Visit Bristol to enjoy a diverse entertainment scene, some of the best produce Britain has to offer, locally brewed beer, and many museums and historical displays.
The River Avon is Bristol’s lifeblood and the city’s harbour is a great place to start your visit. Once a centre of the shipping industry, the harbour area has now been regenerated into one of culture and entertainment. It’s the site of the annual Bristol Harbour Festival, one of the U.K.’s largest festivals. The harbour is also home to the steamship SS Great Britain. Buy a ticket and climb aboard to learn about the vessel’s eventful life at sea, and understand why it’s considered to be a marvel of its time.
In the city centre, visit St. Nicholas Market and spend a morning or afternoon browsing stalls selling anything from old records and handmade jewellery, to hot sauces and haberdashery. On Wednesdays, head here to buy fresh produce at the farmer’s market, then enjoy a snack made with locally sourced ingredients. Pair your food with a Somerset cider or a beer from the local Butcombe and Zerodegrees breweries.
By night, Bristol offers a range of entertainment options from classical music at Colston Hall, to theatre at the Bristol Old Vic and Bristol Hippodrome.
The city also offers plenty of activities the whole family can enjoy. Attractions like We The Curious, Bristol Aquarium, Bristol Zoo Gardens and M Shed get kids burning energy while they learn. Another Bristol landmark, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, is a short drive from the centre of town. Families will also enjoy the city’s festivals, including the Bristol Festival of Nature, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Europe’s largest hot air balloon event, and the Bristol Festival of Puppetry.
Bristol is one of the warmest, and sunniest, cities in the U.K. This is due to its position in the south, and its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll find better accommodation deals outside the warmer months, which are between May and September.
Getting around Bristol is easy and the city actively promotes public transportation. Make use of the excellent bus service, or rent a bike and see why this city is considered so cycle-friendly.
Bristol Travel Guide
Where to stay in Bristol
Bristol City Centre
The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Bristol City Centre. Make a stop by St Nicholas Market or Old Vic Theatre while you're exploring the area.
Clifton
Travellers come to Clifton for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Clifton Downs and Observatory and The Downs while you're in town.
Bristol Floating Harbour
The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Bristol Floating Harbour. Make a stop by We The Curious or Millennium Square while you're exploring the area.
Portishead
You'll enjoy the parks and art galleries in Portishead. You might want to make time for a stop at Portishead Lake Grounds or Parish Wharf Swimming Pool.
Filton
Filton is well liked for its shopping. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Bristol area, you might plan a trip to The Mall at Cribbs Causeway or The Wave.
Keynsham
Keynsham is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park and Chew Valley.
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Popular places to visit
University of Bristol
Wander between campus buildings and architectural landmarks, visit museums, catch a theater show and admire outdoor art displays at this city center university.
Cabot Circus Shopping Centre
Discover new fashion trends, watch the latest releases from Hollywood and play a round of miniature golf at this modern retail mall.
Bristol Hippodrome Theatre
This historic theater offers a wide variety of entertainment, from West End productions and Broadway shows, to traditional pantomimes and opera.
Ashton Gate Stadium
Catch an event at Ashton Gate Stadium during your trip to Bristol. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Clifton Suspension Bridge
Both striking and practical, this bridge has long been the symbol of the city of Bristol.
Thornbury Castle
Walk the grounds once traversed by royalty, dine in a dungeon and spend the night in a room fit for a king.
Reviews of Bristol
4/5 - Good
Bus top tour excellent way to view area and learn a little about the history
4/5 - Good
Quite a vibrant city , somewhat quiet maybe due to the Corona Virus
4/5 - Good
Was good to see the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
3/5 - Okay
poor integration of tourist info and transport and signing and parking and road structure and traffic and facilities and pricing. Bristol is a mess
5/5 - Excellent
Great for live music and pubs as well as historical places of interest.
5/5 - Excellent
A very vibrant and up and coming city stay