bristol tourist office information

  Walk in   Bristol    

With richie.

Tourist Information Centre

The Galleries, Ground Floor, Bristol, BS1 3XD

Official website: 

https://visitbristol.co.uk/

Tel: +44 (0)117 2397685

The Bristol Tourist Information Centre is for visitors and locals alike, and offers everything from help with bus timetables and accommodation booking to souvenirs and gifts.

Opening Hours:

Monday to Sunday 10am – 5pm

5 Nearest Attraction

Richie's opinion :

"I visited the Tourist Information Center several times ( when It was at the Watershed - see the pictures) and I have to say I really liked it. If I didn't have an idea to buy a gift, I  found something here, if I forgot to buy a monthly bus ticket and the Firstbus Office at Bristol Bus and Coach Station was closed, I visited them or  if I wanted to buy a ticket for a Boat trip or Bristol Zoo - they had very good offers.. The VisitBristol, which is part of VisitWest, it has given me a lot of ideas and inspiration for my own walkinbristol website, is worth following them on all platforms; Facebook and Instagram , but their Youtube Channel is also excellent. ;)"

1. Castle Park

     ( 413 foot - 2 min walking) 

2. Cabot Circus

     (486 foot- 2 min walking)

3. John Wesley's chapel - The New Room

    (0,1 mile  - 2 min walking)

     (0,2 mile - 5 min walking)

5. St Nicholas Market

    (0,3 mile - 7 min walking)

Click to the postcode to check the map .

Nearest Public Toilet

     The Galleries Shopping Centre

(You are HERE )

Accessible 25 Union Gallery, Broadmead, BS1 3XD

Cabot Circus Shopping Centre (Community Toilet Scheme) 

Accessible Glass House, Broadmead, BS1 3BX Lower ground floor and floor 3 management suite

About the Tourist Information Centre

Bristol’s Tourist Information Centre has moved to the ground floor of the Galleries.

Previously located next to the Watershed, the information centre had to move because of the cinema’s planned expansion.

Opening Times

Open from Tuesday to Sunday, the information hub offer services for both visitors to the city and for people who live in Bristol, such as help with public transport, as well as stocking themed gifts and souvenirs.

The store is selling locally made products, including mugs, jewellery, t-shirts, books and maps, all of which are available through  the Bristol Tourist Information Centre’s website .

Visitors and locals can also buy bus tickets, get keys for the city’s accessible toilets and find out about recently reopened attractions throughout Bristol and beyond.

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What are you looking for.

VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Why we love Bristol

Cool creative Bristol is a must-see destination if you’re a fan of art, culture and action-packed adventure. And when it comes to great grub and welcoming pubs, the city’s no slouch. For a true taste of Bristol, head out on a street art tour to discover the works of the city’s most famous resident, Banksy. Delve into maritime history at the legendary SS Great Britain steamship, or discover awe-inspiring views on a tour of the historic Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Feel your adrenaline pumping at The Wave, the city’s inland surfing site, see historic works of art at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, or savour local ale and cosy up in one of its eclectic bars, pubs or breweries. With shopping ranging from budget to blowout and an impressive music scene to boot, one thing’s for sure – Bristol doesn’t disappoint.

VisitBritain/Peter Beavis

Discover a world of art

Bristol needs no introduction to the street art scene , home to the world renowned stencil artist, Banksy - the city is bursting with colour creations round every corner. Hit up a street art workshop or explore the area on a walking tour to uncover the stories behind the city’s bright, and bold walls.

Nic Crilly-Hargrave

A festival for the taste buds

Great beer, delicious food and a brilliant playlist: what could be a better way to celebrate summer? The Bristol Craft Beer Festival showcases the city’s huge range of artisan breweries, alongside top British and international names. Enjoy diverse flavours as well as live music, DJ sets, and access to the street food market.

Andre Pattenden/Bristol Lido

Bristol, England

Whether it’s a cold winter’s day or a blissful summer evening, Bristol’s Lido has got you covered. Make a splash in the outdoor pool that’s located right in the heart of picturesque and historic Clifton. For a real treat, pamper yourself with a spa treatment, or find your zen in the hot tub and steam room.

lifeoutthere.photography

Hit the waves for a surfing session on Bristol’s in-land wave pool . Pick up the adrenaline with a ride out onto the water, or for a more relaxed trip, tuck into some tasty grub from the on-site Clubhouse. 

Eat like a local

At lunchtime, hungry Bristolians descend on St Nicholas Market . Dating back to 1743, this food market had city’s largest gathering of independent retailers: from artisan cheesemongers and award-winning bakers, to stalls piled high with spicy noodles, plump dumplings and much more. The cuisine hails from all over the world, but the ingredients are fresh and locally sourced.

Things to do in Bristol

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The Wave Bristol

Take to the waves and head inland for some serious surfing thanks to Bristol’s innovative inland wave-creating lake.

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Come and see 100 balloons take to the sky at Bristol’s International Balloon Fiesta.

Brunel’s SS Great Britain

Step aboard the world’s first great luxury liner, and discover the ship that changed the world.

ssgreatbritain

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Spanning the beautiful Avon Gorge, this is one of the world’s most architecturally ambitious bridges – a true work of art.

VisitBritain/Eric Nathan

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

From dinosaur skeletons to local inventions, this free museum puts one billion years of art, culture and nature at your fingertips.

SUP Bristol

On a paddleboard, you’ll witness the nature, beauty and relaxed pace of life on Bristol’s waterways.

Adventure Bristol

This outdoor activity centre is packed with challenges – so grab your mates and get stuck in.

