Take in the highlights of downtown Bordeaux, from the grand monuments of Place des Quinconces and Place de la Comédie, to the shopping boulevard of Rue Sainte-Catherine and the riverfront Place de la Bourse. A guided walking tour is a great way to get an overview, or choose a fun Segway, bike, or electric scooter tour. For something self-guided, try an electric car tour.

Spend the afternoon exploring Bordeaux’s museums. Learn about Bordeaux’s history at Musée d’Aquitaine; admire artworks by Rubens, Boudin, and Marquet at Musée des Beaux Arts; or visit the CAPC contemporary art museum. A must-do for wine lovers is the Cité du Vin, a museum devoted to Bordeaux’s wine-making heritage.

Set sail along the Garonne River for an evening dinner cruise with the glittering city skyline as the backdrop. Cruise along Bordeaux’s scenic waterfront and admire landmarks such as Quai Richelieu, Pont du Pierre, and St Michael’s Basilica.

Make an early start and head to Bordeaux’s main market, Marché des Capucins, to sample regional delicacies such as Arcachon oysters, truffled ham, caviar, and sweet canelés cakes. Bordeaux’s Golden Triangle—the shopping area within Cours Georges Clemenceau, Cours de l’Intendance, and Allées de Tourny—is another popular spot for foodies, with artisan food shops, delicatessens, and chocolatiers.

The Medoc and Saint-Emilion wine regions are easy to visit on an afternoon tour. To maximize time, choose a tour that includes round-trip transport from Bordeaux, wine tasting at two or more wineries, and a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed village of St. Emilion.

Experience Bordeaux’s nightlife in the St. Pierre district, where you can sip cocktails or enjoy a glass of wine with the locals at a terrace bar. There are plenty of places to dine in the city, but consider one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants.