When choosing between Bordeaux and Paris for your backpacking adventure, budget and interests are key. Here’s a balanced comparison to help you decide.
Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget for Backpackers?
Bordeaux generally offers a more budget-friendly experience. A typical backpacker daily budget in Bordeaux could range from €35-50. This usually breaks down to accommodation (hostel bed) at €18-28, food at €12-18 (mix of self-catering, bakeries, and casual eateries), and local transport at €5-8.
Paris is typically more expensive. Backpackers should anticipate a daily budget closer to €50-65. Accommodation might cost €25-35, food around €15-22 (requiring more reliance on supermarkets), and public transport €8-12. Backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in European cities, making Paris often an outlier.
How Do Accommodation Costs Compare?
Hostel prices in both cities are influenced by season and location. In Bordeaux, a dormitory bed typically costs €18-28 per night. In Paris, expect to pay €25-35 per night for a hostel bed, with well-located options often at the higher end. Spring and fall typically offer lower prices than the peak summer months in both locations.
Which City Offers Cheaper Food Options?
Bordeaux generally provides more affordable dining. You can find excellent value in local bakeries, markets, and casual bistros, with a simple meal often costing €10-15. A backpacker’s daily food budget in Bordeaux, combining self-catering and budget meals, is around €12-18.
Paris can be pricier. While supermarkets and street food like crepes can keep costs down, a simple sit-down meal might be €12-20. A daily food budget in Paris typically falls between €15-22 for a backpacker focused on economy. Meals at local restaurants in European cities typically cost €8-15, but Paris often exceeds this average.
Is Public Transportation More Affordable in Bordeaux or Paris?
Both cities have efficient public transport systems. In Bordeaux, using the tram and bus network might cost you €5-8 per day for multiple rides or a daily pass. Paris’s extensive Metro, bus, and RER network is essential for getting around, with daily costs typically ranging from €8-12, depending on the number of trips and zone coverage.
Which City Offers More Free or Low-Cost Activities?
Both cities offer free enjoyment through walking tours, parks, and window shopping. Bordeaux boasts its UNESCO-listed historic center, riverside promenades, and public gardens, all free to explore. Wine tours, however, come at an additional cost.
Paris has numerous iconic free attractions like strolling along the Seine, admiring the Eiffel Tower from outside, and exploring vast parks like the Jardin du Luxembourg. Many museums also offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month or for EU citizens under 26. For finding free amenities in either city, resources like AllInMap can be helpful.