Wake the Tiger

Step into ‘the world’s first amazement park’ – a place unlike anywhere you’ve ever been before.

Wake The Tiger

Bristol is famous for its graffiti – so why not have a go too? Get hands-on at these expert-led workshops.

Peter Hall/Graft

Christmas Steps Art Quarter

It’s a real adventure to dip into these tiny boutiques, many of which serve as artisans’ workshops too.

Delve into Bristol’s history at this locally-focused museum, discovering the human stories behind its most pivotal moments.

Quentin Lake Photography

Bristol Craft Beer Festival

Great beer, delicious food and a brilliant playlist: what could be a better way to celebrate summer?

Grab your mates for a night of live music, bowling, karaoke and more, at this fun-loving Bristol nightspot.

The Lanes Bristol

Old Market Quarter, Gay Village

Whether you’re looking for a sociable drink with like-minded people, a night of cocktails and dancing till dawn, or adults-only fun at a discreet bar and sauna – the Old Market Quarter is the place.

Getty Images/Image Source

Ashton Court Estate

This impressive stately home isn’t just full of history – it has mountain biking, orienteering and golf courses too.

This collection of boutique hotels is synonymous with luxe bedrooms, fantastic food and brilliant service.

The Pig, Hampshire

Jekka’s Herb Farm

Look out for supper clubs, art workshops and craft classes – all with a herbaceous twist.

Jekka's Herb Farm

Thornbury Castle

King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed here on their honeymoon – and you can enjoy its luxury too.

Wills Memorial Building Tower

Enjoy magnificent views from this mighty landmark, opened by King George V and Queen Mary in 1925.

Yasmin Chakar

Royal Fort House

This historic spot is a haven for walkers and wildlife, and features art installations too.

Wapping Wharf

This up-and-coming shopping, dining and entertainment quarter has breathed new life into Bristol’s waterfront.

Bristol Shopping Quarter

With over 400 retail and dining brands, this city-centre mall has something for every style.

Park Street and The Triangle

Top fashion brands rub shoulders with independent vintage stores, jewellery boutiques and gourmet delis.

Poco Tapas Bar

Tuck into a menu of tapas, brunches and sharing plates, which champions sustainably-sourced local ingredients.

Benjamin Pryor Photography

Bristol and Bath Railway Path

Rather than driving or taking the train between these great cities, why not cycle instead?

Bristol Pride

Featuring a star-studded line-up of singers and drag cabaret – plus an awe-inspiring protest march through the city.

Bristol Bear Bar

One of the UK’s only purpose-built bear bars, it attracts a varied crowd and brings the beats of pop and dance music to the table.

VisitBritain/Simon Winnall

Queenshilling

Be dazzled by a 1920s Art Deco style and a welcoming atmosphere. Expect disco lighting and a swanky dance floor complete with podiums and a stage.

Proper Job Productions

UPFEST, Bristol

Welcome to Europe’s biggest graffiti festival, where the streets of Bristol are the canvas.

Glastonbury

This legendary gathering is on every music-lover’s bucket list – featuring a star-studded mix of bands, comedy and cabaret.

Andrew Allcock

Whether you’re horse riding, cycling, playing football or walking, this green space is glorious year-round.

VisitBritain/Rama Knight

Cheddar Gorge and Caves

Discover soaring cliffs and spectacular caves, sculpted by the elements over many thousands of years.

National Trust Images/John Mill

Sherlock Locations Trail

Released by the Bristol Film Office, this official walking guide reveals the city’s key Sherlock locations.

Hartswood Films

Frogmore Street

Be part of the city’s legendary LGBTQIA+ scene, with buzzing bars, nightclubs, entertainment and more.

Bristol Harbour Festival

A whole weekend of entertainment, with circus, music, dance and more – all for absolutely free!

Paul Box/Bristol Harbour Festival

Bristol Marina

The city’s maritime roots run deep, and its waterways host festivals, floating restaurants and more.

[email protected]/Visit West

Bristol Lido

Dip your toe into Bristol’s history at this beautifully restored bathhouse, luxury spa and restaurant.

Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa

With its hydrotherapy pools and luxurious treatment areas, this city-centre idyll is hard to resist.

Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road

Calling all bargain hunters and trend setters: these shops, galleries and delis are anything but ordinary…

Bristol Tours – Walking Tour

Exploring with an expert local guide, you’ll be immersed in the city’s sights, sounds and stories.

Where the Wall

Whether for walking tours or stencilling workshops, immerse yourself in the city’s spectacular street art.

Alamy Stock Photo/Lee Thomas/Upfest (Bex Glover, Lucas Antics, Zoe Power, Gemma Compton, Sophie Long and Ejits)

Bristol Cathedral

Discover the soaring Gothic architecture and exquisite stained-glass windows of this city-centre landmark.

Shutterstock / Alexey Fedorenko

This is the place to revel in Bristol’s free-spirited vibe, while shopping for clothes, antiques and crafts.

Getty Images

Bristol’s harbourside

See Brunel’s iconic vessel to one Banksy’s most famous works at Bristol’s picturesque harbour.

anabdavhawar and craving.nirvana

Featured things to do

Street art walking tour

Add a splash of colour to your trip to Bristol on a tour of its creative graffiti and murals – from Banksy originals to international artists, you’ll find the city’s walls popping with eccentric artwork.

International Balloon Fiesta

Look up as the sky fills with hot air balloons for Bristol’s International Balloon Fiesta, from sunrise flights to night time glows - the city is filled with a balloon extravaganza.

bristolferry

See Bristol from the water

Hop aboard an iconic yellow and blue Bristol Ferry for a unique way to see the city from its Harbour. For an added splash of fun, look out for a Gin Cruise for a liquid fuelled boat trip.

