travel guide bristol

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Bristol Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 31, 2023

Bristol is an energetic and artsy city bursting with a robust restaurant scene, fascinating history, and lots of art. A college town with a youthful feeling, the city is full of great budget experiences, plenty of parks to relax in, interesting museums and historic homes, and a waterfront lined with art galleries and eateries.

Bristol is one of my favorite places to visit in England, and I’m not the only one who thinks so: in both 2014 and 2017, Bristol was named the best UK city. And that’s not the only award Bristol can claim — it won the European Green Capital Award in 2015, and in 2017 became a UNESCO City of Film.

In short, Bristol has a lot to offer. It’s an underrated city often overshadowed by England’s more international hubs but it’s definitely worth visiting for a day or two.

This travel guide to Bristol can help you plan a fun, affordable trip to this unappreciated gem!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Bristol

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Bristol

1. See the Clifton Suspension Bridge

Bristol’s most famous landmark is suspended 100 meters (330 feet) above the Avon River. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it is considered the mark of a turning point in the history of engineering, took 33 years to complete, and is now one of the oldest surviving iron suspension bridges in the world. The bridge provides sweeping views of the river and surrounding parks and buildings. The first modern bungee jump took place here in 1979 (though it was illegal at the time). It costs 1 GBP to cross the bridge in a car but is free for pedestrians and cyclists.

2. Visit Bristol Cathedral

Dating back to the 12th century, Bristol Cathedral was originally the abbey of St. Augustine. Parts of the Cathedral include Romanesque architecture and large vaulted ceilings in the nave, choir, and aisles, although the nave wasn’t built until 300 years after the rest of the cathedral. It’s open daily and admission is free. There aren’t currently any tours on offer but the welcome leaflet is useful to discover more about the building.

3. Learn nautical history aboard the SS Great Britain

Also designed by Brunel, the SS Great Britain was the world’s first steam-powered passenger liner. It was also the first screw-propelled, ocean-going, wrought iron ship. Built in 1843, it used both sail and steam power simultaneously, allowing it to travel across the Atlantic in half the time of other ships. You can visit the boat, its dockside museum, and even climb the rigging. Tickets are 19.50 GBP and you have to book an admission slot when you buy them. Tickets also permit free re-entry for one year from the date of first use in case you want to come back another day.

4. Visit St Nicholas Market

This bustling market has more shops than you could go through in an afternoon. Spend some time checking out the endless number of stalls offering seasonal local produce, second-hand books, vintage clothing, and more. It’s been trading since 1743 and now runs multiple different markets a week: St Nicholas Indoor market (Mon-Sat, 9.30am-5pm); Bristol Farmers’ and Producers’ market (every two weeks); Street Food Market (Tues and Fri, 11am-2.30pm) and Bristol Indies’ Market (Fri-Sat, 10am to 5pm).

5. Enjoy the street art

Other things to see and do in bristol, 1. take a pirate walks tour.

The Bristol Pirate Walks are short guided tours that take you to some of Bristol’s oldest neighborhoods. You’ll learn about Bristol’s early history in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries when slavery, maritime trading, and piracy were part of daily life. Tours cost 12.50 GBP and include visits to sites related to the legendary Long John Silver and Blackbeard’s Lair. Call ahead to check availability.

2. Hang out on King Street

King Street is a fascinating, historic part of Bristol dating to the 17th century. It used to be where the old sailing barges docked after their journeys from South Wales. Now the area is the heart of Bristol’s theater district and features numerous bars and restaurants too. The oldest continually operating theatre in England, Bristol Old Vic, is located on King Street. Tickets to a show start at 8 GBP.

3. Daytrip to Bath

The site of the ancient Roman baths is just a quick train ride away. The Romans used this area as their spa retreat up until the 5th century. Whether you’re interested in seeing the baths, cathedrals, or Jane Austen’s home (her family lived here in the early 19th century), Bath is an easy and enjoyable day trip from Bristol. Trains from Bristol to Bath run all day and it’s just a 16-minute ride for 8.80 GBP (return).

4. Explore the Wookey Hole Caves

This unique geological area, comprised of a series of limestone caves formed by an underground river, is another short day trip from Bristol. During your visit, you can take a 35-minute tour, stop in the historical museum, and view artifacts that archaeologists have uncovered in the caves. You can also take a boat ride through the murky cave waters and learn about spelunking. Don’t miss the famous Witch of Wookey Hole, a human-shaped stalagmite that legend says is a witch who was turned to stone. Most of the attractions are geared for children and families (other attractions at the site include animatronic dinosaurs). Admission is 19.95 GBP and you need to book a timeslot.

5. Take a stroll along the Bristol Harbour

The historic Bristol Harbour along the Avon River was traditionally known as the Floating Harbor because the water levels neither rise nor fall, keeping everything constant. Today, the harbor is home to most of Bristol’s busy street life and many of the city’s tourist attractions, including the Watershed Media Center and the M Shed Museum. In July, the free Bristol Harbour Festival features a weekend of activities on the waterfront including live music, dance performances, spoken word, food markets, circus acts, and more.

6. Tour the Bristol Aquarium

In a city with such close ties to the sea, it’s no wonder the Bristol Aquarium has several unique exhibitions on display. There’s an underwater tunnel that takes you through a recreated environment and even a sunken ship inside. The real attraction, though, is the Urban Jungle which features hundreds of exotic plants and trees, including mangroves. The jungle’s underwater environment is home to stingrays and freshwater fish from the Amazon rainforest. Tickets to the museum are 19.25 GBP, though you can also buy a 4-pack of adult tickets for a discount if traveling in a group. It’s a good place to visit if you’re traveling with kids.

7. Wander the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Bristol’s largest museum is home to an extensive collection of art and artifacts, including works from Bellini, Renoir, Hepworth, Sisley, and Bomberg. The ground floor has a collection of Egyptian mummies and other ancient artifacts, as well as displays dedicated to rare gems and crystals. Possibly the oddest yet most beloved part of the museum is Alfred the Gorilla, a mascot for the city. The gorilla originally lived in the Bristol Zoo, but since his death in 1948, he has been housed in a glass case on the second floor of the museum (he was even stolen for a few years in the 50s). Admission is free.

8. Visit M Shed

For a more in-depth look at the city of Bristol itself, visit this free museum. Over 3,000 artifacts comprise the museum’s exhibitions, which focus on the people and history of the city. The exhibition includes a collection of historic vessels, such as a fireboat and the oldest surviving steam tugboat (which is moored outside the museum). Admission is free.

9. Take a harbor tour

For an even closer look at the harbor, Bristol Ferry Boats offers daily harbor tours leaving from the city center. You float past all of Bristol’s maritime sights during the hour-long tour and learn more about the city. They also offer specialized cruises (such as a gin cruise) on certain days of the week. Tickets to the daily harbor tour are 9.75 GBP. There’s also an option to do a tour on The Matthew, a replica of John Cabot’s 1497 ship that he used to discover Newfoundland, or you can do a cruise of the Avon Gorge that goes under the Clifton Suspension Bridge (23 GBP).

10. Meander through Castle Park

Before being destroyed in World War II, Bristol’s main shopping district was located on the site of what is now this large harbor-side park. The park is home to several ruins: the 14th-century tower of St Mary-le-Port Church, the 12th-century St Peter’s Church (now a memorial to those who died in the Bristol Blitz), and vestiges of Bristol Castle itself. Stop in for a hot drink at the Vaulted Chambers Café, located within the last above-ground remnants of Bristol Castle.

11. Take a free walking tour

One of the first things I do in a new destination is to take a free walking tour. It’s the best budget-friendly way to see the main sights and connect with a local guide who can answer all your questions. Bristol Free Walking Tour hosts two-hour tours (they don’t run in winter) that can show you all the highlights. They meet in front of the Victoria Rooms, next to the fountains. There’s no need to book; just turn up a few minutes before it starts. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

For more information on other cities in England, check out these guides:

• Bath Travel Guide
• Brighton Travel Guide
• Cambridge Travel Guide
• Liverpool Travel Guide
• London Travel Guide
• Manchester Travel Guide
• Oxford Travel Guide

Bristol Travel Costs

Hostel prices – There aren’t too many hostel options in the city and some close in the off-season. A dorm with 4-8 beds costs 20 GBP. Several of the hostels are still currently only offering private rooms from 70 GBP and up per night due to COVID -19. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities.

There is only one campground in the immediate area (Ennywevers Campsite), but if you branch out from the city you can find others. Expect to pay around 10 GBP for a basic tent plot without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels cost 70 GBP per night (its closer to 80-90 GBP in high season). Free Wi-Fi is standard and breakfast is often included.

There are also lots of Airbnb options in Bristol. Private rooms start at 35 GBP per night (although 50 GBP is more realistic, particularly in peak season), while a full apartment averages 90-100 GBP per night.

Food – While British cuisine has evolved in leaps and bounds due to immigration (and colonialism), it’s still very much a meat and potatoes country. Fish and chips remain a popular staple for both lunch and dinner while roasted and stewed meats, sausages, meat pies, and the quintessential Yorkshire pudding are all common options as well. Curry (and other Indian dishes, such as tikka masala), are super popular too.

For falafel or sandwiches, prices start at around 6 GBP. A cheap pub meal of fish and chips costs around 10 GBP.

A meal at a casual pub or restaurant costs 12-16 GBP for a main course while a pint of beer costs 5-6 GBP. Dining on the waterfront or at a mid-range restaurant costs around 30 GBP for a multi-course meal with a drink.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 6 GBP for a combo meal while pizza starts at 9 GBP. Indian food starts at 10 GBP for a main dish.

Lattes/cappuccinos cost around 3.40 GBP while bottled water is around 1.20 GBP.

If you choose to cook your own meals, a week’s worth of groceries costs 40-50 GBP . This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Bristol Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Bristol, expect to spend 55 GBP per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, taking public transit, limiting your drinking, cooking your own meals, and doing mostly free activities like museum visits and seeing the suspension bridge. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 GBP per day to your budget.

A mid-range budget of 135 GBP per day covers staying in a private Airbnb room or private hostel, eating out for most of your meals, taking the occasional taxi, having a few drinks, and a few paid activities such as a harbor cruise or street art tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 220 GBP or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car or take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GBP.

Bristol Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

With cheap pubs, public parks, an accessible waterfront, and a few hostels, there are plenty of ways to save money in Bristol. Here are my top ways to save money when you visit:

• Chill in the park – It seems like Bristol is one giant park, with many great places to relax, play Frisbee, read, and picnic. It’s a low-cost way to spend an afternoon, hang out, and people-watch.
• Eat cheap – Bristol is a college town with lots of cheap sandwich shops and restaurants. Flock to where the students go to save money on your meals. Popular places for students include St. Nick’s Market, the Harbourside Market, and places along Wapping Wharf (Bertha’s for pizza is a great stop).
• Visit the museums – Learn about Bristol’s fascinating history by going to the museums, all of which are free.
• Take a free walking tour – If you’re there on a weekend, be sure to take a free walking tour. It lasts a couple of hours and is a nice way to get a sense of the city. Bristol Free Walking Tour offers free tours that cover the highlights. Visit Bristol also offers several free self-guided audio tours for download on their website.
• Stay with a local – If you’re on a budget, use Couchsurfing to stay with a local. It’s a great way to cut costs while getting insider tips and advice. Just note that many students are away during the summer so be sure to apply early.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Bristol

Bristol has a few hostels; however, most are not currently booking dorms due to COVID safety protocols. Nevertheless, here are my favorite places to stay in Bristol for when things open up again:

• The Full Moon Backpackers
• YHA Bristol
• Clift Guest House

How to Get Around Bristol

Public transportation – Public transit for Bristol and the surrounding area operates on a zone system, so bus prices depend on how far you go. A single fare in Zone A (Bristol and the immediate area) costs 3.50 GBP, with a daily cap of 6 GBP (the price of a Zone A day pass). The city center is easily walkable but to get to some of the outer parts of the city you need to take a bus.

Bicycle – Bristol is a bike-friendly city, ranking as the UK’s best city for cycling. Cycle the City and Bristol Cycle Shack both offer day rentals for 15-18 GBP. If you’re planning to cycle outside of the main city area to enjoy the riverside country trails, consider getting an electric bike or a mountain bike to make the trip easier. You can even cycle all the way to Bath (there’s a bike path and it’s just 13 miles). Electric bike rentals cost 35 GBP per day (8 hours).

Taxi – Taxis are readily available, with prices starting at 2.60 GBP and going up 2.13 GBP per mile. Given how expensive they are, I wouldn’t take one unless absolutely necessary.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Bristol but again walking or cycling are the easiest (and cheapest) ways to get around in the compact city.

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 20 GBP per day for a multi-day rental. Keep in mind that traffic flows on the left and that most cars have a manual transmission. You don’t need a car to explore the city, however, it might be helpful if you want to explore the region.

When to Go to Bristol

Bristol doesn’t get too cold, but like most English cities, it also doesn’t get too hot. Summer is peak tourism season and temperatures are the warmest during this time – but rarely are they ever above 22°C (72°F). People make the most of the warm weather and during July and August, there are tons of events and festivals happening along the Bristol harbor. One of the most famous is the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta when hundreds of hot air balloons fill the sky during the first two weeks of August.

Spring (late March-June) and autumn (September-November) are also fantastic times to visit, as temperatures are mild and the summer crowds have thinned out. You can still walk everywhere and hang out in the parks. Just bring a rain jacket.

Winter lasts from December to February and temperatures can dip below freezing (0°C/32°F). While prices are a bit lower, I wouldn’t visit during the winter as you’ll miss out on the parks and other outdoor activities.

How to Stay Safe in Bristol

Bristol is a safe city and the risk of violent crime here is low. Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Scams and pickpocketing can occur around high-traffic areas, especially on busy weekend nights in the city center when partygoers are a little less aware. Always keep your valuables secure and out of sight just to be safe.

If you’re partying in the student pubs, be aware of your surroundings and avoid dimly lit alleys and pathways when heading home. Pickpockets tend to work in teams, so stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Bristol Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Bristol Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling England and continue planning your trip:

The 14 Best Things to Do in Bristol

Where to Stay in London: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 8 Best Hostels in London

How to Spend a Week in London

The 9 Best Walking Tour Companies in London

70+ Free Things to Do in London

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The ultimate Bristol travel guide

By Richard Godwin and Olivia Morelli

Bristol doesn’t like to brag. If anything, it’s the precise opposite. City native Banksy ’s mural in Stokes Croft reminds visitors that this is ‘The Mild, Mild West’. As soon as Londoners began cooing over its elegant terraces, dynamic restaurants and relaxed, multicultural vibe, a countermovement was launched to Make Bristol Sh*t Again.

It would be easy to pass through the city without realising how special it is. The centre was carpet-bombed by the Luftwaffe and then again by post-war town planners. But wander around the harbour, the pastel cottages of Cliftonwood or strange pixieville of St Werburghs; behold St Paul’s Carnival or the hot-air balloons floating over the Avon Gorge; walk in any direction, in fact, and there’s no mistaking Bristol’s charm. At its grandest, its architecture is no less magnificent than that of bougie neighbour Bath , the main difference being that Bath is Farrow & Balled to oblivion, whereas here houses are rickety and lived-in and usually have reggae or skunk wafting out of their sash windows.

Since moving here a couple of years ago, I’ve noticed that Bristolians seem to spend much of their time making very impressive things, such as robotic limbs or nature documentaries – but they don’t go on about it. They also tend to be extremely friendly, in a dreamy, oh-don’t-mind-me sort of way. People solicit life advice in pubs, or tell you they had a bumper harvest of plums on the allotment. What makes the place so appealing is the quiet confidence it has in its own rhythms; Bristol time, as it’s known. It can be heard in its famously slow sound, known as trip hop, pioneered by Massive Attack and Portishead in the 1990s. Even the topography lends itself to the city’s unhurried nature. Take a shortcut between Bishopston and Clifton and a combination of hills and bends will often bring you back to where you started, only 15 minutes late. There is a reason that Bristol, with its moss-damp backstreets, overgrown alleyways and hidden intrigues, is consistently voted one of the happiest places in Britain, and one of the best city breaks in the UK . Not that we like to boast.

The best restaurants in Bristol

Bristol has one of the most exciting food scenes in Britain right now. We've rounded up the best restaurants in Bristol for tapas, foraged food, supper spots and morning pick-me-ups.

By Emma Henderson and Annabel Herrick

The 10 best vegan restaurants in Bristol

Bristol has one of the highest concentrations of vegans in the UK, and chefs around the city are stepping up to the plant-based plate. Here's our pick of the best vegan restaurants in Bristol.

By Xanthe Clay

The top things to do in Bristol

Tips and tricks on the best things to do in Bristol , from art tours tracking down original Banksys to the best places for film and walks.

Paul Richardson

CNT Editors

Arati Menon

Olivia Morelli

By Elly Deakin

The best hotels in Bristol

For where to stay in the UK's happiest city, from scrappy Stokes Croft to high-end Clifton, see our round up of the best hotels in Bristol.

By Annabel Herrick

Where to shop in Bristol

Bristol's independent streak runs through its shopping scene – here are some of the best shops, boutiques and markets in Bristol for food, fashion and gifts.

The best bars, clubs and live music in Bristol

Where to drink and dance in the incredibly creative city, from its finest brewery and a cool secret bar to a club that floats.

By Annabel Herrick and Richard Godwin

Like this? Now read:

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By Rick Jordan

Travel guide to Edinburgh

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Bristol Travel Guide

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: December 6, 2022

O ur  Bristol Travel Guide  includes recommended places to visit and things to do, best day trips, accommodation options, tips and more for this English city. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to Bristol.

Plan your visit to Bristol

Located in England’s south west the city of Bristol is associated with 2 very famous (but very different individuals) namely Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Banksy! (And I shouldn’t forget it is also the birthplace of Wallace & Grommit as Nick Park the creator of Aardman Animations is also from Bristol)

Whether you plan to visit Bristol to enjoy the engineering genius of Brunel or the creative genius of Banksy there is plenty to do and see in the city to keep you busy.

Popular attractions include the SS Great Britain, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, M Shed, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Known for its excellent cafes and craft beer Bristol is the perfect destination for foodies too.

What you will find in this complete Bristol Travel Guide

Map of Bristol

When is the best time of year to visit bristol, how many days do you need in bristol, what is the best way to explore bristol, 🚆 by train from london – bristol, 🚙 by car, ⭐️ attractions, things to do in bristol & surrounding areas, the bristol hotel, avon gorge by hotel du vin, 3 berkeley square guesthouse, 🎟 tickets, tours & attractions in bristol, best day trips and tours from bristol, books set in bristol, 💛 enjoy your visit to bristol.

📖 Bristol travel guide – Visiting Bristol FAQ’s

As with anywhere in the UK the summer months are a popular time to visit. This makes it more crowded and pushes up prices. This is also the time of year when many festivals and events are held in Bristol.

If you can visit at any time of year perhaps the best time to go is during the spring or autumn. The temperatures may be a tad cooler but the city will be quieter and less busy.

• Read more about the best time to visit the UK in my detailed guide.

There are a number of festivals and events held in and around Bristol during the year including one of the most famous music festivals in the world – Glastonbury (hopefully returning in 2022)

• Bristol Shakespeare Festiva l – TBA
• Beats and Eats Bristol – TBA
• Love Saves The Day – 27 May to 28 May 2023
• Foodies Festival – 12 May to 14 May 2023

We recommend a couple of days to explore Bristol (the perfect weekend staycation ) and to properly enjoy the culture, history, art and good food and drink Bristol has in abundance.

Bristol is a great city to explore on foot. There is a Metrobus which runs between the train station and city centre. There are also 4 Park and Ride locations available if you prefer to avoid driving into Bristol.

Take the ferry which runs two routes including stops at popular destinations such as the M Shed museum, SS Great Britain and Temple Meads.

What is the best way to travel to Bristol from London?

For timetables and tickets, we recommend the trainline . Take the train to Bristol for a short break or incorporate it into your UK train travel itinerary.

• Distance from London: 170 km
• Time taken by train: Just under 1 hour 30 mins
• Leave from: London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads

Tip – If this is your first time catching a train in the UK read our complete guide to UK train travel which includes all the information you need to know to make travelling around the UK by rail a relaxing and stress-free experience.

If using the motorways Bristol is a 2 hour drive from London on the M4. If you are thinking of parking in the city you will be pleased to hear there are over 11,000 parking spaces including many around the popular attractions such as the Harbourside and Bristol Shopping Quarter .

If you prefer to avoid the hassle of driving into a large city like Bristol there are 4 Park and Ride locations in Bristol where you can leave your car and catch a bus. Click here for more information about Bristol Park & Ride

Read – UK transportation guide

Click the links for more information about the best places to visit in Bristol and surrounding areas and counties.

THINGS TO DO IN BRISTOL

TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN SOUTH WEST ENGLAND

BATH TRAVEL GUIDE

DORSET & JURASSIC COAST TRAVEL GUIDE

CORNWALL TRAVEL GUIDE

DEVON TRAVEL GUIDE

COTSWOLDS TRAVEL GUIDE

CARDIFF TRAVEL GUIDE

🏩 Bristol Accommodation

Accommodation quick picks for bristol.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Superb location for marina, bars, restaurants and city centre.

Best beer garden view in the UK! Luxury hotel with fabulous decor.

Beautiful property with fabulous breakfast. 

Find more special stays in my Accommodation Guide for England.

⭐️ CLICK FOR MORE INFO ABOUT OUR TRAVEL ITINERARY PLANNERS

As well as the many great things to do in Bristol itself the city is also a great location from which to explore the nearby cities of Bath or Cardiff.

Why not book a tour to Stonehenge or the Cotswolds?

We use Get Your Guide when choosing tours – they have a huge selection plus one of the best cancellation policies in the business (so no stressing if your plans change at the last minute)

Viator is another company we have used around the world. I have listed the best tours available from both companies to give you a lot of choices!

This guide will have provided inspiration plus practical information to help plan your visit to Bristol. These posts will also provide practical advice for travelling around the UK:

• UK train travel guide
• Salisbury Travel Guide
• Britain by train – top 10 UK rail journeys (+ map & tips)
• 17 Things to do in the Cotswolds
• Oxford Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)
• 25 Best Places to Visit in Cornwall (+ map & tips)

Find more inspiration for your travels in my England Travel Guide which includes information about what to see, where to stay, how to get around, travel tips, recommended reading and more to make the most of your trip.

The 15 best things to do in Bristol - from Banksy to bridges

Jan 23, 2022 • 8 min read

Street art – including many works by famous native son Banksy – is a calling card of Bristol © rafalkrakow / iStock / Getty Images

One meander through the colorful streets of Bristol  and you’ll be hooked on the city’s passion for creativity.

From Brunel’s groundbreaking steamships to Banksy’s thought-provoking art, this city on the Avon River prides itself on taking risks and breaking the rules. And that heritage extends far beyond its most famous sons: whether it’s the artisans at St Nicholas Market or the independent restaurants at Wapping Wharf, all of Bristol’s people contribute to its inventive spirit. 

Here are a few of the things not to miss as you explore this vivid city.

Cross one of the world’s most famous bridges

It’s all about location. Visionary Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel oversaw many groundbreaking projects throughout his illustrious career, and few are as spectacular as the Clifton Suspension Bridge . Crossing the 245ft-high chasm of the Avon Gorge, the bridge runs from the handsome Georgian neighborhood of Clifton over to the serene streets and bucolic landscapes of North Somerset. 

Tragically, while Brunel never lived to see the bridge in its final form – completed in 1864, it took 34 years to build – it looks today as magnificent today as it did in his original sketches. Cross the bridge’s 702ft span on food to get a wind-whipped idea of its grandeur. If that still isn’t enough, a tour from its Visitor Centre will teach you more about the history of Bristol’s most iconic site. 

Go belowdecks on a 19th-century ship

Another masterpiece of design by Brunel, the SS Great Britain  has resided in Bristol since 1970. A heroic salvage operation in the Falkland Islands thousands of miles away brought the ship back to the Bristol harbor, where she was first built in 1856; it’s remarkable she still exists in one piece. Today, visitors can explore almost every inch of the almost 100m-long vessel. 

The tour of the first ship in the world to be both built of iron and powered by a screw propeller begins belowdecks with a slightly unnerving walk beneath the vast hull and around that huge propeller. It’s a perfect introduction to your discovery of this pioneering ship.

