Weekend in Bordeaux – 2024 guide to visits and itineraries

You want to spend 2 days in Bordeaux to soak up the city's atmosphere, taste world-famous wines and discover some of Bordeaux's iconic sites.

The most beautiful visits to Bordeaux

Bordeaux is, in fact, an unmissable destination in France, and although two days are not enough to explore everything, this guide will help you make the most of your stay. It will give you an overview of the highlights of Bordeaux, the must-see visits, the best walking routes and help you make the most of your weekend.

What is an absolute must-visit in 2 days in Bordeaux?

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bordeaux is an essential destination for lovers of history, architecture and gastronomy because the city is full of historical, heritage and cultural treasures. It is therefore difficult to choose the most interesting visits to do during a weekend.

Among the city's many tourist attractions, here are the 10 essential visits that we recommend if you spend 2 days in Bordeaux:

  1. Place de la Bourse and Miroir d’eau – Magnificent 18th century square with neoclassical architecture and a fountain reflected in the Miroir d’eau;
  2. Tour Pey-Berland – Medieval tower offering a panoramic view of the city;
  3. Saint-André Cathedral of Bordeaux – Imposing Gothic cathedral from the 11th-16th century;
  4. Parliament Square – Beautiful, lively square with historic buildings;
  5. Porte Cailhau – 15th century fortified gate, vestige of the old city walls;
  6. Grosse Cloche – Historic belfry from the 15th century, one of the oldest in France;
  7. La Cité du Vin – Interactive museum dedicated to the culture and history of wine;
  8. Palais Rohan (City Hall) – Magnificent 18th century palace housing the City Hall;
  9. Rue Sainte-Catherine – Long pedestrian shopping street, the longest in Europe;
  10. Public Garden – 18th century French garden with beautiful trees and ponds.

Program and itineraries to visit Bordeaux in 2 days

For your weekend in Bordeaux, I recommend that you do all the walking tours in order to soak up the atmosphere of the city and not miss all the beautiful little corners and hidden treasures. But, in such a short time, it is better to be organized and follow good routes.

I therefore communicate to you below the walking routes which are organized as follows:

  • First day: Visit the historic center of Bordeaux following a self-guided walking tour (see below);
  • second day: Visit to the Cité des vins, the Chartrons district and the magnificent quays of Bordeaux.

So, in two days, you will enjoy historical and cultural Bordeaux, relaxing Bordeaux and gastronomic Bordeaux!

Day 1 – Walking tour to visit the historic center of Bordeaux

On the first day, immerse yourself in the history and charm of the historic center of Bordeaux. Admire the remarkable architecture of Place de la Bourse and stroll the cobbled streets of the old town, lined with quaint shops.

For your first day, my tourist circuit tours the historic center of Bordeaux. Everything is done on foot, at your own pace and with enjoyable gourmet breaks.

By following the itinerary below, you will discover the Place de la Bourse, the famous Miroir d'eau, the Porte Cailhau, La Grosse Cloche, the Saint-André cathedral, the Bordeaux Opera, the Saint-André cathedral, the Pey-Berland tower and much more. You will find the details of the stages of this circuit in my article: Bordeaux in 1 day

Here is the map of the route which allows you to visit the historic center of Bordeaux starting from Place de la Bourse:

Day 2 – Walking tour along the Garonne in Bordeaux

For your second day in Bordeaux, here is an itinerary that allows you to discover the other jewels of Bordeaux, from the Cité du Vin to the Chartrons district via the banks of the Garonne.

Start with the Cité du vin

As it is one of the main tourist attractions of Bordeaux, the Cité du Vin attracts more and more tourists. So I advise you to go there when it opens to avoid the crowds that there are usually in the afternoons.

It is much more than a museum, it is a real institution dedicated to the world of wine (viticulture, oenology, history of wine, etc.).

The course proposed by themes and with interactive animations is fascinating and fun. It will be of interest to wine lovers as much that children! The visit ends on the top floor with wine tasting in an idyllic setting (360 ° panoramic view).  

Bordeaux in 2 days and the city of wine

Eat in an exceptional setting

For your lunch, you don't have to go very far ... I recommend going there: at 7nd floor of the Cité du vin. This is where the famous and very good restaurant is located: the 7 Restaurant. Access is by elevator in the lobby.

It offers a breathtaking view of Bordeaux and the Port de la Lune. Its menu of regional products allows dishes to be associated with wines from 50 producing countries around the world (more than 500 references on the menu)!

Discover the Chartrons district

Here is a small digestive walk of one hour to be done on foot to discover the Chartrons district.

It is very pleasant to stroll in the small streets of this fashionable district where antiques dealers, artisan shops, cafes and restaurants are concentrated ... This place stands out for its "village", bohemian and romantic atmosphere. Bordeaux neighborhoods more chic and elegant.

  • From the Cité du vin, take the tram line B direction Pessac Center and 4 stops further, get off at “CAPC”, the contemporary art museum in Bordeaux.
  • Walk to the rue Notre-Dame which is known to be the rue des Antiquaires;
  • Go to the Temple des Chartrons and on the left you will find the Saint-Louis church;
  • Take rue Sicard and join the Halle des Chartrons;
  • Take rue Notre-Dame again then direction Paul's Place;
  • Go straight until rue Borie then left to arrive at the Wine and Trade Museum;
  • Then continuing you will arrive at Place Picard;
  • Turn right onto Cours Balguerie-Stuttenberg, and right again onto rue du Faubourg des Arts;
  • To reach the Quai des Chartrons, take Rue André Darbon, then left Rue Barreyre. Then by going to your right you will be on the Quays.
Quai des Chartrons for my weekend in Bordeaux

Discover Bordeaux along the water

To continue my tour, here is a walk on the Bordeaux quays that you can do on foot (in less than 2 hours) or by bike (in about 30 minutes).

