As avid travelers ourselves, we understand the importance of maximizing our time and budget when exploring new destinations. That’s why we’re excited to introduce you to the Bordeaux CityPass—a convenient and comprehensive sightseeing pass designed to enhance your experience in this charming French city.
Is the Bordeaux CityPass worth it?
That’s the question we’ll explore in this post. Join us as we delve into its features, benefits, and potential savings, helping you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for your travel itinerary.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Bordeaux or simply curious about the Bordeaux CityPass, we’ve got you covered. I’ve broken the post into three sections: First, I jump right to the point and answer the main questions posed, followed by answering those questions you’d ask before purchasing the CityPass, and finally those follow-up questions after purchasing the card. If there are any questions in between, I probably covered those too.
Finally, I’ve also provided a visual document with cost breakdowns of the sights, tours, and museums included with the CityPass so you can analyze their actual costs. I did this to hopefully save you time and energy in having to review multiple sites for each of the attractions you want to see. With this visual aid, if you were planning to visit attractions X, Y, and Z without the CityPass, you can easily calculate whether purchasing it would be advantageous and save you money.
The questions you should ask when determining the Main Question
The answer is yes. With all that it includes, plus its other discounts, this card provides a ton of savings in the long run. But, these are the questions to ask yourself before purchasing the CityPass:
(1) How many of the included museums, exhibitions, attractions, and tours do you want to visit? If the number is over 2, then the CityPass would be an advantageous purchase.
(2) Will I utilize unlimited transportation? Bordeaux is a walkable city, but things are a bit spread out. If you are limited on time, access to transportation can get you from point A to point B a bit quicker. The transportation is also affordable, but the fact that it’s bundled into the CityPass is a plus. Finally, you may start the day energized, but the well-connected trams may call your name at the end of a long day.
(3) How much money am I saving? Well, the answer to this comes with the visuals included in this blog. Think about where those savings could go: a nice dinner out, an extra souvenir, etc.
Did I buy the Bordeaux CityPass?
I stand in contradiction to the aforementioned statement, I did not make the wise decision to purchase the Bordeaux CityPass. But here’s the thing: we all make travel mistakes. That’s why I write posts like these. So, you, my like-minded, budget-conscious traveler, don’t make money-saving mistakes like me. Which brings us to the next question.
How Much Money Can I Save?
I’ve personally visited all the websites of the attractions, museums, and exhibitions. Followed by discounted tours and included free offerings in the CityPass, and compiled their full cost of entry. This price comparison resource will help you determine whether the CityPass is worth it for you and formulate a budget accordingly.
If you find that you won’t be visiting more than 2-3 places on the list, paying out of pocket may be more cost-effective for you. However, even if those two places are La Cité du Vin and Les Bassins des Lumières, you will still experience significant savings.
At the end of the price comparison sheet, I reflected on my past trip to Bordeaux and calculated the potential savings I could have had if I had followed my advice. If you’re interested, you can find my comparison below or at the end of the visual provided earlier. As you can see, I could have saved about 60 euros—or, in my opinion, the cost of a nice dinner with a bottle of wine—if I had invested in a Bordeaux CityPass. And no, I am not receiving any type of commission from this blog post.
My Questions Before Buying the Bordeaux CityPass:
What’s Included Bordeaux CityPass
The city tour options depend on the season and include your choice between a walking tour, panoramic bus tour, boat tour, or electric train tour. Please note that these tours must be booked through the tourist office and are subject to availability.
Where can I purchase my Bordeaux CityPass?
You can purchase your Bordeaux CityPass on the official tourism website. Upon purchasing your CityPass, you will receive a voucher as confirmation, which you can then use to obtain your CityPass from the tourist office when you arrive in Bordeaux. You may of course also purchase a CityPass in person at the Bordeaux tourist office located in the heart of the city.
Are there any additional perks or benefits to the Bordeaux CityPass?
There’s nothing better than free, so after free, everyone loves a discount. The CityPass does a great job of already including a long list of desirable sights and museums. Additionally, it goes even further in providing other discounted perks.
If you’re considering any day trips outside the city, the discounted tours and attractions included in the Bordeaux CityPass offer intriguing options. You can find these highlighted with two asterisks (**) in the price comparison sheet. I’ve already taken note of the Cordouan Lighthouse tour and the Château de la Brede for my next visit to Bordeaux.
Recommendation: Day Trip to Saint-Émilion to see the Monolithic Church
One tour I would recommend, and had the opportunity to experience at full price since I didn’t purchase a Bordeaux CityPass, was the guided tour “Underground Saint-Émilion”. During a delightful day trip to Saint-Émilion, my partner and I explored one of its remarkable sites: the Monolithic Church.
This ancient 11th-century underground church, carved into limestone, boasts stunning architectural details and intricate carvings. We were enthralled by its unique subterranean design and impressed by its enduring grandeur. Experiencing this historical gem was truly memorable, and I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary if Saint-Émilion is on your list.
If you need any assistance in the Saint-Émilion day trip planning I have a post for you!
Note: You can only see the Monolithic Church with a booked tour since it is privately owned. Unfortunately, this is also the reason I don’t have photos, as they are not permitted inside the church. However, the Bell Tower is breathtaking, and the way the sun was hitting it just so, I thought I’d share.
Your Bordeaux CityPass is valid for 24, 48, or 72 consecutive hours after activation. When you obtain your card from the tourism office, the card becomes active for the chosen duration. Activate it by scanning it at an appropriate card reader upon first use, such as at La Cite du Vin.
How long is the Bordeaux CityPass valid for, and can I choose the duration that fits my travel plans?
A 24H card scanned at 3:00 p.m. will be valid until 2:59 p.m. the following day.
My Questions After Buying the Bordeaux CityPass:
What are the operating hours and days for the attractions covered by the CityPass?
After buying the Bordeaux CityPass, you’ve already set yourself up to save a little here and there, and as they say, it all adds up. I recommend starting by downloading the app that accompanies the CityPass, as it provides the most up-to-date information on opening hours for the venues you plan to visit.
Are there any restrictions or blackout dates I should be aware of when using the CityPass?
Some of the venues may close or reduce their hours during the winter months due to lower visitor volume. Therefore, especially if you’re traveling during this time, it’s advisable to check their websites or the app for their current opening hours to avoid any disappointment.
What is the cancellation or refund policy for the Bordeaux CityPass in case my travel plans change?
If your travel plans change, unfortunately, there is no refund for the Bordeaux CityPass. You may give it to a friend or family member if they are planning a trip to Bordeaux or use it within the year. Lost or Stolen cards will also not be replaced or refunded.
Is it worth it for you?
Overall, the Bordeaux CityPass provides unmatched access and savings, making it a valuable investment for travelers. If you plan on seeing or experiencing at least 3 of the venues and coupling that with public transport, I highly recommend the CityPass. It offers travelers convenience and savings. Whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant ambiance, the CityPass unlocks the best of Bordeaux without breaking the bank. With free entry to top attractions and museums, as well as substantial discounts on tours and activities, the CityPass ensures a memorable journey filled with discovery and delight. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your Bordeaux experience with the CityPass.
Worth it for Me
In conclusion, the Bordeaux CityPass offers a multitude of benefits that can significantly enhance your visit to this charming city. As demonstrated by my price comparison, the CityPass could have saved us approximately €60 on our recent trip to Bordeaux. While this calculation didn’t include the cost of our wine tour, the potential savings could have translated into several different possibilities for us: two souvenir bottles of wine, a dinner for two, or train tickets for another day trip from Bordeaux.
Stay tuned
Stay tuned for more CityPass reviews. Happy Wandering!
