Bristol Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Wills Memorial Building which includes a city, heritage elements and night scenes
Bristol which includes a river or creek, a sunset and a bridge
Bristol
Bristol showing a sunset, a bridge and a river or creek
Bristol

Surrounded by green countryside and lush parks, this city along the River Avon blends nature with renowned cultural and heritage sites.

Steeped in history, Bristol is a treasure trove of intriguing museum collections and atmospheric cobbled streets. However, nature also takes centre stage. Sail on the harbour and take day trips to country estates for woodland walks. After adventurous days, relax in one of Bristol’s cosy pubs and award-winning restaurants before enjoying the renowned live music scene.

No matter what time of year you visit Bristol, you’ll likely run into fun festivals and events. Watch hot air balloons from Ashton Court Estate during the summer Bristol Balloon Festival. The Bristol Harbour Festival celebrates maritime heritage and Upfest is Europe’s biggest street art festival.

Things to do in Bristol

Explore Bristol from the water with ferry rides and themed cruises, including wildlife spotting trips to the Avon Gorge. Spanning the gorge it is the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, the symbol of the city. Nearby, discover the fashion boutiques and jewellery stores of Clifton Village, framed by Georgian architecture.

Located on College Green in the West End, majestic Bristol Cathedral rests in the heart of the city. As you explore this area, look out for the famous Banksy street art or take a guided tour to discover his work in the city where it all started. For fabulous shopping, fill your bags along Queens Road and Park Street. The Bristol Shopping Quarter is an entertainment complex with designer brands among international restaurants.

Escape to nature in nearby Castle Park, between the shopping district and Harbourside. The University of Bristol Botanical Gardens features around 4,500 plant species. Take day trips to countryside locations such as South Cotswolds and Rural Somerset. A spectacular estate within easy distance is Blaise Castle House Museum and Estate, with Victorian furnishings and sprawling parklands.

Culture and history in Bristol

Set aside plenty of time to discover Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, with 19 galleries across three floors. Brunel’s SS Great Britain was the world’s first great ocean liner, and you can hop aboard for interactive displays of its Victorian heyday. From the water to the sky, Aerospace Bristol features Concorde Alpha Foxtrot among collections of missiles and engines.

Learn about Bristol’s history at M Shed, located in a 1950s transit shed on the wharf. Also on the waterfront, Arnolfini showcases contemporary art with revolving exhibitions, along with dance and film events. At the Royal West of England Academy, see works from celebrated artists in the Grade II listed building.

Within easy day trip distance of Bristol is the home of the Magna Carta, Salisbury Cathedral. Visit prehistoric Stonehenge, explore the National Trust Village of Lacock and see remnants of Roman history in Bath. If you’re not driving, tour providers offer trips to the surrounding areas.

Dining and nightlife in Bristol

Craft breweries and funky eateries make Bristol Old City a good place to start a foodie tour, especially with all the gorgeous medieval architecture here. In the Glass Arcade of St Nicholas Market, find permanent food stalls with international treats from Japanese to Mexican and Persian food. For an artistic atmosphere and plenty of pubs and clubs, head to Stokes Croft. Harbourside buzzes from morning to night with visitors and locals enjoying a meal with views at waterfront restaurants and bars.

Book tickets to major Broadway productions at the Bristol Hippodrome. Britain’s oldest working theatre, Bristol Old Vic entertains with children’s shows and theatre productions. Afterwards, join the partygoers at microbreweries on King Street and nightclubs on Park Street. Gloucester Road is an indie district with brilliant live music venues and craft beer bars.

Getting to and around Bristol

Fly into Bristol Airport for a drive of about 30 minutes to the city centre, which is a compact, walkable area. Bristol’s efficient public transport network includes trains, buses and Bristol Ferry Boats, along with taxis. E-scooters are a popular way to get around. National cycling routes cross through Bristol, from major roads to countryside trails, and you’ll find plenty of options for bike rental.

Where to stay in Bristol

Cabot Circus Shopping Centre featuring shopping and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Bristol City Centre

4/5(90 area reviews)

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.

Bristol City Centre
Clifton which includes street scenes as well as a couple

Clifton

4.5/5(170 area reviews)

Travellers come to Clifton for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Clifton Downs and Observatory and Clifton Cathedral while you're in town.

Clifton
St. Mary Redcliffe Church showing a bay or harbour

Bristol Floating Harbour

4/5(657 area reviews)

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

Bristol Floating Harbour
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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.

Portishead

Filton

3.5/5(88 area reviews)

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 Bristol Zoo Project.

Filton
St. Mary Redcliffe Church featuring a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Redcliffe

Redcliffe is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to St. Mary Redcliffe Church and Banksy Graffiti Thekla while you're in town.

Redcliffe
Aztec Hotel & Spa
Aztec Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol, England
The price is £84 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£84
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Bristol. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Refreshed and restored
"It was only one night but staying in a terraced room overlooking the lake we were fully refreshed for a full day ahead. Breakfast was excellent and my food allergies well catered for."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Aztec Hotel & Spa
Delta Hotels by Marriott Bristol City Centre
Delta Hotels by Marriott Bristol City Centre
4 out of 5
2 Lower Castle Street, Old Market, Bristol, England
The price is £75 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£75
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Bristol. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (325 reviews)
"Lovely hotel, breakfast was great. Couldn’t fault the hotel. Car park linked to it, had multiple cars broken into overnight and looked like this was a common occurrence given glass when we arrived in car park."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Delta Hotels by Marriott Bristol City Centre
Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel
Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel
4 out of 5
College Green, Bristol, England
The price is £94 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£94
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Bristol. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,086 reviews)
"Amazing stay"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
PREMIER SUITES Bristol Redcliffe
PREMIER SUITES Bristol Redcliffe
4 out of 5
30-38 St Thomas Street, Bristol, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Bristol. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, dry cleaning or laundry services and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bristol Hippodrome ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (157 reviews)
"All good except poor wifi - about 10Mb/s"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

PREMIER SUITES Bristol Redcliffe
PREMIER SUITES PLUS Bristol Cabot Circus
PREMIER SUITES PLUS Bristol Cabot Circus
4 out of 5
Quakers Friars Cabot Circus, Bristol, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Bristol. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, dry cleaning or laundry services and bike hire on-site. Popular attractions Cabot Circus Shopping ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (172 reviews)
"Was massive space we loved it.like a home from home"

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

PREMIER SUITES PLUS Bristol Cabot Circus
Your Apartment I Clifton Village
Your Apartment I Clifton Village
4 out of 5
26-28 Regent St, Bristol, England
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Bristol. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour business centre and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Bristol Hippodrome Theatre ...
7.2/10 Good! (85 reviews)
"Excellent location in the heart of Clifton village. Well appointed apartment, parking not guaranteed but plenty of off street parking nearby. Overall excellent value for money."

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2025

Your Apartment I Clifton Village
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Bristol

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
544
5 - Excellent 43%
4 - Good
563
4 - Good 45%
3 - Okay
138
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
12
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Bus top tour excellent way to view area and learn a little about the history

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Quite a vibrant city , somewhat quiet maybe due to the Corona Virus

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Was good to see the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

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

Verified traveller

Great for live music and pubs as well as historical places of interest.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A very vibrant and up and coming city stay

Cities near Bristol