Visit Bordeaux in 2 days
20 must-see POIs, optimized routes and anecdotes.
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You will visit the most beautiful points of interest in Bordeaux
2 Days in Bordeaux: A Mini Love Letter to the River City
Bordeaux stole my heart the moment I stepped onto its golden stone streets. They call it "The Sleeping Beauty," and walking here feels like waking a graceful city with a wink. Some people say it's overrated, but for me the light on the Garonne proves them wrong every time. I visited alone the first time, nervous and curious, and left with a suitcase full of postcards and a promise to return.
Why visit Bordeaux? Because it sings with subtle pleasures you won't find on a postcard. Beyond Cours de l'Intendance and the Monument to the Girondins, you'll discover quiet courtyards, lively cafés, and the hush inside Notre-Dame Church. The city smells of fresh bread and espresso in the morning, and evening lights shimmer on the river. This Bordeaux itinerary is about wandering elegant avenues, tasting buttery pastries, hearing street musicians, and feeling like you belong in a scene from a novel. If you wonder what to see in Bordeaux, start here with these iconic spots and let the city reveal the rest.
Planning can feel overwhelming. There is so much to see that you could happily spend weeks exploring. I get it—two days feels small against Bordeaux's slow rhythm and endless charm. If you're a first time in Bordeaux traveler, you might worry about missing something essential. Below, I'll show you exactly how to spend 2 days in Bordeaux to maximize your time and still savor moments that matter. This plan covers major landmarks and the hidden moments between them.
Key tip: Start early and slow down after lunch. Mornings are peaceful, museums and monuments feel fresh, and lines are shorter. Afternoons are perfect for lingering walks along the river or diving into a long café sit. This pacing keeps your days rich, not rushed, and lets you enjoy the light that makes Bordeaux so photogenic. Now let's dive into the itinerary!
Quick Mini Guide to Bordeaux
Where to stay:
- Golden Triangle (around Cours de l'Intendance & Porte Dijeaux) — central, 18th‑century facades and shops within easy walk.
- Chartrons — riverside, wine bars and antique shops; quieter evenings after tasting rooms close.
- Near Place des Quinconces — convenient for tram links and quick access to the quays and monuments.
When to visit:
- Late spring (May–June) or September — best light on the façades and vineyard events without peak summer heat.
- Avoid major wine-festival weekends if you want calmer streets; book tours a few days ahead.
Things to do:
- Stroll Cours de l'Intendance for 18th‑century architecture and quick pâtisserie stops.
- See Monument to the Girondins and the broad Place des Quinconces — climb the column viewpoint if open.
- Pass through Porte Dijeaux, then walk the quays along the Garonne at sunset.
- Visit Notre‑Dame Church for intimate Gothic details away from the cathedral crowds.
- Book an interactive tour: The Alchemist BORDEAUX (cocktail/wine lab experience) or Secrets of Bordeaux (insider walking tour).
Don't forget:
- Comfortable shoes for cobbles; tram network covers longer hops—buy a day pass.
- Try a canelé and pair tastings with local Bordeaux whites and reds in small bars.
Day 1 - Bordeaux
10 POIs to discoverDay 1 - Morning à Bordeaux
5 Points of interest - Duration : 4h30 - Distance : 2 km - Walking : 0h26
The Big Bell
- This former rampart gate is also known as Porte Saint-Éloi and Porte Saint-James due to its location on the route to Santiago de Compostela.
- Built in the 15th century, it is one of the few surviving civil medieval monuments in Bordeaux.
- The Grosse Cloche was used to signal the grape harvest and to alert the population in the event of fire.
- It was a symbol of the city and the inhabitants were very attached to it.
- In 1548, the bell was removed by King Henri II to punish the inhabitants for their revolt, but it was restored in 1561.
- It is made up of two 40-meter-high towers linked by a central building.
- It was originally equipped with four towers.
- The current bell, cast in 1775, weighs 7,800 kg and rang on certain occasions until 2016.
- It now only rings on the first Sunday of the month.
Rue Sainte-Catherine
- Rue Sainte-Catherine is the main shopping street of Bordeaux, France, with a length of 1,250 meters.