Experience the counterculture in Stokes Croft

The epicenter of Bristol’s creative movement, the Strokes Croft neighborhood offers a smorgasbord of jaunty art, cool cafes, quirky pubs, vintage shops and more. Just north of the city center, this district has a palpable sense of counterculture, community and artistic drive that few other neighborhoods in the UK can match. 

Home to some original Banksy pieces and local institutions like the Crofter’s Rights and Canteen , Stokes Croft is perfect for a wander day or night. 

Enjoy the views from Cabot Tower

From the tumbling cliffsides of the Avon Gorge to the breathlessly steep walk up Nine Tree Hill, Bristol promises wild topography. So there might be nowhere better to get a panoramic view of this cinematic city than from the top of a hill.

Built at the end of the 19th century to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s historic voyage to Newfoundland, Cabot Tower at the top of Brandon Hill offers gorgeous views of Bristol and the surrounding countryside. 

Stay in an artistic haven

Bristol has bold artistic traditions, and the Artist Residence on Portland Square does right by them. Located on the square’s northwestern corner in a handsome Georgian townhouse, this boutique hotel has spacious stylish rooms dotted with unique art and period features. 

With mid-century modern furniture and high ceilings allowing plenty of natural light, its breezy Library bar is a fine neighborhood spot for a quiet drink. (We recommend the divine Smoky Martini.)

Take a walk in the woods

At a compact two square miles, Leigh Woods Nature Reserve packs a lot into its small size. Located just across the Clifton Suspension Bridge on the western side of the Avon Gorge, these ancient woods provide a tranquil escape from the city and boast stunning views of the bridge from an angle few visitors ever see. 

As well as rare flora and fauna, the woods are also home to Stokeleigh Camp, an Iron Age hill fort dating back to 350 BCE whose rising green ridges are clearly visible today.

See some of the best street art anywhere

Few cities in the UK have an identity as purely visual as Bristol’s. Using the city’s streets, buildings, walls and parks as an enormous canvas, Bristol’s street artists have given the city a color and richness that capture the eye almost immediately. The street art visible just about everywhere embodies the city’s vibrant and creative culture.

The enigmatic Banksy is the local whose work really put Bristol on the map over 20 years ago. You can explore his oeuvre in glorious yet succinct detail on tours run by Where The Wall . Taking you by Banksy classics like Mild Mild West and Well Hung Lover , global graffiti art authority John Nation explains the history and significance of these works, and why they could only have been made in Bristol. 

Sip some cider

England’s West Country is one of the world’s most foremost cider regions, so unsurprisingly its largest city is home to some sublime cider pubs. Quietly situated at the end of a low-lit street in Clifton, The Coronation Tap  – CoriTap to locals – is a 200-year-old cider house famous for serving the fearsome 8.4% Exhibition cider (only available in half pints).

Other superb spots for sampling the fermented apple beverage include the charming riverside barge The Apple in the Old City. On  Spike Island ,  The Orchard Inn  is a traditional pub dating back to 1834 with over 20 different dry and sweet ciders available. 

Lie back at the Lido

An oasis in the heart of Clifton’s busy residential streets, Bristol Lido is a restored Victorian outdoor swimming pool with a unique open-air setting. Flanked by wooden changing rooms on one side and a modern European restaurant on the other, this modern bathhouse is a gorgeous retreat that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day. 

Especially pretty in the evening under the glow of the lights, the Lido also features a hot tub and a sauna, very welcome amenities during the winter months. 

Learn what makes Bristol, Bristol

Some city museums display gaudy art and artifacts from far-flung corners of the globe. On the other extreme, Bristol’s M Shed  goes deep into the fascinating, hyper-local makeup of this city, from its unsung heroes to proud neighborhood heritage. 

M Shed celebrates everything that makes Bristol what it is today – without shying away from difficult episodes from the past. Handled with particular care is the city’s historical relationship with the slave trade, especially the sobering exhibition on the (in)famous Bristol merchant and colonial trader Edward Colston. 

Sample the diverse food scene

With Bristol’s cultural range and creative mindset, it makes perfect sense that the city has a rich food scene, too. From the zesty Jamaican favorite ackee and saltfish at Carribean Croft to Coconut Tree’s fiery Sri Lankan Jaffna goat curry, there’s a wild variety of flavors to choose from.

If you want to choose from a selection of alluring flavors in one location, head to the famous St Nicholas Market in the Old Town, or the shipping containers converted into food stalls at Wapping Wharf . 

Make some waves

If you’ve ever dreamed of surfing outdoors but far from the rough sea, meet The Wave . Just outside Bristol, this pioneering 180m-long inland surfing lake is the first of its kind in the UK, and is powered by 100% renewable energy. 

It’s also a hugely welcoming environment with encouraging coaches who get just as much of a kick from seeing beginners ride their first wave as the surfers do themselves. Yes, you’re sure to wipe out a few times – but that first stand-up surf above the waves makes every tumble worth it. 

Question your own ways of thinking

Bristol’s We The Curious does things a little differently from typically didactic science museums. Intended to get kids thinking about the world around them, this science center asks visitors questions in an interactive, visual and playful manner. 

Located by the historic harbor, We The Curious engages young people’s natural curiosity, even encouraging them to leave their own questions pinned to the wall as a way of expanding the conversation. Don’t miss the remarkable 3D Planetarium shows on the first floor. 

Pedal around a bit

With so much green space, Bristol’s a fine city for enjoying the great outdoors. And there might be no better way to enjoy the fresh air than by cycling the 14-mile Bristol and Bath Railway Path. Entirely free of cars, this converted railway right-of-way offers an eco-friendly path to Bath’s ancient Roman spas and majestic Georgian streets. 

Within Bristol’s city limits, Pedal Progression will take your cycling to the next level by showing you the finer techniques of mountain biking amid the lush trees and hills of Ashton Court Estate. 

Get high (in a hot-air balloon)

Bristol’s long relationship with aviation is proudly displayed at Aerospace Bristol , where visitors are able to explore, among other mechanical highlights, the last Concorde to ever fly. 

For something more genteel than supersonic, hot-air balloons take to the skies around Bristol throughout the year. Organize a trip with Bailey Balloons or Elite Air to see the city from thrilling new heights. 

You might also like: Bristol’s former police HQ is now a chic hostel on a mission to help the homeless How to get around in England this winter Top 9 road trips in England

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A Local’s Guide To Bristol: Insider Tips + Things To Do

As we’ve had the fortune to call Bristol our home for the past eight years, we’ve written a whole heap of Bristol travel blogs . 

But we also wanted to create a one-off Bristol city guide that pulls all our top tips, must-sees and things to know about Bristol into one place for you.

A “one-stop-shop” Bristol travel guide if you will.

This is our local’s guide to Bristol and we hope it’s full of tips, inspiration and must-knows for your visit – and how best to experience Bristol like a local!

Jump To The Content You Want To Read:

• Facts About Bristol
• Bristol Bucket List
• Must-See Festivals & Events
• Itineraries
• Where To Stay

10 Incredible Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Bristol

As with a lot of UK cities, Bristol is home to so many weird and wonderful secrets and stories to tell . 

Here are a few of our favourite facts about Bristol that you probably didn’t know:

• Bristol has its own currency: the Bristol Pound
• A Bristol-based firm (Fry’s Chocolate) was the first company in the world to produce solid chocolate bars and the first company to make chocolate Easter eggs
• North America was discovered by John Cabot who set sail from Bristol on The Matthew in 1497
• Guerrilla street artist Banksy was born in Bristol in the 1970s and spent some of his childhood here
• The first-ever bungee jump took place from the Clifton Suspension Bridge in 1979
• The popular blackcurrant squash drink Ribena was invented in Bristol in 1933 as part of a scientific experiment
• Bristol is the world’s largest manufacturer of hot air balloons
• Bristol is the home of the fun cartoon series Wallace and Gromit
• The infamous pirate Captain Blackbeard was born and raised in Bristol and once had a hideaway cave under St. Mary Redcliffe Church
• Before the introduction of train travel in 1840, Bristol had its own timezone, which ran ten minutes behind London time

Discover more interesting facts about Bristol here >>

Bristol Bucket List For First Time Visitors

Although there are a ton of things to do in Bristol that you’ll love, here are our top must-sees for any first timer’s Bristol bucket list:

1. Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Bristol so shouldn’t be missed! 

It dates back to 1864 and costs £1 to cross it by car or you can walk across it for free.

2. SS Great Britain

Brunel also designed the SS Great Britain, which was launched in 1843. 

In its heyday, it regularly transported Victorian passengers to far-off lands including Australia! 

Climb aboard this infamous ship for a unique and historic day out in Bristol.

3. The Matthew

The Matthew is another of Bristol’s most famous ships. 

In 1497, John Cabot set sail from Bristol on it and discovered Newfoundland (aka America). 

The ship you can hop on board today is a replica but still deserves its place on your Bristol bucket list.

4. Banksy Street Art Walking Tour

As Bristol is Banksy’s birthplace and where he grew up, it should come as no surprise that you’ll find some of his earliest and unknown works of art here as well as more famous pieces. 

And you can see them all on your own self-guided Banksy walking tour – check it out!

5. Gloucester Road

Gloucester Road once boasted the longest road of independent shops in all of Europe and is still a fantastic place for a “mooch”. 

From quirky clothing to unique gifts and delicious patisseries, there’s so much amazing shopping on offer along this stretch of road, which is very popular with locals.

6. Cabot Tower

Who doesn’t love perfect city views ?

Cabot Tower in Brandon Hill Park offers some of the best views of the city, whilst also offering a perfect picnic spot in the accompanying park.

And at sunset, a climb to the top of Cabot Tower is a very romantic thing to do in Bristol !

7. Watersports at the harbourside

As can be expected from a city that prides itself on its youthful fun vibe, you can take part in many watersports activities at the harbourside.

These can include paddle boarding, sailing, windsurfing and on some occasions, even dragon boat racing!

8. International Balloon Fiesta

Bristol is home to some of the best free festivals including the International Balloon Fiesta held every August.

Tourists come from far and wide to see this spectacle, which rivals even that of Cappadocia in Turkey.

Watch hundreds of hot air balloons sail overhead, see the famous balloon night glow and hang out on roller coasters with your friends… all for free !

It’s one of the most awesome Bristol bucket list activities ever!

• 75 Best Things To Do in Bristol for First Time Visitors
• 30 Free Things To Do in Bristol
• 16 Epic Date Ideas & Romantic Things To Do in Bristol
• 7 of the Best Dog Walks in Bristol You’ll Both Love

Must-See Bristol Festivals & Events

Ask anyone in love with Bristol and they’ll tell you that fun is the city’s middle name. 

So it should come as no surprise that Bristol is home to various events and festivals throughout the year that are NOT to be missed.

1. International Balloon Fiesta

When: Early August Where: Ashton Court Estate Why visit: The International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest meeting of hot air balloons, seeing over 130 balloons take to the skies every year. It’s been running for over 40 years and is completely free! Even if large crowds aren’t really your thing, you can always find a quiet spot in most areas of the city to watch the balloons sail overhead. Cost: FREE Don’t miss: The night glow… which sees hot air balloons light up in time to music and cheers from the crowds! More info: www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk

2. Bristol Harbour Festival

When: Mid-July Where: The Harbourside Why visit: Bristol’s Harbour Festival is a celebration of the city’s thriving harbour, port and maritime history. During the festival, various events and demonstrations happen, such as those of lifesaving swimming dogs, flyboarding and boat races. It’s great fun (especially if the sun is shining)… Cost: FREE Don’t miss: The annual cardboard box boat race… you’ll likely find yourself cheering on a bunch of people swimming and pulling along their cardboard behind them! More info: www.bristolharbourfestival.co.uk

3. St Paul’s Carnival

When: Early July Where: St Paul’s Why visit: St Paul’s Carnival is a celebration of everything Afro-Caribbean related including food, music and the carnival atmosphere, emphasising Bristol’s multicultural diversity and acceptance. Cost: FREE Don’t miss: The carnival itself… despite the various acts and performances available throughout the day, the carnival really does steal the show! More info: www.stpaulscarnival.net

4. Bristol Open Doors Festival

When: Mid-September Where: Multiple locations across the city Why visit: For one weekend every year, Bristol unlocks over 100 doors that are normally closed to the public, thanks to the Bristol Open Doors Festival. From old houses and decrepit bank vaults to historic museums and sacred churches, this is your one chance every year to see something in Bristol that you wouldn’t ordinarily see. Cost: FREE Don’t miss: The Redcliffe Caves… head out on a self-guided tour of Bristol’s old mine complex, which was used to help excavate red sandstone from the 15th century to the 18th century. Heads up: there are no lights so make sure you bring your torch! More info: www.bristolopendoors.org.uk

5. Love Saves The Day

When: Late May Where: Eastville Park Why visit: Love Saves The Day is one of Bristol’s most popular festivals, which often markets itself as the city’s Glastonbury. Home to various locally and internationally renowned live music acts, DJs and performances to suit multiple music tastes, this festival also sees its fair share of high-profile acts as well. Cost: From £38.50 per adult More info: www.lovesavestheday.org

6. Bristol Pride Festival

When: Early July Where: Millennium Square and Castle Park Why visit: Bristol is – without a doubt – one of the most diverse and inclusive cities throughout the UK, which means it should come as no surprise that the Bristol Pride Festival is world-class! Cost: FREE Don’t miss: The parade… last year, over 12,000 people took part in the parade. It’s big. It’s bold. And it’s going to knock your socks off! More info: www.bristolpride.co.uk

7. Bristol Shakespeare Festival

When: Throughout July Where: Multiple locations across the city Why visit: The Bristol Shakespeare Festival sees various performances and events inspired by the Bard himself take place throughout indoor and outdoor spaces across Bristol for the whole month of July. Whether you enjoy theatre, poetry readings, musicals or informative lectures, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy if you’re into culture and/or literature. Cost: Price varies per show Don’t miss: The Bard Buskers… who bring Shakespeare to life in the form of street music! More info: www.bristolshakespearefestival.org.uk

8. DogFest Bristol

When: Late June Where: Ashton Court Estate Why visit: DogFest is fairly new to Bristol, but is a must for dog owners and lovers alike. Run by Noel Fitzpatrick (aka The Supervet), this event showcases the latest and greatest dog food, accessories and gadgets via market stalls, as well as various expert talks and doggy demonstrations that you’ll enjoy and learn from. It’s also great for socialisation (for both you and your dog!) Cost: From £17.66 per adult Don’t miss: The police dog demonstration… they’re so skilled they even put Lassie to shame! More info: www.dog-fest.co.uk/bristol

Best of Bristol Itineraries

One day in bristol.

If you’ve got just one day in Bristol to spare then here’s what you should see and do:

• Morning: Harbourside walk and Clifton Suspension Bridge
• Afternoon: Gloucester Road and Banksy street art walking tour
• Evening: Cabot Tower sunset visit and back to the harbourside for dinner and drinks

See this Bristol itinerary in full here >>

One Weekend in Bristol

If you have a full weekend to spend in Bristol then we recommend you do everything above on one of the days, while the other day includes a visit to the SS Great Britain or a festival if you’re lucky enough to be in the city while there’s one going on!

Best of Bristol Food Guide

Bristol is one of the trendiest cities in the UK and is awash with local, trendy, bustling restaurants. 

Tourists might come to Bristol for the cool street art , hipster vibe and fabulous free festivals, but they stay for the quirky, trendy, exciting foods on offer here. 

Whether you’re after a slap-up posh affair, a sizzling pizza or the most fabulous of afternoon teas , Bristol caters for the foodie in us all in any way possible.

Here’s our best of Bristol food guide…

Beese’s Riverside Bar

Only open during the spring and summer months, and requiring a boat to get to it, Beese’s Riverside Bar is such a unique restaurant experience in Bristol.

The food itself is pretty good, serving the usual bar snacks and ‘pub grub’ such as burgers, sandwiches, salads and chips.

And their beer garden is large and sitting right on the riverbank – that’s why it’s only open during the nicer parts of the year as their garden floods during the winter.

But on a sunny day, hopping onto their boat (for 50p return per person), and ordering some drinks and a few snacks can be a really great way of spending your day. You can even follow all of this up with a riverside walk in nearby Conham River Park .

Côte Brasserie

Located within one of the poshest areas of Bristol, Clifton Village, Côte Brasserie is everything you should expect from a fancy French restaurant.

Their chicken dishes are made from corn-fed chickens reared in the heart of rural Brittany, they have fish dishes to suit most seafood lover’s tastes and oh, their desserts are to die for! From gooey chocolate fondants to praline crêpes, you’d be hard pushed not to try them all.

No. 51 Stokes Croft

Primarily a bar with a decent beer garden, you may be surprised to find that you can get some fantastic stonebaked pizzas at No.51 as well.

They have so much choice on offer, from cheesy to meaty to vegetarian-friendly, each with that classic smoky stonebaked flavour.

And as they’re not technically a restaurant, their prices are very pocket friendly! Our advice? Come for a cider, stay for the pizza.

The Bristol Flyer

A trip to the UK should most definitely involve eating some proper ‘pub grub’, and The Bristol Flyer , located along Gloucester Road is one of the best pub food offerings in Bristol.

We recommend checking out their roasts, swiftly followed by some refreshing cider or wine. Although they do have a beer garden, it’s quite small out the back, so you’d be best sitting inside their very roomy bar and restaurant.

Something else we love about The Flyer is how relaxed and chilled it is. Locals come here not just for food, but for some post-work drinks, so you can happily head out to dinner in your jeans if you want to.

Za Za Bazaar

There are just a couple of Za Za Bazaar restaurants around the UK. One of the best restaurants near the Bristol harbourside, and looking out over the harbour itself, you may be lucky to secure a table by the window for great views.

So you’ve heard of all-you-can-eat buffets. But have you heard of somewhere that offers food from across the globe? Yep, that’s right! You could be eating cheesy Italian pizza one minute, helping yourself to onion bhajis the next and then working your way around the dessert island. Yes, a whole island for desserts!

It’s probably a good thing that they have a 1 hour 45 minute time limit for each table, or you could leave several kilos heavier if you’re not careful. But when the food’s this good, who really cares?

Insider Tip: Come during the lunch slot and your meal will be a few quid cheaper than during the evening. They don’t have every single food item out during this time, but with so much choice on offer, you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything to be honest!

Italian has to be one of our most favourite cuisines, and thankfully, Bristol has a few great options in and around the city.

Our top choice of Italian restaurants in Bristol is Ciao found near The Hippodrome.

It’s a small, family-run restaurant, offering a really authentic Italian restaurant experience. And the best bit? Tourists don’t know about this one!

Patisserie Valerie

Although Patisserie Valerie is a large chain and can be found throughout the UK, their hot drinks, cakes and afternoon teas are sublime!

If you happen to be combining a visit to Patisserie Valerie with some Christmas shopping at Cribbs Causeway in Bristol, then go in search of their Festive Afternoon Tea, which comes complete with a free box of mince pies to take home with you.

Pieminister

With a couple of pie shops in Bristol as well as others in Nottingham and Leeds, Pieminister is still a local chain selling traditional (yet trendy) British pie and mash .

We Brits are really pleased with our pie and mash combinations so it’s always a firm favourite. From the traditional steak and kidney pie to marvellous meaty ones (and everything in between), Pieminister has several different types of pie to suit your trendy taste buds.

Oh and their mash is buttery, creamy and smooth. Are you drooling yet?

The Beehive Coffee House

The Beehive Coffee House in Downend is a small, independently run café which specialises in fantastic freakshakes!

The Beehive top their shakes with all manner of things like doughnuts, sauce, sprinkles, marshmallows, chocolate bars, you name it. They even have a “Freak of the Week”, which is a totally special, limited edition shake, varying with each week.

They also sell homemade cakes, decent sandwiches and the usual hot drinks – with ingredients all locally sourced from around the city.

Again, primarily a local drinking hole, The Social is a firm favourite for a Somerset cider or a gin and tonic. But grab a table in the back and choose from some exquisite meals as well!

Their menus change with each season as they always prefer to use local produce, so they work with what is being farmed and grown at that particular point in the year.

If it’s on offer at the time, we’d recommend their pan-roasted duck breast, which is utterly delicious. 

They also like to cater to those who have special dietary requirements, so for the gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian among you, no need to worry. And if you have any other special requirements? Just let them know as they’re more than happy to help.

At busy times you may struggle to find a table  so get in there quick!

St Nick’s Market

Found within the centre of Bristol, St Nicholas Market (St Nick’s to the locals) is a hidden little secret. This is a typical street food market but with a difference.

Being trendy Bristol, you have the delight of knowing this is the place to come for falafel (huge portions of it), super energy boosting smoothies and posh locally sourced sausages (big ones and full of flavour)!

If you fancy some street food with a bang, then head to St Nick’s market in the centre. Your only problem will be choosing which stall to buy food from!

Dog Friendly – Café Grounded

Truly dog friendly food and drinks places don’t come easy although companies are coming around to the idea of it. One of the best Bristol cafés and a true dog friendly one is Café Grounded .

Although you’d expect to only come here for tea and cake, they actually serve decent dinners in the late afternoons and evenings. Their pizzas are particularly good!

And as they’re so well known in Bristol, they have a number of locations dotted throughout the city including Horfield, Redfield, Fishponds and Keynsham. We ’d suggest browsing their website to find out about each of their branches.

As we mentioned before, there are a number of really good Italian restaurants in Bristol – with Italb in Downend also joining the mix.

Similarly to Ciao in the centre, their restaurant is also very authentic and off the beaten track.

Although the Italb restaurant is small, their service and food both pack a punch. We just love it when you get asked if you want grated Parmesan on your food (when is the answer ever “No”?)

But Italb’s prices are also really good! Scott and I came here for a three-course meal accompanied with several alcoholic drinks and we only paid £30 including a voluntary 10% service charge.

How amazing is that? And we honestly cannot rave about their food enough – especially at that price!

Atomic Burger

After a burger and chips in Bristol? Look no further than Atomic Burger , which has over 20 different types of burger to choose from.

And the best bit? They’re named after famous TV, film and superhero characters.

Fancy a bit of Forrest Gump? This one is classic and simple. Drooling over Daisy Duke? Cheese, crispy bacon and BBQ sauce adorns this burger. Salivating about Scott Pilgrim? Pineapple, mushrooms and jerk sauce will have you on this one.

We could go on. But don’t just take our word for it, check out their burgers yourself!

In their own words, Atomic Burger want to “take you back to that time as a child when burgers could be as big as your head, summers lasted forever and simple things made you smile.”

This is probably why their restaurant is also decked out with superhero wallpaper (even in the loo), barbie dolls above the windows and action man figures hanging from the ceiling.

Where To Stay in Bristol

When asked where to stay in Bristol, we always reply with the same three recommendations, which are:

1. The Bristol Hotel on Prince Street : It’s close to the harbourside, offers a generous 12pm check out time and even offers a romantic couple’s package of champagne, chocolate-dipped fruits and breakfast for two if you’re interested. Check Prices

2. Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa on Corn Street : Found within the historic part of Bristol’s city centre, this hotel used to be a bank and the bank vaults are now home to a beautiful spa. Check Prices

3. Berkeley Suites on Berkeley Crescent : Located within Bristol’s most sought-after neighbourhood: Clifton, these luxurious suites are fully equipped apartments and are individually decorated so you’ll never know what elegant and cool theme you’ll be getting no matter how many times you stay here. Check Prices

Find more Bristol hotels on Booking.com >>

Must-Do Day Trips From Bristol

One of the many things we love about living in Bristol is how you only need to drive for 45 minutes and technically be in a new country , or drive for just 90 minutes and be in stunning Devon.

This is because Bristol is handily located at motorway junctions for the M4 East, M4 West, M5 North and M5 South. 

So now there’s no reason at all why you can’t make the most of an epic day trip when you’re next in the city.

