Bordeaux has long been on our city break bucket list, and after spending three nights soaking up its charm, we can confirm: it’s worth the hype. Known for its world-class wine, this city surprised us with its mix of history, modern art, foodie delights, and even a touch of science. With four days to explore, we managed to squeeze in iconic sights, unexpected gems, and plenty of wine-fuelled adventures. Here’s how it all went down.
Day 1: Markets, Main Squares, and a Wheel with a View
Morning: Starting Strong at Marché des Capucins
We arrived on Friday evening, so Saturday morning was our first chance to dive into Bordeaux properly—and what better place to begin than the famous Marché des Capucins? This bustling market is foodie heaven, and we wasted no time tucking into fresh oysters with a squeeze of lemon, served alongside a crisp local white wine. Yes, it was barely 11 am, but when in Bordeaux, right?
The market is a feast for the senses, with stalls overflowing with ripe fruit, artisan cheeses, and golden-brown pastries. It’s the kind of place where you could spend hours grazing.
Midday: Exploring Place des Quinconces and Riding High
After the market, we walked to Place des Quinconces, one of Europe’s largest city squares. It’s a sprawling, open space with statues, fountains, and the impressive Monument aux Girondins at its centre. But the real draw was the giant Ferris wheel temporarily set up in the square.
From the top, we were treated to sweeping views of Bordeaux—the elegant 18th-century rooftops, the meandering Garonne River, and the spires of ancient churches. It’s a must for anyone who loves a good panorama.
Afternoon: Art Meets Submarines at Bassins des Lumières
For the afternoon, we headed to the Bassins des Lumières, an old WWII submarine base turned digital art space. Walking into this vast, industrial structure is jaw-dropping enough, but the real magic happens when the lights go down.
The current exhibition was dedicated to Salvador Dalí, with his surreal works projected onto the walls and reflected in the pools of water below, all set to the music of Pink Floyd. It was like stepping into a dream. We wandered through the cavernous rooms, completely mesmerised.
Evening: Riverside Strolls and a Cozy Bistro
After an art-filled afternoon, we strolled along the Garonne River, where the city glows in the golden evening light. We found a little bistro serving classic duck confit and paired it with a velvety Bordeaux red. A perfect end to our first day.
Day 2: Wine and Natural History
Morning: Exploring Saint-Émilion
Sunday was all about wine. We set off on a day trip to Saint-Émilion, a medieval village surrounded by vineyards. We toured ancient cellars, learned about winemaking traditions, and enjoyed a tasting at the Pape Clément vineyard (more on that in another post). The countryside was stunning, and it was hard to leave, but Bordeaux was calling us back.
Afternoon: The Natural History Museum
Back in the city, we decided to mix things up with a visit to Bordeaux’s Natural History Museum. Housed in a beautiful 18th-century building, it’s packed with fascinating exhibits, from dinosaur skeletons to displays on local wildlife. We loved how interactive it was—great for kids, but just as fun for us adults who can’t resist pressing buttons and peering into microscopes.
The museum also had some incredible exhibits on environmental challenges, which added a thought-provoking edge to our visit. It was a refreshing change of pace and a great way to balance out the wine-soaked indulgence of the weekend.
Evening: Miroir d’Eau Magic
For dinner, we returned to the Place de la Bourse to enjoy the illuminated grandeur of Bordeaux’s most famous square. The Miroir d’Eau, the world’s largest reflecting pool, was stunning at night, casting shimmering reflections of the 18th-century architecture. We sat by the water, gelato in hand, soaking up the lively atmosphere.
Day 3: Museums and More Wine
Morning: La Cité du Vin
Monday morning was dedicated to Bordeaux’s crown jewel for wine lovers: La Cité du Vin. The building itself is a marvel, shaped like swirling wine in a glass. Inside, it’s a wine lover’s paradise. We explored the interactive exhibits, learned about wine history and culture, and even sniffed different aromas to guess wine notes (turns out we’re not great at that).
The highlight? The glass of wine included with your ticket, enjoyed on the rooftop terrace overlooking Bordeaux. A truly Instagram-worthy moment.
Afternoon: Strolling the Old Town
With some time to spare before dinner, we wandered through the Chartrons district. Cobbled streets, antique shops, and boutique galleries gave it a bohemian vibe. We stumbled upon a tiny art gallery showcasing local artists and ended up chatting with the owner about Bordeaux’s creative scene.
Evening: Riverside Dining and Relaxation
For our last evening, we found a riverside brasserie and treated ourselves to a three-course feast: foie gras, entrecôte, and a decadent chocolate fondant. It was indulgent, but hey, it’s Bordeaux.
Day 4: A Relaxed Farewell
Our flight wasn’t until the afternoon, so we spent the morning at the Jardin Public, a peaceful park in the heart of the city. With a coffee in one hand and a pastry in the other, we sat by the lake and reminisced about the highlights of the trip.
Before heading to the airport, we squeezed in some last-minute shopping, picking up cannelés (delicious little pastries) and a couple of bottles of Bordeaux wine to take home.
Why Bordeaux Is Worth the Hype
Bordeaux is the perfect mix of elegance and energy. It has the kind of historic beauty you’d expect from a UNESCO World Heritage site, but it’s also alive with creativity and modern touches, from digital art exhibitions to world-class wine experiences.
We loved how easy it was to get around and how much we could pack into four days. Whether we were sipping wine on a rooftop, wandering through the old town, or learning about dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum, there was always something to marvel at.
We left Bordeaux with full hearts, happy bellies, and a vow to return. Santé!
