Bordeaux Travel Guide

France

268K
Population
BOD
Nearest airport
$129
Daily Budget
80
Walkability
HIGH
Safety

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Plan your arrival in Bordeaux

Arriving

  • Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD) · 11 km away
  • Main stationsGare Saint-Jean

Getting online on arrival

  1. Install your France eSIM at home over Wi-Fi: iPhone or Android steps.
  2. When you land at Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD), turn on the eSIM line and data roaming for it.
  3. Networks listed on our France plans: Orange (5G).
  4. France plans currently start at $2.75, for 100MB over 7 days. Compare all 15 plans.

New to eSIMs? How an eSIM works · How much data you need

Landing late or with kids? Pre-book an airport transfer

Staying connected

  • Coverage4G/5G · good
  • Wi-Fiwidespread
  • Suggested dataabout 1.5 GB a day · work it out
  • Weak signalSome areas in the outskirts
Compare eSIM plans

Useful apps

  • TransportTBM and Uber
  • Food deliveryDeliveroo and UberEats

Bordeaux at a glance

Population
267,991 (2023)
Elevation
1 m above sea level
On or near
Garonne
Time zone
UTC+01:00
Currency
euro (EUR), CFP Franc (XPF)
Plug types
C and E
Emergency numbers
Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18
Drives on the
right
Official language
French
Calling code
+33

Sources: Wikidata and OurAirports open data, checked 29 October 2026.

Top Attractions

1
Place de la Bourse
A stunning square known for its classical architecture and water mirror.
1h Free
2
La Cité du Vin
An interactive museum dedicated to the world of wine.
2h $20

Best Areas to Stay

Saint-Pierre
Central area with many bars and restaurants.
TouristsNightlife
Les Chartrons
Quieter area with local shops and parks.
FamiliesBusiness

Typical Costs (USD)

$110
Hotel/Night
$18
Meal
$2.5
Transport
$3
Coffee
Estimated Daily Budget (USD)
Backpacker: $59 Tourist: $129 Family: $400

* Estimated from typical costs

Local Tips

Peak Hours:7-9am, 5-7pm
Best Day:Weekdays
Custom:Dining is often late, with dinner around 8-9 pm.
Common Mistakes
  • Not trying local wine
  • Underestimating travel times

Food & Drink

Must Try:Canellés, Entrecôte à la bordelaise, Oysters from Arcachon
Vegetarian:Medium
Tap Water:Drinkable
Marché des CapucinsLa Tupina

Getting Around

Public Transport:Good
Rideshare:Uber
Walkability:80/100
TramBus

Climate & Weather

Best time to visit: April, May, September

Warmest monthAug28°C average high
Coolest monthFeb4°C average low
Wettest monthNov115 mm of rain
Driest monthJul49 mm of rain
Average daily high and low (°C) Rain (mm)
Monthly figures
MonthHigh °CLow °CRain mmRainy days
Jan10.53.78712
Feb12.03.66710
Mar15.55.86311
Apr18.08.07611
May21.711.47110
Jun25.014.6708
Jul27.116.2497
Aug27.616.3577
Sep24.213.3819
Oct19.610.78311
Nov14.16.711513
Dec11.04.410613

Averages for 1991–2020, not a forecast. Source: WMO climate normals (Bordeaux Merignac, 9 km from Bordeaux).

Bordeaux travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Bordeaux?

April, May and September are usually the best months to visit Bordeaux. Average daytime highs range from about 11°C in January to 28°C in August.

How much does a day in Bordeaux cost?

Plan from about US$59 a day on a backpacker budget to around US$129 for a typical visitor, covering accommodation, meals and local transport (estimates).

How do I get around Bordeaux?

Public transport includes tram and bus and is rated good. Ride-hailing is available through Uber. Walkability scores 80/100.

Which airport serves Bordeaux?

The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD), about 11 km from Bordeaux.

Is Bordeaux safe for tourists?

Overall safety is rated high. Watch for overcharging taxi drivers. Areas generally considered safe include Centre-ville and Les Chartrons. Check official travel advice before you go.

How do I stay connected in Bordeaux?

Install a France eSIM before you travel and turn it on when you land at Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD). Our France plans list Orange (5G).

Is tap water safe to drink in Bordeaux?

Tap water is generally considered drinkable.

Explore more of France

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Straight-line distances from Bordeaux.

Disclaimer

The information in this guide is intended for general travel planning purposes only and may change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Graba SIM does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the content. Travellers should verify entry requirements, local laws, health advice and services with official sources before and during their trip. Graba SIM is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information provided. Always check with relevant government and health authorities for the most up-to-date travel requirements.