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Famed for its wine cellars and its vineyards, Bordeaux oozes the Mediterranean charm. Located on the banks of the Garonne River, Bordeaux is much more than a wine producing region of France.

Most of Bordeaux’s visitors tend to explore the wineries within the region while overlooking the city’s gorgeous attractions. It's a wonderful plan to rent a car to explore the region, sipping some wine at the beautiful wineries you encounter along the way. Driving in France is wonderful, and can be an inexpensive way to tour the country while enjoying an authentic feel for the towns, cities, and countryside.

Bordeaux has undergone major restoration project to turn a gritty port city into one of France’s hidden gems. With a significant amount of historic monuments, pedestrian-friendly zones, and an efficient transport system, visiting the city of Bordeaux has never been more appealing.

While the wine of Bordeaux may attract guests from all over the world, the city’s sights and culture will make them want to keep coming back. Below is a list of the top things to do in Bordeaux after visiting the wineries.

Ponte de Pierre

For a great panoramic view of the city, head over to the rustic bridge of Ponte de Pierre. Crossing over the Garonne River, Ponte de Pierre is especially beautiful during the sunset as the setting orange sun kisses Bordeaux’s buildings and the horizon leading to the bridge fancifully lit up during the evening.

Place de la Bourse

Perhaps the most postcard-worthy place in Bordeaux, the Place de la Bourse is Bordeaux’s most elegant square. Located at the center of the city, you can ake a unique perspective of the square by standing by the Miroir d’Eau. Its water fountain splashing the granite floor causes a mirror image of Place de la Bourse giving it a picture-perfect scene.

Pey Berland Tower

Seeing a city’s true beauty is done from up above, and scaling Pey Berland Tower gives you just that. As part of ornate Romanesque church, Bordeaux Cathedral, you can climb up the multiple steps to reach the viewing deck. The journey is worth it as you are treated to magnificent views of the Bordeaux skyline giving you unrivaled sweeping views of its architecture.

Quais de Bordeaux

Bordeaux is an important port city even without the presence of a sea. Cruise ships go back and forth to take tourists to the city. By the port, you can hear the sound of the Garonne River flowing and gorgeous gardens along the side of the pathway, take a calm stroll along the beautiful esplanade of the Quais de Bordeaux. Grab a drink from one of the cafes and see the backdrop of the city’s elegant buildings as you indulge in the scenic views along with the locals.

Rue Sainte-Catherine

A bustling street in the city, Rue Sainte-Catherine is loaded with a plethora of large high street shops to small charming boutique chains. It is Europe’s longest pedestrian-only street, so you'll want to park your rental car and explore on foot, this area is filled with life as shoppers and stalls inhabit the place almost perpetually. A great place to do some retail therapy after exploring the city’s attractions.

Porte Cailhau

During the middle ages, Bordeaux had walls surrounding the city. While the walls don’t exist today, its gate, Porte Cailhau remains. More like a castle rather than a gate, you can take a tour inside its tower to see its narrow stone hallways while also getting fantastic views of the city at the top. A fitting entrance to a beautiful city, its intricate renaissance and Gothic architecture provides a fairytale-like background.