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Home » Europe » United Kingdom » England » Bristol

Where to Stay in Bristol (2024 • COOLEST Areas!)

Bristol is a thriving city in the South-West of England with a bustling student scene, epic shopping and lots of history. Famed for its nightlife and live music, it is the perfect destination for a weekend escape or extended trip – with lots of comfortable places to stay.

From the harbourside to up-market Clifton, the city is full of vibrant areas, each offering something a little different. Whether you’re searching for all-night parties, or a civilised brunch with your grandparents, Bristol has a spot for you.

As a born and raised Bristolian, you can trust me when I say it is GERT LUSH!

Now, let me guide you through where to stay in Bristol for a bloody brilliant time.

Where to Stay in Bristol

Bristol neighborhood guide – places to stay in bristol, bristol’s 5 best neighborhoods to stay in, faq about finding a place to stay in bristol, what to pack for bristol, don’t forget travel insurance for bristol, final thoughts on where to stay in bristol.

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Bristol.

Central luxurious apartment | Best Airbnb in Bristol

This Airbnb in Bristol is one of the best bases to explore the city of Bristol from, especially if you’re visiting for the first time. Located near St Nicholas Market, it’s close to the best sights of the city, great culture, and nightlife.

This luxurious apartment has a bright and modern living space. The kitchen, bathroom and bedroom are nice and spacious, so you can live comfortably in the heart of the city.

Kyle Blue – Bristol Harbour Luxury Hostel Boat | Best Hostel in Bristol

This unique and charming BOAT hostel gets our vote for the best budget accommodation in Bristol. It’s moored right in the city centre, and offers private and shared accommodations, and cabins. There’s also a full kitchen and a lounge for guest use.

Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa | Best Hotel in Bristol

The Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa is a luxurious hotel in Bristol. It is ideally located for exploring the city, within walking distance of all the best things to see and do .

This excellent four-star hotel has comfortable beds, large bathrooms and plenty of fantastic amenities. You’ll enjoy laundry facilities, free wifi, and an indoor pool.

If you’re visiting Bristol for the first time, there’s no better place to stay than Old City. This charming neighbourhood is bursting with character. It is made up of winding cobblestone streets and is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the city.

Harbourside

Harbourside is a buzzing and busy neighbourhood set south of Bristol City Centre. Once a bustling dock where sailors and merchants made trades and set sail, Harbourside is now a modern and attractive neighbourhood with restaurants, bars, shops and hotels.

Located east of the city centre is the Old Market neighbourhood. Boasting an independent and bohemian air, Old Market is a neighbourhood packed with history. It is one of the oldest areas of the city and is home to some of Britain’s most historic buildings.

Stokes Croft

Stokes Croft is, without a doubt, the coolest neighbourhood in the city. Often referred to as Bristol’s cultural quarter, Stokes Croft has a great mix of local boutiques and artist studios as well as traditional pubs, hip eateries and trendy cafes.

Clifton is an upmarket neighbourhood located west of Bristol City Centre. It is a quiet district characterized by its steep stone steps and Georgian architecture. Here you can enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of Bristol, without being too far away.

Bristol is a vibrant and lively city – it’s the unofficial capital of the West Country, and is famous for its rich and diverse maritime history.

Old City , locally known as The Centre, is a charming area with cobblestone streets, lots of action, and a selection of landmarks – including Colston Hall and the Bristol Hippodrome. If you’re only spending a couple of days in Bristol , it is the perfect base with easy access to public transport, restaurants, nightclubs and shops. Bristol is a very pedestrian-friendly city, with everything within walking distance from Old City.

The Harbourside is one of the most happening areas, whilst remaining super chill – perfect for a Sunday roast. An attractive and modern development, it is packed with restaurants, cafes and bars. If want to be in the heart of the city, this is an ideal spot.

Old Market sits on the outskirts of the centre, and is the ideal are for those on a budget . It is just a moment’s walk from Cabot Circus – the huge shopping mall – and the nightlife of the city. It is also close by to Temple Meads Train Station for easy access to Bristol Airport.

Stokes Croft is the coolest area in Bristol – a hipsters paradise! If you want to explore street art, hip restaurants, thrift shops and trendy cafes, this is the place for you. Public transport runs through regularly, heading to the City Centre and Cabot Circus.

Finally, if you have some cash to splash, and want a more up-market feel, Clifton is one of the more posh areas of the city. It is brimming with family fun! From the awesome Clifton Suspension Bridge to boutique shops and independent cafes, there’s plenty to see and do in this part of Bristol.

This section covers the best places to stay in Bristol in more detail. We’ve included our top picks for accommodation and things to do in each area, so you can be sure to pick an area that’s right for you.

1. Old City – Where to stay in Bristol for the First Time

If you’re visiting Bristol for the first time, there’s no better place to stay than Old City. This charming area is bursting with character, and home to some of the must-visit spots including Bristol Cathedral and St Nicholas Market.

Enjoy romantic picnics on Queen’s Square, sip cocktails in one of the local pubs and catch a show at the Bristol Hippodrome, Old City – or The Centre – has easy access to public transport and all the other areas in this list.