We’ve already written a detailed blog all about day trips from Bristol , but if you want to know which ones are our absolute favourites and most recommended, then here you go:

• Bath in Somerset: A must for Jane Austen fans and history lovers
• Cheddar Gorge & Caves in Somerset: To see where Cheddar cheese comes from
• The Cotswolds in Gloucestershire: For pretty bunting-filled villages and the infamous honey coloured stone
• Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales: For epic hikes , walks and escapes into nature
• Stourhead in Dorset: For a charming walk around beautiful National Trust gardens and an estate
• Lydford Gorge in Devon: For a fun walk past rivers, waterfalls and whirlpools that are steeped in legend
• Salisbury in Wiltshire: To see an original Magna Carta and 700+ year old buildings
• Cheltenham in Gloucestershire: For fans of original Regency architecture
• Exeter in Devon: A must for both Harry Potter fans and lovers of history

Discover even more day trips from Bristol here >>

We hope you’ve found our local’s guide to Bristol helpful! Is there anything else you want to know about our beautiful hometown? Just let us know in the comments below and we’ll reply asap…

Did you like this Bristol city guide? Pin it now, read it again later!

Justine Jenkins

Justine is one half of the married couple behind the Wanderers of the World travel blog. She lives in Bristol, UK and has travelled extensively within Europe and beyond since 2013. After her trips, she shares detailed travel itineraries, helpful travel guides and inspiring blog posts about the places she's been to. When she's not travelling overseas, you'll find her joining her husband, Scott on various day trips, weekend getaways and walks within the UK, which she also writes about on Wanderers of the World. Aside from travelling and writing, she also loves reading, crafting and learning about nature.

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This should be called A Grockle’s Guide to Bristol lol But anyway, it’s a good list of things for visitors. 👍

HA, LOL – you might be right 😉

Hi Justine,

I am visiting in Bristol in early May and found your Locals guide very helpful. I have lived in Northern California for 40+ years but was born in London The past 20+ years I have been visiting the UK and doing long distance walks the SWCoast Trail and Coast to Coast. Getting to the point that those long walks are getting a bit more difficult day after day. So I love walking cities and have never been to Bristol and want to also do the Kennet and Avon Canal walk from Bristol to Newbury. So perhaps i can buy a few weeks of coffee for some ideas about how to stay in Bristol a couple of days and then venture out on the canal and return to Bristol for another 5 days.

Hi John, Thanks so much for your comment – I’m so pleased you found my blog post helpful. And that’s awesome! You must’ve seen a fair bit of the UK over the years? 😀 My husband and I have walked parts of the Kennet & Avon Canal ourselves, so we can certainly help you with planning your trip. We’re currently away in Belgium right now, but when we’re back next week, I’ll send you an email to get the ball rolling 🙂 Speak soon, Justine

Finding the Universe

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Things to do in Bristol: A Bristol Itinerary and Planning Guide

Last updated: March 25, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 10 Comments

I almost went to university in Bristol, which would have been a great choice, as it’s a fantastically beautiful city. As life turned out though, I ended up at Nottingham, home to the oldest pubs in Britain. Which wasn’t a deciding factor, honestly.

Still, Jess and I have explored Bristol thoroughly as part of our mission to explore as many corners of the UK as possible. We visited when we were living in Edinburgh, and then we moved to Bath which is just a short drive away.

As a result of our time spent in Bristol over the years, we’ve put together our suggestions of some of our favourite things to do in Bristol.

This covers some of our favourite sights in Bristol as well as places to eat and a few photography locations you’ll want to visit.

We’ve laid this guide to things to do in Bristol out in the form of an itinerary for 2 days in Bristol to help you plan, but this list can be used for any length trip to Bristol of course.

Following this, you’ll find some advice on when to visit Bristol and other planning advice for putting together the perfect trip. Let’s get started!

Things to Do in Bristol

Things to do in Bristol: Day 1

1. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

We’re starting off our two days in Bristol with a visit to the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery , which covers a wide range of subjects, from natural history through to Egyptology.

There are also exhibitions with a more regional focus, including work by local artists, information on the history of interesting fossil finds in the Bristol area, and a gallery which showcases how Bristol has changed over the centuries. For a more Bristol focused museum though, you’ll want to head to M-Shed, which is on the itinerary for the second day.

We particularly enjoyed seeing the Banksy statue “Paint pot Angel” and the dinosaur fossils, although there is a lot to see here with something for everyone. A good way to start off your Bristol adventure! Entry to the museum is free with a suggested donation. Special exhibits are separately priced.

2. Climb Cabot Tower

One thing I always like to do when visiting an unfamiliar city is to get to a place where I can get a good view of it, to help me get my bearings. In Bristol, the place to do that is at Cabot Tower.

This is a 19th century tower which commemorates the journey of John Cabot from Bristol to what later became Canada, in the year 1497. It’s found near the top of Brandon Hill, just a short walk from the Bristol Museum, and the 32 metre tower offers an excellent view of much of Bristol and surrounds, including the river area.

Climbing the tower is free, and you can see opening times here.

3. Georgian House Museum

We’re going to head towards the old city centre of Bristol now, but on the way you have the opportunity to stop in at the Georgian House Museum , which is on the way down the hill from Cabot Tower on Great George Street.

This house was built in 1790 for a man named John Pinney, who owned a number of sugar plantations in the Caribbean, as well as the slave labour that allowed these plantations to be so profitable. When Jess and I visited the deep south of the USA, we visited a number of plantations along the river road , where we learned a lot about the lives of plantation owners and slaves.

The Georgian House offers a small insight into slavery in England. Bristol profited heavily from the slave trade and slave-run plantations. Slave ships were operated out of Bristol, running the infamous “slave triangle”, taking goods to Africa from the UK, slaves from Africa to the USA, and then the plantation products from the USA back to the UK. Ships were also built in Bristol, which further added to the city’s wealth.

The Georgian house shows what that wealth would have looked like to a man like John Pinney who profited from the slave trade. Eleven rooms spread across four floors reveal the luxuries available in the late 18th century, as well as the stark difference between life “above stairs” and “below stairs”. Entry is free, and is definitely worth some of your time.

4. Christmas Steps

Next on our list is going to be a photo stop, before we swoop into lunch. Christmas Steps is a small and narrow stepped lane in Bristol’s city centre, dating from the mid 17th century, and lined with beautiful old buildings.

It’s the centrepiece of the Christmas Steps Arts Quarter, eight streets filled with independent shops, bars, cafes and art galleries, many of which don’t seem to have changed too much over the centuries. It’s worth exploring and an excellent photo opportunity.

5. Lunch at St. Nicholas Market

There’s no shortage of places to eat in Bristol, but one of our favourites was definitely the Glass Arcade at the St. Nicholas Indoor Market , which you’ll find on Corn Street. Winner of the award for Britain’s best large indoor market in 2016, and in operation since 1743, this is Bristol’s oldest market, with over 60 stall holders.

But we’re here for lunch, so head to the Glass Arcade – a large open glass-covered area with seating that offers plenty of food stalls to pick from, cuisines that vary from local to worldly. Take a look at some of the stalls available here , to get yourself excited. I went with Moroccan from the Moorish Cafe , whilst Jess had a healthy salad option from the Olive Works . But whatever food you’re into, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed!

6. Explore the Old City

Since our itinerary has brought you down into the old city, our suggestion for your post-lunch activity would be to wander Bristol’s old city for a little while.

The crossroads of Corn Street and High Street was the centre of the medieval city, and as you explore this small area you’ll be able to see traces of the old city boundaries, including the walls and gateways that used to mark the edges of the city. Of course, today Bristol has expanded far beyond these old walls, but it’s fun to walk around and imagine what the city might have been like in the past.

Naturally, you can explore the old city on your own, but there are also other options. For example, this self-guided tour you can download to your smartphone is a cost-effective way to learn about what you are seeing in the city.

7. Take a Street Art Tour

Bristol is famous for its street art, not least because it was where legendary street artist Banksy first came into the public eye. It is also believed to be the childhood home of Banksy although there is still speculation about his identity. So we think it’s appropriate to spend some time exploring the street art of Bristol!

You can either do this by yourself, or you can take a specific tour like this .

If you choose to do it by yourself, we highly recommend dropping into a tourist office and picking up a copy of the Bristol Street Art Map by Where the Wall, which has detailed information about where to find all the most famous pieces of street art in Bristol, as well as popular areas to find new street art.

That was what I did, and I documented my adventures in my post on Bristol’s Street Art .

Alternatively, you might consider this interactive street art exploration game .

If you’d rather take a tour, then we suggest the Where the Wall street art walking tour company, who operate the longest running street art tour in the UK. Timings for their tours are up on their website, but based on our itinerary, we’d suggest going for their Banksy tour , which start at 2pm. They also do another tour , which starts at midday, so you’d have to re-arrange this schedule a little to accommodate that.

Whichever tour you choose, we suggest booking in advance and always checking tour times and information on the official website.

8. Watch Sunset at the Clifton Suspension Bridge

Depending on the time of your visit, sunset will be at varying times. But whenever it is, either before you eat or after, we highly recommend that you take the time to go up to the Clifton Suspension Bridge and enjoy the sunset from there.

This iconic bridge is the symbol of Bristol, with a design based on drawings by one of Britain’s greatest Victorian engineers: Isambard Kingdom Brunel . Whilst it is today accepted that the final version of the bridge differs from Brunel’s original vision, it is certainly the bridge that most associate with Brunel, and when built, had the longest span of any bridge in the world.

Today the bridge is still very much in use, and you can both drive and walk across it. We’d suggest that you head up to the park on the east side of the bridge though, where you’ll find the Clifton observatory, and lovely views of both the bridge, and the sunset. On warm summer days this is a very popular location with locals and visitors alike, who come up here to enjoy the evening warmth and views. A lovely way to end your first day exploring in Bristol!

Things to do in Bristol: Day 2

9. Bristol Cathedral

Our second day in Bristol has you starting off at Bristol Cathedral , seat of the Church of England in the city. This was founded as an Augustine abbey in 1140, although the version you see today largely dates from work undertaken in the 14th –16th centuries.Some parts of the original do survive though, including the Chapter House (dating from 1160!) and the Abbey Gatehouse.

In its present form the Cathedral is a stunning building both inside and out, with beautiful vaulting, medieval stonework and 14th century stained glass, to name but some of the features. It’s also one of the few churches in Britain to be designed as a “hall church”, where the nave, choir and aisles are all the same height. There’s an on-site cafe too, where you can grab a coffee to fortify you for the rest of your days explorations!

10. Bristol Aquarium

Down in the harbourside area just a short walk from the cathedral there are a number of excellent museums and attractions. Which of these you decide to visit will of course depend on your interests and who you’re travelling with, but we’re including a few highlights to give you ideas, ordered in a logical fashion.

First on that list is the Bristol Aquarium . This is home to over forty marine life displays, with everything from local specimens through to tropical environments on show. Unusually for an aquarium, there’s also a giant botanical house on site, that you walk through as part of the tour. The aquarium is open year round, and is an excellent attraction for families especially. Check out their official website for opening times, prices, and special events.

11. We the Curious (Bristol Science Centre)

Right next door to the Aquarium is We the Curious (formerly known as the At-Bristol Science Centre), which focuses on highly interactive science themed exhibits. There’s a lot of really hands on stuff here, and we had a lot of fun playing with the various displays.

There’s also a whole part of the attraction dedicated to animation. Bristol is home to Aardman Animations , the animation studio responsible for Wallace & Gromit as well as UK TV character Morph . This attraction was put together by Aardman, and lets you become an animator for the day – even creating your own TV show.

This is definitely a museum for people who like a more hands-on, interactive attraction, and you could easily spend a whole day here. Again, check the official website for opening times and ticket prices .

If you want to get deeper under the skin of what make Bristol tick, then a visit to M-Shed is an absolute must. This free museum, housed in a former transit shed, has exhibits that focus exclusively on telling the story of the city, from prehistoric times right up to the present day.

We don’t like to play favourites, but M Shed was definitely a highlight of the various museums and attractions that we visited. We loved how it explored the history of the city, with everything from the people to the geography to Bristol’s experiences in the war on show. There are even working exhibits on show, including the giant cranes outside the museum, and the museum even has its own Banksy on show. Not to be missed.

13. Visit the SS Great Britain

No visit to Bristol would be complete without a visit to the SS Great Britain – Bristol’s top visitor attraction. Designed by Brunel, the SS Great Britain was built in Bristol and launched in 1845. She was the first ship with both an iron hull and a screw propeller, and was also the longest passenger ship in the world.

Initially built as a transatlantic passenger ship, the cost of building and tweaking such a radical design combined with the cost of rescuing her after she ran aground ended up bankrupting her owners.

As a result she has a varied service history, including 30 years spent taking immigrants to Australia from Liverpool in the UK and coal-hauling. Finally, in 1937, she was scuttled and abandoned in the Falkland Islands.

Of course, the story doesn’t end there, as otherwise there wouldn’t be much to visit! In 1970, a great rescue operation took place, and what remained of her hull was floated onto a pontoon and returned to her place of construction in Bristol.

Following an extensive restoration process, she re-opened to the public, and today you can visit and tour her in a form that resembles her glory days as a transatlantic ship. Tickets are slightly cheaper if you book them online, which you can do online here .

14. Take a picture of the colourful houses

One thing that will catch your eye when you visit Bristol is the variety and colour of many of the homes and buildings in the city. This is one of Bristol’s signature features, and you definitely need to get a photo of these homes.

We actually visited Bristol during the Bristol Balloon Fiesta , and were lucky enough to go up in a balloon, and see all these houses from above.

But don’t worry if a balloon ride isn’t on the cards. If you walk a little further west along the south side of the river from the SS Great Britain, you’ll come to a lovely harbour area where many boats are moored. On the opposite side of the river, you’ll see a lovely selection of colourful houses for you to get a picture of.

15. Underfall yard

The last stop on our two day Bristol itinerary continues the marine theme. Underfall Yard is a historic Victorian-era boatyard in Bristol. The name “underfall” comes from the design solution that Brunel developed to resolve the issue of silt filling up Bristol’s floating harbour, which used a series of sluices to suck away the mud – a system that is still in use today.

Much of the original yard has been preserved, and is home today to a boat building cooperative, as well as various exhibits on the history of the floating harbour and the sluicing technology. I certainly learnt a few things that I didn’t know before, and I’m sure you will too!

With that, we’ve finished our ideas for how to spend two days in Bristol! Let’s take a look now at some practicalities for your visit.

Getting to Bristol

Bristol is a well connected city. There’s a fast train connection to London, which takes less than two hours, and of course it’s connected to a number of other cities in the UK as well.

Bristol also has an airport, with connections to a number of UK and European cities.

Finally, Bristol is easy to drive to, although in the city centre, we’d advise leaving the car safely parked somewhere else, as parking can be tricky to come by and fees can add up.

How to Get Around Bristol

Bristol is an easy city to get around, although it does have a few hills. The itinerary we’ve put together can be easily done on foot though, and it’s largely set up to have you travelling downhill for the most part.

Of course, there’s an excellent public transport network, as well as a ferry boat service that will take you to various points along the harbour.

Where to Stay in Bristol

Bristol has lots of accommodation options, pretty much something to suit every budget, from hostels through to boutique hotels and five star luxury.

There’s also a wide range of apartment rentals, and we opted for an apartment rental on our most recent visit as it gave us the flexibility to dine in as well as some working space and laundry facilities.

Check out all the Booking.com listings for Bristol, we find they usually come up with the best deal on a wide range of properties.

We also recommend Plum Guide if you’re looking for an apartment rental. Plum Guide carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. We’ve stayed at a number of their properties around the world, and you can see our  review of the Plum Guide here . See their  listings for Bristol here .

For more vacation rental options in the UK, see our guide to our favourite holiday rentals websites in the UK .

When to Visit Bristol

Bristol is a pleasant city to visit year round, and there are plenty of indoor attractions to keep you entertained should the weather turn against you.

Probably the busiest time of year to visit is during the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta , which takes place in early August. Whilst this is a fantastic time to visit the city and see the skies filled with beautifully coloured balloons, it’s also definitely going to be a very busy time to visit as well.

We visited during the Fiesta, and had a wonderful time, but do be aware that accommodation, traffic and visitor levels are certainly higher at this time of year.

Otherwise, for the best weather we’d recommend visiting from May through to September. Also, do check out the official Visit Bristol website for all the events taking place throughout the year, to get an idea of what’s on.

Day Trips from Bristol

If you’re in Bristol for a little while and wondering if there are any good nearby spots for a day trip, then you’re in luck. Bristol makes a great base for exploring a number of nearby attractions, including the following.

• Bath. This beautiful Roman-era spa town is filled with beautiful Georgian architecture. It’s also just a 13-minute train ride from Bristol, so very easy to reach.
• The Cotswolds. This beautiful part of England is filled with postcard perfect villages and lovely countryside. Explore with your own vehicle or take a tour like this .
• Stonehenge . An incredible ancient monument, the origins of which are still debated to this day. Can be visited by car or public transport from Bristol, or as part of a tour like this .
• Cardiff. The capital city of Wales is easy to reach by train from Bristol, and offers museums, castles and plenty more to fill a day.
• Glastonbury & Somerset. Glastonbury is famous for its Tor and links to St. Arthur. A day out from Bristol can easily cover other highlights of Somerset as well, including Cheddar Gorge and the incredible cathedral at Wells. You can drive yourself, or take a tour like this .

Further Reading for your Bristol Visit

That sums up our suggested things to do in Bristol for two days! As you can see, there’s plenty to see and do in Bristol, and you’ll easily be able to fill two days – or extend your trip for a few more days!

We’re got more content coming up on Bristol, so do subscribe to stay updated. In the meantime, here’s a series of resources to help you plan your trip to both Bristol and the wider UK!

• The official Visit Bristol tourism page , which has loads of ideas on what to do, where to stay, transport information as well as event information.
• Our detailed guide to attending the Bristol Balloon Fiesta
• The official Bristol International Balloon Fiesta website
• The Rough Guide to Bath, Bristol and Somerset , which is available in both digital and physical book formats
• My guide to the best locations to find Street Art in Bristol
• Our detailed one week itinerary of the UK , as well as a two week version
• A guide to driving Scotland’s epic North Coast 500 , as well as accommodation options on the North Coast 500
• A guide to 10 of the best Stately Homes in England , to give you some ideas as you plan your itinerary
• We also have number of other guides to UK cities, including things to do in Cambridge , things to do in Edinburgh  and  things to do in Belfast , amongst others.
• For London, we have some detailed itineraries to help you plan your visit. These include a 1 Day London Itinerary , a Two Day London itinerary and a six day London itinerary
• The top Harry Potter sites in London
• Tips on Buying and Using the London Pass
• A guide to Visiting Oxford on a Day Trip
• Visiting Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds
• A guide to things to do in Portsmouth
• Getting online when travelling in a foreign country can be daunting – check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options for your trip
• If you’re interested in getting better photos when you travel, take a look at my online photography course , where I’ll teach you everything you need to know about getting better photos – whatever camera you have!

And that’s it for our suggestions for the best things to do in Bristol over 2 days! Have you ever visited Bristol? Do you have anything you’d add to the above? Just let us know in the comments below!

So you know: For some of the attractions we visited in Bristol, Visit Bristol provided us with complimentary entry. We covered our own accommodation, transport, meals, and other expenses.

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There are 10 comments on this post

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28th January 2023 at 2:29 pm

Thank you so much for this wonderful itinerary! I’ll be traveling with my husband to Bristol from the US in about a month. It’ll be my first time in the UK. He’s going for his work so the first 4 days of our 10 day trip I’m on my own to explore. I may need to spread this out for 3-4 days vs. 2 but it looks like plenty to keep me busy seeing all the sights :)…Thank you!

Laurence Norah says

29th January 2023 at 9:05 am

It’s my pleasure! I think you will easily be able to spread this out over a few days. However, as you have 4 days I can highly recommend jumping on the train and riding for 11 minutes or so from Bristol to the historic town of Bath which is a world heritage site and well worth a half day or full day of your time. It’s very different from Bristol, all Georgian architecture and lovely streets. Well worth it!

Safe travels!

Macarena says

13th January 2023 at 12:45 am

Thanks you so much for this guide! My husband and I are visiting UK for the first time from Argentina, and I was not very sure about including Bristol in our itinerary, but reading your blogue has convinced me! best wishes!! Macarena

14th January 2023 at 10:08 am

Thanks Macarena, have an awesome time in Bristol and the UK 🙂

17th December 2022 at 1:39 pm

This is a lifesaver! My girlfriend is coming to Bristol for the first time over Christmas, and I had no clue where to take her until reading your blog. Thanks again. Any to-do lists for Bath? 🙂

18th December 2022 at 11:45 am

It’s my pleasure! So we lived just outside Bath for three years, but haven’t really written much about it! However that’s not to say we don’t have recommendations. Obviously the town centre is pretty to walk around, and sights like the Royal Crescent, Circus and Bath Abbey are a must to see. There is an excellent free walking tour that meets most days in front of the Abbey that is worth doing. If you like walks, the Bath Skyline walk is really lovely. The Roman Baths are also of course worth a visit, and there also the thermal spa if you prefer a more relaxing experience. That should get you started hopefully!

Have a lovely Christmas 🙂

Mahmud says

1st January 2022 at 8:53 am

thank you so much Laurence and Jessica. We are on our way now. It was a fantastic blog really helpfull.

Thanks Mahmud & Şendül

1st January 2022 at 12:31 pm

Hey Mahmud & Şendül! Thanks so much guys 🙂 Have an awesome time in Bristol, what a great way to start 2022 🙂

All the best,

Dory Merriman says

8th May 2021 at 7:56 am

Thank you so much Laurence and Jessica for taking the time to put together this fantastic guide. It has helped me greatly for my forthcoming short visit to Bristol. Best wishes Dory

8th May 2021 at 11:18 am

Thank you so much Dory – have a wonderful trip to Bristol!

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• 1.1 Orientation
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 2.4 By bike
• 3.2 By foot
• 3.3 By e-scooter
• 3.4 By bicycle
• 3.5 By train
• 3.7 By boat
• 3.8.1 Parking
• 3.8.2 Park and Ride
• 3.9 By taxi
• 4.1 Harbourside
• 4.2 Old City
• 4.3 West End
• 4.4 Clifton
• 4.5 Eastside
• 4.6 Avonmouth
• 4.7 Churches
• 5.3 Listings
• 5.5 Theatre
• 5.8 The Bristol to Bath Railway cycle path
• 5.9 Wellness
• 7.1 Malls & shopping centres
• 7.3 Markets
• 8.1.1 City centre
• 8.1.2 Broadmead
• 8.1.3 Around the University of Bristol
• 8.1.4 North-east Bristol
• 8.1.5 South-east Bristol
• 8.1.6 East Bristol
• 8.2 Mid-range
• 8.3 Splurge
• 9.1 City Centre pubs
• 9.2 Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road pubs
• 9.3 Clifton pubs
• 9.4 Hotwells pubs
• 9.5 Bars with live music
• 9.6 Non-alcoholic venues
• 9.7 Adult entertainment
• 10.1 Budget
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Splurge
• 11 Stay safe
• 12 Stay healthy
• 14.1 Towns and cities
• 14.2 Outdoor activities

Bristol is a city in the West Country of England . Famous for its maritime history it also offers a great and diverse range of attractions, hotels, bars and events. Bristol is one of England's top visitor destinations, and the best time to visit is in the summer when major festivals are held in the city.

Although cursed by some horrible post-war buildings, Bristol is nevertheless an amiable, grooved, laid-back city whose mellow vibe is reflected in the music of Massive Attack, Portishead and Tricky that perfectly captures the sultry, lean burn atmosphere of a warm summer's evening in this historic and cultured city.

Understand [ edit ]

Bristol is the United Kingdom's eighth most populous city (approximately 466,000 in 2020) and the most populated city in South West England, making it a core city in England. It received a Royal Charter in 1155 and was granted county status in 1373. From the 13th century, for half a millennium, it ranked among the top four English cities (after London and alongside York and Norwich) until the rapid rise of Liverpool , Birmingham and Manchester during the Industrial Revolution in the latter part of the 18th century. Bristol borders the counties of Somerset and Gloucestershire and is near the historic cities of Bath to the southeast, Gloucester to the north and Cardiff , the capital city of Wales , to the northwest. The city was built around the River Avon, and has a short coastline on the estuary of the River Severn where it flows into the Bristol Channel .

Although often overlooked as a tourist destination, Bristol has a lot to offer of its own and is an excellent base for exploring the West Country, with relatively inexpensive accommodation compared to some of the main ‘tourist traps’ and a huge choice of bars, restaurants and shops. It is one of the most culturally vibrant cities in England, hosting a wide variety of visual arts, theatre, speciality shopping and live music.

