The city of Bordeaux has a reputation as an expensive destination, and while it’s not cheap, there are plenty of ways to keep your budget in check when visiting. From free museums to cheap markets and happy hour deals, Bordeaux is a great place to visit on a budget. You just have to know where to look. Here are some ideas for keeping costs down when planning your trip to the capital of the wine region. Whether you’re looking for cheap hotels or somewhere affordable to stay if you’re travelling with friends or family, we’ve got you covered with these top tips for staying on budget when you visit Bordeaux.
Free Museums in Bordeaux
As you might expect from a city that is so closely associated with wine, Bordeaux has an excellent wine museum. The Musée des Arts et des Sciences de Bordeaux houses a collection of more than 6000 pieces relating to the history of Bordeaux. The vast majority of these pieces are on display, covering topics like the city’s settlement, its role in the transatlantic slave trade, and the impact of the wine trade. The museum is an excellent place to learn about Bordeaux’s fascinating and complex history.
Meanwhile, the Musée du Vin is Europe’s largest wine museum and the best place in Bordeaux to learn about the world of wine. Visitors will learn everything from how wine is made to how to taste wine and select the perfect wine for any occasion. You’ll also get the chance to nose and taste the wine from all corners of the world. The museum is open every day, and entry is entirely free.
Eating cheaply in Bordeaux
Bordeaux is an expensive city, no doubt about it, but there are plenty of ways to keep your food and drink costs in check. One of the best places to start is at the city’s many markets. Bordeaux has a healthy weekday produce market; on weekends, a wide variety of vendors come out to sell their wares. The market is open from 8 am to 1 pm and is located on Place de la Constitution in the city center. The Place du Parlement has a food market every Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5:30 pm. Bordeaux also has a small flea market that is open every Sunday and Monday from 7 am to 2 pm. The market can be found on Rue de la Boucherie.
Free Activities in Bordeaux
As well as the museums mentioned above, there are also several excellent free activities in Bordeaux. One of the most popular is the boat tour of the wine quays. Bordeaux’s wine trade has an enormous impact on the city and is a huge part of its identity. There are no less than 20 wine quays along the banks of the River Garonne where you can sample and purchase some of the most famous and expensive wines in the world.
There are also plenty of other sights to see from the boat, including great views of the city skyline. If you’re visiting Bordeaux in the summer, you should check out the Jardin Potager du Pont-Neuf. This garden is filled with rare and unusual plants, many of which were once found in nearby gardens and have since been forgotten. The garden is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm, except on Mondays.
Bordeaux Happy Hours and other deals
Bordeaux has some excellent happy hours, and it’s worth checking the drinks menus of the city’s bars to see if they are offered during your visit. One of the best places to go for happy hour is the Caves des Voyageurs, a Bordeaux wine bar that offers excellent value for money. You’ll also get to try some of the world’s best wines, which is a bonus. Another excellent place for happy hour is Le Petit Bar, which offers cocktails for as little as €5. If you’re staying in Bordeaux for a few nights, another good way to keep costs down is to check out the city’s many cultural activities. For example, Bordeaux’s opera and symphony orchestras perform regularly, and tickets usually cost less than €20.
Affordable Stays in Bordeaux: Unlocking Airbnb Deals
With its rich heritage and vibrant culture, Bordeaux doesn’t necessarily demand a lavish budget for accommodations. Airbnb, a platform known for its diverse offerings, is your golden ticket to experiencing Bordeaux without burning a hole in your pocket. Here’s how you can enjoy this French gem while staying budget-friendly.
Discovering Bordeaux’s Budget Beauties
Dive into Airbnb’s vast listings and you’ll find a treasure trove of affordable options. From cozy private rooms in historic buildings to compact studios that offer all essential amenities, Bordeaux has a plethora of options for the budget traveler. Opting for a slightly off-center location or sharing a space can land you some incredible deals.
The Airbnb Advantage: More than Just a Place to Sleep
Choosing Airbnb for your budget stay in Bordeaux doesn’t mean compromising experience. Most budget listings come with the added advantage of local hosts eager to share insider tips, hidden gems, and recommendations that aren’t always found in guidebooks. This means you live in Bordeaux like a local, all while saving money.
In essence, Bordeaux beckons every traveller, irrespective of their budget. With Airbnb, even those watching their pennies can unlock authentic Bordeaux experiences.
Conclusion
There are many ways to keep your costs down when visiting Bordeaux. One option is to visit the city in the off-season when prices are lower. You can also take advantage of free or cheap activities, like the boat tour, or visit the free museums. Another way to save money is to take advantage of happy hours and other deals, like attending the opera or symphony orchestra. Whatever you do, make sure to keep your costs in check when visiting this wonderful city.
Official Bordeaux Tourism Website: bordeaux-tourism.co.uk
Bordeaux Map
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