Nicknamed the “Port of the Moon”, the city of Bordeaux is considered to be one of the most romantic places in France – but most people don’t realize it is also a lively place to spend a night out.
Explore the city’s many historic landmarks and dive deep into the country’s culture during the day – but make sure you save some energy for nightfall.
The sounds of popular music and lively crowds can be heard around every corner – but you won’t want to miss the chance to check out some of these 22 best nightlife scenes in Bordeaux.
Table of Contents
1. Point Rouge
Website: https://www.pointrouge-bdx.com/en/
Nestled in the heart of Bordeaux, Point Rouge is one of the best places in the city to get a drink thanks to its trendy decor and extensive cocktail list.
Although the exterior of this lively bar is minimalistic, the interior is quite the opposite – with its brick ceilings, eccentric leather couches, and one-of-a-kind chandeliers. The atmosphere here screams old-time speakeasy with the cement walls dotted with modern twists, giving the place a sleek and exciting appearance.
Hang with some friends at one of the spacious high-top tables or kick back on a leather love seat while sipping on carefully crafted cocktails poured into one of their interesting glasses.
Try some of France’s fancier pub food, with options ranging from oysters to duck and everything in between – but always try to book a table in advance, as this place gets crowded.
2. Les Chantiers de la Garonne
Website: https://leschantiersdelagaronne.camp/
Take your adventures outdoors with Les Chantiers de la Garonne’s lovely outdoor patio and watch the sunset with a drink in your hand. Much different from the elegant bars with their high price tags, Les Chantiers de la Garonne is an affordable place where locals and tourists alike come to relax.
You can score an adorably decorated picnic table on their outdoor patio (which is made up entirely of sand – so feel free to dig your feet in!).
From here, you can marvel at the wide-sweeping sea peeking out between the tall grass or head upstairs to the indoor dining room, where you can enjoy unparalleled views of the waterfront through its glass walls.
At night the bar lights up with string lights all throughout the premises, adding a cozy ambiance to an already comfortable setting.
Grab yourself a beer or a cocktail from their seasonal list and mingle with the locals to make the most of your night.
3. La Comtesse
Website: https://www.facebook.com/laccomtesse/
If you are looking for a place with a lot of flair that also happens to make some of the best mojitos in the city, you’ll want to run right over to La Comtesse.
The exterior of this trendy bar may come as a surprise, with its water-stained walls lined with flowers and small coffee tables that give the appearance of a cafe – but this is part of what makes La Comtesse so unique – and it only gets better once you step inside its large, bright green doors.
The interior follows no particular theme, so you can admire accents of gothic and modern styles all in one as you sit on one of the many lounge chairs and take it all in.
The inside has dim lighting, so it’s good for those looking to spend a romantic evening with a significant other or a peaceful night at the bar – whereas the exterior’s 20+ coffee tables are usually filled to the max with locals sipping on cocktails and chatting it up about their busy day in the city.
5. Calle Ocho
If you’re looking for some variety, make your way over to Calle Ocho – and know you’re headed in the right direction as the sounds of salsa music continue to grow. Calle Ocho is one of the few Cuban-style bars in Bordeaux, but it has everything you could hope for – from its lively music to its vibrant atmosphere.
Cuban flags line the ceiling overhead and an array of rainbow lights dance across the floor to get the party started when the sunsets. Considered to be more of a nightclub than a casual bar, you can expect to see large crowds dancing the night away amongst its two dance floors.
The nightclub is separated between two floors, each with its own bar – so that guests can have their pick of salsa dancing or merengue.
Make sure you stay hydrated with one of the many cleverly named drinks; the fan-favorite is definitely the classic Mojito.
6. L’Empire
Website: https://empirebordeaux.fr
A classic venue for nighttime fun in Bordeaux, L’Empire has something for everyone to enjoy with its extensive variety of music and exciting nightly entertainment.
You’ll be singing along to popular hits like Michael Jackson at one second and listening to the locals sing French classics at another.
Everything on the dinner menu is designed to be finger foods, so feel free to grab a few tasty dishes to share with friends and stay fueled for the night ahead.
As the night drags on, the entertainment only gets more exciting – with class acts like fire twirlers and cabaret performers standing atop the bar.
If you couldn’t tell, this isn’t the place to go for a casual evening with a drink or two; rather, it’s the place you go when you want to party the night away and make new friends.
7. Mancuso
Website: https://cafemancuso.com/
On the other side of the spectrum is the laid-back atmosphere waiting for you at Mancuso, with its retro decor and cafe-like setting that’ll make you feel torn between getting a cup of coffee and a craft beer.
At first glance, you’d never think that Mancuso is one of the most popular nightlife destinations in Bordeaux – but after spending a few hours in its cozy setting, you’ll have trouble parting ways.
During the daylight hours, you’ll find friends munching on classy salads and sipping on freshly brewed coffee, but come nighttime the menu shifts to shareable plates and locally crafted brews.
Feel free to explore the cafe’s fine selection of vinyl, and when you find a track you want to jam out to, make your way over to one of the audiophiles to share the tunes with everyone.
