Bordeaux: International Pub Crawl, Free Shots & Games

Bordeaux: International Pub Crawl, Free Shots & Games — a Review of the Nightlife Experience

If you’re heading to Bordeaux and eager to experience its buzzing nightlife, the International Pub Crawl offers an appealing way to do just that. While I haven’t personally joined this tour, I’ve analyzed the details, reviews, and what it promises to deliver—making it clear this could be a lively, social, and value-packed night out.

What I really like about this experience is its focus on social connections, with fun games and free shots that act as ice breakers. The discounted drinks throughout the night help keep costs reasonable, especially if you’re planning to indulge. Plus, the VIP club entry means no frustrating waits—just endless dancing and mingling. That said, it’s worth keeping in mind that this experience is mainly designed for those who enjoy a lively, group atmosphere and don’t mind a structured evening.

This tour is ideal for travelers wanting to meet new people, enjoy a taste of Bordeaux’s bar scene without worrying about entry lines, and keep the night affordable. However, if you’re after a more relaxed, intimate night or have specific transportation needs, you might find this tour less suited to your style. Overall, it’s a fantastic way to get a taste of Bordeaux’s vibrant nightlife with a group of like-minded explorers.

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Key Points

Social Atmosphere: Meet travelers from around the world and make new friends.
Cost Savings: Enjoy multiple free shots and drink discounts all evening.
VIP Treatment: Skip the lines with exclusive club access.
Organized Fun: Participate in games and ice-breakers to get the party started.
Guided Experience: Friendly guides help keep the night safe and lively.
Photo Memories: Group pictures are taken to remember your night out.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Bordeaux Pub Crawl

Looking for more options in Bordeaux? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Start to Finish

The adventure kicks off at Central Hostel Bordeaux around 9:00 PM to 9:45 PM. You’ll find your guide wearing a bright green T-shirt, welcoming you at the entrance or reception area. Upon showing your reservation (no need for paper tickets, just a screenshot or email), you’ll receive a green wristband—your pass to VIP treatment for the night.

Starting at the hostel’s lively bar, you’ll enjoy your first free shot, which is a great way to warm up and break the ice with other pub crawlers. This initial gathering is also your chance to mingle with fellow travelers, setting a fun tone for what’s to come.

From there, the group moves through 3-4 top bars, each carefully chosen to showcase Bordeaux’s nightlife scene. At every venue, you’ll get exclusive drink discounts—a major plus for anyone wanting more bang for their buck—and a free shot either on arrival or after purchasing a drink. This structure helps ensure that everyone gets to try different drinks while keeping costs down.

The bars are likely to be lively, with a mix of locals and travelers, and the emphasis on fun and games helps break down barriers. Reviewers mention that the games and fun activities are a highlight—perfect for those who love a group activity that’s more than just drinking.

From Bars to Nightclubs: The VIP Experience

The highlight of the night is the VIP nightclub access, which means you skip the long lines and jump straight into dancing. This VIP treatment adds a touch of exclusivity and ensures you’re not wasting precious party time waiting to get in.

Throughout the evening, your guides will be capturing moments—photos and videos—to share later on social media. Many reviews note that the guides are friendly, energetic, and attentive, helping keep the atmosphere safe and enjoyable.

Group Size & Atmosphere

Group sizes typically range from 20 to 50 people, creating a lively, energetic environment but not so large that it feels overwhelming. This size is perfect for both socializing and maintaining a manageable vibe where everyone can feel included.

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Practical Details & Value

The tour lasts about 5 hours, starting late enough for a relaxed evening. The price is primarily inclusive of 4 free shots, discounted drinks, free entry into bars and clubs, and photos, making it a good value for money—especially considering the VIP treatment and the variety of venues.

A key point from reviews is that, while the price seems reasonable, the real value lies in saving time (skip the lines), enjoying free drinks, and meeting new people. No hidden costs are mentioned, and the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind.

There's plenty more to explore in Bordeaux

Why This Tour Works Well

If you’re a social traveler looking to make the most of Bordeaux’s nightlife in a lively, organized environment, this pub crawl hits the spot. The mix of free shots, friendly guides, and VIP access makes for a memorable night. It’s particularly well-suited for young travelers, groups of friends, or solo adventurers eager to connect.

However, it’s worth noting that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan how to get to and from the meeting point. Also, the experience isn’t suitable for children or pregnant women, and casual footwear like flip-flops isn’t allowed—probably due to safety and dress code considerations.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Experience?

This pub crawl offers great value for money for those who want an energetic, social night out without the hassle of planning individual bar visits or waiting in lines. The inclusive features, such as free shots, discounts, and VIP nightclubs, make it a practical choice for travelers looking to maximize fun and meet new people.

Those who enjoy guided group experiences, lively environments, and a bit of structured fun will find this tour perfect. It’s less ideal for travelers seeking a quieter, more intimate evening or those with specific transport needs—though, for many, it’s a guaranteed good time.

The friendly guides, the opportunity to take photos, and the chance to explore Bordeaux’s nightlife in a safe, enjoyable way make this pub crawl a solid pick, especially if your goal is to party, connect, and experience the city’s vibrant scene.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at Central Hostel Bordeaux, between 9:00 PM and 9:45 PM. Check availability for exact times.

Do I need to print my reservation?
No, just show your reservation via email or screenshot on your phone. Guides will give you a green wristband upon arrival.

Are drinks included?
You get 4 free shots and enjoy discounted drinks at each bar, but additional drinks are paid for by you.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The pub crawl lasts about 5 hours, ending back at the starting point.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to and from the bars is not provided, so plan accordingly.

Is this suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, it’s designed for adults over 18, and pregnant women are not permitted to join.

The Bordeaux International Pub Crawl offers a fantastic way to see the city’s nightlife scene, enjoy some fun games, and meet people from around the world—all while keeping things affordable and VIP. Perfect for those who want an energetic, social, and memorable night in Bordeaux.