What to Do in Bordeaux in 3 Days: A Complete Itinerary

By Cécile — February 2026 — 5 min read

Bordeaux is perfectly suited for a 3-day visit. Big enough to surprise you, compact enough to explore on foot. Here's our itinerary, put together by residents of the Saint Michel neighbourhood, to help you make the most of the city.

Day 1 — The Historic Centre on Foot

Start your discovery in the heart of the city. If you're staying in the Saint Michel area, you're already right in the centre.

In the morning, head towards the Place de la Bourse and its famous Miroir d'eau — the largest reflecting pool in the world. Walk along the Garonne riverbanks to the Pont de Pierre, Bordeaux's oldest bridge. It's a great spot for photos with the Saint Michel basilica in the background.

Then walk up to Saint-André Cathedral and the Tour Pey-Berland. For those willing to climb 231 steps, the tower offers an exceptional panoramic view of the city (entry: €6).

For lunch, stop by the Marché des Capucins — the "belly of Bordeaux". This covered market, just a 5-minute walk from Saint Michel, offers oysters, cheese, charcuterie and much more. The best plan: grab a seat at one of the market's counter restaurants.

In the afternoon, stroll along Rue Sainte-Catherine (the longest pedestrian street in Europe) then visit the Grand Théâtre, a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture. End with the Allées de Tourny and Place des Quinconces, one of the largest squares in Europe.

In the evening, enjoy the restaurants and bars of the Saint Michel neighbourhood — we'll be happy to share our favourite addresses when you arrive!

Day 2 — Food, Wine and the Right Bank

Day two is all about Bordeaux flavours and the often-overlooked right bank of the Garonne.

In the morning, explore the Chartrons neighbourhood, the historic quarter of wine merchants. Its streets are filled with antique shops, art galleries and charming boutiques. On Sunday mornings, don't miss the Chartrons market along the quays.

For lunch, cross the Garonne via the Pont Chaban-Delmas (a spectacular lift bridge) or by tram to reach Darwin Écosystème on the right bank. This converted military site is a unique place: organic restaurant, skate park, street art, coworking spaces. La Cantine de Darwin serves organic, locally sourced food at fair prices.

In the afternoon, spend 2-3 hours at the Cité du Vin. This interactive museum, with its decanter-shaped architecture, offers an immersive journey into the world of wine (entry: around €22, including a tasting at the top-floor panoramic bar).

In the evening, it's time to explore Bordeaux's wine bars. The Saint-Pierre neighbourhood, just minutes from Saint Michel, has plenty to choose from.

Day 3 — Day Trip and Saint Michel Quarter

For your last day, combine an outing beyond the city with a discovery of Bordeaux's most authentic neighbourhood.

In the morning, two options:

• Saint-Émilion (35 min by TER regional train): a UNESCO-listed village, endless vineyards and an underground cloister. Ideal for a half-day trip.

• The Arcachon Bay (50 min by TER): the Dune du Pilat, oyster villages and fresh oyster tasting by the water.

Both are accessible by train from Gare Saint-Jean, a 15-minute walk from the Saint Michel neighbourhood.

In the afternoon, back in Bordeaux, take time to explore the Saint Michel quarter. The basilica and its 114-metre spire dominate the neighbourhood. Place Saint Michel hosts a flea market every Sunday and a daily market. Wander through the surrounding streets: antique dealers, second-hand shops, and restaurants from around the world reflect the diversity of this lively, authentic neighbourhood.

Practical Tips to do Bordeaux in 3 days

Getting around: Bordeaux is best explored on foot and by tram (the TBM network). A single ticket costs €1.80 and covers the entire city. Self-service bikes (VCub) are also available.

Where to stay: The Saint Michel neighbourhood is ideally located for this kind of trip — in the heart of the historic centre, steps from the Capucins market, the train station and the riverside. That's exactly why we chose to set up our B&B here!

Budget: Expect around €30-40/day for meals and €20-30 for activities. Staying in a studio with breakfast included and an equipped kitchen makes it easy to manage your budget.

Planning a 3-day trip to Bordeaux? Our studios with kitchen and breakfast included are the perfect base to explore the city. Check availability →