Young people have flocked to Bristol thanks to the city's stunning and brilliant music scene - the likes of Massive Attack, Portishead, Tricky and Roni Size have contributed some of the most outstanding back catalogue of albums in the history of British music - not bad for a city which even in the early 1980s was considered a backwater of the British music scene. Indeed, in 2010 it was voted Britain's most musical city. The success of the Bristol music scene began in 1991 when Massive Attack released their magnificent opus Blue Lines which included "Unfinished Sympathy" and social critiques such as "Safe From Harm" and "Daydreaming". Blue Lines was partly recorded at the Coach House studios in Clifton (now defunct). The album, and particularly the track "Lately," captured the atmosphere and vibe of the city. This track, with vocals by Shara Nelson, so perfectly captured the atmosphere of a summer's evening in Bristol — particularly on the Clifton Downs — that with its warm, laid-back vibe it is practically a signature song for the city.

Orientation [ edit ]

Bristol is a large city with various areas in its centre; a map is helpful to get to know the layout. The free map given away at the Tourist Information Centre at the Harbourside is excellent for this. At Bristol's core is the Floating Harbour - a stretch of water that snakes along the city centre which looks like a river in places but which is actually a dock. For centuries the Floating Harbour was where ships docked, bringing trade and prosperity to the city. It was created by diverting the River Avon in the early 19th century to the New Cut to the south, and by using various locks to create a non-tidal dock. Today, the industrial shipping has mostly gone and the Floating Harbour is a home for leisure, pleasure craft, upmarket waterfront apartments, and the occasional visiting sailing ship.

It's easiest to think about city locations as where they are relative to The Centre , or Central Promenade. (It's called "The Centre" as it used to be the "Trams Centre", until Bristol's tram system was scrapped in the 1940s after bomb damage. Now it's more of a bus centre.) The Centre is a broad avenue running north-south with fountains and trees and shops, and traffic, reaching the Floating Harbour at its southern end. The Centre is a major interchange for most city bus routes - you can ask a bus driver for a ticket to "The Centre" from anywhere in the city and you'll get back there.

To the east of The Centre is the core of historic Bristol - the Old City . Here major streets include Queen Square, King Street, Baldwin Street, and Corn Street. It has wonderful Victorian and Georgian buildings, historic and charming pubs, and many places to shop, drink and eat. To the north-east of the Old City is Bristol's main shopping area - Broadmead , centred on the Broadmead itself and related streets such as the Horsefair, Union Street and Penn Street as well as The Galleries shopping centre. At the east end of the Broadmead is the major shopping centre at Cabot Circus and a related development of more boutique shops at Quakers Friars. If you go east of Cabot Circus and across the dual carriageway you get to the less affluent area of Old Market, while if you go north of it you get to the St. Paul's area, which is a hotbed of culture but is best visited during the day.

To the north of The Centre are areas occupied by the city's hospitals, the bus station at Marlborough Street, and the University of Bristol.

To the west of The Centre is the Harbourside area, much of which has been a scene of heavy urban regeneration since 2000 and includes parts of what used to be called Canon's Reach. Here you'll find eateries in converted warehouses, Millennium Square with its attractions such as At-Bristol, and offices and smart apartments in new developments. It's a great place to spend time by the water. It continues to the south of the Floating Harbour at the M Shed museum of Bristol life, along to the SS Great Britain .

To the north-west of The Centre, and up Park Street, you head for the West End with its smart independent shops, the City Museum and other attractions, and if you keep going along Queen's Road you get to the upmarket Clifton area, known for its suspension bridge and elegant Georgian architecture.

The Tourist Information Centre can be found in the Watershed, a converted warehouse just off The Centre, just on the west side of the inlet of the Floating Harbour (St. Augustine's Reach). Walking south down The Centre, where the dock begins head to your right and under the colonnade. The Tourist Info Centre is a little way along.

• Visit Bristol website

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

There is no train link between Bristol's airport and the city, but there is a very useful bus service (bus A1) that takes about 35 min and has a frequency of up to every 10 min. It costs £13 for an adult return ticket (the second part of which can be used up to a month after the first), £8 for a one-way to the city centre, and £25 for a family return. There are student discounts on this service if you have a valid student photo ID. The Flyer bus is useful because route A1 takes you to Temple Meads station, then to the bus station at Marlborough Street.

There is a cheaper Falcon service by Stagecoach (£5 return) booked one day in advance via Megabus.com . The Falcon service terminates at Bond Street.

There is also a chepaer U2 service by First (£2 single under the England bus fare scheme), the bus station is The Airport Tavern, a 10-15 minute walk from the Terminal. The bus will get you to the city centre but watch out the timetable and the day of service.

The last cheper option would be the WESTlink services an 'on demand' bus services (£2 single) that cover the airport terminal and some limited area of south Bristol. It can get you to Parson Street Train station or somewhere closer to Temple Meads station along Bath Road and York Road (10 minute walk to Temple Meads station).

The alternative is to use one of the London airports or Birmingham airport and travel on to Bristol by train, car or bus. The most convenient are:

• Heathrow Airport ( LHR  IATA ) is about two hours drive straight down the M4 ( westbound ) motorway. The RailAir express bus service (running every 20 minutes) connects with the main London to Bristol rail service at Reading rail station; expect the total journey to take slightly over two hours. Another possibility is to use the Heathrow Express service to London Paddington and then take a train to Bristol Temple Meads from there, which is more expensive and slightly longer than the route via Reading, but possibly more convenient. There are also direct National Express and Megabus coaches from Heathrow to Bristol, which take about two to two and a half hours (depending on whether they depart from Heathrow Central Bus station or T4/T5) and are often cheaper than a rail fare, especially during (rail) peak times. National Express coaches terminate at Marlborough Street coach station in the city centre whilst Megabus services terminate at Bond Street near McDonald's and Cabot Circus.
• Birmingham Airport ( BHX  IATA ) is within quicker (and cheaper) reach of Bristol than London's two other airports, Gatwick and Stansted. By car it takes about 2 hours and you'll be avoiding the congestion-prone M25. Rail services connect Birmingham International to Bristol every 30 min at peak times with a change in Birmingham New Street. The journey takes 2-2½ hours.
• Gatwick Airport ( LGW  IATA ) is about 3 hours drive away via the M23 ( northbound ), M25 ( clockwise ) and M4 ( westbound ) motorways. Gatwick has its own built-in station and you can take a train from Gatwick to Reading where you change to take a train straight to Bristol for a rough total of £50 (although you can get relief by using a railcard and booking in advance). If you're on a budget, it can be cheaper to get the Gatwick Express train to London Victoria and from the nearby Victoria Coach Station take a bus to Bristol. There are also coach services provided by National Express and Megabus that take 3½ hours between the airport and Bristol.
• Stansted Airport ( STN  IATA ) is about 3 hours drive away via the M11 ( southbound ), M25 ( anti-clockwise ) and M4 ( westbound ) motorways. By train you must catch a Stansted Express train to London Liverpool Street station, the tube to London Paddington station, then follow the directions below; expect the total journey to take around 3½ hours. If you're travelling on a budget you can also take Route Express Bus A51 to from Liverpool Street Station to Stansted Airport. Costs £9 for a single, and only takes about 10 minutes longer than the train.
• Cardiff Airport ( CWL  IATA ) is about one hour west of Bristol, going northbound from Culverhouse Cross, to J33 of the M4, then Eastbound, to Bristol. Or take the train direct from Cardiff Airport, to Cardiff Central Station, then take another train to Bristol Temple Meads Station.

When coming from London, the cheapest way is generally by coach or rail.

By train [ edit ]

From London, you travel from Paddington station. There are several through trains an hour, the fastest of which takes 1 hr 13 min to Bristol Parkway and 1 hr 32 min to Bristol Temple Meads. Train times (from any location) can be found on the National Rail Planner or by calling ☏ +44 845 748 4950 from anywhere in the UK.

By bus [ edit ]

National Express operate services to Marlborough St Coach station in the city centre, from cities throughout the UK including London . The journey from London to Bristol takes about 2 hr 30 min. Tickets are much cheaper if booked in advance online (London to Bristol £3.50).

MegaBus also operate budget coach services from London Victoria coach station and cities thoughout the UK to a stop outside Black's Bond St. Tickets must be booked online and fares are demand responsive but can be cheap (£3.50). The journey from London to Bristol takes about 2 hr 30 min.

Flixbus also operate budget coach services from London Victoria coach station and cities thoughout the UK to a stop outside Black's Bond St. Tickets must be booked online and fares are demand responsive but can be very cheap (£2.00). The journey from London to Bristol takes about 2 hr 50 min.

South West Falcon operates a service connecting Bristol, Taunton , Exeter , and Plymouth . A single fare from Plymouth to Bristol is £27. Tickets can be booked online in advance and is cheaper, but reservations are not strictly required.

By bike [ edit ]

The Bristol-Bath Railway Path is part of the National Cycle Network (R4) and provides a cycle corridor between the city centres of Bristol and Bath . Travel time is about 90 minutes. The path is relatively flat, and has only 2 road crossings, making it very safe. In the morning and evening it is a busy commute route, so it may be advisable to avoid these peak hours.

By car [ edit ]

The M5 and M4 motorways intersect near Bristol and the M32, a motorway 'spur', brings traffic directly into the city centre. The M4 links London with Bristol with a driving time of less than 2 hours.

The city also has several Park and Ride facilities, Portway, Brislington, Lyde Green, Parkway North, Yate, and Long Ashton sites, for more information see the Bristol City Council website .

Get around [ edit ]

Maps [ edit ]

Visit Bristol , the official tourism website for Bristol has free maps of the city for visitors. Distinctive blue A3 tourist maps which cover the city centre, the Harbourside and Clifton, are available for free from the Tourist Information Centre on the harbourside and also from locations such as libraries, shops, Temple Meads railway station, hotels and the YHA hostel. These really are excellent maps and you should obtain a copy or two. They indicate main streets, attractions, hotels and areas of the city in the central area and in Clifton.

You can also buy commercially produced maps before you leave from sites such as Amazon. The pocket-sized "Bristol Pop-Out Map" is useful, as are the pocket-sized A-Z maps.

Bristol is also home to a branch of Stanfords , a very large supplier of maps and tour guides (e.g. their store at Covent Garden in London is the largest such store in the world). Maps of Bristol with all the city centre street names and destinations marked sell from £1.50. Stanfords can be found at 29 Corn Street, and the staff double as local travel experts.

By foot [ edit ]

Most locations in central Bristol (the Harbourside and Old City areas) are reasonably easily walkable, and there are plenty of attractive walking routes along the quaysides and in the pedestrianised central streets. The main rail station (Bristol Temple Meads) is a little further (about 15 min walk) but still accessible by harbourside walkways or by bus.

By e-scooter [ edit ]

The city has an e-scooter hire scheme operated by Tier . To use a Tier e-scooter, a smartphone with mobile phone number and internet access is needed, and riders must be at least 18 years old and hold a provisional or full drivers licence. This will need to be confined in the app.

Scooters are parked in ‘virtual bays’ across the city. The unlock fee is £0.99 and the cost per minute is £0.16. Daily passes are available. You must park your scooter in the designated areas which can be found on the app, otherwise you’ll continue to be charged by the minute. It’s not uncommon for parking bays to be full, so be prepared to travel further than planned.

By bicycle [ edit ]

Bristol has plenty of bike paths and routes and is at the centre of the National Cycle Network . Sustrans, which manages the network, is based in the city, and has a shop and information centre on College Green, next to the Marriott Hotel. The staff can provide information on cycle routes throughout the UK. Free cycling maps for the Avon Cycleway, Bristol and surrounding council regions (South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Bath and North-East Somerset) can be obtained from the four councils' cycling website, BetterByBike.info .

Tier operate an app based e-bike hire scheme. Bikes are parked in ‘virtual bays’ across the city. The unlock fee is £0.99 and the cost per minute is £0.16. Daily passes are available. You must park your bike in the designated areas which can be found on the app, otherwise you’ll continue to be charged by the minute. A smartphone with internet connection is required to use it.

Bristol is a very cyclable city, but unless you're limiting your stay to the Floating Harbour and the Avon valley, hills are never far away. A mountain bike is highly recommended over a city bike, even if you don't plan to go off-road. Mountain bikes can also cope easier with the numerous potholes and generally deplorable state of a large part of the Bristolian road network. Litter, most annoyingly broken glass bottles, are a threat to inner tubes so the choice for a mountain bike with thicker tyres will reduce the chance of running flat as well. Especially in the inner city (Park Street, Baldwin Street) glass shards often plague cycle paths and crossings.

Bicycle theft is unfortunately relatively common in Bristol, so if you're hiring a bicycle, check that a decent D-lock or U-lock is included.

Several bicycle rental services are available in the city:

• 51.452137 -2.598067 1 Cycle The City , No.1 Harbourside, 1 Canon’s Road , ☏ +44 7873 387167 , [email protected] . closed Mondays . Bicycle rental service near the waterfront, they provide a bicycle, helmet and lock. ID card required for rental. £16/day . ( updated May 2018 )
• 51.439091 -2.589686 2 Bristol Tandem Hire , 3 Holmesdale Road , ☏ +44 7470 311592 , [email protected] . Rental service for tandems and bicycles, with pick up and drop-off points in around Queen Square, Victoria Park, and Temple Meads. ( updated May 2018 )
• 51.45134 -2.57736 3 Cycle Shack , 25 Oxford Street, Temple Quay, BS2 0QT , ☏ +44 117 955 1017 . Bike repair and rental under the railway passage behind the Temple Meads train station. Bike rental costs £40 for 3 days.  

If you run flat, almost all bicycle shops in Bristol can fix your tyre for £8-15, although some will do it while you wait.

• 51.44019 -2.55145 4 Briscycle , 151 Wick Rd, BS4 4HH , ☏ +44 7716 394633 . M 6:30-8PM; Tu Th-F 9:30AM-3PM, 6:30-8PM; F 9:30AM-4PM, 6:30-8PM; Sa 10AM-4PM . Bicycle repair shop in Brislington. Getting a flat tyre fixed will set you back £15 .  
• 51.45728 -2.59185 5 Halfords , Eastgate Centre, Eastgate Road, BS5 6XX , ☏ +44 117 9354041 . M-F 8AM-8PM, Sa 8AM-6PM, Su 10AM-5PM . One of the largest bicycle shops in Bristol, with many spare parts for self service and repair kits in stock. They also have a repair service while you wait. ( updated Dec 2020 )

The Severn Beach Line passes through Lawrence Hill and Stapleton Road in the East of the inner city, and then, Montpelier, Redland and Clifton Down in the north before heading north-west to Avonmouth and Severn Beach . The line has been voted one of the most scenic in the world by Thomas Cook. The line has two fare zones: Temple Meads to Clifton Down, and Clifton Down to Severn Beach. Trains run M-Sa at approximately 40-minute intervals from 6AM to 10PM, with a reduced Sunday service. Normally only one train in three goes to St Andrews Road (which is a request stop) and Severn Beach, with most terminating at Avonmouth. See council website on train services for more info.

Clifton Down railway station is close to the Clifton shopping district, including Whiteladies Road and Clifton Down Shopping Centre. Beyond here, the line runs in a tunnel under Durdham Down, emerging in the Avon Gorge. You can see one of the tunnel's chimneys on Durdham Down. The station at Sea Mills is next to the River Trym and the remains of a Roman harbour, and is also a good place to start walks. The line later runs through Avonmouth Docks, and beyond that alongside the River Severn Estuary. At Severn Beach, you can walk along the banks of the Severn and see the picturesque suspension bridges - the Severn Bridge and the Second Severn Crossing. All other stations along the line are in primarily residential or industrial areas.

CitySightseeing [dead link] offer open top bus tours with commentary during the summer months. 24-hr and 3-day passes are available. The circular route takes in most of the major visitor destinations including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol Zoo, City Docks, Temple Meads, old city and city centre.

Most bus services in Bristol are operated by First Bristol . By and large the buses are unreliable, so if possible check the bus times on the First website as the times on bus stops may be dated and incorrect. As most of Bristol's hotels and places to visit are near the city centre or are in the upmarket suburb of Clifton, First Bristol's number 8 is probably the most useful for visitors. It follows a route from Temple Meads station to Clifton, passing through the main shopping area (Broadmead), the city centre (also handy for the harbourside) and the West End on the way.

Almost all single adult tickets are £2. These can be bought on the bus with cash or card. Alternatively you can buy an ‘m-ticket’ on the First Bus app. This will give you a QR code that you must scan when you board. Concessionary fares are available for students and children. Other options include daily return tickets and day tickets - these may be more economical depending on your plans.

First buses also offer payment via a “Tap on, Tap off” system. Simply tap your contactless card (or phone with Apple or Google Pay) on the reader when you board and tap off on the exit reader when you alight. If you take a single trip you’ll be charged the usual £2. More trips will increase the cost, but this is capped at a daily rate of £6. Concessionary fares are unavailable for the “Tap on, Tap off” system, as of Dec 2023.

Other bus operators include Buglers and Abus .

By boat [ edit ]

Because of the way the city centre is intimately interwoven with the old 'floating harbour', a boat is a good way of getting around and of seeing a lot of interesting sites. Bristol Ferry Boat runs several ferry services around the harbour, stopping at various quays on route, and providing a commuter service between the city centre and the main rail station. Tickets must be purchased from the skipper directly and cost £2.50 .

The Bristol Packet offer city docks tours with commentaries daily during school holidays and at weekends throughout the year. They also run regular excursions to riverside tea gardens on the Avon towards Bath and Avon Gorge cruises under the Clifton Suspension Bridge to Avonmouth and back.

Number Seven Boat Trips also offer a ferry service during the summer months.

Bristol is quite a hilly city, but if you don't mind walking up hills the walk can be pleasant on a fine day.

Driving is probably the best way of seeing the surrounding region. A couple of the routes into Bristol during peak hours operate a car pool lane for cars with more than one occupant.

The centre of Bristol follows a one way city system, which can be frustrating and confusing for those not used to it. However, with patience and practice and a lot of circling around the same areas numerous times, it does become easier.

Parking [ edit ]

There are plenty of NCP car parks, and street parking. The cheaper street parking is in short supply in the centre, however Queen Square can usually be counted on to have a few spaces at off-peak times.

Park and Ride [ edit ]

There are three Park and Ride schemes operating in Bristol, with an additional Park and Ride for the busy Christmas period based at the University of the West of England (UWE) in Frenchay. The main park and rides are at Brislington, on the A4 opposite St Brendan's school. Another is in Shirehampton and a third is at the end of the A370 Long Ashton Bypass. These are recommended due to their cheaper fares and ease of access to the busy city centre.

For more information, see the Bristol City Council website .

By taxi [ edit ]

Due to the heavy traffic, taxis in Bristol can be quite expensive – and don't forget to allow extra time on your journey when taking a cab. There are about 700 licensed taxis (Hackney Carriages) and these can be distinguished as they are all painted a distinctive blue. Meters charged at a rate set by the council. There are a similar number of private hire vehicles (without roof signs) that need to be pre-booked. All legitimate taxis and private hire vehicles should have a predominantly yellow council-issued plate at the front and back of the vehicle. More information on taxis and private hire vehicles and a cab rank map can be found at Taxis and Minicabs in Bristol [dead link] .

Other options include apps like Uber , Bolt , and Veezsu .

See [ edit ]

Bristol is a very diverse city. From the historic Old City and Harbourside to Georgian Clifton, there is something to be found for everyone. Every neighbourhood has its own attractions and sights.

• Street Art . Street artist Banksy is from Bristol and some of his works can be seen around the city.  

Harbourside [ edit ]

The floating harbour is the jewel in Bristol's crown, and many of its attractions are on or close to the harbour:

• 51.45099 -2.59904 7 Bristol Aquarium , Anchor road, Harbourside, BS1 5TT ( In The City Centre ), ☏ +44 117 929-8929 . Daily 10AM-5PM . From the hidden world of UK waters, this amazing new aquarium transports visitors to the spectacular 'underwater gardens' of the Mediterranean and stunning beauty of tropical waters - home to everything from seahorses and puffer fish to living corals and tropical sharks. Adult £15.30; child 3-12 years £10 (must be accompanied by an adult); seniors & students £13.50; family of 4 £49.50 (2 adults and 2 children), all tickets 10% off if booked online but there is a £1.25 charge per transaction . ( updated Jun 2018 )
• The Matthew , ☏ +44 117 927 6868 . Dec-Apr: Sa Su 10AM – 4PM; Apr-Nov: Tu-Su 10AM – 4PM . The Matthew of Bristol is a replica of the 15th-century caravel that John Cabot sailed from Bristol to Newfoundland in 1497. In 1997 she sailed across the Atlantic to mark the 500th anniversary of the historic voyage. You can buy tickets for its occasional special voyages. Free . ( updated May 2020 )

Old City [ edit ]

Within walking distance from the bustling shopping district of Broadmead, is old town Bristol where the town originated from. You'll discover old buildings and hidden alleys whilst walking along cobbled streets. Highlights include:

West End [ edit ]

Clifton [ edit ].

The old and up-market suburb of Clifton contains several more places of interest, and much of the city's student population:

Eastside [ edit ]

Bristol's Eastside is the multicultural centre of Bristol and offers visitors a refreshing alternative side of the city, made up of a colourful collection of neighbourhoods that boast independent retailers from all around the globe. The wonderful thing about this side of town is simply walking around it - and most of the good things to do and see are free!

Easton is possibly the most multicultural area in Bristol where people of all nationalities rub shoulders. Here you can find anything from anywhere in the world - black hair and beauty, saris, Moroccan and Somalian cafes. You name it, you'll find it in Easton! This area is quite rightly home to the World On Your Doorstep festival held every June on Stapleton Road. For fantastic cafes and specialist shops (including the locally-famed Bristol Sweet Mart selling a large range of south-Asian foods and ingredients) head to St Marks Road.

Stokes Croft/Montpelier , (pronounced Mont-pelly-err, rather than the French-accented Mon-pell-ee-ay!), the bohemian heart of Bristol and home to artists and musicians of all descriptions. The streets are often canvases themselves and you'll find work by famous graffiti artists around every corner. Great music, cafes, an independent cinema, and a treasure trove of vintage clothing.

Avonmouth [ edit ]

Avonmouth used to be a small village on the outskirts of Bristol. Today, it is dominated by the massive Avonmouth Industrial Estate and large wholesale and retail superstores catering for the greater Bristol area. Activity at the port, which first opened in 1877, is now focused on the import of fruit, vegetables, coal, animal feeds, grain and cars.

Churches [ edit ]

Parks [ edit ]

Bristol has many open spaces reasonably accessible from the city centre. The more notable include:

• 51.469 -2.621 26 Clifton and Durdham Downs . Adjacent to the Avon Gorge, the Suspension Bridge and Bristol Zoo, 400 acres of grassland, with views towards the Severn Estuary and the Mendip Hills.  

Details of other city parks can be found on the city council website .

Nearby [ edit ]

Do [ edit ].

