What to do in Bristol

Activities, attractions and tours

A city street at night with a historic building in the background.
A river with a bridge and buildings along the riverbank.
A museum interior with a large mural, red railings, and various labeled exhibits.
A suspension bridge over a river, surrounded by buildings and greenery.
A row of bicycles parked outside a building with the sign "SLAND".

Bristol Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Bristol has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Bristol, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Bristol with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Bristol

Bristol is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Bristol, and make it a breeze to explore Bristol and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Bristol to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Bristol, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Bristol.

Bristol attractions

Bristol has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Bristol to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Bristol.

Looking for things to do in Bristol can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Bristol or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Bristol attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

St Mary Redcliffe Church Bristol: Guided Tour

St Mary Redcliffe Church Bristol: Guided Tour

£6
per adult
St Mary Redcliffe Church Bristol: Guided Tour
Bath: Luggage Storage

Bath: Luggage Storage

£7
per adult
Bath: Luggage Storage
Picture 1 for Activity Bristol: Brunel's SS Great Britain Experience Entry Ticket

Explore Bristol's Iconic Victorian Steamship

£22
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Explore Bristol's Iconic Victorian Steamship
The House Magicians Comedy Magic Shows

The House Magicians Comedy Magic Shows

£25
per adult
The House Magicians Comedy Magic Shows
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Top places to visit

1. Cabot Circus Shopping Centre

At Cabot Circus Shopping Centre you can shop at popular brand-name stores, dine on contemporary cuisine and have fun at an adventure golf course. Cabot Circus Shopping Centre opened in 2008 and replaced a precinct of post-war retail buildings. It features three split-level shopping streets covered by a striking shell-shaped roof. The roof’s glass panels create the effect of an outdoor mall while protecting visitors from unfavorable weather conditions.
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A multi-level shopping mall with a glass ceiling, various stores, and a central walkway.

2. Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Suspension Bridge spans the River Avon and links Clifton, a shopping district in Bristol, to Leigh Woods in the county of Somerset. Opened in 1864, the bridge is the brainchild of renowned mechanical and civil engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It has become a major landmark of the area, and is worth visiting even if you don’t need to cross it.
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A suspension bridge with two towers, a river below, and a cityscape in the background.

3. University of Bristol

Experience student life in and around an acclaimed institute of higher education at the University of Bristol. It is recognizable for its landmark buildings, museums and its proximity to a busy nightlife district. The origins of the University of Bristol date back to 1595 and it received a royal charter in 1909. It counts Nobel Laureates, such as Sir Winston Churchill, among its former chancellors, professors and students.
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A city street with a historic cathedral in the background.

4. Bristol Hippodrome Theatre

Visit the Bristol Hippodrome for a wide variety of performances and to see the domed ceiling that can be opened up to the night sky.
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A street with various shops, including a cinema and a pub.

5. Thornbury Castle

Set in an estate of lush parkland and glorious Tudor gardens is Thornbury Castle. Spend a day enjoying the regal elegance and sumptuousness of this one-time residence of British monarchs. Treat yourself to a night of romance in the castle’s ornate rooms. Dine on meals inspired by food grown in the castle gardens and indulge in therapeutic massage treatments.
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A luxurious bedroom with a four-poster bed, a stone fireplace, and a chandelier.

Recommended things to do in Bristol

Number of things to do
227
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Discover Bath and Somerset: A Self-Guided Tour: £1
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Bristol

Stay near popular Bristol attractions

A multi-level shopping mall with a glass ceiling, various stores, and a central walkway.

Cabot Circus Shopping Centre

8.8/10 (1,383 reviews)
Cabot Circus dazzles with its striking glass roof sheltering over 120 shops. Browse fashion boutiques, dine at diverse restaurants, or catch a film at the cinema for a complete shopping experience.
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Where to stay in Bristol

Find the best Bristol areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Bristol
Learn more about Bristol
A suspension bridge over a river, surrounded by lush greenery and a cloudy sky.
Photo by Nic Trott
Open Photo by Nic Trott

Clifton

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

A river with boats, a cityscape, and hot air balloons in the sky.

Harbourside

Harbourside is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to We The Curious and Millennium Square while you're in town.

A narrow indoor shopping corridor with glass-fronted shops on both sides.

Bristol Old City

Bristol Old City is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to St Nicholas Market and Baldwin Street while you're in town.

A historic cathedral with intricate Gothic architecture, including pointed arches and a tall spire.

Redcliffe

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

A wall with colorful graffiti art.

Stokes Croft

When in Stokes Croft, you can plan a visit to Cabot Circus Shopping Centre and St Nicholas Market, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Bristol

A long bridge over a calm river with a distant town and mountains.

Alveston

A pier extending over calm water with a rocky shoreline in the foreground.

Clevedon

A large Gothic cathedral with twin towers and intricate stonework.

Wells

A pier with a large building labeled "GRAND PIER" and two towers.

Weston-super-Mare

The ruins of a large, historic stone building with multiple arches and a tall, narrow tower.

Chepstow

A coastal landscape with a golf course, a lighthouse, and cliffs.

Newport

A four-poster bed with red drapery, a chandelier, and a stone wall.

Thornbury

A classical building with a dome, surrounded by well-maintained grass and trees.
Photo by Robert Powell (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

Tormarton

Frequently asked questions

Is Bristol worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Bristol is visit Bristol Cathedral. Check this leading sight off your itinerary, then experience more of the area's nature and dining.
How do I spend a day in Bristol?
SS Great Britain and We The Curious are two excellent places to begin your holiday adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and shopping options in Bristol while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bristol?
Don't go home without visiting Bristol Cathedral, rated the top tourist attraction in Bristol.
Is three days enough to stay in Bristol?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Bristol Cathedral, We The Curious and Clifton Downs and Observatory with a three-day getaway in Bristol. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stick around longer and head to Bath.
Is Bristol a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city centre, Bristol is a great destination to discover on foot. Have fun wandering between Bristol Cathedral and We The Curious. Then take a stroll through Bristol Floating Harbour, located 2 kms (1 mile) from the centre, and Redcliffe, which is roughly 2 kms (1 mile) away.
What are some activities to do in Bristol with kids?
If you are after activities and sights for all of your group, check out these excellent ideas for what to do in Bristol with kids.

What to do in Bristol for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there are loads of things to do in Bristol for adults including Baldwin Street and Arnos Vale Cemetery.
Are there free things to do in Bristol?
From visiting parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Bristol. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Bristol Cathedral is a must for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing adventures.

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