3 Days in Bordeaux Without a Car: Wine, Food & Easy Day Trips

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How to Get to Bordeaux, France

By Air:
Bordeaux serves Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD), a smaller international airport about an hour from the city center. Budget airlines like Ryanair and Vueling fly here regularly, along with major carriers like Lufthansa, KLM, Turkish Airlines, and Delta. I usually start my search with Google Flights to compare routes and prices.

By Train:
If you’re coming from within France or nearby countries, the Gare Saint-Jean train station is your gateway into the city. It’s well-connected via the SNCF high-speed train network and makes arriving in Bordeaux super convenient. For my fellow Americans who get excited about familiar comforts—yes, there’s a Starbucks inside (though I always seek out local cafés instead!).

You can check routes and buy your tickets directly at SNCF.

How to Get Around Bordeaux: On Foot or by Public Transportation?

Transportation in Bordeaux is easy, affordable, and great for solo travelers. I relied mostly on the tram system, which was simple to navigate. Ticket kiosks are available at most stops, offer an English option, and are easy to use. If you’re unsure, your hotel or the local tourism office can point you in the right direction.

From the Airport:
There’s a taxi bay just outside the arrivals area. Travel time to the city center is around 30–40 minutes, with fares typically between €30–€40, depending on traffic.

You can also arrange a service from Welcome Pickups, I use them when I don’t quite feel like using public transit

Public Transit:
The TBM (Transports Bordeaux Métropole) network includes three tram lines and over 117 stops, covering more than 65 km of track. While trams are budget-friendly and clean, the ride from the airport or outer districts into the city center can take a bit of time—just something to be aware of if you’re on a tight schedule.

Ride Shares:
If you prefer apps, Uber and Bolt both operate in Bordeaux and can be a convenient option, especially late at night or when you’re carrying luggage.

Is Bordeaux Safe for Solo Travelers?

When I started putting together this guide to Bordeaux, I knew I wanted to talk about safety—because it matters, especially if you’re traveling solo. Personally, I felt very safe walking around the city center, even while exploring quiet alleyways and charming plazas. The atmosphere was relaxed, and the locals were friendly, which helped me feel even more at ease.

That said, every traveler’s comfort level is different. If walking around solo isn’t your thing, Bordeaux has plenty of accessible transportation options—from the tram system to ride shares like Uber and Bolt.

If you do choose to explore on foot (which I recommend!), just stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. I always suggest using a crossbody bag and keeping your valuables close. Two bags I’ve used and loved are:

Baggallini Take Two RFID Bryant Crossbody

We all come from different backgrounds and these shape our perspectives on solo travel. If you are new to the Solo Travel world and YOU feel confident enough to pursue solo traveling to Bordeaux, then do it!

Where To Stay in Bordeaux

I chose to stay at Hotel du Théâtre, a charming mid-range boutique hotel located in the heart of Bordeaux. It’s an excellent option for solo travelers, especially women looking for a central, comfortable, and welcoming place to base themselves.

Why I Recommend Hotel du Théâtre in Bordeaux

Central Location
This hotel is just steps from the Grand Théâtre and Rue Sainte-Catherine, Bordeaux’s famous shopping street. Everything—from historic sites to great cafes and tram stops—is within easy walking distance, which made exploring the city effortless.

Unique Rooms
Each of the hotel’s 23 rooms is individually decorated with playful, global themes like Hawaii, Africa, or Namaste. It felt like a small surprise each time I returned to my room—much more memorable than a chain hotel.

Helpful and Friendly Staff
The hospitality here stood out. The staff helped me purchase tram tickets directly at the front desk and explained the different options clearly. When noise from a nearby café was a concern, they even provided earplugs. As a solo traveler, I appreciated those thoughtful touches.

If you’re looking for a hotel that combines character, location, and personal attention, Hotel du Théâtre is a great choice.

Find a place that fits your travel style

I loved Hotel du Théâtre for its charm and location, but if you’re still weighing your options, use the map below to explore top-rated hotels in Bordeaux based on your budget and travel plans.

Day 1 in Bordeaux: Books and Coffee, Walking Tour of Bordeaux

Breakfast

I embarked on my day at the beautiful coffee shop, The Books and Coffee. The brunch was simply amazing, serving as a perfect way to kick off my day of exploring the city. Conveniently located by the old 18th-century clock tower, the café was blissfully quiet in the early morning hours when it first opened. With my pick of seating, I naturally chose the patio, allowing me to savor my brunch with a view of the Bell Tower.

I opted for their Formule Brunch, a delightful way to start the day. For a mere USD 30, they served me three courses that left me utterly impressed. The meal included yogurt with muesli topped with fresh strawberries and granola, a hashbrown crowned with an over-easy egg, bacon, and cheese sauce, and finally, a delectable stack of pancakes adorned with chantilly, pistachios, strawberries, and caramel sauce. This indulgence felt justified, especially considering I was about to walk 20,000 steps.

Free Walking Tour of Bordeaux

Next, I went on a Free Walking Tour of Bordeaux. As a solo female traveler, I adore taking free walking tours (or any tour, for that matter). Not only was I able to explore the city, but it also provided an opportunity to connect with fellow visitors. Plus, supporting the local economy feels rewarding. On this tour, you’ll visit the main sights, including the beautiful Gothic cathedral, the famous Water Mirror, and the stunning neoclassical theatre. But that’s not all—you’ll also discover hidden and lesser-known gems!

Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts

I made my way over to the Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts, which boasts the largest fine arts collection in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, featuring over 8,200 works of art. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in art within a beautiful setting. Therefore, I highly recommend a visit

Night One Dinner

To top off the evening, I decided to visit Le Bar à Vin.

Le Bar A Vin is in a very central location and has a comprehensive list of wines from the region. I was able to enjoy a few glasses of wine and a charcuterie board full of local cheese and meats.

I wanted to eat at L’Entrecote; however, I watched as people lined up to get into the restaurant, the line being long, I decided it wasn’t for me.

Every time I walked by it, the line detracted from my need to actually eat there. I instead wandered over to a Korean restaurant called Yum Yum.

Where I had some of the best Kimchi and Bibimbap outside of Korea. If you’d like to check it out: Yum Yum

Pro-Tip: If you want to eat at top-rated restaurants in Bordeaux, make reservations asap