Discover the magic of Bordeaux in one day: our route through the city

Can you imagine strolling through a city that perfectly combines its historical heritage with a vibrant contemporary scene ? Welcome to Bordeaux , one of the most beautiful cities in the southwest of France , where every corner tells a story and every cobbled street is a journey back in time.

We have visited the “City of Light” on numerous occasions, and after our last trip, we decided to share with you our itinerary of 12 must-see places in Bordeaux in one day . Ready to explore this unique city? Let’s go!

What to see in Bordeaux in 1 day – The perfect tour

1. Stock Exchange Square

Our day in Bordeaux began at the iconic Place de la Bourse , where historic charm blends with modern life . Local cafés dotted along the cobblestones provide a vibrant glimpse of the city. This starting point is much more than just a square; it is the heart of the city’s historic center.

2. Water Mirror

The Mirror of Water , proclaimed to be the largest in the world, was our next stop. This contemporary wonder not only reflects the city , but also creates a magical scene (especially at night). It is a unique corner, where the city merges with its own reflection.

3. Old City

From Place de la Bourse, after passing through the famous Porte de Cailhou , we wandered into the charming alleys of the Old Town , a true treasure that has been declared a World Heritage Site ! The cobbled streets and architecture that exudes history transported me back to times long gone by.

You can’t miss the imposing Saint-Michel Basilica , the iconic Grosse Cloche , the imposing Bordeaux Cathedral and the panoramic views from the Pey-Berland Tower ! These are must-see stops on our list of must-see places in Bordeaux. If you fancy exploring the interior of the most outstanding monuments of the Old City on an interesting guided tour, be sure to take advantage of this free tour of Old Bordeaux and the Saint-Michel district 

4. Free tour in Spanish

This time we chose to discover Bordeaux in a special way by joining a free tour in Spanish . Guided by local storytellers, we explored picturesque alleys and squares full of captivating stories and created a special connection with the authentic essence of Bordeaux. We took this free tour of the essentials of Bordeaux and it seemed like a great choice.

5. River walk in Bordeaux

One of the most enriching experiences of our day was the river cruise along the Garonne , giving us a unique perspective of Bordeaux. The panoramic views were a breath of fresh air, adding a relaxing touch to our day of exploration.

6. Stone Bridge

There are several bridges in Bordeaux, but crossing the imposing Pont de Pierre was something truly special. Looking out over the city from the centre of this historic bridge, we admired its beauty and reflected on the fascinating history of the city. An experience that left us in awe!

7. La Bastide District

Crossing the river into the bohemian La Bastide district was like stepping into another world. Here, street art and alternative culture brought the streets to life in a unique way. Exploring this modern side of Bordeaux introduced us to its creativity and welcoming atmosphere.

8. Darwin Ecosystem

Exploring Darwin was like entering an urban space beyond the conventional. This ecosystem has sustainable projects, street art and a relaxed atmosphere. It is a former military headquarters that was transformed into an epicenter of creativity and environmental awareness. We loved it!

9. Cité du Vin (City of Wine)

If there’s one museum you can’t miss in Bordeaux, it’s the Cité du Vin , where we learned about the city’s rich winemaking tradition for centuries. Interactive exhibits offered a unique sensory adventure , while tastings took us directly to the local vineyards, fusing wine culture with modernity.

10. Public Garden

After kicking around the city, we found some peace and quiet at the Jardin Public , a green haven in the heart of the city. Between meandering paths and serene ponds, we were able to relax and enjoy nature in the middle of bustling Bordeaux.

11. Chartrons district

We ended our day exploring the elegant Chartrons district . Here the shopping streets and art galleries created a unique setting where historical richness fused with modern boutiques . We were carried away by the elegance of the shops and marvelled at the artistic creations that adorned the galleries.

12. Illuminated nights and exquisite gastronomy

The magical transformation of Bordeaux at dusk was an even more special moment of our day. The cobbled streets and illuminated historical monuments created a romantic atmosphere that enveloped us. Every corner of the city was dressed in warm lights, and the air was filled with the magic of the night scene.Of course, we couldn’t leave Bordeaux without enjoying a gourmet dinner , savouring the exquisiteness of the local cuisine . This time we opted for the Tante Charlotte restaurant, a small establishment where we were able to try some traditional dishes at an honest price.