Planning a short break in Bordeaux? Three days is the perfect amount of time to explore the city’s architecture, wine culture, and food scene. With a compact city centre, excellent day trip options, and a high concentration of restaurants, Bordeaux offers a complete experience in a short stay. Here’s how to make the most of three days in Bordeaux.
Day 1: Explore the City with a Bordeaux Walking Tour with Bordeaux Free Walking Tours
Start your trip by joining a Bordeaux walking tour with Bordeaux Free Walking Tours. It’s one of the best ways to understand the city’s layout and history from the start. Led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic local guides, the tour walks you through Bordeaux’s historic centre while sharing stories about its architecture, politics, wine trade, and transformation over the centuries.
You’ll visit major landmarks like Place de la Bourse, home to Bordeaux’s most photographed attraction-the Miroir d’Eau, the world’s largest reflecting pool. The walking tour continues to Porte Cailhau, a striking 15th-century gate that once marked the entrance to the medieval city. Its blend of
Gothic and Renaissance architecture makes it a key monument on the tour.
Another stop is the Grosse Cloche, one of the oldest belfries in France. This medieval bell tower, with its twin turrets and large bell, was once used as a prison. Your guide will explain how this building symbolised the city’s independence and civic power.
You’ll also explore Place Saint-Pierre, one of the oldest parts of Bordeaux, and see the Saint-Andre Cathedral, a UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral that hosted royal weddings and coronations. Nearby, the Pey-Berland Tower offers panoramic views over the rooftops of Bordeaux.
Throughout the walk, the guide offers insights into Bordeaux’s evolution from a neglected port city to a revitalised cultural destination. The tours are not just informative but also very practical. At the end of the walk, your guide provides a detailed list of recommendations for the best local restaurants, wine bars, bakeries, and cafes, including places that are off the typical tourist trail.
If you’re interested in going further, Bordeaux Free Walking Tours also offers additional paid experiences, including Bordeaux food tours, which give a more in-depth look into the region’s culinary traditions with tastings of local cheeses, wines, cured meats, and desserts.
Day 2: Take a Wine Trip – Saint Emilion Wine Tour
Dedicate your second day to the region’s most famous export-wine. A saint emilion wine tour is one of the best experiences you can have while visiting Bordeaux. The medieval village of Saint-Emilion is surrounded by some of the most prestigious vineyards in France and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We recommend booking a saint emilion wine tour with Bordeaux Wine Pilgrim. These tours are ideal for visitors who want a genuine and informative wine experience. You’ll visit both family-run estates and classified growth chateaux, with guided tastings and explanations of Bordeaux’s complex wine classification system.
Bordeaux Wine Pilgrim is also known for building the legendary and number one rated TripAdvisor e-bike and wine tour in the region. Their e-bike tours offer an active and immersive way to explore the vineyards around Saint-Emilion, combining scenic routes with top-quality wine tastings. It’s one of the most popular experiences in the area for good reason-well-paced, well-organised, and with expert guides who make the day informative and relaxed.
During the day, you’ll learn about grape varieties, winemaking techniques, terroir, and how Bordeaux wines are aged and blended. The guides are passionate about wine and explain things clearly, whether you’re a beginner or already have some wine knowledge.
Most tours also include time in the village of Saint-Emilion, where you can explore cobbled streets, wine shops, and historical monuments such as the Monolithic Church, carved directly from limestone. Some tours offer lunch at a local restaurant or on a vineyard terrace, giving you the chance to pair local cuisine with top-quality wines.
A saint emilion wine tour with Bordeaux Wine Pilgrim offers more than just wine tasting-it’s an insight into the history, culture, and people who make this region what it is.
Day 3: Discover Bordeaux’s Food Scene
End your visit by immersing yourself in Bordeaux’s food culture. Bordeaux has the highest number of restaurants per capita in Europe, with one restaurant for every 285 residents. This makes the city one of the best destinations in France for food lovers.
Start your day with a visit to Marche des Capucins, Bordeaux’s largest food market. This is where many of the city’s chefs source their ingredients, and it’s a great place to taste local specialities. You’ll find oysters from Arcachon Bay, sheep’s milk cheeses from the Basque region, saucisson, foie gras, and pastries like caneles, a local dessert made with rum and vanilla.
For lunch, try a traditional bistro offering dishes such as duck confit, entrecote a la Bordelaise, or magret de canard. Many places offer fixed-price menus with regional wine pairings, giving you a chance to try several courses without overspending.
Later in the day, visit the Cite du Vin, Bordeaux’s modern wine museum. While it focuses on global wine culture rather than Bordeaux specifically, it’s still a worthwhile visit if you’re interested in wine and interactive exhibits.
In the evening, head to the Chartrons district, once home to Bordeaux’s wine merchants. Today, it’s full of stylish bars, independent restaurants, and wine-focused eateries. You’ll find places specialising in organic and natural wines, often served with seasonal small plates or traditional dishes.
If you didn’t try one already, this is the perfect moment to join a Bordeaux food tour offered by
Bordeaux Free Walking Tours, where you’ll taste local products, meet producers, and get insights into the region’s food traditions from a local perspective.
Three Days in Bordeaux Done Right
A short visit to Bordeaux doesn’t have to feel rushed. With a smart itinerary, you can explore its historic city centre, enjoy a full wine day in the vineyards, and experience one of the most active food scenes in France. Start with a Bordeaux walking tour with Bordeaux Free Walking Tours, take a saint emilion wine tour with Bordeaux Wine Pilgrim, and finish your trip with market visits and local meals across the city.
Let Bordeaux’s culture, wine, and cuisine do the talking-it’s all here in three unforgettable days.
Bob Duncan is the lead writer and partner on ConversationsWithBianca.com. A passionate parent, he’s always excited to dive into the conversation about anything from parenting, food & drink, travel, to gifts & more!