Where to stay in Bordeaux: best areas and neighborhoods

Bordeaux is divided into cantons. The division is very simple, with only 5 numbered cantons: Canton of Bordeaux-1, Canton of Bordeaux-2, Canton of Bordeaux-3, Canton of Bordeaux-4, and Canton of Bordeaux-5. The cantons of interest from a tourist perspective, ideal for staying, are number 1 (includes the central district of Saint-Pierre, the district of Saint-Michel, and the district of Mériadeck), number 2 (includes the Golden Triangle), and number 4 (includes the Chartrons district). Here are all our tips on where to stay in Bordeaux!

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In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay

Not recommended areas: in the city, there are some areas better avoided at night, as they are not entirely safe. These are suburban neighborhoods, namely Les Aubiers, Chantecrit, and Grand Parc.

If you are visiting Bordeaux for the first time or have only a few days, the best neighborhood is definitely Saint-Pierre, the historic center. Here you can move around on foot, with the main attractions just a few steps away, and it's a very characteristic area. Obviously, it is also one of the most expensive areas in the city.

If you are traveling with family, a few steps from Saint-Pierre, you can find the Golden Triangle, the most elegant area of the city. Another alternative is the characteristic district of Chartrons, rich in green areas and home to the Wine Museum.

Finally, if you are looking for nightlife and fun, we recommend the Mériadeck district, one of the most modern areas of the city, or Saint-Michel, south of the historic center and not far from Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean. The latter is also a great area to save money.

Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, b&bs, and hostels in Bordeaux. Discover our recommendations and book on Booking

Saint-Pierre, best for first-timers

• Pros: Central location, historic charm, excellent dining and nightlife
• Cons: Can be crowded and noisy, and accommodation can be more expensive.
• Main attractions: Place de la Bourse, Water Mirror, and the Porte Cailhau.
• Average prices: from €80,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Saint-Pierre is the historic center of Bordeaux and represents the best neighborhood to stay in, especially if you are visiting the city for the first time or staying just one or two nights. Here you will be close to the main attractions, such as the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, the Cathedral, the beautiful Place de la Bourse, and the Palais Rohan.

Being the most central area, it is also one of the most expensive neighborhoods. It is therefore ideal for those with no budget limits and for families, who will find themselves just steps away from the main attractions. It is not impossible to find some deals, given the wide range of accommodation available.

Finally, you can easily move around on foot here: the historic center is compact, full of pedestrian streets, and the attractions are close to each other. The area is also well-served by public transportation, especially trams.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €80,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Golden Triangle, for families and shopping enthusiasts

• Pros: Upscale and safe, excellent shopping, beautiful architecture.
• Cons: More expensive, can feel less authentic, and less of a budget option.
• Main attractions: Grand Théâtre, Place des Grands Hommes.
• Average prices: from €80,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

The Golden Triangle is the most chic area of Bordeaux. Elegant, with beautiful buildings and numerous shops, it is certainly the shopping and fashion area of the city. This district, which has the shape of a triangle, is bordered by three streets: Cours de l'Intendance, Allées de Tourny, and Cours Georges Clemenceau. A few steps away are some attractions such as the large Place des Quinconces and the Jardin Public.

It is an area suitable for families and those traveling with a high budget. Given its exclusive character, it is the most expensive area along with the Saint-Pierre district. Here you can find luxury hotels, accommodations housed in old noble buildings, and all the services you need.

Finally, it also has a strategic location: you will be just a few steps from the historic center and the Garonne River. The area is also served by tram lines B, C, and D.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €80,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Mériadeck, perfect for young

• Pros: Modern and well-organized, good public transport links
• Cons: Lacks historic charm, can be quiet in the evenings
• Main attractions: The Mériadeck shopping center and the Hôtel de Ville.
• Average prices: from €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Mériadeck is the commercial and modern district of Bordeaux. It is located east of the historic center and is bordered by Boulevard Antoine Gautier, Cours Maréchal Juin, Cours d'Albret, and Rue Judaïque. Within its borders, you can visit the modern Bibliothèque Mériadeck, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Cimetière de la Chartreuse.

