Whilst by day Bordeaux feigns a serene and at times provincial scene, as night falls the city really comes to life. It is at this time that the maze of hidden squares and secret alleyways become imbued with vibrancy, chatting and music. Bordeaux certainly knows how to do cafe culture in style, and streets are lined with bustling bars and cafe, in which a young trendy crowd can be found united over a bottle of red, or swigging aperitifs, until the early hours of the morning. Look out for Place Camille Julian, a charming open square in the heart of the old city, which is home to the fantastic Utopia Cinema. This cinema is actually an old church, and is a beautiful setting to watch an international arthouse flic, which can then be discussed at length in the Cinema's quirky bar and restaurant.
Although the bar buzz is seductive enough to pass a whole night, there are plenty of places to go for a good dance too, especially from Thursday night on through the weekend. Along the Quay de Paludate, there is a strip of clubs and bars that are open until five in the morning, full of dynamic students and energetic party-goers alike. For a latin vibe, the Cuban Calle Ocho provides killer mojitos, a playful crowd and a full dance floor, with the opportunity to pick up some salsa steps.
There are also several live music options. Bordeaux has several jazz bars with seminal concerts and performances, Le Comptoir du Jazz being one of the best places to enjoy some sweet blues tunes. If you are after a funkier club scene, Le 4 Sans club is a trendy venue which prides itself on an alternative sound and atmosphere. Up and coming artists perform regularly, as well as internationally acclaimed djs, making it the best hangout in Bordeaux for music lovers.
5 place Camille Jullian
Cinema in a Church...
24 rue des Piliers de Tutelle
Caramba!...
quai Armand Lalande
Quai Armand Lalande ,Hangar G2
Disco By the Water...
34 rue de Pessac
A Long Way from Hell...
50 Avenue de l'Argonne
Giant Disco...
15 rue de Candale
Party the Night Away...
rue Cardinal Richaud
Le Lac
Grand Casino...
2 rue des Beaux-Arts
Theater Venue...
quai Armand Lalande
Bassin A Flots 1
The Unique Place in Town...
42 rue de Cheverus
Rock On...
58 rue du Mirail
Club & Artistic Community...
2 place de la Comédie
The Bordeaux Opera...
18 cours Barbey
Rock & Everything Else...
3 place Pierre Renaudel
A Varied Program...
4 rue des Piliers-de-Tutelle
An Evening in Spain...
22 place de la Victoire
Here We Go...
58 rue du Mirail
Innovative...
3 place de la Victoire
Home Away from Home...
59 Quai de Paludate
For the Night Owls...
18 cours d'Albret
Renowned Irish Pub...