Destination Bristol_ 1

Christmas in Bristol

Discover frosty winter walks around the city, and follow twinkling lights along the bustling streets for a real festive feel.

Places to stay in Bristol

Stokes croft.

Find the coolest vibe in Bristol, from local boutiques and artist studios to traditional pubs, hip eateries and trendy cafés.

Harbourside

Once where merchants and traders set sail, the Harbourside is now a trendy enclave with a great selection of places to eat, shop and stay.

Take in views of the awesome Clifton Suspension bridge, eat in bistros and stroll around its impressive Georgian architecture.

Explore nearby

An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture and green spaces.

VisitBritain/Hazel Parreno

A wellness retreat for the Romans and Georgian architecture around every corner.

VisitBritain

Step into a land of castles, world-renowned rugby and a whole host of myths and legends.

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Lush rolling pastures, pretty stone villages and rambling rivers - the Cotswolds has it all.

Cotswolds, England

Small but mighty, Exeter is a city with seriously cool credentials.

Exeter City Council

Getting to Bristol

England’s south west city is easily accessible from across the UK by train and car, and boasts fast, efficient transport connections, from regular buses to trains running from Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway Railway Stations. The city is served by Bristol International Airport, with easy connections to the city centre on the Airport Flyer bus service.

Getting around

With bus services a plenty, find ticket prices and discounts across the city and the south west with FirstGroup . Being the UK’s first cycling city, Bristol is easy to explore by bike and on foot. Or head to the water aboard a ferry with Number Seven Boats and Bristol Ferry Boats for a unique way to visit major attractions.

With ticket stations at every stop, you can buy tickets for the city’s environmentally-friendly metrobuses before you board.

Save money on train and bus travel in and around Bristol and explore more with a Freedom Travelpass .

You can discover the best cycling routes and find out how to hire bikes and equipment at Better by Bike . 

Want to know more?

Get the inside scoop of all things Bristol from those in the know at Visit Bristol.

• 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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Bristol is on the rise. Derelict docks are becoming leisure venues, heritage attractions ooze imagination and a world-class street-art scene adds colour and spice.

Best Things to Do

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Experience the real Bristol. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Brunel's SS Great Britain

This mighty, innovative steamship was designed by engineering genius Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1843. You get to wander the galley, surgeon's quarters and…

Set amid the iconic cranes of Bristol's dockside, this impressive museum is a treasure trove of memorabilia. It's divided into four main sections: People,…

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Clifton's most famous (and photographed) landmark is the 76m-high Clifton Suspension Bridge, which spans the Avon Gorge. It was designed by master…

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

You're in for a few surprises at this classic old Edwardian museum. Look out for the Paint-Pot Angel by world-famous street artist Banksy in the entrance…

Clifton Observatory & Camera Obscura

Set in a striking 18th-century windmill, Clifton Observatory features a viewing platform, a rare camera obscura and the cliff-side Giant's Cave. Together…

We the Curious

Bristol's interactive science museum is a playful, hands-on space where 300 'exhibits' fly the flag for curiosity, scientific collaboration and creativity…

Bristol Cathedral

Originally founded as a 12th-century monastery church, Bristol Cathedral was heavily remodelled during the 19th century. It's one of Britain's best…

The most striking thing about this replica of the vessel in which John Cabot made his landmark voyage from Bristol to Newfoundland in 1497 is its size. At…

Top picks from our travel experts

The 15 best things to do in bristol - from banksy to bridges.

Leigh Woods

It may be tiny (under a square mile), but Leigh Woods squeezes a lot into a small space: ancient trees, snaking walking trails and corking Avon Gorge…

Cabot Tower

Set in the small park of Brandon Hill, this 32m ornate red-brick tower was built between 1896 and 1898 to commemorate John Cabot's pioneering voyage in…

Spike Island

Culture vultures should make time to visit Spike Island, a lively centre for visual arts that's home to a collective of studios, a contemporary art…

St Nicholas Market

The city's lively street market has a bevy of food stalls selling everything from Pieminister pies and mezze platters to pulled-pork rolls from barbecue…

Mild Mild West

This wry piece of graffiti art was painted by local lad Banksy. It features a Molotov cocktail–wielding teddy bear who's facing three riot police. It's…

Well Hung Lover

One of Banksy's best loved pieces of street art features an apparently two-timing wife, an angry husband and a naked man dangling from a window. That it…

Occupying the ground floor of an old office block, this community-run cafe-bar sums up Bristol's alternative character: it's all about slow food, local…

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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.

Bristol Tourist Information Centre

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

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Bristol Tourist Information Centre - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Bristol Tourist Information Centre

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

BRISTOL TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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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.

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:

These are the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK

By Rick Jordan

Travel guide to Edinburgh

The ultimate guide to Manchester

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

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

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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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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The Platinum Line

Bristol an insider guide things to see and do..

I have lived in Bristol for most of my life and I still love the city. I would like to introduce visitors to some of the history as well as offer some suggestions for more unusual places to see and things to do. Whether you visit the city frequently or will be visiting for the first time, I would like to offer some inspiration.  If you are enjoying some escapism and dreaming of your next adventure let me introduce you to some of the sights and sounds of my city.

Bristol is often seen as the gateway to the south west and South Wales. It has two universities with a large student population. Very high house prices and heavy traffic particularly during rush hour reflect how popular it is to live here particularly in areas such as Clifton.  In recent years it has become a centre for television and film making famous as the home of the BBC natural history unit and Aardman animation makers of Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep.