• Ferry Boat Co. , Welsh Back (Ferry stops all around the city) , ☏ +44 117 927-3416 . Throughout the day . Catch a ferry and enjoy the exciting world of Bristol's Historic Harbour for a round trip tour, hop-on and hop-off, or getting from A to B; and to many of the harbourside attractions. Timetables are available online and at many places in the city.  
• Pirate Walks , Meet at Millennium or Anchor Square. , ☏ +44 7950 566483 . Join Pirate Pete for a 1-hour guided walking tour of Bristol's historic harbourside. Walking tours of Bristol's 16th-, 17th- and 18th-century Maritime History of discovery, trade, slavery and piracy (always call before visiting). Adults £6.00, children £3.50 .  
• Jump , 22 Concorde Road, Cribbs Causeway, BS34 5TB , ☏ +44 117 931-2733 , [email protected] . Daily 10AM-6:30PM; school holidays 9:30AM-6PM . Bristol Jump has enormous adventure play-frames: a space zone, a galleon and an enchanted castle. At 22,000 sq feet it is the largest dedicated indoor soft play centre in England and it is tucked away in the back of Cribbs Causeway! There are also huge inflatables, an indoor football pitch, ten-pin bowling and an enormous zone just for toddlers. They also offer themed party rooms, a café and different activities every day. Babies: £1.00; 1 to 3 years: £5.50; 4+ years: £6.50; adults: £1.75; OAPS: £1.00 (on production of a bus pass) .  
• 51.471768 -2.576339 1 Undercover Rock , Mina Road, BS2 9YT St. Werburgh's ( St.Werburgh's Church, look out for the tower ), ☏ +44 1179 413 489 , [email protected] . M-F 9:30AM-10PM, Sa Su 9:30AM-6PM . Climbing centre housed in the former church of St. Werburgh's, with numerous climbing walls of varying difficulty levels. Training for beginners is available as well. It's not possible to climb the tower, but the interior of this historic building will definitely leave you speechless while dangling on a rope! £7-9 . ( updated Apr 2018 )
• 51.44611 -2.56623 3 Wake The Tiger , 127 Albert Road, BS2 0YA . 10:00 - 18:00 daily . An experience best described as a mix of art installations in an overarching fantasy themed setting, focussing on audiovisual sensations. Visitors enter the parallel world of Meridia through a portal on a construction site, which through experimentation in the fields of Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water aims to solve its imminent environmental disaster. This indoor activity is suited for all ages, with accessibility for wheelchairs, and offers 2 to 3 hours of entertainment on rainy days. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for families and groups. £15 . ( updated Aug 2023 )

Sports [ edit ]

• Bristol Bears play Rugby Union in the Premiership, the game's top tier. Their home ground is Ashton Gate, shared with Bristol City.
• Planet Ice is a public skating rink on Cribbs Causeway, north edge of the city. Bristol Pitbulls play ice hockey here Sept-Match in the National League, England's second tier.

Events [ edit ]

Bristol has a widespread range of festivals throughout the year. The most significant include:

• St Paul's Carnival . July (only some years) . African and Caribbean arts festival.  
• Bristol Balloon Fiesta is held on Ashton Court Estate (see above) in August, with mass ascents, night glows and a funfair. The next is 10-13 Aug 2023.
• Bristol Open Doors Day . weekend in early September, next 15 - 17 Sept 2023 . See a variety of buildings open on this weekend, including places which are not normally open to the public. You can just turn up for some of the more than 100 buildings, but many require advance bookings. ( updated Aug 2023 )
• Mayfest .  
• Festival of Ideas .  
• Bristol Harbour Festival has music, dance and maritime events. The next is 14-16 July 2023.
• Bristol International Kite Festival .  
• Bristol Vegfest .  
• Great Bristol Run has 10K and half marathon races passing many city landmarks including the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The next is probably Su 12 May 2024.

Listings [ edit ]

There are various websites publicising these events, but probably the best thing is to pick up a copy of Venue Magazine (analogous to London's Time Out ) from a stockist . Venue is no longer weekly and paid, but has been merged with the Folio free monthly lifestyle magazine, and new editions are usually available on the last Friday of the month.

Saturday's edition of the Bristol Evening Post has a free pull-out supplement called Seven that lists much of what is on offer in the city during the following seven days. Alternatively you can check out Bristol Music & Theatre listings online on Bristol Music [dead link] which also has contact details for all local venues and music contacts and reviews.

Headfirst is a local website and mobile app that offers detailed listings of what's going on in many of the bars and late night venues around the city, with an emphasis on live music.

Cinema [ edit ]

• Watershed , Canons’s Rd , ☏ +44 117 927-5100 . The primary hub for art-house film in the city centre with a lovely (WiFi enabled) cafe too.  
• Cube Microplex , Dove Street South . Hidden away not far from the bus station, this small non-profit making co-operative venue is housed in a beautifully shabby 1960s theatre. It's run entirely by volunteers and specialises in experimental film, music and performance. A unique experience.  
• Odeon Cinema , Union St , ☏ +44 117 929-0884 . Three-screen mainstream cinema located in the centre of Bristol  
• Vue Cinemas . There are two of these Warner Village cinemas in Bristol, one near the Mall out-of-town shopping centre at Cribbs Causeway (near the M5/M4 junction) and the other in Longwell Green, off the A4174 Ring Road. Both are modern multiplex type cinemas with approx 10 screens.  
• 51.44937 -2.56118 5 Showcase Cinema , Avonmeads, St Philips Causeway, BS2 0SP ( Avonmeads Retail Park ). Bristol's first multiplex cinema, the Showcase has been open since at least the mid-1990s. Rarely busy, so you always have plenty of seating choice. £7.95 . ( updated Oct 2018 )
• Arnolfini . Right on the water's edge at Narrow Quay, this contemporary arts centre includes a cinema showing alternative and arthouse films. And the quayside is a great place to soak up the sun with a beer from the cafe!  

Theatre [ edit ]

• Alma Tavern Theatre , 18-20 Alma Vale Rd , ☏ +44 117 973-5171 , +44 117 946-7899 (reservations) . Theatre on the first floor of the Alma Tavern & Theatre pub in Clifton, a short walk from Whiteladies Road. The theatre seats 50, with the bar on the ground floor.  
• Redgrave Theatre , Perceval Road, Clifton , ☏ +44 117 315-7620 . 320-seat theatre hosting amateur drama, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School productions and concerts.  
• Kelvin Studios , 253b Gloucester Rd , ☏ +44 117 959-3636 . Home to the Kelvin Players Theatre Company, an amateur theatre group on Gloucester Road.  

Music [ edit ]

• Victoria Rooms , Whiteladies Rd , ☏ +44 117 331-4044 , [email protected] . The University of Bristol's Department of Music. A wide range of music is presented in their free Wednesday lunchtime concert series, often given by established professional performers. Other [evening] concerts include the universities' symphony and chamber orchestras. Times and prices vary, contact the department for more information.  
• Bristol Beacon ( formerly Colston Hall ), Trenchard St , ☏ +44 117 203-4040 . Wide variety of concerts, gigs and performances. ( updated Mar 2022 )
• St George's , Great George St ( off Park Street ), ☏ +44 845 402 4001 . Wide variety of acoustic music including classical, world and jazz.  
• Bristol (O2) Academy , Frogmore St . Large gigs and club nights  
• SWX , Nelson St . Club nights, often with famous guest DJs.  
• Anson Rooms ( University Union ), Queens Rd . From comedians to live music, many renowned artists and the universities' students often perform here.  
• The Fleece , St Thomas St . Free on Monday and Tuesdays .  
• The Trinity Centre , Trinity Rd , ☏ +44 117 935-1200 .  
• Thekla , East Mud Dock . The famous club on a boat, sporting a Banksy graffiti work and prime location by Queens Square.  
• Bristol Bierkeller , All Saints St. . Rock, Metal, Punk, Goth, Alternative.  
• Full Moon & Eclipse , North St./Stokes Croft . Formerly an important Metal and Punk venue but has now become a backpacker hostel with some music events targeted at their guests.  
• The Croft , Stokes Croft . The croft has a policy of supporting new music of every style and scheduling mainly homegrown talent. Free M-W before 10PM, and then a charge on Th-Su .  
• The Louisiana , Wapping Road/Bathurst Terrace . Bands that have played here include Coldplay, the Whitestripes, Kings of Leon, and Keane.  
• The Old Duke , King St . Jazz, Blues  
• Black Swan , 438 Stapleton Rd, Eastville , ☏ +44 117 939-3334 . A pub that regularly hosts alternative liberal, electronic dance, rave music events.  

Pubs offering live music of some sort are extremely numerous in most areas of the city.

Comedy [ edit ]

• The Comedy Box . Usually hosted above the Hen and Chicken pub on North Street, Southville but sometimes at the nearby Tobacco Factory (especially for more popular acts). Has hosted a number of major stand-up acts, including Mark Thomas, Sue Perkins, Ed Byrne and Marcus Brigstocke.  
• The Lanes , 22 Nelson Street , ☏ +44 117 325-1979 . Live stand-up every Friday and Saturday night.  
• Oppo Comedy , Channings Hotel, Pembroke Rd . Su from 8:30PM, hosted by Mark Olver £2+ .  
• [dead link] Thunderbolt Pub , Bath Rd . Occasional events  
• [dead link] Bristol Improv , 31-35 Cotham Hill, BS6 6JY . Bristol University's only improv troupe put on free and paid shows each month, with a regular show at The Hill  

The Bristol to Bath Railway cycle path [ edit ]

This showcase cycle path runs on a disused railway line from central Bristol to Bath . With its traffic free tarmac, gentle gradients, and only two minor road crossings on its 22 km stretch, it is ideal for cycling. At a leisurely pace the journey to Bath takes a good 2 hr through green suburbs and some attractive countryside. If you are too tired to cycle back, you can take your bicycle free of charge on one of the frequent trains from Bath Spa to Bristol temple meads station. The journey takes 10-15 min.

From Bath, you can continue cycling along the towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal all the way to Bradford on Avon , taking another hour or so. Though not paved and somewhat narrower than the Bristol to Bath cycle path, the towpath is still traffic free and the scenery even more beautiful. There are two or three places to stop and eat or drink on the way. The aqueduct at Avoncliff is worth seeing. From Bradford too there are direct trains back to Bristol that carry bicycles.

Wellness [ edit ]

• 51.41349 -2.58472 10 Hengrove Park Leisure Centre , Hengrove Promenade, BS14 0DE , ☏ +44 117 937 0200 . M Tu Th 5:30AM-8:30PM, W 5:30AM-10PM, Sa Su 06AM-7:30PM . Gym, Olympic swimming pool, 4 court sports hall, dance studio, health suite, and an 8-m climbing wall to the south of Bristol. Swimming: £4.60 for adults, £3 for kids; Gym £6.70 for adults and £3.50 for kids . ( updated May 2019 )
• 51.44244 -2.56406 11 Diamonds , 363 Bath Rd, 3EW ( next to Bristol Blue Glass ), ☏ +44 117 977 4659 . M-F 10AM-8PM, Sa Su 11AM-8PM . Massages in a friendly atmosphere, nice for days with miserable weather. Reservation well in advance required. £60 . ( updated Apr 2019 )

Work [ edit ]

The largest independent employers in Bristol are the two universities, the Orange telecom company, Airbus, Rolls Royce, Hewlett-Packard/Compaq, AXA and various media companies including BBC Bristol (famed for its natural history department), ITV West Country and Endemol. The Ministry of Defence has a large site employing around 5000 people in Filton towards the north of the city.

Casual work, usually supermarket, call centre, bar and restaurant work is fairly easily available in Bristol. Many employment agencies are in the city centre. Bristol has the second highest job ratio of the eight English core cities (after Manchester) making it very good for employment opportunities.

Buy [ edit ]

Malls & shopping centres [ edit ].

Broadmead and Cabot Circus are the two major precincts in the city's central shopping district.

Broadmead remains a pretty dire indictment of post war planning and architecture; it contains The Galleries , Bristol's city centre mall. It is large, though the range of shops doesn’t offer much. Primark and TK Maxx are the remaining department stores. The now empty Debenhams store towers over the area. Other high street stores include Lush, Waterstones, and HMV (Updated 2023).

• Avonmeads . Between St Philips and Brislington, Avonmeads has a few out of town shops, restaurants, Showcase cinema and bowling. Shops include Boots, Currys, Brantano, Outfit, The Range, and M&S Simply Food. A short distance away is Sainsburys.  
• 51.44387 -2.59511 4 ASDA , East St, Bristol BS3 4JY , ☏ +44 117 923 1563 . Large supermarket in Bedminster, south of the Bristol city centre. One of the cheapest supermarkets in Bristol, ASDA is the best choice for travellers to restock on food and drinks. They also carry SIM card top-ups for the major UK carriers and necessary tools to make repairs to equipment (duct tape, etc.) It also houses a Gregg’s, McDonald’s and Cinnabon ( updated Dec 2023 )
• 51.433491 -2.618777 5 Sainsbury's , St Philips Causeway, Bristol BS4 3BD , ☏ +44 117 977 4887 . M-Sa 7AM-10PM, Su 10AM-4PM . Large supermarket close to Bedminster, a bit more expensive than ASDA in Southville, but offers a variety of prepared take-away foods such as salads and prepared noodle dishes that can be eaten cold. Don't forget to pick up a pack of plastic spoons or forks if you don't have any along, you'll find them in aisle 31. ( updated Mar 2018 )

Areas [ edit ]

• Park Street, Queens Road and The Triangle (marketed by the local traders as Bristol's West End) has a good range of fashionable clothes shops, book shops, restaurants, takeaways, record shops.
• Clifton Village contains a wide variety of smaller, more expensive boutique style shops, as well as some nice cafes and restaurants.
• Whiteladies Road has some small department stores, takeaways, restaurants, bars, Clifton Down shopping centre, electrical stores, bookshops, gift shops.
• Old Market Street/West Street is home to several of Bristol's massage parlours, along with a few adult shops several gay bars and a gay club called Flamingos. Nearby on Midland Road is The Club, and on Alfred Street, The Elite Retreat; both good massage parlours, although Central Massage on Old Market Street is the cheapest, and Adam & Eve on West Street is open 24/7.

Bristol also has quite vibrant district shopping centres. The best of these are probably:

• Christmas Steps area, mainly independent shops including many boutique type shops, including bookshops, hairdressers, vintage clothing stores and some bars.
• North St and East St, in Bedminster in the south of the city. A wide range of independent shops, also supermarkets, greengrocers, butchers, bars, cafes, delicatessens, charity shops.
• Gloucester Rd/Cheltenham Rd in the North, which offer a lot of cafes and restaurants, a number of instrument shops, many hardware stores and a good selection of independent butchers, bakers and greengrocers. At night, the restaurants and pubs attract lively nightlife.
• Fishponds Rd and Staple Hill in the East. Asian restaurants, thrift shops, bakers and independent stores.
• St Mark's Rd in Easton, in the east of the inner city, which is particularly noted for its mainly South Asian food shops and restaurants. It is also home to a modern vegetarian/vegan restaurant (Café Maitreya) that has won national acclaim.

Markets [ edit ]

There are also a number of markets in and around the city. St Nicholas Market [dead link] in the centre, near Corn St. is a permanent fixture and has stalls selling jewellery, books, CDs and fresh food. It also hosts the 'Nails' market on Fridays and Saturdays, a Flea Market on Fridays, and various special markets around the end of the year. There are a number of farmers markets (and similar events) held at different venues around the city. These include:

• Corn St. . Bristol Farmers Market on Wednesday mornings 9:30AM-2:30PM. Local producers from a 40-mile radius sell a massive range of food from cheese, fish, honey, cakes, vegetables to meat, game and poultry at this award-winning market. All the produce is grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked or smoked by the stallholders.  
• St Nicholas Market , Corn Street . Covered market M-Sa 9:30AM-5PM . Historic covered market, established in 1743, with about 50 stalls. Outdoors there is a Nails Market on Friday, Saturday; Farmers Market on Wednesday; Food Market on Fridwy. ( updated Aug 2016 )
• Straits Parade, Fishponds . Straits Parade is a grassy open space right alongside the busy Fishponds Road. Here the Market has come to its customers. Held on the Second Thursday morning each month it is gaining a strong local following. Good bus links to Emersons Green and Downend.  
• Sunday Market at theTobacco Factory , Southville . 10AM-2:30PM . It has around 30 stalls and leans strongly towards eco-friendly, fair trade and local products. ( updated Aug 2016 )
• Slow Food Market . 10AM-3PM . Corn St. on the first Sunday, hrs. It is the largest food market in Bristol, with the widest choice. Although it is the largest food market, Slow Food Bristol and Bristol City Council are committed to increasing its size and range further. They are aiming by next year to see the market going international with visits from food producers from France, Germany, Portugal, Spain and, of course, Italy.  
• Whiteladies Rd. . Due to its popularity with both stallholders and shoppers it is now fortnightly, alternating Fridays 8:30AM till 1PM, and Saturdays, 9AM till 2PM, at the corner of Whiteladies Road and Apsley Road.  

Eat [ edit ]

Bristol has a huge choice of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. There are many around the Harbourside and the West End's Park Street and Whiteladies Road, but do not be dissuaded from trying those outside the centre as many are superior to those that attract passing trade due to their location. After a night out, or if your hotel allows food delivery, you will also be able to find many takeaways in Bristol , with different varieties of food.

Budget [ edit ]

City centre [ edit ].

• 51.454407 -2.592533 1 St Nicholas Market , The Corn Exchange, Corn St . There is a food aisle within the glass arcade at St Nicholas Market. Many international cuisines are represented, including Italian, Indian, West Indian/Caribbean, Moroccan and Portuguese. Can be a bit chilly, depending on the weather, so keep your coat on! ( updated May 2022 )

• 51.452939 -2.598909 2 Rendezvous Fish Bar , 9 Denmark St . Here you get fish&chips. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.454081 -2.59326 3 Portuguese Taste , St Nicholas Market, 43 The Glass Arcade . Amazing Portuguese food and great people running the shop. Offers delicious home cooked comfort food. Pasteis de Nata is amazing. Very friendly staff. ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.449208 -2.59666 4 Princes Pantry , 61 Prince St . Simple and good tasting fast food. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.455274 -2.595354 5 Beirut Mezze , 13A Small St., BS1 1DE , ☏ +44 1179277937 . M-Sa noon-11PM, Su noon-10PM . Lebanese restaurant serving authentic food in sizeable portions. Their £5 meal deal (July 2019) features 6 different specialities including hummus, grilled chicken, and minced lamb. ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.45269 -2.59756 6 Falafel King , Narrow Quay, at the Centre Promenade . M-Sa 11AM-7PM, Su 11AM-5PM . Snack stands in the centre, conveniently next to the bus stops! Excellent falafel customised to just about any preference. £6 (April 2019) . ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.454452 -2.592471 7 Matina , The Glass Arcade, St Nicholas St . Stunning Middle-Eastern food, all made fresh in front of you and quick. Really yummy wraps. Very friendly staff at the shop. ( updated May 2022 )
• You also find the chain restaurants of JD Wetherspoon, Greggs (bakery), Franco Manca and Eat A Pitta.

Broadmead [ edit ]

• 51.458174 -2.590724 8 Taste of Napoli , 32 The Horsefair . Welcoming staff, delicious food. Plenty of choice for vegetarians and vegans alike. Authentic Italian pizza, snacks (arancini, fried breaded mozzarella, etc ) and sandwiches. ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.458563 -2.584912 9 Tortilla Bristol (Cabot Circus) , Concorde St . Amazing Mexican restaurant, great food, incredible staff. Tasty burritos. ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.457958 -2.591907 10 Rana's Dhaba , Avon House, 1 The Haymarket . Very nice food, brilliant service. It's almost impossible not walk by and not get something as it smells so good. Best veggie samosa. Great veggie options all in all. ( updated May 2022 )

Around the University of Bristol [ edit ]

• 51.46031 -2.60109 11 Fresh Takeaway , 124 Saint Michael's Hill , ☏ +44 117 926 5959 . 10:30AM-10PM . Small Chinese takeaway restaurant, serving traditional Cantonese food. There is no indoor seating available. Try their fried pork rice for £5.30 (Jan 2019)! They have a daily lunch offer for £4.80 (Jan 2019). ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.45595 -2.606532 12 Taka Taka , Queens Row, 1 Queens Rd, BS8 1QE , ☏ +44 117 929 1785 , [email protected] . M-Sa 11AM-4PM, Su noon-midnight . Greek comfort food restaurant, with seating inside or takeaway. Decent sized portions of kebabs, souvlaki etc. served with Greek bread and/or chips, tzatziki, and a vegetable mix. £8.50 (July 2019) . ( updated May 2022 )

North-east Bristol [ edit ]

• 51.469476 -2.575351 13 Golden Spiced , 88 Mina Rd, Bristol, BS2 , ☏ +44 1179 552 419 , [email protected] . Daily 5:30PM-11:30PM . Take-away Indian restaurant with an extensive menu. Tikka Lamb starting at £7.50 (April 2018), but also many entries and vegetarian options available. Wait time usually around 10 minutes. Take-away only, no seating. ( updated May 2022 )

South-east Bristol [ edit ]

• 51.437172 -2.556038 14 Lodekka , Tramway Rd, BS4 3DS Brislington ( on the corner of Bath Rd and Tramway Rd ), ☏ +44 117 971 2975 . Daily 10AM-11PM . Grill restaurant aiming to provide the best value, translating in large portions of average quality grilled meat. The mixed grill for £11.49 (Aug 2018) is very good for its price. A great place for families or dinners with friends, not such a great choice for vegetarians. Indoor and outdoor seating available, and a playground for kids. You need to order food at the bar with mention of your table number and pay up front to the bartender, food is then delivered to your table. £5-11.50 (Aug 2018) . ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.44523 -2.55212 15 Pizza Factory , 200 Bloomfield Road, BS4 3QU Brislington , ☏ +44 1179774307 . Tu-Th 5-11PM, F-Su noon-11PM . A small privately owned fast food restaurant run by a family of highly motivated Indians. If you expect a wood-fired pizza oven here you'll be disappointed, but it will be hard to find better tasting pizzas for the price anywhere else in Bristol. Huge selection of toppings to choose from, the best opportunity to compose your own pizza. They also have a selection of drinks and desserts. Stay away from the chips, they're nothing special. No seating available, take-away only. £7-9 (Oct 2018) . ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.44067 -2.55558 16 Parsons , 35 Sandy Park Rd, BS4 3PH , ☏ +44 117 977 2744 . M-F 7:30AM-4PM, Sa 8AM-3:30PM . Family run bakery in the Sandy Park commercial district of Brislington. Sells a wide range of baked goods, sandwiches, donuts, and assorted snacks. ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.445569 -2.56597 17 Loki Poké , 127 Albert Rd . Just what Bristol was crying out for, Hawaiian street food. (Like vertiginous pre-European Hawaii had anything so flat as streets?) Opened in 2021 and serving W-F 5:30PM-9PM and Sa Su noon-9PM. ( updated May 2022 )

East Bristol [ edit ]

• 51.45461 -2.54494 18 Good Taste , Unit 4, St. Annes Village Centre, Wyatts View, St. Annes Park, BS4 4WW ( get off the bus at Chapel Way ), ☏ +44 117 971 7170 . M W-Th 5-10PM, F Sa 5-11PM . Chinese, Malaysia and Thai take-away. Delicious food in large portions. No seating available, take-away only. £7.50 (Sept 2020) for a meal package . ( updated May 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 51.4463 -2.59958 19 Bertha's Pizza , The Old Gaol Stables,Cumberland Rd, BS1 6WW , ☏ +44 117 929 0003 . W-F 5-10PM Sa noon-10PM (closed Su-Tu) . Unusual Pizzas, in the warm loft and interesting speciality deserts Pizza's £14 . ( updated Dec 2023 )
• 51.46027 -2.60106 20 Chris and Jo's Kitchen , 122 St. Michaels Hill, BS2 8BU , ☏ +44 117 239 5388 , [email protected] . Very cosy restaurant next to the University campus and a popular choice for casual lunch or dinner. Requires a hike to the top of St Michaels Hill! The interior is simple and the restaurant looks nothing special from the outside, but it's worth a visit. £10-25 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.4595 -2.55153 21 The Lock Up , 182 Church Road, BS5 9HX , ☏ +44 117 329 0707 . British and European cuisine. Great venue for a Sunday lunch or family event. £20-30 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.44084 -2.57478 22 Eat Your Greens , 156 Wells Road, BS4 2AG , ☏ +44 117 239 8704 , [email protected] . Simple restaurant serving British food, with plentiful vegetarian and vegan options. £12-22 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.45575 -2.6206 23 The Clifton Sausage , 7 Portland Street, BS8 4JA , ☏ +44 117 973 1192 , [email protected] . Simple but delicious British pub food. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.45617 -2.59391 24 The Bank , 8 John Street, BS1 2HR , ☏ +44 117 930 4691 , [email protected] . British pub serving typical Sunday roast, Yorkshire pudding included! ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.444194 -2.609981 26 Sonny Stores ( Birch ), 47 Raleigh Rd, Southville , ☏ +44 117 902 8326 . Opened in 2021 serves Italian. It's open Tu-Sa noon - 10PM. ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.466346 -2.587692 27 Thali Montpelier , ☏ +44 117 942-6687 . York Road, Montpelier, and also in Easton, Clifton, Totterdown, and North Street in Southville. The Thali specialises in vegetarian Indian food and in terms of volume of food, must be one of the best bargains in the city! Loads of courses for very little outlay. On Sundays there is normally live music and bargain thalis on a first-come-first-served basis (no reservations taken). ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.45653 -2.606993 28 wagamama bristol clifton , Queen's Road . A professionally run, good-value Asian noodle bar. Main courses are filling and of consistent quality. Walkable from the centre, or take a bus from St. Augustines Parade/College Green up Park Street. ( updated May 2022 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 51.44722 -2.59854 29 Tare , Unit 14, Cargo 2, Museum Street, BS1 6ZA , ☏ +44 117 929 4328 . Tiny restaurant in a shipping container at Wapping Wharf. Making advance reservations is a necessity. £100+ . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.4491 -2.59348 31 River Station , The Grove, BS1 4RB , ☏ +44 117 914-4434 . The restaurant aims to be carbon neutral with naturally generated air-conditioning. Great location on the harbourside looking towards Redcliffe. Fresh locally sourced menu with a lean towards Mediterranean seafood. £30-40 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.44726 -2.59401 32 Casamia , The General, Lower Guinea Street , ☏ +44 117 959-2884 . W-Sa 6:30PM-8:15PM, F Sa 12:15PM-1:30PM; book 1-3 months ahead . This Italian restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in 2009, and has moved to a more central location. £100+ . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.4469 -2.59898 33 BOX-E , Unit 10, Cargo 1, Wapping Wharf, BS1 6WP , [email protected] . Tiny restaurant in a shipping container at the Wapping Wharf. Their wines are lovely, but an advance reservations are a must. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.4495 -2.58929 34 Pasture , 2 Portwall Lane, BS1 6NB , ☏ +44 7741 193445 , [email protected] . Steak house with some vegetarian options as well. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.46274 -2.59796 35 Bulrush , 21 Cotham Road South, BS6 5TZ , ☏ +44 117 329 0990 , [email protected] . Th-Sa 12:30-14:30, Tu-Sa 18:30-20:30 . Fine dining restaurant with a Michelin star. £100+ . ( updated Feb 2020 )
• 51.44433 -2.6132 36 The Ashville , 15 Leigh Street, BS3 1SN , ☏ +44 117 939 6897 , [email protected] . Steak house also known for its burgers. £10-25 (Feb 2020) . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.46787 -2.60524 37 Wilsons , 24 Chandos Road, BS6 6PF , ☏ +44 117 973 4157 . Fine dining restaurant with a 7 course tasting menu. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 51.45043 -2.59248 38 Adelina Yard , Welsh Back, BS1 4SL , ☏ +44 117 925 6682 , [email protected] . Posh fine dining restaurant near Queen Square. £100+ . ( updated Feb 2023 )

Sweet [ edit ]

• 51.45273 -2.60006 39 Swoon Gelato , 31a College Green, BS1 5TB ( across from the Cathedral ), ☏ +44 117 929 0093 . 10AM-10:30PM daily . Regarded as the best ice cream in the city, although not cheap. Fairly posh interior, with indoor seating or take away. £4.5 for 2 scoops in a cone . ( updated Nov 2018 )

Drink [ edit ]

The fact that it's the home to around 44,000 students probably says a lot for the quality of the city's nightlife. Surprisingly, though, it's relatively expensive, with prices similar to those in London. Mainstream nightlife centres around 3 main areas - Corn Street in the 'old city', Park Street/Whiteladies Road, and the Harbourside. These areas get extremely busy, if not rowdy, at weekends, however there are plenty of places in Bristol where you can have a good time without mixing with more student type crowds. Venue magazine is a good source of information. The eastern end of King Street in the old city provides a slightly more relaxed, but popular, outdoor drinking area on sunny summer evenings, surrounded by historic pubs such as the 17th-century Llandoger Trow (reputed to have been the haunt of pirates and the model for the Admiral Benbow in Robert Louis Stevenson's novel "Treasure Island").