8. Le Monseigneur
Website: http://www.lemonseigneur.com/
For the folks that like to party hard, Le Monseigneur is the place to go – but don’t expect to get your night started any earlier than midnight. The good news is that this popular disco club is open until 7 AM, so there’ll be plenty of time to get your dance on.
While the club’s usual DJ knows how to get the crowd going, occasional guest appearances from famous DJs across the globe keep things fresh.
You’re guaranteed to spend most of your time on the checkered dance floor jamming out to some of the most popular hits and making new friends along the way.
The wide-sweeping bar and various bartenders make it easy to grab a drink even when things get busy – and there’s always something new to try on the cocktail menu.
9. Black Diamond
Website: https://www.facebook.com/BlackDiamondBordeaux/
If you are looking for a VIP experience, set up a reservation to the exclusive Black Diamond – which is hidden beneath the Grand Hôtel. Considering the club’s elegance, you can expect to pay a pretty penny during your visit – but the quality and service are worth the price.
Enjoy a large selection of high-quality wines from across the globe and make your way over to the smoking area after making a purchase in the cigar cellar – and add in a DJ that knows how to get its crowd going with a combination of styles that’ll appeal to all kinds of music lovers.
The club is really known for its collection of champagne – so don’t be surprised when you hear the sounds of popping bottles every few minutes.
If you want to feel even more like a celebrity in an already exclusive setting, the club offers a VIP section where the party is brought to you.
10. La Plage
Website: http://www.laplage-leclub.fr/
Located along the Garonne River, you may wonder why La Plage is named after a beach – but those thoughts are instantly forgotten once you walk inside its overwhelming establishment.
For starters, the nightclub doesn’t even open its doors until midnight and stays open until 6:00 AM, so you can only imagine what the nightlife scene is like here.
The club boasts eight uniquely themed dance floors with their own styles of music – so everyone has something to enjoy, and music lovers can easily hop from one exciting floor to another.
Every inch of the club is jamming with flashing colorful lights and lit-up bars calling you back for another drink.
It’s easy to get carried away – so why not dance until morning and head over to one of Bordeaux’s cozy cafes for breakfast?
11. Boat Bordeaux
Website: https://www.facebook.com/intelligentboat/
Docked on the waters of the Bassin à Flot, the Boat Bordeaux (also known as IBOAT) is one of the most popular entertainment venues in the city.
The club doubles as a concert hall with a busy schedule throughout the year, so always check ahead of time to see what events are taking place before heading over.
Still relatively new, this club has managed to quickly make a name for itself because of its unique setting in an old ferry boat, paired with its exciting music blends.
You’ll enter the club from the main cabin, where you can grab a drink from one of the multiple bars scattered across the establishment. Stay inside and jam to the DJ’s latest mix or have your pick between two spacious outdoor decks overlooking the water.
The second level is completely outdoors and offers a heightened view of the surrounding area, so you can take in the sights while dancing it up.
The club occasionally plays host to other interesting activities, including farmer’s markets and amateur film premiers, making it a great place to visit at any time.
12. Seeko’o Bar
Website: https://seekoo-hotel.com/fra/pages/view/9/bar-cocktail-bordeaux
Although this isn’t the place to spend an entire night of drinking, the Seeko’o Bar is the perfect place to start or end your night with its relaxing atmosphere and extensive cocktail list. Located within the Seeko’o Hotel, the bar is constantly seeing new faces – but everyone who stops in for a drink ends up falling in love with the place and its chic decor.
To coincide with the shocking white exterior of the hotel, the bar boasts a vibrant atmosphere to take their statement for style to the next level. Sit back on bright red chairs that seem ahead of their time where you’ll be coated with blue lighting that only adds to the futuristic look.
If cocktails aren’t your style, enjoy a fine selection of high-quality wines and liquors to keep the good times rolling.
13. BAM
Website: https://fr.bam-karaokebox.com/
Some people love to dance and others love to sing – but if you prefer the latter, then you have to check out BAM’s karaoke bar.
Wash away the nerves that tend to build up before grabbing the mic with a few drinks at the beautifully styled cocktail bar. Every inch of this bar boasts bright colors, with a focus on turquoise and orange accents that really make the atmosphere that much more inviting.
If after a few drinks you’d still rather not sing in front of a crowd, you can book a few hours in one of the seven private karaoke rooms and sing freely, without judgment.
The karaoke systems are filled with thousands of popular songs from across the globe, so you’ll be sure to find a song that you can sing along to.
14. Bodega Bodega
Website: https://www.bodega-bodega.fr/
Bringing Spain right to your door (or more like your local bar), Bodega Bodega is the place to go in Bordeaux when you’re looking for something different and with a bit of flavor.
Start the night off right with a few tapas and a glass of refreshing sangria before you hit the dance floor and jam out to live music.
The bar went under new management about five years ago and has been turning heads ever since, with its costly revamp.