- This street is located in the city center and connects Place de la Victoire with Place de la Comédie. Converted into a pedestrian zone in 1984, it has more than 250 stores, including Galeries Lafayette, Fnac, Apple Store and Decathlon.
- It houses the Galerie Bordelaise, a covered shopping arcade, and remains of the former chapel of Sainte-Catherine.
- Historically, it was the scene of battles, housed the Porte Médoc and residences of famous figures such as Montesquieu.
Pey-Berland Tower
- The Pey-Berland tower is the campanile (bell tower) of Saint-André cathedral.
- It was built between 1440 and 1500, on the initiative of the archbishop of the same name.
- Crowned by a bell tower, the tower is superbly sculpted and is topped by a gilded statue of Notre-Dame d'Aquitaine and houses a drone weighing over eight tons.
- Its isolated location prevents the vibrations of the bells from being transmitted to the cathedral, built on marshy ground.
- Sold as national property during the Revolution, it was transformed into a hunting lead factory and fodder store.
- It regained its status as a religious building in 1851.
Impasse Rue Neuve
- At the end of the cul-de-sac, on the left, just before the door, is the oldest house in Bordeaux (12th or 13th century).
- Upstairs, the two windows are Gothic : fine colonnettes, decorations and pointed arch.
- At that time, there were no windows: hangings or wooden panels were used to insulate the dwelling.
- At that time, there were no windows: hangings or wooden panels were used to insulate the dwelling.
Museum of Fine Arts
- Founded in 1801, the museum arose from the distribution of works from the Musée central des arts de la République.
- The museum was then moved to the town hall in 1821.
- A fire in 1870 damaged the works, and the museum underwent architectural modifications.
- The Galerie des Beaux-Arts, located on the other side of the Cours d'Albret, was built in 1939 for temporary exhibitions.
Day 1 - Afternoon à Bordeaux
5 Points of interest - Duration : 3h30 - Distance : 1.3 km - Walking : 0h17
Cours de l'Intendance
- The Cours de l'intendance, originally a ditch that was filled in in the 11th century to become a street, was where the Bordeaux bourgeoisie had their private mansions built.
- It links Place de la Comédie (where the Grand Théâtre is located) with Place Gambetta.
- Together with the Cours Georges-Clemenceau and the Allées de Tourny, it forms a triangle known as the "golden triangle", home to the city's most luxurious and prestigious stores, such as Louis Vuitton and Lancel.
- Today it is considered one of the most beautiful streets in the city.
Porte Dijeaux
- Also called Porte Dauphine under Louis XIV, it has had various names such as "de Giu", "Dijeu", "Dijeus", "Digaus".
- Two hypotheses about its name: link with the medieval Jewish quarter ("porta deus Judias") or the Gallo-Roman temple of Jupiter ("Porta de Jòu").
- The Dijeaux gate is the third of the name, rebuilt in the 18th century.
- The first was an opening in the 4th-century Roman ramparts, and the second was in the 14th century, then moved when the ramparts were enlarged.
- Reconstructed in Frontenac stone, the current version was erected in 1748-1753.
- It marks the end of an ancient Roman artery leading to the Porte de Jupiter.
Rohan Palace
- The palace was built in 1771-1784 for the archbishopric and was used as a hotel until the Revolution in 1789, then as the seat of the revolutionary court in 1791.
- In 1800, it housed the prefecture under Napoleon I.
- It then became a royal palace in 1815 under Louis XVIII.
- In 1835, the Palais Rohan was transformed into the Hôtel de Ville.
- The garden was converted into a botanical garden during the Revolution and today houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
Passage Sarget
- Built in 1833, with a 19th-century glass roof, it is one of Bordeaux's two covered passages, alongside the Galerie Bordelaise.
- Financed by Jean-Auguste Sarget, a Bordeaux merchant, this passage was initially private and opened to the public in 1878.
Notre-Dame Church
- The church built in 1684-1707 blends Baroque and Rococo styles.
- It has exceptional acoustics, hosting numerous concerts.
- Its Baroque facade is sculpted with statues of the first Doctors of the Church.
- It has an organ built in 1707 and restored in 1982, with casework listed as a historic monument.