If you have time, make sure to explore Park Street which has boutique stores, University buildings, bars and restaurants. There are lots of hidden gems along this steep street.

Central luxurious apartment | Best Airbnb in Old City

Centrally located, this Bristol B&B is close to the best sights of the city, as well as great culture and nightlife.

The luxurious apartment is comfortable and modern, with a bright living space and massive windows over the city. The kitchen, bathroom and bedroom are spacious and contain everything you’ll need.

YHA Bristol | Best Hostel in Old City

This four-star hostel is located at the heart of Bristol. It offers a friendly and vibrant atmosphere, within walking distance of shops, restaurants and nightlife.

Enjoy comfortable beds and modern features, including vibrating pillow alarms, a common room and laundry facilities. There’s also a fantastic kitchen and lounge area.

The Bristol Hotel | Best Hotel in Old City

Thanks to its central location, this is one of our favourite hotels in Bristol. Ideally located, this four-star hotel is a few minutes walk from Bristol’s shops, restaurants and hotspots.

It offers cosy rooms with contemporary amenities and private baths with great features. You’ll also enjoy an outdoor terrace and lounge bar.

Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa | Another Hotel in Old City

The Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa is another beautiful place to stay. This excellent four-star hotel has comfortable beds, large bathrooms and plenty of fantastic amenities. Guests can enjoy laundry facilities, free wifi, and an indoor pool.

Things to See and Do in Old City:

• Have a classy meal on the water at Glassboat Brasserie.
• Join a walking tour to see the famous Bristol Banksy’s .
• Grab a pint at Small Bar.
• See incredible works of contemporary art at Arnolfini.
• Sink your teeth into a tasty burger at Three Brothers Burgers.
• Step back in time as you climb the Christmas Steps in the quirky Arts Quarter.
• Take a relaxing break, and enjoy a picnic in Queen Square.
• Visit St Nicholas Market, a historic market hall bursting with eclectic shops and stalls.

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2. Harbourside – Where to Stay in Bristol for Nightlife

Harbourside is a buzzing and busy area with lots to see. Once a bustling dock where sailors and merchants made trades and set sail, it is now a modern and trendy place with restaurants, bars, shops and hotels. Filled with all the local faves for pre-drinks and a night of dancing, it is an awesome place to begin a Bristol night out.

Harbourside is also a hostel haven – competing for the most affordable place to stay in Bristol.

Affordable designer studio | Best Airbnb in Harbourside

Staying in Bristol doesn’t have to be crazy expensive, and this Airbnb is quite affordable given its location. Close to the Harbour, Queen Square and Watershed, you’ll have all of the best sights in walking distance.

Guests can enjoy the modern kitchen, clean bathroom and great wifi for a good nightly price. Washer and Dryer are downstairs, while parking is located opposite the building.

Kyle Blue – Bristol Harbour Luxury Hostel Boat | Best Hostel in Harbourside

This unique and charming hostel on a boat gets our vote for the best budget accommodation in Bristol. This boat hostel is moored right at the centre of the city and offers comfortable private and shared accommodations and cabins.

There’s a full kitchen provided, so you can save some money by not eating out all the time!

Ibis Bristol Centre | Best Hotel in Harbourside

The Ibis Bristol Centre is a great hotel on the Harbourside. It is walking distance from restaurants, bars and clubs – making it the perfect spot for a weekend in Bristol.

Harbourside View | Best Apartment in Harbourside

This apartment at Harbourside View is complete with a kitchen, free wifi, laundry facilities and a balcony. It’s ideal for three guests, and a continental breakfast is included in the price. The accommodation is family-friendly and lies within walking distance to Bristol’s main attractions, shops and restaurants.

Harbourside View is one of our favourites in Bristol but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

Things to See and Do in Harbourside:

• Hop aboard the Brunel’s SS Great Britain .
• See your favourite sea creatures at the Bristol Aquarium, which focuses on conservation and education.
• Learn about the city at M Shed – a great (and free!) way to learn more about the history of Bristol.
• Dig into a delicious meal at Steak of the Art.
• Dine on tasty pizza at The Stable.
• Grab a pint at Watershed Café Bar.
• Sample a variety of ciders at the Bristol Cider Shop.

3. Old Market – Best Area to Stay for Exploring

Old Market is a tiny area of Bristol that is ideal for those who want to see EVERYTHING the city has to offer. Just walking distance from Cabot Circus Shopping Centre, Temple Meads Train Station, and a through-route for most of Bristol’s buses, it is easy to get around from Old Market.

The street boasts some LGBTQI+ bars, a live music venue, and affordable accommodations. Although there isn’t much to do in Old Market itself, it is a great base for exploring Bristol – and a great spot to rest before heading to Bristol Airport.

Modern and Cosy Flat | Best Airbnb in Old Market

Right off Old Market, this cosy flat is the perfect base for a Bristol escape. The 1 bedroom, modern home has everything you need for a relaxed stay with plush furnishings and homey amenities. It is just walking distance from Cabot Circus, Castle Park and Temple Meads.

