Bezoek Bordeaux in 2 dags

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.