Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Bordeaux

Accommodation

$25-50 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared bathrooms

Food & Dining

$20-40 per day

Local bakeries for breakfast, lunch at casual bistros, self-catering from markets, occasional wine bar snacks

Transportation

$5-15 per day

Public trams and buses, walking, occasional bike rentals

Activities

$10-35 per day

Free walking tours, public parks, some wine tastings, basic museum entries

Shop at local food markets instead of tourist restaurants - typically 40-60% cheaper for meals

Use the efficient tram system instead of taxis - saves 70-80% on transportation costs

Book wine tours directly with smaller producers rather than through hotels - usually 30-50% less expensive

Visit free attractions like public gardens and riverside walks instead of paid tours

Stay slightly outside the historic center for accommodation savings of 25-40%

Eat lunch at bistros instead of dinner - same quality food typically costs 30-50% less

Purchase a museum pass if visiting multiple attractions - generally saves 20-35% over individual entries

Only dining in the tourist-heavy areas around major attractions - typically costs 100-150% more than neighborhood spots

Taking taxis for short distances instead of walking or using trams - can triple transportation costs

Booking wine tours last-minute through hotels - usually 40-70% more expensive than advance bookings

Eating every meal at restaurants instead of mixing in market food and picnics - can double daily food costs