It also has a vibrant culture scene. You can find all types of live music in the local pubs and also listen to more established artists at the Bristol hippodrome or St. George’s, a converted church which is now a well-loved concert hall. Many visitors love discovering the street art. The tourist office run free Banksy tours. Locals are not always so happy about the graffiti but Bristol is where Banksy hails from. He was once just another teenage kid roaming the streets of Bristol with a spray can in his hand.

The port of Bristol

Bristol is a port city although nowadays the river Avon is too tidal and to shallow for large boats to come into the centre. The old harbour area has been made into an attractive and bustling tourist hub with restaurants, cinemas and art galleries. If you want to discover more of its past, I recommend visiting Bristol industrial museum, M shed

Because of its position on the west coast Bristol was able to grow rich on the triangular slave trade. I discussed some of the difficulties we have dealing with the aftermath here .   I also wrote about Isambard Kingdom Brunel who designed Temple Meads, Bristol’s main railway station, the Great Britain and the Suspension Bridge here

For suggestions for activities for families near the harbourside click here.

More unusual places to discover the history of Bristo l

I love history which I studied at university and I belong to a history walking group. We enjoy discovering more about the history of Bristol and nearby towns and cities. I have written several posts about more unusual places to discover parts of the story of Bristol.

• Arnos vale cemetery
•  The New Room and John Wesley
• Redcliffe Caves
• Brislington and St. Annes

Parks and Green Spaces.

Visitors to Bristol will be pleased to learn that Bristol has a lot of Green Spaces. It is the only British city to hold the title of European green capital. The most famous open areas are probably the Clifton Downs and Ashton Court where you will be able to watch the deer.  However, if you explore further afield you will find a large local park usually with a children’s playground in most districts. The Mendip hills are only a short drive or bus ride away and you will find plenty of places to hike or go rock climbing.

If you are a keen gardener you will enjoy a visit to Bristol University botanic garden .

or the Avon Gorge and Downs wildlife garden at one end of the Suspension bridge. 

How about following the river Frome to Eastville Park and beyond.

Frome riverside walkway

Stoke Park one of Bristol’s newest parks

Blaise Castle Estate . A lovely place to walk to the North of Bristol

Tips for visitors

The Bristol tourist information office

The Bristol tourist office is situated on the harbourside by cascade steps and has information about all the major tourist sites as well as maps and souvenirs. They can also answer queries from disabled visitors. Parts of Bristol such as Clifton are very hilly and many of the older buildings may not be suitable for wheelchair users. However the main entertainment venues and shopping centres are accessible . This guide has more details.

Bristol has two large shopping centres at Cabot circus in the centre of the city and at Cribbs Causeway where you will find all the major department stores. If you like looking for more unusual gifts and vintage clothing, try Gloucester Road which has a large selection of independent shops. You should also visit St. Mark’s Road in Easton which is a wonderful collection of shopkeepers from all over the world. St. Nicholas market has everything from antiques to postage stamps.

Eating and drinking

Bristol has an enormous range of restaurants from Michelin starred restaurants to global street food stalls in and around St. Nicholas Market. Locals love to eat in one of the restaurants on the harbourside overlooking the water. You should also visit one of the many historic pubs near the centre where you can find out more about Bristol’s maritime past.

If you are visiting St. Nicholas market, be sure to arrive hungry as there are plenty of different types of food to discover. Most stalls are run by local independent businesses.

If you fancy afternoon tea this post has lots of suggestions. Remember it’s not just Earl Grey and scones with jam and cream. A lot of places serve homemade cakes that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Rainy day activities

Bristol gets a lot of rainy days but don’t worry there are lots of ways to keep active indoors.  M. shed, the Bristol aquarium and We the curious are all good for a wet day.

Total Bristol has lots of suggestions for indoor activities for the whole family from indoor rock climbing in a converted church to trampolining at Airhop. 

If you enjoy bowling, you can visit Hollywood Bowl at Avon Meads or Longwell Green.

Winter activities

Bristol is a bustling city all year round. In Winter you can visit a pantomime or musical, go shopping at the German market or skate on one of the pop-up ice rinks. More suggestions for this year’s best winter activities in Bristol

There is nothing quite like a Christmas market and here are some Christmas Markets that are easy to visit by train from Bristol.

Getting around

The city is home to Cameron balloons and an unusual way to see the city is from a balloon. If you would like to check availability and prices, click here .

Bristol balloon festival is held at Ashton court every summer and weather permitting visitors can see dozens of balloons floating over the city.

If you arrive by car you can save money by using one of the park and ride car parks and catch the bus into the city. Alternatively here is a map of Bristol Car Parks.

If you are over 18 and have a driving license you can hire an orange Voi E scooter.

A good way for tourists to see the city is to catch a hop on hop off bus.  A word of warning during the rush hour traffic can be very heavy making the journey quite slow. 

The easiest way to get from the station is by bus. If you are driving to the city, use one of the park and ride schemes. You won’t have to worry about parking charges, city centre traffic or clean air charges. If you tap on or off with a contactless card you will automatically get the best value ticket. The First Bus app will also let you buy tickets and plan your journey. It will show you which bus to catch and even how to walk to the bus stop.

Get your guide has some more suggestions of activities you might enjoy in Bristol. #affilliate link.

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12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bristol, England

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Among Bristol's many tourist attractions are numerous art galleries and a number of pleasant parks and green spaces. It's also an extremely fun city to walk around, with some of the best routes taking in Bristol Harbour, with its preserved and rejuvenated old wharves and promenades.

