11 Free and Cheap Date Ideas to Try in Bordeaux
There is sometimes an upside to being broke: it makes you more creative. There are lots of fun activities to do in Bordeaux, though not all of them are free or suitable for a date. Luckily, this list of free and cheap date ideas will help you save the day… and some money.
Walk along the Pont Chaban Delmas
Aside for when it’s cold, walking around Bordeaux is the best way to discover the city. Take the tram until the Stalingrad stop and start your romantic promenade by crossing the iconic Pont de Pierre and witness the Garonne River running underneath you. Then take a right and stroll the docks alongside the joggers. Once you arrive at Pont Chaban Delmas, pause for a minute to admire this architectural beauty.
Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas, Bordeaux, France
The Pont Chaban Delmas｜© Jennifer Migan /Culture Trip
Picnic in the park
Art and nature lovers, why not make like Manet’s Le déjeuner sur l’herbe (Luncheon on the Grass) and use one of the stunning parks in town to have a romantic picnic? Grab a blanket, a few drinks and snacks and enjoy each other’s company and being outdoors.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Go indie at the Utopia
Church, Cinema, Movie Theater, Theater
Going to the movies for a date might seem rather traditional, but that’s because you’ve not been to Utopia Cinema yet. This former church transformed into a movie theater is superb, while the film selection is exquisite. If your date is into independent cinema, they’ll surely enjoy this place and appreciate your effort. Plus, a kiss in the dark is always rather exciting.
Utopia St Siméon, 5 Place Camille Jullian, Bordeaux, France, +33 5 56 52 00 03
Spend the day in Arcachon
Bordeaux is relatively close to the ocean and you should take advantage of this fact and spend a day at the seaside. Take one of the many trains to Arcachon and head to one of Bordeaux locals’ favorite weekend gateways. You should also make a stop at Pyla-sur Mer and climb the Grande Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune. The view from the top will take your breath away.
Grande Dune du Pilat, Arcachon Bay, France
Grande Dune du Pilat in the Arcachon Bay| Emfraimstocher /Pixabay
Dinner in the dark
Dining in the dark is a recent foodie trend and can be a fun way for you and your partner to explore the senses. Some people though might feel uncomfortable having a blindfolded meal alongside strangers, so you can recreate this atmosphere at home with an intimate dinner date. You’ll have your privacy and it’s a smooth way to create a romantic ambiance.
Rollerblade around town
Go back in time and rollerblade around the city like when you were kids. This is a fun activity to do together and it will only cost you to rent the materials. You won’t have a problem finding a good skating spot as Bordeaux is pretty flat – just make sure to stay within pedestrian areas.
Pierre Qui Roule, 32 Place Gambetta, Bordeaux, France, +33 5 57 85 80 87
The Quais are ideal for a rollerblading date｜© Jennifer Migan/Culture Trip
Make a date scrapbook
What about you hit the streets and model for each other? To make it even more fun, dress up and improvise a photo-shoot at some of the famous attractions around town. A few heads might turn as you walk around looking funny but who cares? Get the photos printed, then gather them in a scrapbook along with other bits and pieces from your date so you can remember what a fun time you had.
Visit the magical Place de la Bourse and the Miroir d’Eau
We’ve seen countless scenes in rom-coms with people kissing in front of the Eiffel Tower, but Bordeaux has its own kissing spots that will make the capital just a bit jealous. After dining in the vibrant Place du Parlement area, take the Rue Saint-Rémi and you’ll end up facing the incredible Fontaine des Trois Grâces in the Place de la Bourse – a perfect place for a first kiss.
Place de la Bourse, Quai du Maréchal Lyautey, Bordeaux, France, +33 5 56 10 20 30
Visit your favorite place in town
Bordeaux locals, this one is for you. Dating someone out of town or a tourist is a frequent occurrence, meaning you get to show them around the best spots only locals know about. Plan a date at your favorite place in the city – be sure to pick a venue they don’t know – and explain why it’s important to you. This cute gesture will help create a special, new memory for the both of you.
Go to an open-mic night
Have a laugh and witness the makings of the next superstar! Okay, that might be pushing it in some cases, but it’s always fun to see a passionate performance on stage either way. The Houses of Parliament, HMS Victory and Sherlock Holmes bars are regularly hosting open-mic nights for people to showcase their talent.
Organize a scavenger hunt
This idea requires a bit of knowledge about the city but it’s a fun way to plan a date. Call your partner up and give them instructions to go to a specific location where they will find your next clue. The goal is to collect all the clues you’ve planted around town, eventually leading them to your meeting point. Once they arrive, make sure you have prepared a small surprise reward – such as a bottle of wine and balloons, or their favorite pastry and a small gift.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