Amongst the hundreds of brilliant venues in the city, there are four outstanding areas:

• St Nicholas' Market , including Baldwin Street: on and around Corn Street, you'll find several chain bars, including Wetherspoons' the Commercial Rooms on Corn Street which was once a meeting place for Merchant Ventures. Other reliable venues include the Slug & Lettuce and Vodka Revolution on St Nicholas Street, All Bar One and Walkabout on Corn Street and O'Neill's and Reflex on Baldwin Street. However, those looking to get away from the familiar will definitely enjoy Start The Bus at the bottom of Corn Street, an established indie pub-come-club; also, Mr Wolf's on St Stephen's Street offers noodles and live music.
• Harbourside area : the regenerated waterside is a great place to drink, especially on summer afternoons. On Welsh Back, there's the famous Old Duke jazz pub and, opposite it, the famous Lladngoer Trow - plus, the Apple, a floating cider bar. Bristol's famous bar on a boat, the Thekla, is around the corner, and there are plenty of big chain and independent bars on Canon Road. Millennium Square has lots of chain restaurants and bars centred on the impressive mirrored 'Imaginarium' and fountains. The Waterfront by the hippodrome can be rowdy of a weekend and is best avoided.
• Park Street , Park Row , Clifton Triangle and Whiteladies Road : Whiteladies Road runs from the Downs on top of Blackboy Hill, past Clifton on one side and Cotham and Redland on the other; at the Triangle, traffic runs around the eponymous island of shops and bars before pushing down Park Street to the centre of Bristol. There are hundreds of bars and clubs along this busy thoroughfare: popular venues include the Tube, the Woods, Embargo, Brown's, The Jersey Lily and the Black Bear.
• Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road : the anarchic area of Stokes Croft is home to Bristol's big independent clubs, Blue Mountain, Lakota and Clockwork. Whilst not in Stokes Croft, Club Motion, hidden behind Temple Meads station is a relatively new addition to the Bristol scene, hosting similar nights and acts as these venues. A skate park by day, this huge (by any standards) club has become one of Bristol's most popular, is internationally known, and is well worth a visit for seasoned clubbers; after these monoliths, there are live music venues, pubs and bars to please the alternative crowd. Highlights include the Pipe and Slippers, the Croft, the Bell, the Flyer and the Prince of Wales.

If you're a tourist in Bristol, you may enjoy visiting one of the city's pubs and bars with historic and literary connections.

• Abolitionist the Reverend Thomas Clarkson stayed in the Seven Stars in Redcliffe while he researched the British slave trade in 1787.
• Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey used to meet in the Rummer Tavern to talk about emigrating. An earlier pub on the same premises, known as the Greene Lattis, was the first pub in Bristol to get a license, back in 1241.
• Actor Cary Grant often stayed in the Avon Gorge Hotel , which has a terrace bar opening out onto Clifton's best view of Brunel's suspension bridge.
• Pioneers of the Bristol sound, Massive Attack, established the Tube , a bar/club at the foot of Park Street.

City Centre pubs [ edit ]

• 51.45492 -2.60357 2 Goldbrick House , 69 Park Street, BS1 5PB , ☏ +44 117 945-1950 . The bar is laid out over the top floor of a traditional Georgian building and spans four interconnecting rooms. It has a great intimate vibe as it creates the feeling that you are drinking, not in a bar but in someone’s house. The décor reflects this mood as there are contemporary yet comfy armchairs and sofas dotted around.  
• 51.45189 -2.59233 3 The Apple , Welsh Back, BS1 4SB , ☏ +44 117 925-3500 . A floating cider bar. A converted old Dutch Barge where the decks have been transformed into seating areas where you can sit and lull with the water whilst enjoying some of the West Country’s finest ciders. A really unique place to grab a drink. Just be wary of what cider you are drinking as some are rather lethal and could lead to a man-overboard situation.  

Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road pubs [ edit ]

• 51.46305 -2.59268 4 The Hillgrove Porter Stores ( The Hillgrove ), 53 Hillgrove Street North, BS2 8LT , ☏ +44 117 924-8234 . Winner of the CAMRA Bristol pub of the year in 2007, a freehouse with ten real ales and cider, perry. A wide mix of customers, good food and heated beer garden, open Su-Th 'til midnight, F & Sa 'til 1AM.  
• 51.47119 -2.57637 5 The Miner's Arms , 136 Mina Road, St Werburghs, BS2 9YQ , ☏ +44 117 907-9874 . This pub is the type of large, multi-roomed community local that is increasingly rare. Declared the Best Pub in Bristol by Venue Magazine in 2005, it has mirrored the resurgence of this vibrant community. ( updated Aug 2016 )
• 51.46731 -2.57559 6 Duke of York , 2 Jubilee Road, St Werburghs, BS2 9RS , ☏ +44 117 941-3677 . Winner of CAMRA's Best Pub in Bristol 2008, has a friendly atmosphere and quirky décor.  
• 51.4611 -2.59898 7 The Green Man ( formerly The Bell ), 21 Alfred Place, Kingsdown, BS2 8HD , ☏ +44 117 930-4824 . Opened in September 2008 as the first 'organic' pub in the city. The pub used to be the Georgian-built 'The Bell'. Notably, all the alcoholic drinks are organic and the freshly-prepared food is all organic or free range. Two of the six real ales are served on gravity from the barrel. ( updated Aug 2016 )
• 51.46149 -2.60244 8 The Highbury Vaults , 164 St Michael's Hill, BS2 8DE , ☏ +44 117 973-3203 . Winner of the CAMRA Bristol pub of the year in 2003, the Highbury Vaults is a classic traditional pub with 8 real ales available on cask. Popular with students and older customers alike, and with a large heated garden. Open until midnight.  

Clifton pubs [ edit ]

• 51.45295 -2.62387 10 The Portcullis , 3 Wellington Terrace, Sion Hill, Clifton, BS8 4LE , ☏ +44 117 908-5536 . Freehouse near Brunel's Suspension Bridge. A Grade II listed Georgian building, it has been a pub since the 1850s. On two levels, the bottom bar and main entrance is one of the smallest pubs in Bristol. ( updated Aug 2016 )

Hotwells pubs [ edit ]

There are a number of traditional pubs located around the City Docks, such as The Cottage at the Hotwells end of the Floating Harbour, Grain Barge and the Nova Scota. These pubs can be accessed by foot or by harbour ferry.

Surrounding area

• 51.39896 -2.63795 13 Dundry Inn , Dundry , BS41 8LH ( less than a mile from the city boundary ), ☏ +44 117 964-1722 , [email protected] . A small, friendly pub with cask ales opposite the church. Also 2 en-suite double rooms. Ambitious, home-cooked menu £5-15.50 .  

Bars with live music [ edit ]

• 51.4538 -2.59416 14 Mr Wolfs , 32 St Nicholas St, BS1 1TG . 6PM-3AM . Live music venue and noodle bar which has live music every night of the week from local bristol artists.  

Bristol's a gay-friendly city, on the whole, with a rounded and rich gay scene. Flamingo's on West Street is probably Bristol's biggest gay club with a 900-person capacity. The Pineapple on St George's Road is a sociable and well-established pink pub, and just down the road, the QueenShilling on Frogmore Street is a long-standing club that holds the Bristol heats of Mr Gay UK. And Club Wonky, held at Warehouse on Prince Street on the last Friday of the month where sleazy electro hits are cut with pop classics.

Non-alcoholic venues [ edit ]

• The Big Banana Juice Bar . Great juice bar in the centre of town at St Nicholas's Market on Corn Street. Fruit juices and organic wheatgrass. Into health and wellbeing. Juice promotions and promotional events.  
• Blue Juice , 39 Cotham Hill, Cotham . Also serves wraps and salads.  
• 51.4578 -2.59029 15 Shakeaway , The Arcade, Broadmead , ☏ +44 117 922 0446 . 11AM-6PM . Will make a milkshake out of pretty much anything, including Haribo, Mars Bars and Oreos.  
• Racks Bar & Kitchen , St.Paul's Road, BS8 1LX , ☏ +44 117 974-1626 . M-Th 7AM-11PM; F Sa 8AM-midnight; Su 8AM-10:30PM . In an old wine cellar (hence the name), Racks has been established as a go-to bar in Clifton for over 30 years.  
• 51.4569 -2.58993 16 Boswell's , Broadmead ( The Galleries ), ☏ +44 117 929 9964 . A café in The Galleries, similar to Starbucks, offering a large variety of coffee, tea and hot chocolate flavors. Comfortable seating with power sockets and internet access, this is an excellent venue for travellers to recharge laptop and phone batteries. ( updated Mar 2018 )
• 51.452891 -2.598372 17 You & Meow , 22 Denmark Street . Noon-7:15PM . Pub filled with friendly people and free-roaming cats. A true heaven for cat-lovers! ( updated Mar 2018 )
• 51.46163 -2.60809 18 Brace & Browns , 43 Whiteladies Road, BS8 2LS , ☏ +44 117 973 7800 , [email protected] . Trendy bar and restaurant next to the BBC building. Selection of decent food in good portion sizes, fairly priced. Not suitable for kids. Reservation in advance is recommended if you want to be sure of indoor seating. ( updated Sep 2018 )
• 51.46066 -2.60176 19 Mocha Mocha , 139 Saint Michaels Hill, BS2 8BS , ☏ +44 1173 763363 , [email protected] . M-F 07.45 - 17.00 . Small coffee shop specialising in hot beverages, snacks and breakfast. Their Cinnamon Latte for £3.40 is delicious! ( updated Sep 2018 )
• 51.45371 -2.59812 20 Doms Coffee House , 23-25 St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UL , ☏ +44 117 312 1040 , [email protected] . M-F 7:30AM-7:30PM, Sa 9:30AM-7:30PM, Su 10AM-4PM . Cold and hot beverages, and a selection of cakes, sandwiches and other snacks. Alcohol only sold together with food items. The ground floor is pretty small, but there is huge indoor seating on the first floor with a great view over the Centre in a Victorian setting. The globe in the far corner opens up and reveals a chess set! ( updated Sep 2018 )
• 51.45421 -2.60269 21 Gin & Juice , 47 Park St . noon-11PM daily . A charmingly decorated pub with nearly endless varieties of gin to try out, and freshly pressed juices and smoothies. ( updated Oct 2020 )

Adult entertainment [ edit ]

• 51.45314 -2.5969 12 Urban Tiger , 4 Broad Quay, BS1 4DA , ☏ +44 117 927 2181 . F Sa 9PM-4AM . Strip club near the Waterfront. ( updated Feb 2020 )

Sleep [ edit ]

There are a lot of hotels and guest houses in the Bristol area. A selection is listed below.

• The Washington Guesthouse Bristol , 11-15 St Paul's Rd, BS8 1LX , ☏ +44 117 973-3980 , [email protected] . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 11AM . A good value budget hotel in heart of Clifton with full English breakfast included in the price. £20/single or £20/double when booked more than 6 weeks in advance . ( updated Jul 2016 )
• 51.44977 -2.59723 1 Youth Hostel , 14 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA , ☏ +44 845 371 9726 , [email protected] . A modern, clean and very central YHA youth hostel located in the Harbourside area; now with a newly revamped cafe on the quayside. Open every day all hours. £15/dorm bed, £39/private room. . ( updated Jul 2016 )
• Bristol Backpackers , 17 Saint Stephen's Street ( in Old City ), ☏ +44 117 925-7900 . Reception hours 9AM-11:30PM. Dorm rate £14 per person per night  
• Full Moon Eco Hostel , 1 North St, Stokes Croft, BS1 3PR ( near the '5102' apartments, opposite the large roundabout behind Debenham's department store and the bus station ), ☏ +44 117 924-5007 . Check-in: 3PM-10:30PM . This hostel is next to two of Bristol's biggest nightclubs with music going on until 5AM. Reception is closed from 11AM-3PM. £17.50/dorm bed .  
• Rock N Bowl Motel (at The Lanes) , 22 Nelson St, BS1 2LE , ☏ +44 117 325-1980 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: noon . A youth hostel above a bowling alley, which doubles as a bar/nightclub, in a converted 1930s primary school. Perfect location in the Old City. Can be a bit noisy at weekends, but they offer free earplugs, and their indie-ish atmosphere means that the music's usually good and often live. From £10/dorm bed, £45/double .  
• The Clifton Hotel , St Paul's Rd, BS8 1LX , ☏ +44 117 973-6882 . A good value budget hotel in heart of Clifton that has its own restaurant/bar. from £20/single or £25/double when booked more than 6 weeks in advance . ( updated Aug 2017 )
• Arnos Manor Hotel , 470 Bath Road, Arnos Vale, BS4 3HQ , ☏ +44 117 971-1461 . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 11AM . Built in 1760 as the luxurious home of wealthy Bristol merchant William Reeve, this historic building boasts many original Georgian Gothic features. From £45 .  
• Holiday Inn, Bristol - Filton , Filton Road, Hambrook , ☏ +44 871 942 9014 . A 211-room hotel 15 minutes from the centre on 11 acres of land. It has its own fishing lake and free parking! From £60.  
• Premier Inn , The Haymarket ( near the Bus Station ), ☏ +44 870 238 3307 . Standard rooms, nothing fancy, has everything you need as a reasonable price. Not ideal for long stays as could get a bit depressing. £50-90 .  
• The Berkeley Square , 15 Berkeley Square , ☏ +44 117 925-4000 . If your visit takes you nearer to Clifton, this could be useful, just off Park Street (where all the best independent shops in the city are). The hotel is a lovely old 3* Georgian house; staying here also gains you access to the exclusive members-only bar in the basement. Rooms from £60 .  
• Brooks Guesthouse , Exchange Ave, St Nicholas Market BS1 1UB , ☏ +44 117 930 0066 . Bright and compact B&B with 23 rooms in a former office block. But the quirk is up on the roof, with four Airstream caravans parked on the astroturf. Assistance dogs only. B&B double from £100 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• SACO Serviced Apartments , ☏ +44 117 970 6999 . An alternative to staying in a hotel. 150 well-equipped apartments throughout the city in seven locations with friendly staff. From £65 .  
• 51.4556 -2.6198 2 The Rodney Hotel Bristol , 4 Rodney Place, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4HY ( Clifton Village ), ☏ +44 117 973 5422 , [email protected] . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 11AM . ( updated Aug 2016 )
• 51.448616 -2.587705 3 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Centre , Redcliffe Way, BS1 6NJ , ☏ +44 117 926 0041 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: noon . 206 guest rooms and free Wi-Fi. There's a restaurant onsite, and meeting space for up to 300 attendees. ( updated Sep 2020 )
• 51.4557 -2.6065 4 Berkeley Suites Bristol , 6 Berkeley Crescent, BS8 1HA , ☏ +44 117 925-4000 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 11AM . These 5-star apartments offer the services of a top end hotel. Guests can enjoy complimentary use of Nuffield Health & Fitness Centre during their stay. ( updated Jul 2016 )
• Cadbury House Hotel , ☏ +44 193 483-4343 . This 4-star hotel is suitable for both relaxation and corporate visits.  
• Marriott Royal , College Green , ☏ +44 117 925-5100 . 4-star hotel, the most famous in the city. From £75 .  
• The Brigstow , Welsh Back , ☏ +44 117 929-1030 . A modern, contemporary hotel in the centre of all the action, near Broadmead/Corn Street. Overlooks a very attractive stretch of the floating harbour. £89-250 .  
• Hotel du Vin , The Sugar House, Narrow Lewins Mead , ☏ +44 117 925-5577 . Walkable from the centre. Has spacious rooms and a restaurant and winery.  
• Avon Gorge Hotel ( Clifton Village ), ☏ +44 117 973-8955 . Spectacular panoramic views of the Avon gorge and the Clifton suspension bridge. They have their own bar and restaurant on site. From £115 .  
• Mercure Bristol Brigstow Hotel , Welsh Back, BS1 4SP , ☏ +44 117 929 1030 , [email protected] . On Welsh Back with riverside frontage. Comfortable, modern bedrooms and there's a plasma-screen TV in the bathroom. ( updated Apr 2020 )
• Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel ( formerly the Thistle ), ☏ +4401179291645 . In the centre of Bristol, about a 2-minute walk from Corn Street and St. Nicholas's Market. It has its own health and leisure club. ( updated Apr 2020 )
• 51.44757 -2.59116 5 Mercure Bristol Holland House Hotel & Spa , Redcliffe Hill, BS1 6SQ ( next to the St. Mary of Redcliffe church ), ☏ +44 117 9689900 , [email protected] . Very posh hotel, with 4-star amenities and view over the floating harbour and city centre. Luxurious rooms, with indoor swimming pool and gym. Not at all cozy though, so considering the price only suitable for business travellers. £150 . ( updated Jan 2019 )
• 51.47 -2.617 6 Number 38 Clifton , 38 Upper Belgrave Road, Clifton BS8 2XN , ☏ +44 117 946 6905 . Elegant B&B with 12 rooms in Georgian merchant's house looking onto Clifton Downs. No children under 12 or dogs. B&B double £130 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 51.419 -2.719 7 Backwell House , Farleigh Rd, Backwell BS48 3QA ( A370 seven miles SW of city ), ☏ +44 1275 794502 . Country house hotel with 9 rooms, a few lapses but most visitors enjoy good service, comfort and dining. No children under 12 or dogs. B&B double £100 . ( updated Jul 2020 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

Like many other big cities in the UK, Bristol has its rough areas. Use common sense while getting around. While some of the following information may sound a little scary, many locals insist that Bristol is a lovely and safe city.

In the 2020s problems with drunken violence have become worse.

Drunken brawls can occur in the centre of town on Friday and Saturday nights as pubs and clubs close, especially near the waterfront area, the Centre, taxi queues and fast food joints. This has been reduced somewhat by a heavy police presence and security guards monitoring the taxi queues.

Avoid Baldwin Street at the 11PM and 2AM kickout times. Go somewhere else to hail a cab from some of the smaller, less busy ranks.

There are also specific areas that have a reputation after dark. The inner city districts of St Pauls and Easton are said to be rife with drugs and gangs but should not pose any danger to people outside the narcotics trade. The main areas of these districts are well monitored by CCTV. Pay attention to what is around you, and you should encounter no difficulties.

Also, some outlying suburbs such as Southmead, Knowle West and Hartcliffe have a bad reputation, but it is unlikely that a visitor to the city would travel to these parts.

Unfortunately there are more often than not individuals or groups of lowlifes who come out to look for someone to beat up. The best advice if you want to avoid any trouble is take a taxi back to your hotel, especially if your hotel is further out and you are coming home after 10PM.

Another problem is beggars as many will approach you on the street to ask for money.

Also, you may find people offering to sell you drugs. Those people have no drugs and will instead give you a bogus parcel (such as balls of cellophane or matches wrapped in newspaper) and run off with your money. They often have knives so avoid the people in the first place.

In the 2020s, knifepoint robberies have been on the rise. People have even been mugged for their bicycles at knifepoint in broad daylight. However, these such incidents usually occur in isolated areas of the city, and are unlikely to happen in any area the average tourist would visit. The best way to avoid such trouble is to stick to populated areas.

Be careful on matchdays especially when the Bristol derby(Bristol City and Bristol Rovers) are playing. Unfortunately fights are very common between the two teams. If you are extremely concerned about your safety, stay away from the stadium they are playing, don't go to pubs or at best, stay out of the city. Don't wear a City shirt in North Bristol and don't wear a Rovers shirt in the southern suburbs and the city. At least, you will get dirty looks. Unfortunately at worst you might get involved in a fight sometimes resulting being severely beaten up for wearing the wrong kit in the wrong place.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

• NHS Direct , ☏ 0845 46 47 (non-geographic number) .  
• Bristol Royal Infirmary Queens Building, Marlborough Street provides treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, assessment by an experienced NHS nurse, advice on how to stay healthy, and information on out-of-hours GP and dental services, local pharmacy services and other local health services. There is also a NHS Walk-in Centre at Knowle West Health Park, In the southern part of the city, For Opening times contact NHS Direct.
• Southmead Hospital Emergency Department and Minor Injury Unit open 24 hours every day
• Bristol Eye Hospital is a specialist hospital for eye conditions and has an accident and emergency [dead link] department with limited opening hours for eye conditions only.
• Bristol Dental Hospital provides the full range of Dental Specialties including Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine, Restorative, Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry. Emergency service [dead link] for dental conditions only (opening hours 8AM-10AM).
• NHS 111 operate a 24-hour helpline available by phone on 111 (free call). For all serious and possibly-serious complaints, they will probably refer the caller to a local General Practitioner or Accident and Emergency department.

Connect [ edit ]

As of March 2022, Bristol has 5G from all UK carriers. Free wifi is available in many public places.

The city libraries all have internet points and may allow brief guest use by non-members.

