Want to visit Bordeaux for as little as possible?
Then follow this Top 15 free tours, museums and activities to do in Bordeaux that we’ve created for you to enjoy without breaking the bank.
Table des matières
Take a (free) visit to the Grand Theatre of Bordeaux
Located on the Place de la Comédie, the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux is a building with breathtaking architecture. This historical monument of Bordeaux was completed around 1780. You will notice on its facade 12 statues contorting
These include the goddesses Urania, Euterpe, Venus, Calliope, Terpsichore, Melpomene, Hera, Clio, Erato and Minerva, Thalia and Polymnia
The Grand Theatre offers ballets and operas almost daily. Even if access to the auditorium is based on a ticket, you should know that the visit to the foyer of this exceptional building is free
Visit the best museums in Bordeaux for free
The other good news in Bordeaux is that you can visit the city’s many museums for free every first Sunday of the month (except in July and August). Among the museums that I suggest you discover are the Cité du Vin, the Musée du Vin et de la Négoce, the Musée des Beaux-Arts but also the Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design
These little expeditions to conquer Bordeaux art will allow you to discover a plethora of exhibitions to be enjoyed free of charge and without moderation
If you love open-air exhibitions, then I suggest the Open-air exhibitions dedicated to Bordeaux art and history, which are organized almost everywhere in the city
Finally, I also suggest you to discover geek art by going to the Bad Guys Win exhibition which takes place at Les Vivres de l’art bordelais (4 rue Achard, Bordeaux).
Stroll along the Bordeaux quays
The first activity I recommend is to plan a walk along the quays of Bordeaux. Whether you are alone, with your loved one or with your family, you will have a wide range of activities along the Bordeaux quays
Indeed, the place has been set up especially for this purpose. You will be able to see bicycle paths, basketball courts, soccer fields and beach volleyball courts. You can end your journey at the conservatory of music, located near the station Saint Jean
Take a tour of the Porte de la Monnaie
Built around 1758, the Porte de la Monnaie is a mythical place that recalls the history of Bordeaux. It should be noted that the Porte de la Monnaie was once located on the rue des Arlots
If you are interested in the history of Bordeaux, the passage to the Porte de la Monnaie could be the starting point of your expedition
Enjoy a free music show in Bordeaux
When summer arrives, the “sleeping beauty” turns into a festive city where many tourists meet. During this period, many music shows are organized in the different districts of the city
Whatever musical style you like, you can be sure to find it in Bordeaux during the summer. Among the music festivals that I recommend in the city of Bordeaux, you can note the “caillou du jardin botanique” and the “Relâche” festival
The first one is the place where you can enjoy beautiful jazz melodies. As for the “Relâche” festival, it is organized by the Association, Allez Les Filles de Bordeaux. This music festival gathers every year several very talented young artists
Finally, if you are more tempted by electro music, I really advise you to try the Open Air of Bordeaux. These are moments where you can get away with friends or family while spending almost no money
Relaxing in Bordeaux’s public garden
After a visit to several of the city’s landmarks, I recommend relaxing in the Bordeaux Public Garden. Classified as a “remarkable garden of France” and listed as a historical monument (since 1935), the public garden is a grand space where you can enjoy several free activities
You can discover the old botanical garden or the Bordeaux Natural History Museum
Visit the mythical Saint-André Cathedral of Bordeaux
A stay in Bordeaux without visiting the Saint-Andre Cathedral would certainly be missing something. Indeed, this historical monument is to be included in your top list of things to see in Bordeaux
Saint Andrew’s Cathedral attracts with its gothic architecture. Located on the Place Pey-Berland, you can’t miss it. While visiting the Saint-Andre cathedral, you can also contemplate the city hall of Bordeaux
Discover the delights of Bordeaux wine for free
The title of “world wine capital” given to Bordeaux is far from being usurped. From the vineyard to your glass of wine, expert winemakers are passionate about producing the best vintages on the planet
And don’t forget, you can taste all these delicious wines for free! To do so, I advise you to go to the wine festival in Bordeaux
This event is organized every year in June. It will be an opportunity to taste all the varieties of Bordeaux wines for free
Stroll in the Sainte Catherine street
Sainte Catherine street is one of the longest in France. It is above all a shopping street. So, if you want to go shopping, I recommend you to go to the rue Catherine
There is not only shopping in this street. You can also go to the Dijeaux door or to the Utopia Cinema
Spend a long and good time at the beach
Swimming and relaxing is very good for your health. And to do this, it is better to combine business with pleasure by enjoying a beautiful beach. This is what you will find in almost all the beaches of Bordeaux
I particularly recommend the beach of the Lake because of the various activities which are offered there: dances, Beach volleyball, savate, etc
Visit the Aquitaine Museum for free
This museum is the ideal place where you can commune with the history of the city of Bordeaux. Like other museums in Bordeaux, the Aquitaine Museum offers free admission to visitors every first Sunday of the month (except July and August). I i strongly advise you to go there during your next stay in France
Discover the Obelisk
Located at the famous Place Victoire, the obelisk is one of the historical monuments of Bordeaux. You certainly can’t miss it. A tortoise ridden by a passenger accompanies the obelisk of Bordeaux
Every Thursday evening, you will meet many students on this square. A walk to discover the Obelisk can be very pleasant
Take a free surf lesson in Bordeaux
Bordeaux is certainly not the first French city you think of when you mention surfing. However, Bordeaux’s beaches offer good waves that you can tame
In case you don’t know how to surf, you have the possibility to develop your surfing skills. And for that, you just have to get up early and go to the beach
The Surf Insertion Association gives you free surfing lessons while providing you with all the necessary equipment. So what are you waiting for? It’s never too late to learn new things
Take a romantic walk on the stone bridge
When night falls, the Pont de la Pierre transforms into one of the most romantic places in Bordeaux. Indeed, it is the ideal setting for a romantic walk
Moreover, the stone bridge is a strategic place in the sense that it allows you to contemplate almost all the great monuments and squares of Bordeaux (Place Quinconces, Place de la Bourse and the water mirror, Porte Cailhau, etc.)
Make a small detour to the Allées Tourny
The Allées Tourny are located in the extension of the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. If you come to Bordeaux with your family, I advise you to walk there with your children
They will certainly love the wooden horse carousel that is located there. Moreover, every year, the Christmas market takes place in this square
Conclusion
In summary, you can note that staying in Bordeaux gives you the opportunity to do several fun activities without breaking your piggy bank. I hope that the free activities I have suggested in this article will help you to prepare your future stay in Bordeaux
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