a half-moon sundial. In those days, people were already working wonders!
13. Cycle along the quays
Bordeaux really is a city made for cycling! Whether you want to explore the city or discover the surrounding area, it’s the ideal way to enjoy the great outdoors and get some exercise at the same time! We especially recommend getting on your bike and riding along the quays with your partner or your friends at sunset – the light is exceptional!
14. Coffee at CafeinCup
Are you a coffee expert? Then you can’t miss this specialist coffee shop! They use a unique know-how: an extraction technique inspired by Japanese glassware based on natural infusion, and which promises to offer you the perfect alliance between the strength of an espresso and the delicacy of a filtered coffee with pronounced aromas! Other cafés in Bordeaux are also worth a try!
15. Test a place where you can relax surrounded by animals
Do you love animals? Bordeaux Secret recommends 4 100% cute places where you can enjoy the company of adorable furballs: Usagi coffe, le comptoir des chats, Nugget and puppy yoga. Studies have shown that our happiness is linked to the presence of animals, which soothe our stress and combat loneliness. These simple interactions, such as cuddling and playing, play a key role in our well-being!
16. Spend the evening in one of Bordeaux’s organic and natural wine bars
Bordeaux is synonymous with wine! But at Bordeaux Secret, we wanted to go one step further! In keeping with our city’s eco-responsible spirit, we scoured Bordeaux’s wine bars and cellars for the best organic and natural wines. And, of course, we found some real nuggets –you’ll find them right here!
17. Discover Science Expériences, an immersive museum at the heart of science has opened
Following on from its success in Paris and Lyon,the multi-science Science Expériencestour has arrived in Bordeaux, right in the heart of the Promenade Saint-Catherine. On the program: a journey into space, immersion 11,000 meters under the sea, an aurora borealis show, a neuroartistic experience, a cyclone simulation, static electricity experiments… A place where learning is fun!