15. Cafe Brun
Website: https://www.facebook.com/CafeBrunBordeaux/
If you’re looking for a traditional pub to sink your teeth into, Cafe Brun is the place for you; you can spend the night drinking classic beers with new friends.
It’s not the biggest bar on the block, but it offers everything you need to have a good night and the laid-back atmosphere will have you relaxing in no time.
You can always opt for a wine or a cocktail from the bar’s extensive list, but the draft beer selection here is really where it’s at.
The pub follows a unique style for its interior with 19th-century paintings on the walls, a plethora of small golden globes hanging from the ceiling, and lit candles on every table to build the ambiance.
16. Chez Fred
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Chez-fred-1663290667266053/
Nestled within the medieval city of Place du Palais, the Chez Fred is the perfect place to grab a few drinks after a day of exploring the area’s rich history.
Overlooking the historic monument of Place du Palais, Chez Fred offers a scenic way to make the most of your time while in Bordeaux.
Start your day here with a cup of coffee paired with a pastry, and come back once the sun goes down for a few beers with friends.
Feel free to sit at the bar – but you’ll find yourself drawn to the spacious outdoor patio, where you can people-watch and take in the sights.
17. L’Apollo
Website: https://www.facebook.com/lapollobar/
A local favorite in Bordeaux is the L’Apollo where you can find friendly glances sipping on drinks at any time of day or night. The burnt-yellow walls and lush greenery invite guests to spend the night making new friends within its charming quarters.
Sit by the wide-sweeping bar with its modern style or head outside to the cozy outdoor patio and breathe in the fresh air while enjoying your drinks.
You can always drink a few beers, but the real show-stopper is the extensive cocktail list that uses a variety of fresh ingredients, including grapefruit, cucumber, and oranges.
When you’re feeling the need for some friendly competition, head back inside to play a round of pool at one of the billiard tables.
19. Mama Shelter
Website: https://mamashelter.com
Located within the Mama Bordeaux Hotel, Mama Shelter is a combination of a restaurant, bar, and roof deck – and every inch of this place screams eccentricity.
The interior has been beautifully decorated to represent a unique style with its mismatched furniture, chalk written ceiling, and a multitude of colorful floaties hung above the bar.
It only gets more interesting as you head up to the rooftop patio – where you can sit on life-size doll chairs boasting the colors of the rainbow and admire the planted trees draping vibrant flag banners across the area.
Mama is known for its delicious cuisine, so do yourself a favor and start with one of the restaurant’s quick bites – like the bavette fries or tuna chirashi.
Then, head over to the island bar, where you can pick from an extensive cocktail list and jam to the music of the resident DJ.
Make sure you take the time to stop by the rooftop – where you can stargaze, drink, and marvel at the famous Cathédrale Saint André out in the distance.
20. The Base
Website: https://www.facebook.com/basebordeaux/
Located within a spacious warehouse that once housed a motorcycle garage, The Base is one of the most up-and-coming nightlife destinations in Bordeaux. This nightclub outdoes itself with exciting new DJs every weekend and a Mediterranean style that goes above and beyond.
At the center of The Base is a massive podium that hosts a variety of performers every night to keep guests entertained like dancers, singers, and more. Performances take place between 2-5:00 AM, so you’ll need to prepare for a busy night to get in on all of the action – but it’s worth every minute.
Considering its high prestige, it is conveniently affordable compared to some other nightclubs in the area – but you’ll need to make sure you dress appropriately in order to gain entry.
If you’re looking for the ultimate VIP experience, you can reserve one of 70 rooms – where you can get service brought right to your door as you watch the crowds from the confines of your glass haven.
You can also enjoy a variety of quick bites to keep you fueled throughout the night and step out on the outdoor terrace when you need a breath of fresh air.
21. La Dame
Website: https://www.ladamebordeaux.com/
Located along the waterfront of the Bassins à Flot, La Dame has gone under recent renovation to make it more modern and inviting than ever before.
The bar makes a statement with bold white walls and blue accents, like the velvet lounge chairs, that really make the interior pop.
Many locals stop into La Dame for a tasty meal curated by the award-winning chef and a craft cocktail, before heading out to one of the nearby nightclubs, like IBOAT.
However, this doesn’t mean you won’t find locals dancing to their heart’s content through all hours of the night at this classy joint – so feel free to spend all your time here.
The wooden outdoor is a perfect addition, with small touches that make it feel cozier than ever and an unparalleled view of La Cité du Vin.
22. Ultra-Klubs
Website: https://www.facebook.com/ultraklubs/
One of the largest gay-friendly bars in France, Ultra-Klubs sees a colorful array of visitors who can feel free to be themselves while dancing the night away and mingling with willing bachelors.
The club became an instant sensation and a staple to the nightlife scene in the Bordeaux area since first opening its doors in 2016.
The club can house nearly 500 guests at one time – and the massive dance floor with VIP sections make it easy to bust a move.
Check out their website prior to your visit for the latest themed events, like the fun drag shows that occasionally take place.
The cost to enter the club might be 10 euros, but it comes with a free drink – so it instantly pays for itself.