It is a recommended area especially for young people. It is indeed a very lively district both day and night, with numerous trendy cafes and bars. It also features a large park, the city's bowling alley, and many other activities!

Finally, staying here will allow you to move around on foot: the historic center is indeed nearby and easy to reach, as are numerous attractions. Alternatively, the area is served by numerous bus and tram lines.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Saint-Michel, to stay on a budget

• Pros: Great value for money, authentic local vibe, diverse food options
• Cons: Can be a bit gritty in some areas, less polished than the central districts
• Main attractions: Saint-Michel Basilica and the Marche des Capucins market.
• Average prices: from €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Saint-Michel is the alternative and multicultural district of Bordeaux. It is located south of the historic center and develops around the famous Basilique Saint-Michel. The area is bordered by Cours Victor Hugo (where the Porte de Bourgogne is located), Cours Pasteur, and Rue Planterose. On one side, it overlooks the river.

It is an ideal area for young people, as it is one of the liveliest districts in Bordeaux. It is indeed rich in multicultural restaurants, especially of Latin American and African origins, bars, and wonderful weekly markets. It is also a budget-friendly neighborhood, ideal for those who want to save money without sacrificing anything.

Finally, staying here will allow you to move around on foot: the center is really close, as are other famous streets like Rue Sainte-Catherine. Alternatively, you can move around by tram. The central Bordeaux Saint-Jean station is also nearby.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Chartrons, for local vibes

• Pros: Authentic local vibe, fewer tourists, great for antique and art lovers
• Cons: A bit of a walk from the main city center attractions
• Main attractions: The Cité du Vin, the Bordeaux Wines Museum
• Average prices: from €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Finally, another ideal neighborhood to stay in is Chartrons, one of the most characteristic districts of Bordeaux. It is located north of the historic center and overlooks the river. Here is the Wine Museum, one of the city's most famous attractions. The district is very large, with the best part to stay in being the one close to the river.

It is a district particularly suited for families and those who want to enjoy an authentic experience. The area is indeed rich in restaurants, wine bars, beautiful squares, and streets. There are also gardens and parks, event centers, and museums.

Finally, to get around, you will necessarily have to use public transportation. To reach the historic center, you can take tram B, which will take you to the Grand Théâtre (13 min). For a different experience, you can also take the river ferries, which depart from the Les Hangars pier.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Places to stay near Bordeaux

Staying in the city is the best option if you have only a few days or if it is your first time visiting. But if you have at least 5 days, you might consider staying in the surroundings, immersed in nature, in charming villages, or near the sea. Here are some alternatives:

• Libourne (40 km / 45 min ): a wonderful town on the Dordogne River, where you can stay among wine tastings, beautiful restaurants, and an old-time atmosphere. Connected to Bordeaux by direct train (25 min) - compare the accommodation on booking
• Saint-Emilion (47 km / 50 min): a wonderful medieval village. Surrounded by nature, with numerous wineries around, it is ideal for those who want to experience the wine. Connected to Bordeaux by direct train (33 min) - compare the accommodation on booking
• Margaux (30 km / 45 min): another locality known for wine, wineries, and many tastings available. Ideal for wine lovers. Connected to Bordeaux by direct train (43 min) - compare the accommodation on booking
• Arcachon (65 km, 1 h): a renowned French seaside resort, with wide beaches, overlooking the bay, and surrounded by forests. Ideal if traveling in summer and especially with children. Connected to Bordeaux by direct train (55 min) - compare the accommodation on booking

Travel Tips for Bordeaux

• Public Transport: Bordeaux has an excellent tram network that is clean, efficient, and easy to use. The city is also very walkable, especially the historic center. Consider a Bordeaux City Pass for unlimited transport and free entry to many museums.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Bordeaux is from May to October when the weather is warm and sunny. The grape harvest season in September and October is particularly special for wine lovers.
• Local Currency: The currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases or local markets.
• Local Vibe/Culture: Bordeaux has a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. The city is a hub for wine culture, so be sure to try some local wines. The pace of life is slower here, with long lunches and a strong cafe culture.

Bordeaux accommodation price map

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