  • If you opt for the bike ride, I advise you to rent one at 77 quai des Chartrons at COOL BIKE. Thus, you will reach by bike (along the quays) the Place des Quinconces from which my little circuit starts!
  • If you opt for the walk, take the tram from Chartrons station, line B and 2 stops further, exit at Quinconces station. You will start my tour from there.

Click on "More options" in the map to follow the GPS

This circuit of about 6 km allows you to see Bordeaux on both sides of the Garonne:

  • Go from Place des Quinconces to Pont Chaban-Delmas

It was in 2013 that this bridge was inaugurated. It is the largest lift bridge in Europe. It contributes to the economic development of the city because when it gets up it allows cruise ships to pass. Thousands of tourists every week can thus discover the city center of Bordeaux!

  • Cross the Chaban-Delmas Bridge to go to the right bank quays
  • Turn right and continue on the quays to arrive at the Botanical Garden

Originally, this garden was a place where medicinal and aromatic plants were cultivated. It was in 2003 that it became a botanical garden. Today it is an institution intended to introduce all audiences to the world of plants and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Botanical Garden stage Bordeaux circuit in 2 days
  • Walk along the quays to the Pont de Pierre 
Pont de Pierre stage in the Bordeaux itinerary in 2 days

This is the 1er bridge that was built in Bordeaux to connect the two banks of the Garonne and make Bordeaux one and the same city.

  • Cross the Stone Bridge
  • Turn right and walk along the quays to reach Place de la Bourse and its Miroir d'eau.

If you have some time and courage left, below are some ideas for completing your weekend in Bordeaux.

Visit Bordeaux in 2 days shopping stop

Shopping in Bordeaux

From Place de la Bourse, head west on Rue Saint-Rémi then towards Rue Dieu and left to join the Sainte-Catherine Street.

You are now on the longest shopping and pedestrian street in Europe: 1 meters long and almost 200 km of windows!

Entirely pedestrianized since 1984, this street cuts the city center by a North-South axis which connects the Place de la Comédie to the Place de la Victoire.

Visit one of the many museums in Bordeaux

The CAPC (Contemporary Art Museum of Bordeaux), Aquitaine Museum, Decorative Arts Museum, Jean Moulin Center, Fine Arts Museum, Companions Museum, Customs Museum, Ethnography Museum, Wine and Wine Museum trade, Maritime History Museum, Bordeaux Museum.


Where to stay for a weekend in Bordeaux?

For your 2 days in Bordeaux, here is the hotel that I recommend: The Hotel Indigo Bordeaux Center Chartrons. Indeed, its value for money is unbeatable. For 120 Euros per night, you will be ideally placed but above all will benefit from the services of a 4-star hotel!

In the center of Bordeaux, near the river shuttles and the main sites to visit, its location is perfect! And it is very close to Chartrons and the Cité du vin (stages of the circuit that I have just described to you).

Its beautiful terrace with breathtaking views of the Garonne, the Chaban-Delmas bridge, the Pierre bridge.

See this hotel on Booking

Good deal Bordeaux hotel

If you are looking for another hotel, I invite you to discover the 3 best CHEAP HOTELS in Bordeaux

Which restaurants for your weekend in Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is renowned for its delicious cuisine and its many quality restaurants. Whether you're looking for a refined dining experience or a tasting of traditional dishes, Bordeaux has something to satisfy every palate.

The Halles of Bacalan

Les Halles de Bacalan is a covered market where you can taste fresh local products. From cheeses and seafood to pastries and wines, you'll find everything you need for an impromptu picnic or quick lunch here.

The Bordeaux cork

Le Bouchon Bordelais is a traditional restaurant which offers typical dishes from the region. Taste specialties such as duck confit, foie gras and fresh oysters in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

the tupina

La Tupina is another emblematic restaurant in Bordeaux. This rustic restaurant offers traditional cuisine using local produce. Sample savory dishes such as duck confit, sautéed porcini mushrooms and carefully selected Bordeaux wines.

And to discover the region around Bordeaux:

Bordeaux wine route

Weekend in the Basque Country

Discover the Arcachon Bay and Cap Ferret

Stay in the Landes by the sea

Road trip in the Landes

Leave comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

6 thoughts on “Weekend in Bordeaux – 2024 Guide to visits and itineraries”

  1. Hello,
    We would like to follow your very interesting 1 day itinerary in Bordeaux. We will be by car. Can you advise us on parking?
    Thank you in advance and thank you also for your very well documented site.
    Kind regards.
    Danielle

    1. Hello Danielle,
      To park in the historic center of Bordeaux, I recommend the paid parking at Place des Quinconces.
      On the other hand, if you are looking to park for less, you have to move away from the city center and take the Tramway.
      Note that near Bordeaux Lac and the Parc des Expositions, you will be able to find places more easily… The tram line C passes there and will bring you to Bordeaux center.
      Enjoy this magnificent city!

  2. Hello,

    Thank you for your Bordeaux tour guide. I would have liked to know where to park in the city center when spending 2 days in Bordeaux in a hotel without parking?

Back to top