For families, there's Bristol Zoo Gardens and We The Curious , a science and arts center that's especially designed to engage and educate young minds. Also worth a visit is Ashton Court Estate, a facility that provides a wide variety of fun outdoor activities for families.

You can also take day trips to places just outside of town, such as the amazing Cheddar Gorge.

Between all these points of interest and countless places to visit, you'll find plenty of fun things to do in Bristol.

See also: Where to Stay in Bristol

1. Bristol Harbour & Bristol City Docks

2. brunel's ss great britain, 3. clifton suspension bridge, 4. bristol cathedral, 5. enjoy city views from brandon hill park & cabot tower, 7. st. mary redcliffe, 8. llandoger trow, 9. bristol old city, 10. bristol museum and art gallery, 11. blaise castle house, 12. take a drive to cheddar gorge, a brief history of bristol, where to stay in bristol for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in bristol, england, bristol - climate chart.

The old Port of Bristol on the Avon River has been given a new and imaginative lease of life, with many of its old wharves and warehouses restored or converted for contemporary uses. Traditionally known as the "Floating Harbour" for the fact that a tidal bypass was constructed in 1809 to ensure water levels remained constant, the harbor covers 70 acres and is fun to explore on foot.

Today, Bristol Harbour, home to Bristol City Docks, is where you'll find numerous museums, galleries, entertainment, and dining opportunities suitable for all ages. It's also where you'll find top attractions like the Bristol Aquarium ; the We The Curious science center; and the Arnolfini, the city's world-class visual arts, music, and performance center.

Thanks to its lack of a tide, the harbor has also become a very popular area for personal pleasure craft such as kayaks and paddleboards, as well as local rowing clubs. From here, you can row a large navigable section of the River Avon.

Travel in and around Bristol Harbour is made easy thanks to Bristol Ferry Boats , which operates a number of ferry services on the Avon River. This convenient mode of transport offers inexpensive passes that let you hop on and off at key points of interest around the harbor area and across other parts of the city.

Location: Welsh Back, Bristol, England

The SS Great Britain , the world's first iron-hulled passenger ship, lives on at the same dry dock where the great vessel was built and launched in 1843. The work of the famed engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it was also the first ship to use screw propellers.

Famously rescued from oblivion after being scuttled off the Falkland Islands , the ship is now located at Bristol's Great Western Dock and is a testament to Brunel's engineering ingenuity. Today, you can stroll the ship's upper decks or explore below deck and peep into the luxury cabins of First Class passengers, as well as the much more humble accommodations provided for other classes.

Part of the fun here is exploring an authentic facsimile of the original dockyards dating from the time the vessel was built, complete with goods waiting to be loaded. An exhibit entitled Being Brunel also offers a fascinating peak into the great inventor's mind.

The site is also home to the Brunel Institute and the David MacGregor Library , an archive of thousands of books, documents, plans, and objects related to England's greatest engineer and inventor. A gift shop, a café, and a picnic area is also located on-site.

Address: Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, England

Official site: www.ssgreatbritain.org

Another work of the famed British engineer I. K. Brunel, and one of his first, is the spectacular Clifton Suspension Bridge. Spanning the 260-foot-deep Avon Gorge on the west side of the limestone plateau known as Clifton Down and Durdham Down, this spectacular structure measures 702 feet between its piers.

The bridge was completed in 1864, 33 years after Brunel had first submitted his prizewinning plans.

Stop at the visitor information center to learn about the bridge's construction or join a weekend behind-the-scenes tour. You can also grab a coffee and snack here and walk back across the bridge to sit on the grass or a bench to enjoy the incredible views of the bridge with the city in the background.

Located just a short climb up Observatory Hill from the bridge is the former Clifton Observatory. This historic building now houses a great restaurant with spectacular views, as well as the Camera Obscura attraction. Giant's Cave is located nearby and is worth a visit, too. While you're up there, watch for peregrine falcons flying above the Clifton side.

Address: Bridge Road, Leigh Woods, Bristol, England

Official site: www.cliftonbridge.org.uk

Built originally as the church of the Saint Augustine Abbey, Bristol Cathedral took almost 600 years to achieve its present form. The east end, superbly rebuilt in the Decorated style by Abbot Knowle, dates from between 1298 and 1330.

The central tower and transepts were completed in the 16th century, and the nave and towered west facade are from the 19th century. The church was elevated to cathedral status in 1542. Among the many other interesting features of the cathedral is the rectangular chapter house, with its late Norman decoration of zigzags, fish scale patterns, and interlacing.

Also look out for the Great Gatehouse . Built in 1170, it served as the gatehouse for the St. Augustine Abbey. It also features early examples of the use of pointed arches. You'll also want to visit the cathedral café for a sweet treat to enjoy in the tranquil cathedral garden.

Guided tours are available with advance booking, as are audio guides for those who prefer to go at their own pace (these can be picked up when you arrive)..

Address: College Green, Bristol, England

Official site: http://bristol-cathedral.co.uk/

Perched high atop Brandon Hill, Cabot Tower strikes an impressive pose over the city. Constructed in 1897 to mark the 400th anniversary of explorer John Cabot's voyage to North America from Bristol, the tower stands 105 feet tall and, while easy to spot, does involve a bit of a climb.

Once here, though, the city views from the base of the tower are breathtaking. The best views are from the top of the tower, reached by a spiral staircase. It's worth expending the additional energy, as the panoramic views here take in not just the city, but the harbor area. The climb to the top is one of the best free things to do in Bristol.