Go next [ edit ]

Map of places with Wikivoyage articles nearby

Towns and cities [ edit ]

• Bath , with its famous Regency terraces, Roman remains and spa facilities, is 12 mi (19 km) drive or 15 minutes train journey away, and makes an excellent day trip from Bristol.
• Wells , with its beautiful cathedral, is an hour's coach ride from Bristol.
• Portishead , the nearest sea-side resort town with plenty of nature, heritage, and outdoor attractions.
• Weston-super-Mare , resort with a sandy beach and plenty of entertainment suitable for young families. An adult day return from Bristol Temple Meads is £7.50 . If possible, taking the train to Weston-super-mare as an adult day return from the bus station will cost upwards of £8.

Outdoor activities [ edit ]

Two popular rural tourist destinations that are both an hour from Bristol:

• The Cotswolds
• The Mendips

Further afield the following are possible day trips and worthy destinations:

• Somerset , Dorset , Devon
• Forest of Dean
• Brecon Beacons

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On the borders of Gloucestershire and Somerset , Bristol has harmoniously blended its mercantile roots with an innovative, modern culture, fuelled by technology-based industries, a large student population and a lively arts and media community. As well as its vibrant nightlife , the city’s sights range from medieval churches to cutting-edge attractions highlighting its scientific achievements.

Weaving through its centre, the River Avon forms part of a system of waterways that made Bristol a great inland port, in later years booming on the transatlantic trafficking of rum, tobacco and slaves. In the nineteenth century the illustrious Isambard Kingdom Brunel laid the foundations of a tradition of engineering, creating two of Bristol’s greatest monuments – the SS Great Britain and the lofty Clifton Suspension Bridge .

Bristol is also part of the Great West Way route – find out more about  outdoor activities and  tips for your stay .

Colourful houses in Bristol - © Shutterstock

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Opened in 2011, the superb M-Shed , housed in an old harbourside transit shed, is Bristol’s first museum dedicated to itself, past and present. It’s an enjoyable, unashamedly populist survey, full of memorabilia and anecdotes and casting light on everything from the city’s mercantile history and its role in the transatlantic slave trade to its festivals and street-life. Head out to the long terrace for fantastic harbour views.

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Travel Guide for Bristol, United Kingdom – Where to Go, Attractions to Visit

Creative, cultured, and fresh, the best things to do in Bristol highlight its transformation from a heavy industry centre into a hotbed for artists and activities. Voted as Britain’s most liveable city, Bristol exudes an unmistakable identity and is filled with so much buzz and character that never fail to inspire travelers.

New art collectives, alternative cafes and restaurants, and music venues lie beside historic sites and landmarks within this city in southwest England . There is a strong aura of a city on the rise and this lovely list of the top 11 things to do in Bristol only validate the obvious.

Table of Contents

Historic Sites in Bristol

1. brunel’s ss great britain.

SS Great Britain is the pride and joy of the largest city in the southwest. Naturally, seeing it is one of the best things to do in Bristol! Built in 1843 by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, this beautiful steamship is one of the biggest and most technologically advanced ever created. Today, a visit proves more than enjoyable as you stroll through the decks, explore the luxury cabins, and get a multisensory glimpse of life on board.

Price: £14 for adults and £8 for children Hours: Open daily at 10 AM to 5.30 PM from April to October, 10 AM to 4.30 PM from November to March Location: Great Western Dock, Gas Ferry Rd, Bristol, England

2. Clifton Suspension Bridge

This 76 meter high suspension bridge is the most photographed landmark in Clifton. Built in 1836, also by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it covers the Avon Gorge and has endured from carrying light horse-drawn traffic into the thousands of cars of today. Learn more by attending the free bridge tours on weekends from Easter to October.

Price: Free Hours: Open access Location: Bristol, England

Museums  in Bristol

The history of Bristol unravels within this impressive museum by the harbour. Exhibits are divided into People, Place, and Life sections and cover everything from the slaves and vintage buses to Wallace and Gromit figurines. Families and children will adore this trip for the displays and guided tours are highly interactive. Special weekend activities are available in the summer, too.

Price: Free Hours: Open daily at 10 AM to 5 PM every Tuesday to Friday; 10 AM to 6 PM every Saturday and Sunday Location: Princes Wharf, Bristol, England

4. At-Bristol

For a museum, this is definitely most fun and interactive, making it one of the best things to do in Bristol. Highlights include the Science Zone with space and human brain displays, the Curiosity Zone where you walk into a tornado and spin on a human gyroscope, and the 3D planetarium for stargazing. Bonus tip: you can get discounts if you book on their website.

Price: £14.60 for adults and £9.40 for children Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM every Monday to Friday; 10 AM to 6 PM every Saturday and Sunday Location: Anchor Rd, Bristol, England

Gallery  in Bristol

5. arnolfini.

A haven for modern art, this avant-garde gallery showcases quality exhibitions on dance, film, and photography. It is quite the experience as the riverside location adds to the atmosphere of the events.

Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM every Tuesday to Sunday Location: 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol, England

Entertainment  in Bristol

6. bristol old vic.

Feeling like catching a show? There is no better place than the restored Theatre Royal – a Georgian theatre that is one of the oldest in England – also the home of renowned Bristol Old Vic. The ornate auditorium stages big global productions while the smaller studio exposes people to experimental works.

Location : King St, Bristol BS1 4ED, UK

7. Colston Hall

The best bands and the biggest comedy acts play regularly at Colston Hall – all the proof you need that entertainment here is one of the best things to do in Bristol. Gather your friends and enjoy live music for hours!

Location: Colston St, Bristol BS1 5AR, UK

Shopping  in Bristol

8. rise music.

Endless racks of CDs and vinyl welcome music lovers in this top independent record shop. Add it to your best things to do in Bristol itinerary and explore music at its finest. Remember to stop by to check what events are on or grab a coffee or two in the bar downstairs.

Location: 70 Queen’s Rd, Bristol, England

Restaurants  in Bristol

9. riverstation.

One of the heavy hitters of Bristol dining for years, the food at Riverstation is known for its delicious and strong European flavour. But apart from the unforgettable dishes, its waterside location proves unbeatable. Pick a table overlooking the Floating Harbour or sit on the terrace to catch a patch of sun. For coffee and cake, check out the downstairs bar and kitchen for an instant sweet fix.

Price: 2-course lunches start at £14, 3 course-lunches start at £17; dinner mains start at £15 Hours: Open daily at 12 PM to 2.30 PM and 6 PM to 10.30 PM Location: The Grove, Bristol, England

10. Pieminister

You can’t say you have done all the best things to do in Bristol without having a good pie! Head to this Bristol institution and enjoy a gourmet fix. The pies have incredible names, which add to the fun. Order the Tipsy Chic for a chicken and cider pie or a Moo and Blue for a beef and Stilton one. Each bite is divine, all drowned in luscious gravy. Admit it – just thinking about it made you hungry!

Price: Pies start at £5 Hours: 10 AM to 11 PM every Thursday to Saturday; 11 AM to 10 PM every Sunday to Wednesday Location: 24 Stokes Croft, Bristol, England

11. St. Nicholas Market

There is a no bigger treat for food lovers than a day wandering in and around the food-bursting stalls within this incredible and lively street market. No craving will be left unfulfilled here. Barbecue specialists are plenty, as well as pulled pork servings, meze platters, and every other good thing that you can imagine. However, because this is one of the best things to do in Bristol, expect queues around lunch but a little patience leads to great rewards!

Hours: 9.30 AM to 5 PM every Monday to Saturday Location: Corn St, Bristol, England

Extra Tip: Check out Plumguide for the best holiday homes and vacation rentals in United Kingdom .

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Bristol – Complete City Guide

In this post you will read:, what to do in bristol, where to stay in bristol, where to eat in bristol – restaurant tips, internet chip in bristol, england travel insurance, car hire in bristol, flights to england, read all our tips and posts from england, a complete guide to planning your trip to bristol. write down the tips and enjoy a lot.

One of the coolest cities to visit in England is Bristol, about 2h30 away from London, heading to the west side of the country. It's a good option to visit during a weekend, for example, on a more complete trip through British lands.

The city is super lively, full of culture and with a rich maritime history. It is the largest in the southwest of England, and one of the best choices to include in your travel itinerary across the country. Check out all the tips about Bristol below, write it down and enjoy.

From Clifton's iconic suspension bridge to the revolutionary steamship, the SS Great Britain, Bristol is a city steeped in history. If you like art, culture, history or even more alternative activities, the city is your place.

There, you'll find a variety of art galleries, community-run cafes and live music venues. Don't miss the Clifton Suspension Bridge, on the cliffs of Avon Gorge, the bridge that has become one of the great symbols of the city.

Take the opportunity to visit the renovated port area, history museums such as the M Shed, take an art tour of the city to discover the arts of Bankky, and taste the delights of St. Nicholas Market.

Read all our tips on Things to do in Bristol

Book all Bristol tickets and tours in advance and skip the lines with GetYourGuide

In Bristol, it's time to choose where to stay, it's best to look for hotels more central in the city, in the area known as the Old City. From there you can stay close to most tourist attractions and you can go on tours even on foot. There is also a good supply of restaurants and shops there.

Read our tips on Where to stay in Bristol

Find the best accommodation in Bristol on Booking.com

Good gastronomy is something that Bristol has no shortage of. In addition to the traditional British pubs – where you can enjoy the good hours of the nights you spend in the city – you can also discover some local restaurants.

We've selected some restaurants worth visiting to help you with your mission when you're there. Birch is a great restaurant for more casual dining, while Casamia is better suited for a special occasion. A must-see is St. Nicholas Market, a mandatory place on your gastronomic itinerary.

Find out more about Where to eat in Bristol

It is getting easier and cheaper to have unlimited internet throughout the trip in Bristol . Nowadays you can buy an international cell phone chip online while you're still here in España. We always use and love it!

You receive the sim card at your address and then just insert it into your cell phone to reach your destination with unlimited 4G internet working.

Want to have unlimited internet throughout your trip? Compare prices and buy your international travel chip in advance at America Chip, EasySim4U, My Chip  ou  Connected Travel .

Taking out travel insurance for England is an excellent way to ensure a smooth trip and avoid worries. Having the assistance of insurance gives you the peace you need to enjoy your destination and know that you have support if you need it. Also enjoy our Insurance Promo discount coupon . -  SEE PRICES

Read all about travel insurance :

• Documents to enter Europe – See which ones you need
• Travel Insurance Europe – Complete Guide on How to Hire
• How much does travel insurance for Europe cost?
• What is the Cheapest Travel Insurance – Tips on How to Save
• How to Get Travel Insurance – 5 Easy Steps [DISCOUNT]
• Which Travel Insurance to Choose – 3 Infallible Tips to Help
• Best Travel Insurance Europe – Which one to choose for your trip?
• International Travel Insurance – Step-by-step How to Hire

Renting a car in Bristol is a great idea. In addition to optimizing your time a lot, you will be able to enjoy it more without having to depend on public transport.

We really like  Rent Cars  to find the cars we use on our travels. It is the only one in Spain that compares the best rental companies in the world, but lets you pay in reais, without IOF. In addition, it is also the only one that lets you pay in 12 interest-free installments. It is worth it!

Looking for a good deal and flight prices? When buying tickets to England, it is worth taking a look at the website Promo Tickets .

It is quite common to find cheaper and better flight options than on other sites. We always use and is it worth it?

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The World As I See It

One Ontario lady with a passion for travel and inspiring others to get outdoors and explore more

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Bristol Travel Guide

by Stephanie · Published June 13, 2016 · Updated August 16, 2020

Bristol is one of those hip, energetic cities that has something for everyone. Whether its Bristol’s expansive maritime history or eccentric and thought-provoking street art scene, you certainly won’t be lost on things to do. And this Bristol guide has you covered from what to see and do to how to get around, and even a few great day trip options.

Located in south-western England and set along the picturesque River Avon, Bristol is so much more than an eclectic city to explore, there is also plenty of natural beauty that surrounds it from an awesome gorge to a sprawling hilltop park.

Bristol’s maritime history dates back over 1,000 years and the city is home to many iconic boats and other sights that celebrate this past. It is also home to one of the world’s oldest continuously operating train stations, Temple Meads. And though the city centre took quite a hit due to bombing during World War II, much has been restored and still offers glimpses into its rich history.

Away from the budget-busting London, Bristol is far more affordable and still close enough to plenty of awesome cities to explore on day trips. It’s only a two-hour train ride from London and an hour or less for many of England’s must-see places like Bath. This and more make Bristol a great place to use as a base to explore the surrounding area on top of its own great attractions.

Things to do in Bristol

Climb Cabot Tower

Set atop a hill in Brandon Hill Park, Bristol’s oldest park, you can find Cabot Tower. Over one-hundred feet tall, the tower was built in 1897 for the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s famous voyage from Bristol to Newfoundland, Canada. It’s free to walk up its spiral staircase that leads to awesome views over Bristol. After ascending the tower consider a stroll through the lovely park, full of flowers, prime places for a picnic, shaded trails and more views over the city.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

One of the top things to do in Bristol is visit the Bristol Museum. The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is located in the city’s Clifton area and set in a stunning building of Edwardian Baroque architecture. The museum opened in 1905 and has a wealth of collections from Egyptian artifacts to Eastern Art and geology to English delftware.

Some favourite things to see in the Bristol Museum include; Alfred the infamous gorilla from the Bristol Zoo, dinosaurs, a replica of the Bristol biplane that hangs over the main hall, and a piece from Bristol’s own Banksy. The museum also showcases Bristol’s own history, including amazing maps that take you from present day to back through to the middle ages. All this and it’s free!

S.S. Great Britain

Explore the Harbour

Bristol’s picturesque harbour is home to a wealth of history, things to do and sights to see. In the 15th century it had been a busy port for trade and travel. But it wasn’t until the 18th century that the current floating harbour was created. The area along the harbour is where you’ll find all sorts of museums, Castle Park, plenty of places to eat and of course some of Bristol’s iconic boats. It’s here you’ll find the S.S. Great Britain, the first iron-hulled propeller driven ocean liner, and a replica of The Matthew, the boat sailed by John Cabot in 1497 from Bristol to Canada’s Newfoundland.

Related Post: The Perfect England 2 Week Itinerary

Cathedrals & Churches

Like everywhere you visit in Great Britain, Bristol is also home to some amazing churches full of history and wonder. In this Bristol guide I’ll share the top 3 to visit. Temple Church, now in ruins, was built upon an earlier round church built by the Knights Templar. It’s surrounded by a peaceful green space and though you can’t enter the church remains you can still peek inside, wander its graveyard or marvel at its leaning tower.

St. Mary Redcliff, located nearby, has stood for over 800 years and is not only the second largest parish church in England but also holds the title as tallest building in Bristol. Because of its grand interiors, it is often mistaken for the Bristol Cathedral.

The Bristol Cathedral, founded in 1140, was originally St. Augustine’s Abbey and is built from beautiful Bath stone. Unlike most English Medieval churches the aisles are the same height as the choir creating a large and grandiose appearance. With stunning vaulted ceilings and beautiful stain glass, a wander around is a must. It’s also full of impressive wood carved benches and many other interesting pieces.

Bristol Zoo Gardens

Located in the Clifton area of Bristol, the Bristol Zoo is a fun place for children and adults alike. The zoo opened in 1836, making it the second oldest zoo in England after the London Zoo. The zoo is home to over 400 species and is full of great exhibits including; Monkey Jungle, Butterfly Forest, Twilight World, and Gorilla House. Most of the larger animals have been moved to its sister zoo, Wild Place Project, located 25 minutes outside the city.

If ever there was a city that was the epitome of street art and graffiti culture it would be Bristol. And a Bristol guide wouldn’t be complete without a mention of street art. It’s not only home to Banksy, one of the most famous street art artists, but also Europe’s largest street art and graffiti festival, See No Evil. If you scour Bristol you’ll discover a wealth of fantastic street art and all coming in various forms, from snow art in the winter to classic graffiti displayed across the walls of buildings. The subject matter ranges from plays on pop-culture to pieces wrought with emotion.

You can see most of Bristol’s street art in three main areas; the city centre, and the neighbourhoods of Stokescroft and Eastville. If you’re adventurous you can pick up a cheap pamphlet from Bristol’s tourist office that is full of Banksy pieces with their descriptions and locations. Or if you want something more structured there are numerous guided tours, one of which is put on by Bristol’s street art artists themselves.

Free Walking Tour

I always advise travellers to take a walking tour of every new city they explore to learn of its history, find hidden treasures and see it from a local’s perspective. There are many walking tours in Bristol but I chose a free walk tour put on by Walking Bristol , where tips are accepted. This 3 hour tour takes you by popular and off the radar locations in Bristol’s city centre.

Along the course, your guide will offer up everything from tips on where to eat or explore to telling tales of the city’s history, its people and its sights. The tour also stops for lunch in St. Nicholas Market where you can choose to browse or eat at one of the many food stalls, and if you choose Pieminister Pie Shop you can get a 20% off discount with the tour, which I highly recommend – it’s delicious!

Explore St. Nicholas Market

Established in 1743, St. Nicholas Market is located in the heart of Bristol’s city centre. Opened Monday through Saturday (9:30am – 5pm), it is a covered market place that’s home to a quaint maze of stalls selling everything from odds & ends to sweets. There are plenty of mini cafés and a wealth of delicious food stalls offering up a diverse assortment of foods, styles and diets. It’s also home to Beware of the Leopard Books, a sprawling bookshop full of second-hand books covering all subjects of fiction and non-fiction.

Walk the Suspension Bridge

Designed by the grand Victorian engineer, Brunel, who also designed Temple Meads railway station and the S.S. Great Britain, the Bristol Suspension bridge is a must see from every angle. From a distance it stands out in Clifton’s skyline, and from atop it towers over the picturesque Riven Avon and crosses the awesome Avon Gorge.

The bridge opened in 1864 and stands 245 feet above high tide, and is 1352 feet long. Though it’s a toll bridge for vehicles, it is free for pedestrians to walk over and offers incredible views over Bristol, the gorge, and surrounding areas. The Avon Gorge is home to a diversity of both plants and animals, of which over 65 bird species call it home, including peregrine falcons.

Explore Clifton

The Clifton neighbourhood is just north of the city centre and is home to a ton of gems. Here you’ll find the Bristol Zoo, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Clifton Downs, which is a large park with trails and fantastic views of the Avon Gorge.

There’s also an observatory overlooking the Gorge and even a tunnel from the observatory to an old cave. Ghyston’s Cave (also known as St. Vincent’s Cave and Giant’s Cave) sits 250 feet above the Avon River, and the earliest record of it was back in 305 A.D.

Clifton is also home to gorgeous Georgian era homes and Clifton Village. Clifton Village is an eclectic shopping district with shops, cafés, and even charming passageways. Clifton has something for everyone.

Transportion Bristol Guide

Air – The Bristol Airport is located 8 miles from the city centre and there is a ‘Flyer’ bus service to transport you to the city, and takes approximately 35 minutes.

Train – If flying into London you can easily take the train from Paddington Station to Bristol’s Temple Meads Station which is located in the city centre, and the trip takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Bus/Coach – Bristol’s bus station is located near the Broadmead shopping area and both National Express and Megabus coach services run from it.

City Bus – Getting around Bristol by bus is very easy. There are stops at all the major sights, and maps and further information are available online here . There are also day passes available and are valid for travel on the day issued and up to 2:59am the following morning, these are a great deal if you plan on using the bus more than a few times during the day or taking a day trip out of the city.

Tourist Centre

Located harbour side in the city centre, Bristol’s Tourist Information Centre is a great place to pop into upon arriving in the city. They offer free maps, help with organizing tours, accommodations, have a wealth of souvenirs and so much more.

Day Trips from Bristol

Bath is only a 15 minute train ride from Bristol, and it’s easy to take in all the main sights during a day trip. Check out my Bath in a Day, to learn what I did and saw during my day trip to Bath.

Glastonbury

Home to historic sites like Glastonbury Abbey and Tor, Glastonbury makes a charming day trip from Bristol. Buses to Glastonbury take approximately 1.5 hours.

Home to one of England’s stunning cathedrals, Wells offers a nice short day trip option from Bristol, and by bus it takes approximately one hour.

Note: You can easily do both Glastonbury and Wells in the same day as they are located near each other.

Gloucester is a great place to take a day trip to as it is only 35 minutes away by train. Gloucester has a wealth of things to do, from its grand cathedral to its museums and abbeys.

Have you visited Bristol? What’s your favourite thing to do?

Tags: England travel

I'm a Canadian gal with a passion for travel, the great outdoors as well as coffee and books. I hope to inspire others to feel the same way! Traveling mostly solo, I love to explore my own backyard of Ontario as well as exotic cities around the world.

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Can’t believe I missed St. Nicholas Market! Next time!!

It’s a great Market and you’ll have to return to try out all the great food stalls and cute shops!

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Insider’s guide to Bristol, England: best 10 things to do in Bristol

Bristol is a city my husband visited a few times, with his job. He liked it, so today I’m inviting you to r ead this insider’s guide to Bristol, England to discover the best things to do in Bristol, off the beaten path things to do in Bristol, where to eat in Bristol, where to stay in Bristol, and valuable tips for Bristol from Justine from Wanderer of the World. This guide is part of the free travel guides series on this blog.

Insider’s guide to Bristol, England

Bristol in the South West of England is such a colourful and vibrant city, with a thriving port and harbour at its centre. World-renowned street artist, Banksy also originated in Bristol, meaning you can find many of his earliest (and lesser known) masterpieces all over the city.

Today, Bristol is at the heart of the “hipster” culture, providing plenty of coffee shops, vintage and retro boutiques and green parks. Here are the best things to see in Bristol.

Top things to do in Bristol

There are many top landmarks and attractions that any first time visitor to Bristol must-see, including:

Cabot Tower

Free to enter and offers 360-degree views across the city and surrounding countryside. You need to have a head for heights!

Clifton Suspension Bridge

World famous and one of Brunel’s masterpieces, this is a must.

I’d recommend heading to Leigh Woods, which provides you with unique views of the bridge and nearby Avon Gorge

(image source )

Harbourside

One of Bristol’s draws is its popular port and harbourside and it’s not to be missed. Head here to watch the boats go by, or just grab some ciders and sit in the sun

SS Great Britain

Another Brunel masterpiece; the SS Great Britain is fun to explore, and it’s always hard to believe that this ancient ship made frequent journeys all the way to Australia from Bristol. One of the top things to see in Bristol, UK.

Banksy artwork

Found throughout the city, your best bet would be to embark on a free or self-guided walking tour to see all of the best Banksy street art pieces

If you’re visiting during the summer months, I’d also recommend checking out the many free festivals such as the Harbourside Festival and International Balloon Fiesta !

As you can see there are a lot of things to do in Bristol in summer and free things to do in Bristol.

Bristol Off the Beaten Path

To get off the beaten path in Bristol, here are my top suggestions:

Cox and Baloney Tea Shop

Found along Gloucester Road, this tea shop serves some of the best afternoon tea in the city. They even let you choose from 14 homemade tea varieties!

Gloucester Road

When walking the length of Gloucester Road, you’ll be struck by just how many independent shops are found here, providing you with everything from locally-run bakeries, to vintage boutiques, to music stores and second-hand bookshops.

The Beehive Coffee House

Found within Downend, one of Bristol’s lesser-known suburbs, is The Beehive Coffee House.

This was one of the first places in Bristol to jump on the “Freakshake” trend and is an absolute treat.

Get here early on weekends or you may be fighting with locals over tables.

Pirate Bay Adventure Golf

No trip to England would be complete without playing some miniature / crazy golf, and Pirate Bay is the best one in Bristol by a mile!

They even have some of the holes on mini islands that you have to pull along a boat in order to get to – lots of fun and one of the best things to do in Bristol, UK!

Beese’s Riverside Bar

Only open during the spring and summer months, this is a very unique spot in Bristol.

You have to catch a boat across a river to get there, and it provides great riverside views, food, and drinks.

Where to eat in Bristol

Bristol has a lot to offer in the way of food. Coming out of the “hipster” trend that’s found here, you’ll be able to find all kinds of options. Here are some of my top recommendations of places to eat in Bristol:

ZaZa Bazaar

Found along the Harbourside, this all-you-can-eat buffet serves cuisine from around the world. Come here at lunchtime to get a cheaper meal.

Cox and Baloney

As mentioned above, this is the best place in Bristol for afternoon tea.

