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Bristol, United Kingdom

Destination Guide

Bristol

United Kingdom

Best things to do in Bristol

30 curated attractions in Bristol, United Kingdom. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

May - September

Average temp

11°C/52°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Generally safe

About Bristol

Bristol is a cultural hub in the southwest of England, shaped by its long maritime history and creative scene. The city was built around its port, which drove the development of trade and shipbuilding, and that maritime character persists today in attractions like the replica ship The Matthew. The aftermath of the port's decline in the 20th century led to a reinvention of the area as an artistic and cultural center, complete with colorful street art, independent shops, and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre. Visitors come for the annual Bristol Balloon Fiesta each August, when the sky fills with colorful hot air balloons, providing a view that even the locals won't take for granted.

Who it's for

Perfect for those who enjoy arts, culture and a bit of quirky charm. The city has plenty for enthusiasts of theater and street art, but those looking for a conventional tourist experience or extensive historical landmarks might leave disappointed.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The city center is easily walkable in about twenty minutes
  • Public transport, including buses and the occasional ferry, is generally reliable and connects well to the surrounding areas
  • The Clifton Suspension Bridge is a short bus or taxi ride from the center, but prepare for some hills if you're walking
Aerospace Bristol

Aerospace Bristol

Science & natural history museums
St. Nicholas Market

St. Nicholas Market

Local & craft markets
St. Mary Redcliffe Church

St. Mary Redcliffe Church

Churches & cathedrals
Queen Square

Queen Square

Squares & plazas
Bristol Aquarium

Bristol Aquarium

Aquariums
Brandon Hill

Brandon Hill

City parks
The Matthew (replica ship)

The Matthew (replica ship)

Specialty & quirky museums
Ashton Court Estate

Ashton Court Estate

City parks
Royal West of England Academy

Royal West of England Academy

Art museums & galleries
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Art museums & galleries
Bristol Cathedral

Bristol Cathedral

Churches & cathedrals
Brandon Hill Nature Park

Brandon Hill Nature Park

City parks
Paintworks

Paintworks

Streets & neighbourhoods
Cabot Tower

Cabot Tower

Observation decks & city views
The Downs

The Downs

City parks
Lacock Village

Lacock Village

Traditional villages
Floating Harbour

Floating Harbour

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Redcliffe Caves

Redcliffe Caves

Caves & cenotes
Clifton Suspension Bridge

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Bridges
SS Great Britain

SS Great Britain

History museums
Spike Island Gallery

Spike Island Gallery

Arts and Entertainment Venues
Banksy street art around the city

Banksy street art around the city

Street art districts
Saint John on the Wall

Saint John on the Wall

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Bristol Old Vic Theatre

Bristol Old Vic Theatre

Theatres & opera houses
Arnolfini Gallery

Arnolfini Gallery

Art museums & galleries
M Shed Museum

M Shed Museum

History museums
Bristol Zoo Project

Bristol Zoo Project

Zoos
Blaise Castle House Museum

Blaise Castle House Museum

History museums
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Festivals & celebrations
Bristol Wheel & Upside Down House

Bristol Wheel & Upside Down House

Urban Attractions

Where to eat in Bristol

The places worth planning a meal around.

John in the Hole

John in the Hole

★ 4.3 · 3,342 reviews

The Old Vic

The Old Vic

★ 4.7 · 2,705 reviews

Avon Valley Railway

Avon Valley Railway

★ 4.5 · 2,601 reviews

Café Revival

Café Revival

★ 3.9 · 775 reviews

Emmeline Café

Emmeline Café

British Brunch · $$

★ 4.5 · 163 reviews

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