What to do in Bristol

Activities, attractions and tours

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

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!

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Most fun & popular experiences in Bristol

Tours & day trips

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Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath Full-Day Tour with Pub Lunch in Lacock

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath Full-Day Tour with Pub Lunch in Lacock

Activity duration is 13 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 1217 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £109 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 56 activities
Bridgerton’s Filming Locations in Bath Audio Guide

Bridgerton’s Filming Locations in Bath Audio Guide

Activity duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is £9 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 12 activities
Bath: Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Prosecco

Bath: Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Prosecco

Activity duration is 50 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £35 per adult
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Shows & concerts

See all 9 activities
Bath: Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein Entrance Ticket

Bath: Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein Entrance Ticket

10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is £17 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 7 activities
Bristol Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK

Bristol Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is £15 per traveller*
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What to do in Bristol

Popular places to visit

Cabot Circus Shopping Centre which includes interior views and shopping

Cabot Circus Shopping Centre

4.5/5(491 reviews)

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

Cabot Circus Shopping Centre
University of Bristol

University of Bristol

4/5(169 reviews)

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

University of Bristol
Bristol Hippodrome Theatre featuring performance art, interior views and theatre scenes

Bristol Hippodrome Theatre

4.5/5(85 reviews)

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

Bristol Hippodrome Theatre
Clifton Suspension Bridge which includes a sunset, a bridge and a river or creek

Clifton Suspension Bridge

4.5/5(370 reviews)

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

Clifton Suspension Bridge
Ashton Gate Stadium

Ashton Gate Stadium

4.5/5(12 reviews)

Catch an event at Ashton Gate Stadium during your trip to Bristol. Visit the shops and lively bars in this walkable area.

Ashton Gate Stadium
Thornbury Castle

Thornbury Castle

4.5/5(25 reviews)

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

Thornbury Castle
SS Great Britain which includes signage

SS Great Britain

4.5/5(107 reviews)

Climb aboard this museum ship to learn about its long and eventful life at sea.

SS Great Britain
Chew Valley Lake

Chew Valley Lake

5/5(3 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Chew Valley Lake during your travels in Bristol. Discover the lively bars and entertainment choices in this walkable area.

Chew Valley Lake
Bristol Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Bristol Cathedral

4.5/5(83 reviews)

This 900-year-old religious monument is revered for its exquisite vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows and Romanesque-style Chapter House.

Bristol Cathedral

Explore areas of 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 beating heart of Bristol is packed with stunning architectural landmarks, shopping districts, centuries-old pubs and live music venues.

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

Clifton

4.5/5(170 area reviews)

This picturesque suburb of Bristol is home to iconic city landmarks, an excellent zoo and boutiques set inside Georgian- and Victoria-era buildings.

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 We The Curious or Millennium Square 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 Parish Wharf Swimming Pool or Portishead Lake Grounds.

Portishead
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Photo by Linda Bailey (CC BY-SA)

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 The Wave.

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 Banksy Graffiti Thekla and Redcliffe Caves while you're in town.

Redcliffe

 

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

Photo by Shayne Gillard

Clevedon

Wells

Wells

The Grand Pier showing signage, views and a sandy beach

Weston-super-Mare

Tintern Abbey showing building ruins, heritage architecture and heritage elements

Chepstow

Newport

Newport

Photo by Andy Hicks

Badminton

Photo by Paula Evenden

Cheddar

Castle Combe which includes religious aspects, a church or cathedral and heritage elements

Chippenham

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.