Bordeaux Budget Guide:
What to Expect and How to Save Money
Welcome to Bordeaux: A vibrant city renowned as the wine capital of the world. It lies nestled along the Garonne River in southwestern France, offering natural beauty alongside city life. Its rich history dates back to Roman times. and the UNESCO-listed city centre is a maze of picturesque squares. Thousands flock every year to experience the city's rich culture. Travelling can be expensive, especially in a city as popular as Bordeaux. Budget-conscious travellers can follow our breakdown to explore Bordeaux without overspending.
A Breakdown of Average Travel Costs in Bordeaux
How Much Do Things Cost in Bordeaux
| Category | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Eating Out | €8-€15 for fast food restaurants, cafes and local dining €15-€30 for mid-range restaurants €50-€100 and more for fine dining and upscale restaurants |
| Taxi | From €2.60-€3.10 base fare, then €1.50-€2 per kilometre |
| Bus | €1.70-€2 for adult single journey |
| Cup of Coffee | €1.50-€4 for standard cup of coffee |
| Beer | €5-€8 for a pint in local pubs, bars and restaurants €5-€10 for a six-pack of domestic brands from supermarkets |
| Local Wine | €5-€10 per bottle from supermarkets and local wine shops €20 up to several hundred per bottle for rare or collectable wines €6-€12 for a standard glass in restaurants or bars |
| Accommodation | Hotels €60-€200 per night for mid-range hotels €200+ per night for luxury hotels Hostels €20-€40 per night for dormitory room €50-€100 per night for private room |
| Attractions | Museums: €20 Historic Sites: €6-€8 Wine Tours: €30-€80 River Cruises: €10-€20 |
Where to Stay in Bordeaux on a Budget
Bordeaux is a popular destination with visitors coming to enjoy the culture and beauty. Despite this, there are still affordable options available:
Hostels: Solo travellers keen to connect with other backpackers/tourists from around the world should consider hostel stays. The social environment allows you to pick up travel buddies while making a huge saving on accommodation costs. Bordeaux offers numerous hostel options that provide dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms and common spaces. Private rooms are also offered for those who prefer their own space.
Budget Hotels: Bordeaux is scattered with budget hotels that offer competitive rates for rooms that are clean and provide basic amenities. They're great for a pleasant stay that doesn't require spending a lot.
Guesthouses and B&Bs: Guesthouses and B&Bs offer a 'home away from home' kind of environment allowing you to get cosy and comfortable. The intimate environment allows guests to experience a more authentic touch and local experience. The personalised setting gives the opportunity to build a rapport with the hosts and get to know them on a friendlier level. Bordeaux provides a number of guesthouses and B&Bs at affordable rates.
The Best Options for Finding Affordable Accommodation in Bordeaux
It may seem impossible to find cheap accommodation in Bordeaux. However, despite its popularity, the city still offers plenty of areas where you'll find affordable places to stay. Many of these fall in residential areas, allowing you to live like a local and get a taste of French life.
Saint-Michel: Located south of the city centre, Saint-Michel is a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood known for its multicultural atmosphere. You'll find a mix of affordable apartments and budget-friendly guesthouses.
Saint-Pierre: Known for its charming cobbled streets, medieval architecture and vibrant cafe culture. Saint-Pierre is located right in the heart of Bordeaux's historic district, offering convenient access to sites, shops and restaurants. Although it is a popular tourist area, you'll still find affordable accommodation especially if booked in advance.
Victoire: This neighbourhood is known for its student population which is why the area offers vibrant nightlife, budget-friendly eateries and affordable accommodation. It is excellently located close to the city centre allowing easy access to all the main attractions.
Bastide: Across the Garonne River from the city centre, the Bastide neighbourhood offers a more residential feel with lower accommodation prices in comparison to the city centre. It's well-connected to the city centre by public transportation, and you can find affordable guesthouses and rental apartments in the area.
