City in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Bordeaux
Elegant wine capital with a walkable center, trams and easy Atlantic and vineyard day trips. Rents have risen and winter is grey; August is quiet but pleasant for events.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,480–3,490Comfortable, one person · €2,200–3,100Details
- Value for money25/100Better value than 24% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 28°CDetails
- Air quality10 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet332 MbpsFixed broadband, France medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe and good; Miroir d'Eau fountain isn't for drinking, but taps are.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$32–56Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and phones work nearly everywhere; markets and small bakeries may prefer cash.Details
Where to stay in Bordeaux
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Saint-Pierre / Old Town | Walkable heart, restaurants, nightlife along the quays |
| Chartrons | Antiques, cafés and markets; popular with long stays |
| Saint-Michel / Sainte-Croix | Student life, cheaper food and rent, markets |
| Bastide (Right Bank) | Up-and-coming, cheaper, near Darwin eco-space |
Apps that work in Bordeaux
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- SNCF Connect: Train tickets and timetables nationwide
- Bonjour RATP: Paris Métro routes and tickets on phone
- BlaBlaCar: Cheap carpools between cities
- Taxis: Metered taxis are fine; book by phone or app. Trams are usually faster in the center.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in France.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and phones work nearly everywhere; markets and small bakeries may prefer cash.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: French bank ATMs rarely add fees; avoid Euronet machines in Paris tourist areas and decline the conversion offer.
- Tipping: Service is included by law. Round up or leave €1–5 for good service; nobody expects 15–20%.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted; card contactless limit €50. Lydia and Wero need a European bank.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
Emergency numbers
Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, E · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Orange's Holiday SIM or eSIM, or prepaid SIMs from phone shops and tabacs, cost about €20–40 a month; passport needed to activate. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in France
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.