If you’re planning a short trip to Bordeaux, 48 hours is enough to experience the highlights of this UNESCO-listed city. From its historic architecture to its wine and food culture, Bordeaux is ideal for a quick getaway. The best way to get the most out of your stay is by joining a Bordeaux Free Walking Tour. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to explore more deeply, here’s how to structure your two days using a A history of Bordeaux to maximise your time.

Day 1: Start with a Bordeaux Free Walking Tour

Your first stop in Bordeaux should be a Bordeaux Free Walking Tour. It’s the most efficient and enjoyable way to understand the city’s layout, history, and culture. These tours are run by expert local guides who combine storytelling with historical facts, helping you discover the city beyond the surface.

The tour begins in the heart of Bordeaux’s old town. As you walk through the city, you’ll visit major monuments like Place de la Bourse, one of the most iconic squares in France. The square faces the Miroir d’Eau, the world’s largest reflecting pool, where the buildings mirror in the shallow water—an unmissable photo spot.

You’ll continue to Porte Cailhau, a 15th-century gate that once formed part of the city’s medieval fortifications. The blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles makes it a striking architectural feature and a symbol of Bordeaux’s historical importance.

Next, the guide takes you to the Grosse Cloche, one of the oldest belfries in France. With its imposing twin turrets and massive bell, it’s a reminder of the city’s civic independence. You’ll hear stories about its past use as a prison and its role in Bordeaux’s identity.

Other stops include Place Saint-Pierre, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city, and Saint-André Cathedral, a key UNESCO site. The cathedral has witnessed royal weddings and coronations, and next to it stands the Pey-Berland Tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline.

Throughout the Free Tour Burdeos, your guide shares recommendations for where to eat, drink, and explore after the walk. This includes trusted suggestions for wine bars, local restaurants, bakeries, and cultural sites. These insights are ideal for visitors who want to avoid tourist traps and discover authentic places.

If you want to go deeper, Bordeaux Free Walking Tours also offers additional paid experiences such as Bordeaux food tours, where you can taste regional produce including cheese, charcuterie, pastries, and local wines while learning about the city’s food culture from a local expert.

Afternoon: Local Lunch and Riverside Walk

After your morning walk, take your guide’s lunch recommendations and try a local bistro near Rue Saint-Rémi or the Saint-Michel district. Look for dishes like entrecôte à la Bordelaise, duck confit, or canelés for dessert.

Then enjoy a walk along the Garonne River, where you can see Bordeaux’s classical façades from another angle. The riverside promenade is perfect for a relaxed stroll or a bike ride. Don’t miss Quais des Chartrons, known for its wine merchant heritage and now filled with cafes, wine bars, and independent shops.

Evening: Wine Bar Experience

Spend the evening in Chartrons or Saint-Pierre, where you’ll find small wine bars offering regional wines by the glass. Try graves, medoc, or pessac-léognan wines along with local cold plates. Many of the bars your guide mentioned during the Bordeaux Free Walking Tour offer excellent value and knowledgeable staff who can help you understand what you’re drinking.

Day 2: Food Market and Cultural Spots

Begin your second day at Marché des Capucins, the city’s main food market. This is where locals shop for fresh seafood, cheeses, bread, and seasonal produce. You can try oysters from Arcachon Bay with a glass of white wine, grab a coffee and pastry, or shop for gourmet souvenirs.

Continue to Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s modern wine museum. While it covers wine culture from around the world, it also offers a unique sensory experience and a panoramic wine tasting room at the top floor with views across the Garonne.

If you skipped the food tour on Day 1, you can join it on Day 2 with Bordeaux Free Walking Tours. This experience takes you to artisan food shops and traditional producers, giving you a deeper understanding of Bordeaux’s food traditions and a chance to taste multiple local specialities.

Final Hours: Relax or Explore

Depending on your departure time, you can spend your final hours exploring smaller galleries and boutiques in Saint-Michel, relaxing at Jardin Public, or enjoying one last drink at a terrace café. If you’re staying near the station, Les Halles de Bacalan is a good modern food hall to enjoy a final snack before leaving.

Make Your 48 Hours Count with a Free Tour Burdeos

A short stay in Bordeaux doesn’t mean you have to miss out. With a well-planned itinerary and the help of a Free Tour Burdeos from Bordeaux Free Walking Tours, you’ll leave with a clear sense of the city’s history, food culture, and everyday life. From monuments to markets, squares to wine bars, the best experiences in Bordeaux are all walkable and easy to reach in two days—especially when you start with a Bordeaux Free Walking Tour.