St Nick’s Market

A street food market selling everything from sausages to pies, to falafel, and is a big hit with locals and tourists alike.

Pieminister

Born out of Bristol, this pie shop serves some delicious combinations. Make sure yours comes with gravy and mash for the complete “Pieminister” experience.

Where to stay in Bristol

Bristol has a lot of great hotels on offer to suit a wide range of budgets. But if I had to recommend just a few, then I’d go for:

The Bristol Hotel

Great waterfront location, and places comfort and relaxation at the heart of their service with duck down duvets and generous check-out times.

Berkeley Suites

When you need a special apartment in Bristol, this is where you come. Every suite is decorated differently, which means each visit is unique.

Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa

Great city-center location, and comes complete with a spa. But what makes this hotel extra special is that it’s in a very grand building that used to be a bank!

Tips for Bristol

Bristol is a pretty safe place, although as with most cities, you should be aware of potential pickpockets and petty criminals. There is also quite a large population of homeless people here, who are nice enough, but is something worth knowing about ahead of your visit.

Best time to visit Bristol

I’ve already mentioned that it’s a good idea to time your trip to coincide with the Harbourside Festival (usually mid-late July) and the International Balloon Fiesta (usually early August).

Another great time to visit would be in December as you can see the German Christmas Market come to town, which is huge and well worth it.

Some locals may try to persuade you to visit the Cribbs Causeway shopping centre during your trip to Bristol, but I’d advise against it. The shops are good, but there’s a lot more choice in the city centre itself and at better prices.

However you decide to spend your time in Bristol, I’d always recommend it as a great weekend or mini-break destination. When you visit, you’ll be struck by how colourful, vibrant and unique it is – enjoy!

About the author This guide was written by Justine Cross from a female travel blog, Wanderer of the World . When not exploring every inch of her hometown of Bristol, England, she can be found roaming the rest of the UK and Europe with her fiancé, Scott and her Rough Collie puppy, Kai. Follow her travels on Facebook and Twitter .

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Visit Bristol

Visit Bristol to enjoy a diverse entertainment scene, some of the best produce Britain has to offer, locally brewed beer, and many museums and historical displays. The River Avon is Bristol’s lifeblood and the city’s harbor is a great place to start your visit. Once a center of the shipping industry, the harbor area has now been regenerated into one of culture and entertainment. It’s the site of the annual Bristol Harbour Festival, one of the U.K.’s largest festivals. The harbor is also home to the steamship SS Great Britain. Buy a ticket and climb aboard to learn about the vessel’s eventful life at sea, and understand why it’s considered to be a marvel of its time. In the city center, visit St. Nicholas Market and spend a morning or afternoon browsing stalls selling anything from old records and handmade jewelry, to hot sauces and haberdashery. On Wednesdays, head here to buy fresh produce at the farmer’s market, then enjoy a snack made with locally sourced ingredients. Pair your food with a Somerset cider or a beer from the local Butcombe and Zerodegrees breweries. By night, Bristol offers a range of entertainment options from classical music at Colston Hall, to theater at the Bristol Old Vic and Bristol Hippodrome. The city also offers plenty of activities the whole family can enjoy. Attractions like We The Curious, Bristol Aquarium, Bristol Zoo Gardens and M Shed get kids burning energy while they learn. Another Bristol landmark, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, is a short drive from the center of town. Families will also enjoy the city’s festivals, including the Bristol Festival of Nature, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Europe’s largest hot air balloon event, and the Bristol Festival of Puppetry.Bristol is one of the warmest, and sunniest, cities in the U.K. This is due to its position in the south, and its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll find better accommodation deals outside the warmer months, which are between May and September.Getting around Bristol is easy and the city actively promotes public transportation. Make use of the excellent bus service, or rent a bike and see why this city is considered so cycle-friendly.

Where to stay in Bristol

Bristol City Centre

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Bristol City Centre. Make a stop by St Nicholas Market or Old Vic Theatre while you're exploring the area.

Clifton is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Clifton Downs and Observatory and The Downs while you're in town.

Bristol Floating Harbour

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Bristol Floating Harbour. Make a stop by Bristol Aquarium or We The Curious while you're exploring the area.

You'll enjoy the parks and art galleries in Portishead. You might want to make time for a stop at Portishead Lake Grounds or Parish Wharf Swimming Pool.

Filton is well-liked for its shopping. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Bristol area, you might plan a trip to The Mall at Cribbs Causeway or Memorial Stadium.

Keynsham is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Chew Valley and Kennet & Avon Canal.

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Check Bristol hotel availability

Popular places to visit.

• University of Bristol

Wander between campus buildings and architectural landmarks, visit museums, catch a theater show and admire outdoor art displays at this city center university.

• Cabot Circus Shopping Centre

Discover new fashion trends, watch the latest releases from Hollywood and play a round of miniature golf at this modern retail mall.

• Bristol Hippodrome Theatre

This historic theater offers a wide variety of entertainment, from West End productions and Broadway shows, to traditional pantomimes and opera.

• Ashton Gate Stadium

Catch an event at Ashton Gate Stadium during your trip to Bristol. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

• Clifton Suspension Bridge

Both striking and practical, this bridge has long been the symbol of the city of Bristol.

• Thornbury Castle

Walk the grounds once traversed by royalty, dine in a dungeon and spend the night in a room fit for a king.

Things to do

St. nicholas market and air raid shelter walking tour, bristol: blackbeard to banksy guided walking tour, the best of bristol walking tour, reviews of bristol.

Had a very nice stay. The staff was very helpful with directions and places to go see. Would stay here again. It was just a short taxi ride from the station.

If you are visiting from the U.S. & drive a rental vehicle in U.K., rent a small car, not an SUV! The streets are small. On some street, parking are allowed on both sides of the street, portion of your vehicle will be in the opposite traffic lane!

5/5 - Excellent

Bristol is a multicultural city. So many things to do and see. So many different places to eat and or drink and have a good time with friends and or family. Great for children and adults of all age groups. There is something for everyone

Convenient for us for proximity to Bath and Newport (Wales.) Great place to catch the train to London!!

Cold and wet....English weather...but Bristol a beautiful Historic and Modern City to visit

I love small towns with winding roads and loads of natural, green spaces. Bristol had both!

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Bristol

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• Cities near Bristol

Weston-super-Mare

Other places like Bristol

• Places of interest
• Bath Spa University
• SS Great Britain
• Aztec West Business Park
• Bristol Cathedral
• The Mall at Cribbs Causeway
• Noah's Ark Zoo Farm
• Bath Racecourse
• St Nicholas Market
• Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery
• Queen Square
• Mendip Hills
• Chew Valley Lake
• Banksy Graffiti Frogmore Street
• Ashton Court Mansion
• Cabot Tower
• Bristol City Hall
• Dyrham Park
• Millennium Square
• Chew Valley
• Wills Memorial Building
• Old Vic Theatre
• We The Curious
• Tyntesfield

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How To Spend A Perfect Weekend in Bristol, England

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I recently spent a weekend in Bristol, one of the most fun and colourful cities in England . It’s located just over an hour’s train ride from London and 10 minutes from historical city, Bath. Whether you’re a tourist from overseas backpacking the UK or a local taking a mini-break, I can’t recommend Bristol enough!

BRISTOL ESSENTIALS Bristol Lonely Planet Accommodation:  Booking.com Activities:  GetYourGuide UK trains: Trainline / Busbud

I was surprised by the size of Bristol. It’s much bigger than Bath which can easily be seen during a Bath day trip , or my own hometown, Oxford . Basically, prepare for lots of walking. Bristol is a city where journey distances by bus are similar to those on foot, so you may as well walk. Bring comfy shoes as there are lots of hills. I’m going to summarise the main areas in Bristol then talk about what to do during 2 days in Bristol and (most importantly) where to eat and drink. I’ll also share my favourite day trips from Bristol and discuss where to go next. Here goes!

Neighbourhoods during a weekend in Bristol

The city centre.

Bristol has a sizeable city centre with all your usual shops and amenities stretching from Cabot Circus shopping centre to the harbour.

Harbourside

I love a city with an outdoor area and Bristol definitely fits this category. My recent visit was in February but when I visited in August, my friends and I spent an afternoon drinking wine by the harbour. The atmosphere was bustling and atmospheric. At the Harbour, you’ll also find Whapping Wharf , a new collection of eateries and bars in recycled shipping containers. The burgers at Pigsty are to die for.

A 15-minute walk from the Harbour is Bristol Marina which if anything is even more colourful than the harbour. There’s not much to do apart from take photos and befriend the swans – worth it in my eyes!

This area runs from Clifton Downs station all the way to the river. In particular, you’ll want to visit Clifton Village which is full of pretty shops and cosy cafes. Closer to the waterfront, you’ll find loads of colourful houses, plus the area is home to Clifton Suspension Bridge, an iconic Bristolian landmark.

Stokes Croft & Gloucester Road

This area feels very boho and is slightly north of the city. Here you’ll find unusual things to do in Bristol from hippy music venues-cum-cafes like The Canteen to street art and independent shops. The locals even rioted against the opening of a Tescos so you can guarantee this isn’t a chain-heavy high street. Just north of the area is Gloucester Road which is popular for its multicultural restaurants and eclectic nightlife.

Redcliffe & Old Market

Close to Temple Meads train station (where you’re likely to arrive) are these areas. Old Market has lots of architecture and independent shops as well as a friendly gay village. Redcliffe is equally historical-yet-modern, set around the gothic St Mary Redcliffe Church with plenty of local shops and businesses.

Bedminster & Southville

Both these areas are south of the River Avon and a 20-minute walk from the harbour. There’s not loads to do in terms of tourist activities but I loved the street art in Bedminster and there seemed to be lots of cool restaurants and pubs. It’s a great place to base during your weekend in Bristol.

Easton & St Pauls

The multicultural area of the city, St Pauls is famous for its Afrikan Caribbean festival in July. Apparently, rum punch and jerk chicken flood the streets and it’s a fantastic celebration of colour and culture – it sounds like a mini Notting Hill Carnival. Also, don’t miss St Mark’s Road where there are lots of quirky cafes and a strong sense of local community.

Where to stay in Bristol

• Budget – Brooks Guesthouse (£68pn)
• Splash out – Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin (£134pn)
• Private apartment – SACO Bristol with equipped kitchen and balcony (£94pn)
• Browse all Bristol accommodation on Booking.com
• Book hostels and budget stays on Hostelworld.com

How to get to Bristol

I use Trainline to book UK trains. You can choose an open return of select the individual journey times which makes things much cheaper. To get the best price, booking ahead of time and choosing your inbound and return journey based on the cheapest ticket prices. Trainline show live departure times and offer generous discounts for under 30s by way of a young person’s railcard. Bus – you can also catch the bus to Bristol from London and other UK cities. Buses start from £3 when you compare prices on Busbud .

Weekend in Bristol itinerary

Assuming you have a full two days in Bristol arriving Friday night or early Saturday, this is my suggested itinerary. During the first day, we’ll explore the city centre and Harbourside and during the second, we’ll check out the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, as well as some quirky neighbourhoods.

Top experiences in Bristol:

• ‘Bristol like a local’ private tour
• Banksy Bristol street art tour

This Bristol itinerary includes a few museums which you can include or skip depending whether you’re visiting for history and culture or just enjoying a leisurely weekend. Let’s get stuck in…

Pinkmans Bakery

Start your day weekend in Bristol at Pinkmans . We came for coffee and morning pastries but this would also be a great place to stop for afternoon refreshments or lunch after you’ve checked out a few of the upcoming Bristol attractions. The doughnuts are divine!

Wills Memorial Building

Just a two-minute walk from Pinkmans Bakery is Wills Memorial building. This Neo-Gothic structure was one of the last to be built in this style, around 100 years ago. You can wander the grounds for free and snap photos or tour the tower on Saturdays. It reminded me a lot of Oxford so wasn’t that exciting for me but I’m sure history fans will enjoy their visit.

Take a street art walk

The Bristol street art is some of the coolest I’ve seen and it’s little wonder – it’s the hometown of the world’s most famous street artist, Banksy. I went on an awesome walking tour with Where the Wall for £9 but you could also find it for free (although you wouldn’t glean the same amount of info without a guide).

Read next: Bristol street art guide

Tours depart from the city centre at 11am. If you’re up and about early, you can squeeze in breakfast and a visit to Wills Memorial before departing on a tour lasting 2 hours.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is fun and interactive, showcasing everything from Egyptian mummies to dinosaurs. Like most UK museums, it’s free to visit. They hold events most weekends which you can browse via their what’s on page. I managed to catch some demonstrations put on for Chinese New Year. The museum is an especially good pick if the weather doesn’t play ball during your weekend in Bristol.

Climb the Cabot Tower

If you have good weather, take a steep walk through Brandon Hill Park and up the windy staircase of the Cabot Tower. Entry is free and the panoramic view over the city is worth the climb! By walking through Brandon Hill Park, you’re also en route to Harbourside which is my suggested stop for the afternoon.

Bristol weekend – afternoon day 1

Harbourside is one of my favourite areas in Bristol. There are countless museums, exhibits and places for families and individuals to explore, but there are also cafes, bars and gardens where you can socialise or simply enjoy a coffee to views of the harbour.

Visit the SS Great Britain

Described as the great-grandmother of modern ships, the SS Great Britai n is Bristol’s most visited attraction. It’s £16 to climb aboard but apparently worth every penny (I’m usually exploring the UK on a budget so have yet to go inside). There are even real letters and diary entries from the passengers for an immersive taste of the past.

Learn about Bristol history at M Shed

Not your average stuffy museum, M Shed will fill you in on Bristol’s past from prehistoric times to the modern day. There are colourful exhibitions, personal stories, photo series and even street art inside. Entry is free.

Dinner and drinks

Finish your day by eating at one of the many Harbourside restaurants . In the summertime, you can dine outside and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the area. During weekends in Bristol, many of the restaurants turn into bars and even clubs later on. Some options include: Arnolfini Café Bar – partnered with Bristol Beer Factory, this is a fantastic spot for eating and drinking with tables right beside the water. There are tasty seasonal dishes, coffee, cakes and an outside bar in the summer months. Spoke & Stringer – this independent lifestyle store and deli sells clothes and other goods. The highlight is the bright European-style cafe and coffee shop serving brunch and tapas dishes until 6pm. The Pump House – this grand gastropub serves all your fancy pub grub and has over 400 types of gin. There’s a large outdoor seating area that’s open until 10pm.

Bristol weekend – day 2

For my second day in Bristol, I ventured further from the city centre and explored a few other worthy neighbourhoods in Bristol. After breakfast, I would suggest heading to…

See Clifton Suspension Bridge

Clifton Suspension Bridge links Bristol to Somerset and has become somewhat of an emblem for the city. There are free tours and a visitors centre if you want more than a quick snap. Another fun activity for a weekend in Bristol is walking the Avon Trail where you’ll see the bridge from below. You can also climb up to Observatory Hill to view it straight-on. While it’s best in daylight, you can visit in the evening to see it illuminated in the dark. Relax with a drink at the White Lion Bar at  Avon Gorge Hotel and have it as your backdrop.

Find the colourful houses of Clifton

To get back to Bristol city centre from Clifton Suspension Bridge, you’ll have to journey through Clifton itself, a relaxed and upmarket neighbourhood. If you’re a fan of all things bright and colourful like me, you’ll want to discover the rainbow houses in this part of town.

Read next: Where to find the colourful houses of Clifton, Bristol

Begin on Cliftonwood Road close to the river and explore the surrounding streets. I spent a few hours wandering the area, soaking up the colour and discovering gorgeous mosaics around the streets.

Southville and Bedminster

To finish off your Bristol weekend, why not take a trip to another of Bristol’s coolest neighbourhoods? This is quite the contrast to the city centre with its mainstream shops and chains. Bedminster and Southville sit beside each other boasting plenty of boutique shops, farmers markets, quirky cafes and even a city farm . Bedminster also holds the annual Upfest Street Art Festival where artists from all around the world come to compete. The incredible murals stay put until the next year when they’re taken down and replaced with new works of art. Bedminster is also a great place for vegans to browse menus to their heart’s content. For a low-key night out, you can escape the clubs of the city centre and explore the pubs and bars of Bedminster.

Bonus day – day 3 in Bristol

In case you have a third day in Bristol, I would suggest one final activity for your Bristol weekend: escaping the city and walking in Ashton Court Estate .

This stately home with 850 acres of woodland and grassland is home to wild deer, a golf course, two cafes, a picnic area and woodland garden. There are activities and play areas for children as well as several walking trails. To reach Ashton Court from Bristol city centre, catch buses X3A, 71, 79 or X1 for 10 minutes to the outskirts of the park. If you’re driving, there’s a large parking area with a £1.20 parking charge. The stately house closes at 4pm but the park is open until dusk. Check the seasonal times before visiting.

Best Bristol weekend markets

Bristol is known for its vibrant market scene. There are farmers markets selling fresh produce, pop-up street food markets and static indoor markets. Here’s a quick synopsis of the best ones. Squeeze them into your Bristol itinerary depending what takes your fancy… St Nicholas Market . This maze of street food and quirky bric-a-brac has been around since 1743. There are food, flowers and textiles from Monday-Saturday and an additional multicultural street food market from 11am-2.30pm on Tuesdays and Fridays. There’s a special Farmers Market from 8am-2.30pm on Wednesdays and an arts market from 10am-5pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Basically something for everyone! Bristol Harbourside Market, 10am-4pm, Saturday and Sunday . Get ready for a vibrant festival every weekend with food, musicians and artists down at the waterfront. There’s a specific street food event on Thursdays featuring Canadian to Caribbean food and just about everything else you can think of. Tobacco Factory Market, 10am-2.30, Sunday . Head to Raleigh Road for a bright and open refurbished space with creative industries, organic local food and craft stalls. Good vibes! Whiteladies Road Market, 8.30am-2pm, Saturday . Here’s you’ll find everything farmer-esque including cheese, fish, jam and homemade bread.

Where to eat & drink during a Bristol weekend

It wouldn’t be a Bristol travel guide without spots to refuel and feel merry, right? I ate some great meals in Bristol and it’s just a shame I couldn’t have stayed longer – there’s only so much one girl can put away in two days! Here are a few of my top picks:

Prince Street Social

Prince Street Social beside the harbour and does an excellent boozy lunch for £30 including unlimited Prosecco. We visited as a group of four and every time we finished our drinks, the waiter appeared to top us up, plus you could pick any brunch dish on the menu. I went for spicy shakshuka with chorizo which was delicious.

Oowee Diner

If enormous, juicy burgers are your thing, you’ll love Oowee Dine r with their American-style menu comprising burgers, dirty fries and wings. I want to try the waffle fries so badly. There are branches in North Bristol and Bedminster with burgers starting at £5. They’ve now also launched Oowee Vegan on Baldwin Street and Picton Street, serving enormous burgers and dirty fries, meat-free!

Eat a Pitta

There are five locations of Eat a Pitta spread across Bristol so luckily one’s never far away. They serve enormous falafel, pitta and hummus bowls and healthy juices using fresh, quality ingredients. Few dishes are more than £5 so it’s a cheap eat whether you dine in or grab lunch on-the-go. Their packaging is all compostable and they have a zero food waste policy.

Mud Dock Cycleworks & Cafe

I sadly saw this place online a week after my visit, damn it! Mud Dock is a cafe full of quirky features like porthole windows and hanging bicycles. They serve breakfast, lunch and supper until 10pm Tues-Sat and 5pm Sun-Mon. Options include burgers, salad bowls, pancakes and sourdough dishes with locally sourced, veggie-friendly ingredients.

Coffee & cake in Bristol

I already mentioned Pinkmans Bakery near Wills Memorial Building but here are a few more spots for coffee and cake to fuel your Bristol weekend…

Brew Coffee

Brew on Whiteladies Road is an independent Bristol coffee shop serving brunch, lunch and cake. Their seasonal brew espressos come served with dairy, soya and almond milks, and the food has a Middle Eastern focus with delicious quiches, tagines, Buddha bowls and sourdough toast dishes.

Full Court Press, Broad Street

Full Court Press is a must-visit for speciality coffee lovers spending a weekend in Bristol. They have four special coffees of the week (two espressos and two filters) sourced from roasteries in the UK and Europe. The coffees are small but strong rather than large and milky.

Primrose Cafe

Primrose Cafe in pretty Clifton is one of Bristol’s best-loved cafes with over 25 years of service. Rather than a quirky, minimalistic coffee shop, it’s a warm and friendly cafe with giant, homemade portions for lunch and equally generous slabs of cake. If you’re hungry, don’t miss it. Tie in a visit with the colourful houses of Clifton.

Bars & nightlife in Bristol  

I’ve only been on one night out in Bristol which was to Thekla , a club on a moored boat. It was such a great night and I’d highly recommend it if you like fun, mainstream music and something a bit different from your standard bar. Clubbing on land is so 2012! Check out this nightlife guide to Bristol for pubs, clubs, live music, comedy and LGBT nightlife in Bristol.

Where next?

I love the variety of the UK. Catch a 10-minute train journey from Bristol Temple Meads station and you’ll be in traditional Bath which couldn’t be more different. I recently visited Bath as a day trip – the city centre is quite small so you don’t need loads of time. If time is limited, you can also take a day trip to Brighton or spend longer. I love this vibrant coastal city!

Finally – the balloon festival!

I’m so keen to visit Bristol in August for the hot air balloon festival. I’ve seen some stunning photos and people rave about it – if you can time a visit around it, you should (though accommodation will probably be more expensive). While it’s still on my to-do list, I did catch this street art image which will keep me going for now!

TRUSTED RESOURCES FOR VISITING THE UK   Guidebooks – LP always get my seal of approval. Use the latest copy of Lonely Planet England . Getting there & around by air – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Car hire – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals and campers in the UK (and all around the world). For UK trains , I use Trainline . The search feature allows you to compare prices, and they show live departure times on the website. For buses , I use Busbud . It’s the only site that compares UK coaches and buses. Find London to Manchester journeys for £1!  For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Browse UK tours and activities on GetYourGuide . I also check Viator as they often have fun & unique tours. For food tours pairing travellers with passionate local chefs and foodies, check out EatWith . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips!

Thanks for reading my Bristol weekend guide!

Check out my other Bristol & England blogs:

• Where to find the colourful houses of Clifton Bristol
• Bristol street art guide
• My London archives
• UK backpackers guide
• How to spend a weekend in Norfolk
• How to spend a weekend in Manchester
• The perfect weekend in Dorset
• 2 day Oxford itinerary
• 1 perfect day in Brighton
• The perfect Margate day trip from London
• Things to do in Liverpool in winter

See you next time for more adventures,

For more travel content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

Ps. Liked my Bristol travel guide? Pin it for later!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

7 thoughts on “ How To Spend A Perfect Weekend in Bristol, England ”

Wow, I didn’t know Bristol was this colorful! So many amazing Insta spots 🙂

Hi Rose, I was looking for some info on Bristol and came across your blog. This brings back so many memories… Bristol is such an amazing city and I can’t wait to go back (again)! Thanks for sharing!

Hi Julie! Glad you enjoyed it. Such a wonderful city, hope you enjoy your visit!

I’ve always wanted to visit Bristol but have no idea why because I knew absolutely nothing about it until reading this post. I think I was right in wanting to visit though because it sounds like an awesome city!

I’m in Bristol following your blog and right now in Pinkmans having the best doughnuts of my life! Thanks for the recommendation!

This is great to hear, thanks for letting me know!

Great news! Glad you enjoyed

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With a population of 17,835, Bristol is a must-see destination in Virginia, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Consider staying at least one whole day in Bristol to see all of its attractions.

When to visit Bristol

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When flying to Bristol, you’ll arrive at Blountville Tri Cities TN/VA (TRI), which is located 15 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Bristol include Allegiant Air, American Airlines and Aeromexico. The shortest domestic flight to Bristol departs from Milwaukee and takes around 4h 10m.

Another option to get to Bristol is to pick up a car rental from Charlotte, which is about 121 miles from Bristol. You’ll find branches of Easirent and Hertz, among others, in Charlotte.

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If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Budget Host Inn Bristol and Red Roof Inn Bristol.

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Renting a car in Bristol costs $54 per day, on average.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 21% cheaper than airport locations in Bristol.

Expect to pay $3.82 per gallon in Bristol (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $45.88 and $61.17.