đEscape the tourists: Bordeaux as seen by localsđ
- May 5
- 3 min read
Like a local: What to do in Bordeaux for a weekend ?
Prepare your Bordeaux getaway with this guide to must-do activities, from foodie hotspots to cultural and sporty experiences.
If the sun is shining, grab a drink on a terrace at Place Camille Jullian.
After a stroll through the historic center, unwind with a drink on the terraces of the cafés and restaurants at Place Camille Jullian, named in tribute to the Bordeaux historian Camille Jullian. This lively spot is popular with locals both during the day and in the evening :) In addition to being a welcoming social hub, it also offers a cultural touch thanks to the Utopia cinema.
Before heading to the Utopia cinema, set in the former Saint-Siméon church built between the 14th and 16th centuries, treat yourself to one of the best kebabs in Bordeaux.
Treat your taste buds at Chez Anatole. Be prepared to queue ;)
Then head to the independent art-house cinema Utopia on place Camille Jullian, a historic gem in Old Bordeaux. Itâs the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee, revisit a cult classic in its original version, or discover a hidden film, all in a timeless atmosphere.
Fancy a typical sweet treat? Indulge in a few Dunes Blanches from Chez Pascal before enjoying a relaxing nap in the Jardin Public.
Dunes Blanches are an iconic specialty from the Arcachon Bay, much loved by locals, who often eat them more frequently than canelés ;)
Created around 30 years ago by a baker from Cap Ferret, these delicate choux pastries are generously filled with homemade whipped cream and dusted with icing sugar. They also offer limited-edition versions with different flavors.
Where to enjoy them? Head to the Jardin Public just a 10-minute walk away, in the heart of 18th-century Bordeaux. Created in 1746 by landscape architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel and later redesigned as an English-style garden in 1858, itâs a perfect green escape. For families, thereâs a puppet theatre, a vintage carousel, rowing boats, and more :)
Are you familiar with the right bank? Cross the Garonne to explore an exhibition or cultural event at Darwin, a former military barracks transformed into an eco-responsible hub.
Before heading to Alriq, stop by Darwin Ecosystem, a lively urban hub with street art, artisan shops, a skatepark, music and cultural events, and mostly organic, local food. Itâs also a great spot for families.
After Darwin, head to an iconic spot with views of Bordeauxâs façades: the guinguette Chez Alriq for a concert
For over 30 years, Chez Alriq has been the perfect Garonne riverside spot to enjoy music with a drink and share plates with your partner, friends, or family. A brasserie, tapas shack, pizza caravan, and oyster hut, all pulsing to the rhythm of local and international artists!
Stroll the quays, do your shopping, or slurp oysters? Head to the Chartrons market Sunday morning.
Stroll the lively Chartrons market : 70 stalls of fresh, local, seasonal produce along the Garonne in a convivial vibe!
Discover local & regional specialties
Virginie, a Bordeaux native of nearly 40 years, founded Bordeaux Food Tour in late 2016 (the city's first food tour), to reveal the wine capital differently: iconic spots, historical anecdotes, hidden addresses, and tastings of local & regional products from passionate artisans.
In very small groups (max. 6), several food tours are offered, from breakfast to apero-dinner. An original, convivial, flavor-packed local experience!
Cheer on Union Bordeaux BĂšgles (UBB) at the iconic Stade Chaban Delmas or the Boxers at Patinoire MĂ©riadeck
For a thrilling experience, join locals in cheering on two great Bordeaux teams: rugby and ice hockey.
Visiting the Cité du Vin? Enjoy the lively & convivial atmosphere at Halles de Bacalan.
In the heart of the Bassins Ă Flots district, Halles de Bacalan showcases local cuisine alongside global flavors through its 22 producers, artisan merchants, and regional chefs. Locals head there on weekends to unwind with family or friends :)
More of a sporty type? Run the Two Bridges Loop (Pont de Pierre & Pont Chaban Delmas) along the Garonne quays.
On foot or by bike, tackle the Two Bridges Loop, Pont de Pierre & Pont Chaban Delmas, along the Garonne (about 7km). You'll enjoy stunning Bordeaux panoramas and two distinct vibes: the lively left bank lined with historic facades, then the calmer, greener right bank.
Craving sea air? Locals love heading to their second home: the Bassin d'Arcachon. Savor oysters at a cabane with your partner, family, or friends.
Just over an hour from Bordeaux, explore the bassin or ocean side and savor delicious oysters paired with a glass of Entre-deux-Mers white wine. Whether in Andernos, Gujan-Mestras, or oyster villages like L'Herbe you'll find your bliss!
You'll also discover stunning landscapes perfect for photos :)
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