Day 2 - Bordeaux
10 POIs to discoverDay 2 - Morning à Bordeaux
5 Points of interest - Duration : 3h45 - Distance : 1 km - Walking : 0h12
Monument to the Girondins
- The monument was erected between 1894 and 1901 in Bordeaux to honor the Girondin deputies who were victims of the Terror.
- The statues representing the deputies were never completed.
- A commemorative plaque with the names of eight Girondin deputies was added in 1989 for the bicentenary of the storming of the Bastille.
- In 1944, the monument's bronze ornaments were removed for the mobilization of non-ferrous metals.
- Several groups of sculptures represent themes such as the triumph of the Republic and Concord.
Place des Quinconces
- Created in 1810-1828 on the site of the Château Trompette, the square is known for hosting events such as concerts and fairs, including the Foire aux plaisirs and the Foire d'Automne.
- Its name derives from the staggered arrangement of the trees that originally adorned it.
- During the 19th century, the square was laid out with uniform hemicycle-shaped buildings and rostral columns.
- The square is decorated with monumental statues of Montaigne and Montesquieu.
- The main monument is the Girondins monument, erected between 1894 and 1902 to commemorate the Girondin deputies who were victims of the Terror and to celebrate the Republic.
Colonnes rostrales
- These neoclassical monuments adorned with symbols and allegorical statues represent Commerce (Artemis) and Navigation (Mercury).
- They stand 21 meters high and are neoclassical in style.
- The columns commemorate naval victories and victorious sea campaigns.
- Traditionally, rostrums from captured ships were placed on the columns.
- The original statues were made of terracotta and date from 1828.
Rue Leupold
- Formerly named rue de la Vieille Corderie, it has been home to rope and net manufacturers since the 14th century.
- This street bears witness to the historical importance of Bordeaux's port past.
Place de la Bourse
- Created in 1730-1755, the square is a remarkable example of 18th-century French classical architecture.
- It is bordered by the Palais de la Bourse and the Hôtel des Douanes, which retain their roles as a chamber of commerce and customs administration.
- The square's name has changed according to political regimes: from Place Royale to Place de la Liberté, Place Impériale, and finally Place de la Bourse.
- A water mirror, the largest in the world, and the Fontaine des Trois Grâces are also present on the square.
Day 2 - Afternoon à Bordeaux
5 Points of interest - Duration : 2h45 - Distance : 1 km - Walking : 0h13
Miroir d'eau
- The water mirror is an iconic artistic installation, reflecting the Place de la Bourse and Bordeaux's quays. Created in 2006, it is the largest water mirror in the world with a surface area of 3,450m² and an underground reservoir of 800m³.
- This fountain can display a mirror effect with 2 cm of water on a granite slab and a fog effect up to 2 meters high.
- Bordeaux's water mirror is ranked fourth in the list of the world's best urban plaza designs.⏰ The mirror operates from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a cycle of 15 minutes of water, 5 minutes off, then 5 minutes of fog.
National Opera of Bordeaux
- Founded in Bordeaux, the Opéra national has its headquarters at the Grand Théâtre, and the Bordeaux Aquitaine national orchestra accompanies it in its performances.
- Around 200 artists and 170 collaborators work in the various artistic, technical and administrative departments. The Ballet de l'Opéra de Bordeaux has a long history with choreographers such as Jean Dauberval, Aniel, and Jean-Baptiste Blache.
- Since the 1970s, the Ballet has been directed by Wladimir Skouratoff, favoring works from the classical as well as contemporary repertoire.
- Since the 1990s, under Charles Jude, the Ballet has continued to explore modernity while honoring its classical heritage.
- The Opéra's chorus participates in lyrical performances and symphonic concerts, playing a key role in the performances.
St. Simon's Church
- Built between the 14th and 17th centuries, a Renaissance-style chapel survives in the former nave.The church is surrounded by more recent civil buildings, absorbing its chevet to the east and its facade to the west.
- After the French Revolution, it was disused and used for various purposes.
- In the 19th century, it housed a naval school for children from the port's working-class districts.
- Later, it was used as a food canning factory, notably for sardines.
- In the 20th century, it became an Axial car garage and then a parking lot.
- In 1999, the Utopia cinema was inaugurated on the site of the former church.
