20 Best Places To Visit In Bristol
Bristol is a city in the southwest of England and one that is full of incredible sights to see and places to visit. Known for its iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge and a thriving arts scene, (the street artist Banksy hails from Bristol), as well as having a rich maritime history, varied culture and diverse attractions, there really is something for everyone in Bristol.
Bristol is not like other UK cities, it is full of differing vibrant neighbourhoods each with their own vibe, think the historic quarters of Welsh Back and King Street to the modern Millennium Square, the cultural Stokes Croft to the artistic Bedminster. Bristol embraces both its historic roots and its modern charm, all with a wide range of culinary options thrown in the mix.
So, looking for some ideas for visiting this wonderful city? From the art galleries to historical landmarks, and street art tours to foodie havens, here is a guide to the best 20 places to visit in Bristol.
20 Places To Visit In Bristol
The city of Bristol is full of attractions that can easily keep you busy for a few days, but here are the best places to visit in Bristol;
1. Clifton Suspension Bridge
Suspended over the Avon Gorge, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, is a marvel of 19th-century engineering.
This iconic landmark is particularly wonderful during the summer when you can take to the nearby Avon Gorge Hotel terrace and watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand.
You can also walk across the bridge, with panoramic views of the gorge and the River Avon below, and into Leigh Woods which are somewhat of a hidden gem in the city.
2. Bristol Camera Obscura & Observatory
This historic observatory offers visitors to Bristol an opportunity to stargaze by day and experience optical illusions in its darkened rooms.
The Camera Obscura, just one of three working Camera Obscuras in the UK, allows you to see 360-degree views of Bristol and has been open to the public since 1828.
3. The Downs
The Downs is a vast green space to the north of the main city centre which is perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls, you’ll often find an exercise class or two up here on a warm day as well. With its tree-lined pathways and wonderful views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, (often with a balloon in sight too!), it is a favourite spot for both the locals and visitors to Bristol.
During the warmer months, you may even get the chance to see hot air balloons taking off or landing here as well.
4. Baltic Wharf
Baltic Wharf is an often-overlooked location in the city, with views across the harbour to the colourful Hotwells and Cliftonwood, and the option to get in the water on a paddleboard, kayak or sailboat.
The walk from the city centre, (via Wapping Wharf, which is the next place on the list of places to visit in Bristol), is wonderful and takes in not only Brunel’s SS Great Britain but also Banksy’s The Girl With The Pearl Earring and the Underfall Yard, which is a great place to learn about Bristol’s history of boat building.
5. Wapping Wharf
This is the place to visit in Bristol for an amazing variety of food and drink. This lively waterfront area of the city, with converted shipping containers housing independent shops and eateries, is one of the best places to savour Bristol’s culinary delights.
We would highly recommend eating at The Jolly Hog: Pigsty a restaurant specialising in sausage and British picnic food, Mokoko Coffee and Bakery for the most delicious cakes and Tare where you can have the most incredible 6-course set menu.
6. Welsh Back & King Street
The historic streets of Welsh Back and King Street are home to the legendary Llandoger Trow pub, historically once the local haunt of pirates who visited Bristol.
You’ll also find The Apple, a unique floating cider house, (it is located on a local barge), where you can sample a variety of delicious local and homebrew ciders. There is also a number of other pubs in the area, often with live music such as The Old Duke or King Street Brew House.
7. St Nicks Market
One of the best locations in Bristol for shopping from local traders, or for international street food is St Nick Market. Located on Corn Street this market reflects how diverse the culture of Bristol is, and you can easily get lost in the maze of the market for a few hours.
The street food served here is also incredible, try Woky Ko or Eatchu for amazing Asian cuisine or Matina for delicious Middle Eastern wraps.
8. Brunel’s SS Great Britain
You can’t visit Bristol and not visit at least one of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s masterpieces and the SS Great Britain is no exception.
This beautifully restored Victorian-era ship is open to visitors to explore the cabins, engine rooms and decks, all alongside interactive exhibits that bring the history of maritime travel to life.
9. Brandon Hill & Cabot Tower
Brandon Hill is a popular hilltop park in the centre of the city with beautiful gardens to explore and the views to match.
At the centre of the park is Cabot Tower, a Gothic tower that has some of the best panoramic views in the city. There are quite a few steps up to the top but the views make it well worth while.
10. Whiteladies Road & Park Street
Whiteladies Road and Park Street are home to some of the best and most vibrant shopping locations in Bristol.
Both roads are lined with unique boutiques, quaint cafes, and a bustling bar or two and with a mix of high-end fashion and quirky shops to explore, both Whiteladies and Park Street will keep you busy for a while, all whilst working out those legs up and down the steep roads!
Fun Fact: There was once a giant slip’n’slide put in place for a day on Park Street as part of Bristol initiative ‘Make Sunday Special’.
11. Ashton Court Estate
This park on the outskirts of the city of Bristol is home to deer herds that roam the woodland and fields around the main house and is the perfect place to spend a few hours outside of the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
It is also the location of the International Balloon Fiesta, which is held every August and is a must-see if you are in the city at the right time.
12. Bristol Cathedral
Gothic architecture alongside intricate stained-glass windows means only one thing, and that is a visit to the Bristol Cathedral. Not only a place for reflection but an architectural marvel, this 12th-century building is stunning inside and out.
If visiting in the summer, be sure to avoid the cathedral around the university graduation dates as it is where the graduations happen so will be closed and very busy in the surrounding area.