When you're done with the views, Brandon Hill Park is certainly worth hanging around. The city's oldest park, it's a great place for a scenic picnic, or simply to chill on the grass. Other notable features include a pleasant network of paths and trails and a kids' playground.

Address: Brandon Hill Park, Park Street, Bristol, England

Part of the Bristol Museums group, M Shed on Prince's Wharf is a must-visit when exploring Bristol Harbour. You'll not easily miss the museum thanks to the huge historic cranes set outside the building. The oldest such crane left in England, the Fairbairn Steam Crane was built in 1878 and was used continuously until the 1950s, when the shed itself was built.

Set in the large "shed" behind the crane, M Shed offers visitors a fascinating multi-media look at the city's rich history through a mix of colorful permanent and temporary exhibits. Highlights include displays related to the stories of everyday people placed in context with major events, as well as transportation and maritime history.

This "living museum" also includes a variety of fun experiences that feature some of the original machinery that once worked in the docks. A highlight for the kids is the chance to take a ride on the Bristol Harbour Railway. Built in the 1870s, this museum-run attraction offers fun rides along the quayside, offering great views of the harbor and SS Great Britain .

Another fun experience includes the chance to operate one of the original steam cranes lining the dock outside M Shed. This unique experience, though, is dependent on the availability of crew, so be sure to check ahead to ensure they're operating.

Address: Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, England

Official site: www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/

When Queen Elizabeth I visited Bristol in 1574, she described St. Mary Redcliffe as "the fairest parish church in England." Built in the 13th century and extensively renovated in the 15th century in the Baroque style, the church is located on the south side of Floating Harbour and takes its name from the red cliffs on which it stands.

With its slender, clustered pillars and reticulated vaulting, hexagonal porch, and richly decorated doorway, it perfectly displays the wealth of Bristol's rich merchants. A great triptych, Sealing The Tomb , designed and executed for the main altar by William Hogarth, is now at the offices of the Bristol & Region Archaeological Services in the former St. Nicholas Church.

Also of note is the memorial tablet and tomb of Admiral Sir William Penn, father of the William Penn who founded Pennsylvania. Be sure to pay attention to the church's organ, too. Built in 1726, it's regarded as one of the best preserved of its type in England.

Address: 12 Colston Parade, Redcliffe, Bristol, England

Official site: www.stmaryredcliffe.co.uk

The famous triple-gabled, half-timbered Llandoger Trow building in King Street, built in 1664, is where Alexander Selkirk is said to have told the story of his shipwreck to Daniel Defoe, who immortalized the tale in Robinson Crusoe .

The Llandoger Trow was also the model for the Admiral Benbow , the inn frequented by Long John Silver in Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island . Carefully restored in 1991, the building is linked by an underpass to the Theatre Royal, home of the Bristol Old Vic and the oldest playhouse in England to have had its stage in continuous use.

Address: King Street, Bristol, England

Official site: https://llandogertrow.co.uk

Bristol Old City is a warren of historic buildings from a long stretch of the city's history. One of the most photographed landmarks is St. Stephen's Church on St. Stephen's Avenue, the parish church of Bristol, which dates from 1476. Look inside for the tomb of Martin Pring, the discoverer of Cape Cod Bay in Massachusetts, and for the colorful effigy of George Snygge.

The medieval St. John on the Wall is close by and is the last of the many churches once built into the city wall. It is noted for its vaulted crypt and interactive displays added in 2016. It is near St. John's Gate , originally part of the old city wall, famous for its figures of Brennus and Belinus, mythical founders of Bristol, and Christmas Steps , an ancient alleyway paved in 1669 and now lined with antique and souvenir shops.

At the corner of Broad Street and Corn, you will find the neoclassical Old Council House , constructed in 1827. Across Corn Street, the Palladian-style Exchange (built in 1743) is noted for its four outdoor tables, the brass "nails," upon which Bristol merchants settled their transactions and gave rise to the expression "paying on the nail."

The covered St. Nicholas Market , with more than 60 stalls, is adjacent to the Exchange on St. Nicholas Street. A Farmers Market is held on Corn and Wine Streets on Wednesdays.

Official site: http://bristololdcity.co.uk/

Part of Bristol Museums, an association of six fine museums in the city, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery has three floors filled with Egyptian mummies, wildlife, dinosaurs, gemstones, glass, pottery, oriental arts, and a collection of Old Masters. An entire section is devoted to I. K. Brunel and his many technical achievements.

The nearby Red Lodge Museum (closed Jan to April), with its old furniture and fine Elizabethan room, focuses on the human side of history.

Also at a separate location and open seasonally, the Georgian House Museum tells the story of an 18th-century merchant, sugar plantation owner, and slaveholder through his house and possessions.

Address: Queens Road, Bristol, England

Official site: www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery/

A late 18th-century mansion house and estate, Blaise Castle House provides a feel for the lifestyle of a prosperous family on a country estate. The Picture Room, with a domed glass ceiling, is decorated with paintings, and the house is known for its collections of children's toys, including doll houses and furniture, trains, and toy soldiers.

On the estate are ruins of Kings Weston Roman Villa , with baths, a heating system, and mosaic floor. The house and Roman villa are closed January through March.

Address: Henbury Road, Bristol

Official site: https://www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/blaise-museum/

Located just 18 miles from Bristol, the spectacular Cheddar Gorge makes for an excellent day trip. Highlights of this National Nature Reserve include its dramatic 450-foot cliffs and stunning stalactite caverns.

Other attractions include the spectacular Gough's Cave, with its hidden chambers, as well the soaring chambers of "St. Paul's Cathedral" and the towering spires of "Solomon's Temple."