The Cow (Vache) street
- This alleyway is one of the narrowest in Bordeaux's old city center.
- It's rich in legends and takes its name from a variety of possible sources.
- Uncertain origin of the name, some evoke a nearby cattle market. Narrowness of the alley, it is said that only one cow can pass through at a time.
Saint-Pierre Church
- Originally built near the confluence of the Devèze with the Garonne, its location indicates its role as a port church.
- Ancient texts mention its existence as far back as 1173 in an early version.
- In the Middle Ages, the neighborhood grew up around the church due to its proximity to the ducal château de l'Ombrière.
- It was rebuilt at the instigation of Pope Clement V from 1358, then again in the 15th century.
- A stained-glass window in the choir depicts a white queen with chained slaves, made by Joseph Villiet around 1860.
Where to Stay in Bordeaux
Choosing where to sleep in Bordeaux matters more than you might think for a short trip: with only two days, you want to spend minutes, not hours, getting from your room to the sights. Aim for a base that keeps the city's highlights within easy walking distance so you can soak up the atmosphere between visits to the Monument to the Girondins, the lively lanes around the Porte Dijeaux, and the elegant shopping stretches of the Cours de l'Intendance.
Bordeaux is compact and organised around the river and a historic core, so neighborhoods blend into one another and are very walkable. The center is where the grand 18th‑century facades and wide squares meet narrow medieval streets. For a two‑day stay, pick a spot that lets you step out on foot to both the riverfront and the old town, with easy tram access if you plan a longer day trip out of the centre.
If you want to be in the heart of things, the area around Cours de l'Intendance and the nearby Golden Triangle gives you instant access to boutiques, classical architecture and cafés—perfect for mornings and elegant strolls. Staying closer to Place des Quinconces and the Monument to the Girondins puts you near major transport hubs and the river Esplanade, useful if you prefer quick links to museums and the waterfront. The quarter around Porte Dijeaux and Saint‑Pierre places you amid cobbled squares, restaurants and the medieval core, handy for evenings and wandering to Notre‑Dame Church.
Transport in Bordeaux is straightforward: a dense tram network and buses knit the city together, but for two days you’ll mostly rely on walking and short tram hops. When comparing options, prioritise proximity to a tram stop or a short walk to the main squares so you can maximise sightseeing time. If you arrive late or leave early, choose a place with easy shuttle or tram access to the airport for stress‑free transfers.
Finally, don’t overthink the perfect address: pick a comfortable room with good reviews on cleanliness and noise, and balance being central with the level of nightlife you want—riverside and town‑centre spots are lively, while a courtyard or side street will buy you quiet. With a thoughtful location strategy, two days in Bordeaux will feel relaxed, efficient and characterful.
Getting Around Bordeaux
Bordeaux is surprisingly easy to navigate once you understand the rhythm of the city: the TBM network of trams and buses threads the center and suburbs, stops are frequent and well-signed, and most drivers and machines offer at least some English, so even tourists feel at home quickly 🚇. The compact historic core means you’ll often choose between a short, scenic walk and a two-stop tram ride; both are stress-free and well-connected. The tram lanes run on dedicated paths through the city, so journeys are quick and reliable even during rush hour.
Practicalities are simple: buy a single ticket from a tram platform machine, a tobacconist, or the official TBM points, and always validate before you board (machines on platforms or on buses). Single rides are inexpensive (around €1.70) and if you plan several trips a day, a 24-hour pass is usually the best value — many visitors find a day pass for unlimited journeys pays off if you hop between Cours de l'Intendance, Place des Quinconces and other sights 🎫. You can also top up and pay contactlessly with the TBM app or with NFC cards at many machines for added convenience.
Use Google Maps for real-time departures and the easiest step-by-step routes: it will tell you whether to walk along Rue Sainte-Catherine, catch a tram to Quinconces, or take a bus and where to change. The app also shows tram stop names and platform information, so you won’t be guessing which direction to take. I rely on it constantly for exact departure minutes and to compare a 12-minute walk against a 4-minute tram ride — it saves time and keeps decisions simple 🗺️.