What to Expect from Staying in Bordeaux and How to Book a Cheap Room
Bordeaux has people from all walks of life flocking to delve into its wine culture, beauty and history. To accommodate its guests, the city provides hotels catering to all budgets, preferences and needs.
Follow our top tips to help you secure great deals which offer both comfort and affordability:
- Book in advance: Booking at least 60 days in advance is an excellent method. You'll not only secure availability but also find cheaper deals. Leaving things till the last minute could leave you with much higher prices and you'll end up spending more for the same accommodation.
- Consider location: Determine which sites and locations you wish to visit. Then during your search adjust our toggles to the distance preferred. It's best to choose an area within close proximity to the sites and attractions you wish to visit. This provides convenience when sightseeing and reduces the time and costs of travelling.
- Be flexible with your dates: It's important to consider that Bordeaux is an incredibly popular destination. The summer months attract swarms of tourists which increases all prices. Autumn and winter are better months to avoid huge crowds and find cheaper rates.
How to Get Around Bordeaux Easily and Cheaply
Take the following transport options into consideration:
- Walking: The centre is an exciting place to discover on foot. You can explore at your own pace and within your own time. Walking is a great way to discover hidden gems and small details that are easy to miss when in vehicles.
- Tram: Bordeaux has an extensive tram network that covers much of the city and its surrounding suburbs. Trams are frequent, reliable, and relatively inexpensive. Consider purchasing a multi-trip ticket or a day pass if you plan to use the tram frequently during your stay.
- Public Buses: In addition to trams, Bordeaux provides an extensive bus network that serves areas not covered by the tram lines. Bus tickets are also affordable, and you can use the same tickets as the tram for seamless transfers between modes of transportation.
- V³: Bordeaux offers a bike-sharing scheme called V³ (V Cub) which allows you to rent bikes from stations located throughout the city. This is a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around, especially for short trips within the city centre. The first 30 minutes of each ride are typically included in the subscription fee, making it a cost-effective option for short journeys.
- Car Hire: The best mode of transport is always to have your own vehicle. Hiring a car allows you to explore Bordeaux at your own pace and to your own schedule. You have full flexibility to visit any area of the city and beyond at any point during your stay. Bordeaux airport offers a range of vehicles from small and compact to large 7-seaters at competitive rates.
How to Eat Well in Bordeaux Without Spending a Fortune
Food Trucks and Street Food: If you're ready for a culinary adventure then delve into Bordeaux's food truck and street food culture. The vendors serve delicious meals and snacks that will leave you satisfied without having to spend a fortune. From crepes and falafel to gourmet burgers and tacos, you can find a variety of options to suit your taste buds and budget.
Local Markets: Bordeaux is home to several bustling markets that offer fresh produce, cheese, meats and other local specialities. One of the city's oldest markets is The Marché des Capucins which offers a wide variety of food stalls and vendors. Shopping at local markets allows you to prepare your own meals instead of eating out every day.
Picnics: Now that you've shopped at the local market and grabbed yourself some delicious fresh produce, head to any one of the beautiful parks, riverside promenades or scenic squares. Enjoy a budget-friendly meal outdoors.
Lunch Specials and Early Bird Deals: Keep your eyes peeled for restaurants offering lunch specials or set menus at reduced prices. It's very common to find discounted meals during off-peak hours.
Our Top Picks for Free and Cheap Activities in Bordeaux
Visit Museums: Bordeaux hosts several museums that offer the opportunity to dive into French history and heritage without any charges.
Parks and Gardens: Pack a picnic and head over to one of Bordeaux's green spaces. Enjoy a stroll, a picnic or a simple take in the serene atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
How to Enjoy the Nightlife and Culture in Bordeaux on a Budget
Explore Free Events and Activities: Bordeaux offers a variety of free events and activities that showcase the city's culture and nightlife. Look for free outdoor concerts, art exhibitions, street performances, and cultural festivals happening throughout the city.
Happy Hours: Many bars and clubs offer happy hour specials where you can enjoy discounted drinks. Take advantage of these specific hours to make a saving during your evenings out.
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Tourist Board Info For Bordeaux
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