A word of caution: you do need a degree of fitness to tackle some parts of the gorge, including the 274 steps up the side of the gorge and the 48 more to the top of the Lookout Tower . Entry includes the cliff-top walk and the Cheddar Man Museum of Prehistory.

Official site: www.cheddargorge.co.uk

The city of Bristol, set inland on the Avon River and with access to the Bristol Channel, has an illustrious history as one of England's oldest and most important ports.

It was a favored port of departure for the New World following John Cabot's voyage to North America in 1497. To celebrate that event, Cabot Tower in Brandon Hill Park was erected on the 400th anniversary of Cabot's voyage in 1897. Bristol was also an important trading center and served as Royalist headquarters during the English Civil War.

Shipbuilding has been a pillar of Bristol's economy for centuries, reaching its pinnacle with Isambard Kingdom Brunel's famous SS Great Britain . Built in 1838, this was the first steamship to make regular Atlantic crossings. In addition to designing the famous suspension bridge spanning the Avon Gorge, Brunel was also the engineer in charge of completing the Great Western Railway between London and Bristol.

We recommend these centrally located hotels in Bristol near top attractions such as Bristol Harbour:

• Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa : This fine luxury boutique hotel is set in a Venetian-style building with an illuminated indoor pool and upscale spa; it's popular for its afternoon tea.
• Holiday Inn Bristol City Centre : A good choice for its mid-range pricing, the Holiday Inn is located near shops and features great showers, contemporary decor, and 24-hour room service.
• The Bristol : Featuring affordable rates and great harbor views, this stylish hotel boasts comfortable beds and Nespresso machines.
• Premier Inn Bristol City Centre : This budget hotel is set in a convenient location and features modern room decor and multilingual staff.

More on England

A Guide to Bristol for The First-Time Tourist

Bristol is a fantastic destination for a weekend break or a longer holiday. Not only is it an exciting city with plenty to see and do – it’s also the perfect base to discover the beautiful southwest of England.

In 2017, the Rough Guide named it one of the top 10 cities to visit in the world . But what should you see, do and enjoy during your stay? Here’s a guide to the very best of Bristol for first-time visitors.

Visit the Historic Attractions

There are plenty of big historic attractions to explore in Bristol, many of which you can visit over a few days during your stay here. In fact, you’ll probably need to make numerous visits to the city in order to see them all.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge , Bristol’s most famous landmark, is simply unmissable if you’re visiting Bristol for the first time (just ask any Bristolian). Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s ingenious engineering project still looks stunning, and it is a must-see highlight during your time in the city.

Some of tother top historic attractions include:

• Bristol Cathedral
• Clifton Observatory
• SS Great Britain
• Cabot Tower

Hit the Shops

Despite a poor reputation in the 80s and 90s, Bristol’s shopping is now outstanding – even the most enthusiastic shopaholics will find themselves spoilt for choice. From big high-street names at Cabot Circus and Cribbs Causeway to small independent stores on Gloucester Road and Stokes Croft, you’ll find something for every taste here.

Where will you find the best? There are a few places you’ll want to visit while you’re in Bristol:

• Cabot Circus
• The Mall at Cribbs Causeway
• Clifton Village
• Gloucester Road & Stokes Croft
• Park Street
• St Nicholas Indoor Market for independent retailers

Any of these places will provide you with plenty of options to shop ‘til you drop.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Bristol is a beautiful city, full of stunning outdoor areas to relax, walk and spend time – especially during the summer. Bristolians are spoilt for parks and green spaces, with Victoria Park, Clifton Downs, St Andrews Park, St George’s Park, Eastville Park and Snuff Mills being just a few.

Or you could head to the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge for some great views over Avon Gorge, before heading over to the sprawling Ashton Court Estate (perfect for dog walkers) or Leigh Woods (which features some great mountain bike trails).

Got access to a car? Drive out of the city (or take the train) and explore some of the surrounding countryside. There are lots of big attractions nearby, including National Trust properties and estates like Tyntesfield and Dyrham Park.

Museums and Art Galleries

Cultural attractions abound in Bristol. This is a big city for art, and being the home of Banksy, street art is prevalent around parts of the city like Stokes Croft and North Street (where the annual street art festival Upfest is held every year). Nelson Street also has some of the best murals in Bristol.

Museums and art galleries include:

• Bristol Museum & Art Gallery with its 19 galleries
• The Royal West of England Academy
• Here Gallery , a small gallery focusing on printmaking and illustration
• M Shed , which houses a large collection of interesting artefacts (and at the time of writing is still running the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition).

Or take a short trip to Blaise Castle Museum on Henbury Road where you can discover Bristol’s past for free as well as explore 400 acres of land.

Music and Theatre

You will be spoilt for choice if you’re looking for some entertainment during your stay in Bristol. One of the must-do activities is to see a show at the Bristol Old Vic , the best venue in the city. Or you can visit the Bristol Hippodrome or the Redgrave Theatre , both of which will provide you with a great night out.

You’ll also find a fantastic live music scene in Bristol, and all the top acts include Bristol on their tours. There is something going on every night, and you might even be able to time your visit to coincide with a big-name act.

Exchange on Old Market is where some of the biggest gigs are held, but there are plenty of other venues including The Louisiana on Wapping Road.

Experience the Nightlife

As you might expect from a city with two universities, there is plenty going on in Bristol every night, including lots of bars and nightclubs , so there is plenty to choose from whatever your style.

Fancy partying the night away in the famous Thekla boat nightclub? What about the O2 Academy or Motion, which DJ Mag ranked as 11th best club in the world in 2019 . Other clubs like Przym and SWX ensure you have plenty of choice.