To save money, mix modes: short hops in the center are often quicker on foot, while the tram or bus are ideal for longer stretches or when it’s hot. If you love two wheels, Bordeaux’s V3 bike-share system is brilliant for 30-minute bursts and lets you avoid fares for quick errands or photo stops. Walking, when possible, is free and reveals charming alleys and cafés you’d miss from a tram window.
As a personal note, I once navigated from Cours de l'Intendance to the Monument to the Girondins: we bought single tickets at the tram kiosk, validated them, and hopped on for two stops to Quinconces, then strolled across the esplanade — the whole trip took barely 15 minutes and felt effortless. Another day we walked from Porte Dijeaux to the Grand Théâtre, pausing for coffee; sometimes the best travel choice in Bordeaux is simply to slow down and enjoy the walk. You’ll feel confident in no time. 💡
What to Pack for Bordeaux
Short trip to Bordeaux? Think compact, comfy, and a little dressy for churches and old squares. I travel light for two days but always pack things that solve real problems I’ve had on past trips — like sore feet after walking cobblestones or a dead phone at sunset by Place de la Bourse. Below are the essentials I actually use and why each matters.
1. Comfortable walking shoes (required): I swear by a pair like New Balance 574 or Ecco Soft 7 — broken-in, supportive, and grippy on wet cobbles. On my last visit I walked ~15 miles (24 km) over two days and was out for 10+ hours each day; cheap sneakers would have ruined it. Good shoes keep you exploring churches and squares without hobbling back to the hotel.
2. Cross-body bag: A small, zippered cross-body (secure strap, RFID pocket if possible) keeps passport, cards, and phone close. Bordeaux is friendly but busy tourist spots and trams are where pickpockets work; I once had a near-miss on a crowded tram and the bag saved me. Easy to swing to your front when entering a basilica or standing in a queue.
3. Weather-appropriate layers: Think breathable tee, light sweater, and a packable rain shell. Bordeaux’s weather shifts — I got a surprise drizzle while admiring Cathédrale Saint-André and a shawl plus rain jacket were lifesavers. Layers let you move from outdoor squares to cool, drafty churches comfortably.
4. Power adapter (Type E) and wall charger: France uses Type E plugs (two round pins + hole) at 230V. I always forget until I can’t charge my camera right before sunset photos on the Garonne. A small adapter keeps your camera, phone, and travel hair tool usable.
5. Power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh): Long days out mean heavy photo and map use. I charge my phone and spare a jump for my camera from a 20,000 mAh bank — once saved me from losing navigation on a foggy evening. Choose one that fits your charging needs and can top up a phone 2–3 times.
6. Optional but wise — lightweight scarf & compact umbrella: The scarf doubles as modest church cover, wrap for chilly evenings, or a quick picnic blanket; I used one to cover shoulders entering a Catholic church. A small umbrella folds into your bag for sudden showers — Bordeaux weather can be polite until it isn’t.
Enjoy Your Trip to Bordeaux!
There you go! Over two days you’ll explore eight wonderful spots, from the elegant Cours de l'Intendance to the solemn Monument to the Girondins and the bustling Porte Dijeaux. This compact, upbeat itinerary is packed with landmarks, historic churches and intriguing religious sites—everything you need to taste Bordeaux’s atmosphere, wander its grand streets and feel its lively heritage.
Remember, this is a GUIDE, not a rigid schedule. Let yourself slow down, detour and leave room for the unexpected—the real magic often happens in unplanned moments: getting pleasantly lost along quays, popping into a tucked-away church, or lingering for a coffee stop. Don’t pressure yourself to see EVERYTHING; a few relaxed discoveries will truly make the city come alive.
I hope you feel ready to explore—I'm excited for you! Embrace the riverfront light, the church interiors, and the small surprises tucked around every corner. You’re going to have an amazing time and create unforgettable memories in Bordeaux that will stay with you long after you leave.
Want to explore in a playful way? Try Coddy’s gamified walks like The Alchemist BORDEAUX or Secrets of Bordeaux—fun, interactive routes that turn landmarks into puzzles and help you uncover hidden stories while enjoying the city at your own pace.
Enjoy every moment and don’t hesitate to share your stories or ask questions—I’d love to hear them. Safe travels!
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