13. Bristol Floating Harbour
Bristol Floating Harbour is a beautiful stretch of the harbour with historic ships moored alongside the quays and numerous waterside bars and restaurants to pick from.
There is often live music and events held along here too, with the Watershed warehouse venue housing lots of them alongside an arthouse cinema and bar overlooking the water.
14. Bedminster
Bedminster is the home of street art in Bristol. First made famous by Banksy, there is now an annual street art festival called Upfest held in Bedminster, which draws in street artists from around the world.
No wall is left uncovered with artwork, with the theme of the years art often taking on something that has been in the news or media, most recently a theme of Climate Change.
15. Millenium Square
The central square near the harbourside often hosts festivals throughout the year, including summer music festivals and Christmas markets, as well as live music and an outdoor cinema, all in the shadow of We The Curious, (more about this location further down the list of places to visit in Bristol).
16. Christmas Steps
This narrow winding street with historic architecture, is located between Cabot Circus and the Harbourside and is one of the most charming in all of Bristol.
Lined with independent shops, boutiques, art galleries and cafes, (there is a café where each table is a different board game ready to play!), this alleyway is one of the most unique places to visit in Bristol.
17. M Shed
M Shed is the one museum in Bristol that you simply should visit during any trip to Bristol, plus entrance is free. Located in an old dockside transit shed, this museum focuses on life in Bristol, exploring the city through its people, places and through its colourful history.
There are rare and quirky objects to view as well as working exhibits outside the museum building, including the nearby cranes and a number of ships and tugboats that are located in the harbour.
18. We The Curious (@ Bristol)
One of the best places to while away a few hours is at We The Curious, (formally called @Bristol). There are hands-on exhibitions and interactive displays all focusing on science and the natural world, making it a great destination perfect for all the family.
19. Bristol Aquarium
If you feel like getting immersed in the aquatic wonders of the deep, then this is the place to visit in Bristol. With the option to get up close and observe marine life in an underwater tunnel as well as various talks and feeding sessions, the aquarium is another great location to visit for all the family.
20. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is home to an extensive collection of both historical and contemporary artefacts and artwork. It’s one of the best free things to do in Bristol.
With ever-changing exhibitions, and some permanent exhibitions, including Egyptian mummies and dinosaurs, this museum and gallery is a great place to spend a few hours, especially on a rainy day.
Where to stay in Bristol
We would highly recommend staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel or Hotel du Vin Bristol in the city centre, as not only are they both in great locations close to lots of cafes and restaurants, but also within easy walking distance to numerous attractions.
Places To Visit In Bristol FAQS
How to get to Bristol
If arriving from an international location then Bristol has its own airport, located roughly half an hour out of the city via public transport.
Bristol is also connected to the rest of the UK by a number of train stations, including Bristol Parkway at the outskirts of the city and Bristol Temple Meads in the centre of the city. The train from London to Bristol takes about 1.5 hours.
There are also a number of long-distance coaches that serve Bristol and connect through to numerous locations across England.
If arriving by car then there are a number of large car parks across the city including Cabot Circus, Wapping Wharf and Mud Dock.
How to get around Bristol
The easiest way to get around Bristol is via the public transport network that runs across the city. There are a number of bus routes connecting the city centre with various locations on the outskirts including the First Bus network and the Metro Buses.
Bristol also has a small ferry network that runs from the Bristol Harbourside along the river to Temple Meads train station in the east and Hotwells in the west.
The other ways to get around the city are via bicycle as there is a great cycle network that crosses the city, or on foot. This is one of the best ways to get around Bristol as you will often stumble upon a great cafe or even a Banksy piece.
What is the best time to visit Bristol?
One of the best times to visit Bristol is in the summer, with music and food festivals galore, lovely warm weather and hot air balloons filling the skies in the morning and evening. It can be a little busier than other times of the year, partly due to the summer holidays and due to the festivals, but it is all worth it for the atmosphere of the city.
What is Bristol famous for?
Bristol is famous for its three B’s, Banksy, Brunel and balloons. The world-renowned street artist Banksy hails from Bristol and has left his mark on a number of locations across the city, which you can follow via one of the many Bansky art trails. Isambard Kingdom Brunel is also well known across Bristol, with the Clifton Suspension Bridge and SS Great Britain showcasing his civil engineering talents.
Finally, and probably the most well-known thing to make Bristol famous, is hot air balloons. Once a year the International Balloon Fiesta is held in Bristol, with balloons and their balloonists from across the world, descending on the city for four days of hot air balloon-related fun. The hot air balloons can be seen throughout most of the warmer months of the year.
Is Bristol worth a day trip?
100% yes, Bristol is worth a day trip, however, if you can stay and experience Bristol longer then of course you should!
What is on in Bristol for free?
Bristol has a number of art galleries and museums that are often open with free admission, and during certain times of the year, there are also festivals held across the city that are free to experience. Most of the parks and gardens throughout Bristol are also free to visit.
Is Bristol UK worth visiting?
Bristol is most definitely worth visiting. With a rich history of art and culture, as well as a big foodie scene and numerous festivals held throughout the year, it is one city in the UK that you should make a point of visiting.
Conclusion: Places To Visit In Bristol
So, there are 20 places to visit in Bristol, from well-known places such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Bristol Cathedral to the off-the-beaten-path locations such as Baltic Wharf and St Nicks Market.
With museums and art galleries, historic architecture and modern street art and enough restaurants, cafes and bars to keep you busy for weeks on end, Bristol is one of the best cities in England to spend time in.
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