There is also a huge selection of pubs and bars throughout the city, many of which will provide you with the perfect opportunity to try out some local cider. And don’t miss Bristol’s speakeasies – these secretive bars (like Milk Thistle) are the perfect setting to try a local craft beer.

Eat Out at the Best Restaurants

Eating out is one of the joys of any weekend break, and you will be spoilt for choice in Bristol because there is something for every style and budget. If you’re into fine dining, below are four of Bristol’s finest restaurants at the time or writing:

• Pasture on Portwall Lane, which opened in 2018, is a popular option where you will find all the best steaks in a warm and welcoming atmosphere with an open kitchen so you can watch the chefs at work.
• Adelina Yard on Welsh Back offers delicious British food made with local ingredients in a relaxed setting – try its six-course tasting menu for something really special.
• Pasta Loco on Cotham Hill is the place to go for the best pasta dishes. Cosy, casual and great value, it’s also got a good selection of delicious desserts.
• Wilks on Chandos Road is a Michelin-starred restaurant serving up seasonal food in an elegant restaurant setting. Try the 7-course tasting menu or the Sunday roast.

This is only a small sample of Bristol’s bursting culinary scene and there are eateries to suit the more modest budget as well as all diets and tastes.

Book Your Trip

As you can see, there are plenty of things to see and do in Bristol. And if you are visiting Bristol at the right time of year, you might even be able to enjoy one of its big annual events like the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta at Ashton Court or the now annual Downs Festival , which last year featured a headline performance from Lauryn Hill.

Whenever you visit and whatever you plan to see, make sure you find the perfect place to stay. We’ve got plenty of top-quality short-stay accommodation options at Hopewell, so find your ideal accommodation and start planning your visit to Bristol today.

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Bristol Visitor Guide

You can view our Official Bristol Visitor Guide 2024  below or online here . Printed copies are available in tourist information racks in and around the city.

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Registered office: Leigh Court Business Centre | Pill Rd | Abbots Leigh | Bristol | BS8 3RL

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There is a great opportunity in Bristol to visit places of interest, go on a shopping spree or eat out in one of the many varied eateries Bristol has to offer.

Bristol Panorama

With the history of Bristol reaching back to Norman times and its position as a port and major manufacturing area, it�s no wonder the city is of important historical interest. You�ll need a good few days to visit all the major sites but even if you only have one day there is bound to be something of interest. There are plenty of places to stay in Bristol suiting all budgets including hotels and bed and breakfast establishments. The influence of the engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Bristol�s position as a major port and the effects of the Industrial Revolution are to be seen all around. Visit the SS Great Britain, Bristol Industrial Museum and Brunel�s Clifton Suspension Bridge or travel further back in time to Bristol Cathedral, parts of which date to the Norman period. Add a splash of culture and take a short trip to the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery, Blaise Castle House Museum in Henbury or Red Lodge. If you are taken to natural history why not visit Bristol Zoo Gardens or St. Westburgh�s City Farm.

Brunel's Clifton Suspension Bridge

You are spoilt for choice in the South West�s premier shopping centre. The Broadmead Shopping Centre offers over 400 shops, including department stores, eateries and pubs. Specialist and independent shops can be visited at Christmas Steps (at the top of which is the Chapel of the Three Kings), Park Street and Clifton Village to the east of Bristol. From John Wesley�s Chapel at Broadmead, a walk up Union Street and along Corn Street (visit the Commercial Rooms here too) will take you past a number of historic sites such as the Council House, Corn Exchange (where there is a covered market), the Grand Hotel built in 1869 and the Guild Hall with its Art Nouveau frontage completed in 1843. On this route to the Harbourside there are plenty of other interesting places to visit including one of the oldest operational theatres in England � The Theatre Royal which was built in 1766 and Rowes Leadworks.

Bristol Cathedral

Clifton Suspension Bridge Probably Bristol's most famous landmark - the Clifton Suspension Bridge designed by the engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

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You are here: Home » News » Bristol’s Tourist Information Centre gets new home

Bristol’s Tourist Information Centre gets new home

Publish date: 10th Jul 20 14th Jul 20

Bristol’s Tourist Information Centre has now reopened in a new home on the ground floor of The Galleries shopping centre in Bristol Shopping Quarter. The information centre was previously located at Bristol’s Harbourside, but had to move due to the expansion of the Watershed.

On offer is a wide range of information and services for visitors and locals alike, including help with public transport, walking tours and itineraries. A range of souvenirs and gifts are also available in the online shop .

The Tourist Information team are available to help visitors make the most of their stay and to remind locals of the many attractions on their doorstep.

John Hirst, Chief Executive of Destination Bristol who run the Tourist Information Centre said, “Visitors will be impressed with the array of locally sourced souvenirs for sales including poster, mugs, jewellery, t-shirts, and an impressive range of books and maps. Full details of all visitor attractions and leisure activities in the region are available and some tickets can be purchased for tours and attractions that are now reopening.

“I am delighted that we have managed to find a new home for the Tourist Information Centre in The Galleries during what has been a difficult time for everybody. We look forward to welcoming visitors and locals to the new location.”

Daily, weekly and monthly First Bus tickets, and tickets for the Airport Flyer bus can be purchased in store and Radar keys (for accessible toilets) are available to buy for £4.50. Measures have been put in place to make the experience at the new location as safe as possible, with a limit on the number of people in the shop at any one time, contactless payments, and PPE for the staff.

The Bristol Tourist Information Centre is open Tuesdays to Sundays, from 11am to 5pm. For more details go to visitbristol.co.uk .

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