Future Inn Bristol | Best Hotel in Old Market

Future Inn Bristol sits directly opposite Cabot Circus with easy access to the shops, restaurants and cafes. For a one-night getaway or weekend escape, it is the ideal place to stay in Bristol. Just a 10-minute walk to Temple Meads Station, and on many bus routes, it is easy to get around from here.

Rock N Bowl Hostel | Best Hostel in Old Market

Bristol is known across the UK for its nightlife, and there’s no better way than to experience it than staying in Rock N Bowl Hostel. Situated literally above a club, this hostel is a short walk away from top attractions like the Banksy district and The Galleries shopping centre. It’s very lively and social, making it our pick for the best party hostel in Bristol.

Rock N Bowl Hostel is one of our favourites in Bristol but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

Contemporary 2 Bedroom Apartment | Best Apartment in Old Market

This apartment in Old Market has two double bedrooms, suitable for four guests. It’s within walking distance of Cabot Circus, Castle Park and restaurants. Temple Meads station is also closeby, providing easy access to further afield.

Contemporary 2 Bedroom Apartment is one of our favourites in Bristol but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

Things to See and Do in Old Market:

• Catch live music at the Trinity Centre.
• Party all night long at The Exchange, a thriving and bustling nightclub.
• Take a leisurely stroll through Castle Park.
• Grab a few drinks at one of the local gay clubs.

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4. Stokes Croft – Coolest Place to Stay in Bristol

Stokes Croft is the up-and-coming hipster area of Bristol. Often referred to as Bristol’s cultural quarter, Stokes Croft has a great mix of local boutiques and artist studios, as well as traditional pubs, hip eateries and trendy cafes.

This colourful and vibrant neighborhood is a must for artists and creatives. It is close enough to the centre to enjoy all the highlights, without getting caught up in the crowds. There are so many buses running through on the reg, you won’t miss out!

City Centre Haven | Best Airbnb in Stokes Croft

This is just outside of the Centre, in bustling Stokes Croft. The apartment consists of re- and upcycled materials, and its quirkiness is a great reflection of the area as a whole. It’s suitable for two guests, who can make use of the full kitchen, free Wifi, and laundry facilities.

The Full Moon Backpackers | Best Hostel in Stokes Croft

This hostel is within walking distance of Stokes Croft, as well as all the best bars, clubs and restaurants in the city. The Full Moon has comfortable rooms and great facilities, including free Wifi and a really cool book exchange.

Deluxe Double Room with Shower | Best Private Roome in Stokes Croft

A budget accommodation, with more privacy than a hostel, this double room is within a shared home just outside of Stokes Croft. The studio-style space has a private kitchenette and bathroom, as well as plush beds and homey facilities.

Kenham Place | Best Apartment in Stokes Croft

This apartment is family-friendly, modern and central. It comes with everything you need for a great stay in Bristol including a full kitchen, a flat-screen TV and Wifi. Guests staying here will be within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and city attractions.

Things to See and Do in Stokes Croft:

• Eat, drink, and play at The Canteen.
• Dine on tasty pizza at No. 51 Stokes Croft.
• Sample delicious dishes at The Pipe and Slippers .
• Choose from a wide range of ales, craft beer and more at The Crofter’s Rights.
• Listen to great live bands and world-renowned DJs at The Full Moon Attic Bar.
• Savour delicious tapas at Poco Bristol.

5. Clifton – Best Neighborhood in Bristol for Families

Clifton is an upmarket and quiet area, characterized by its steep stone steps and Georgian architecture. Here, you can enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of Bristol without being too far away from the centre.

One of the most picturesque quarters in the city, Clifton is home to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol University and lots of small independent businesses. If you are looking for a place to stay in Bristol with family, this is an ideal spot!

Stylish 2BR Home | Best Airbnb in Clifton

This Airbnb is super popular among families. Located in the heart of Clifton, the apartment is perfect for exploring the city but also enjoying a day inside.

With one double bed and a big pull-out sofa, up to 4 people can be accommodated. The host is known for being very helpful, and babysitting is also available on request.

Beaufort House | Best Apartment in Clifton

This accommodation in Clifton is a popular place for families visiting Bristol. The apartment is situated in an old Georgian style house, and includes all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. Attractions including the Bristol Museum are less than a mile away, and Clifton station is within easy reach.

Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin | Best Hotel in Clifton

The Avon Gorge is a historic three-star hotel located a short drive from the Bristol Harbour in beautiful Clifton. There is an outdoor terrace, a stylish lounge bar, a sauna and an on-site café. Pets are allowed and room service is available for a relaxing stay.

The Rodney Hotel Bristol | Best Hotel in Clifton

This delightful hotel is conveniently located for exploring Clifton. It’s close to cafes, bars, and top attractions like the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Clifton Cathedral. It has 31 charming rooms with free wifi and essential amenities. There are also laundry facilities and a coffee bar on-site.

Things to See and Do in Clifton

• Cross the 412-meter long, 101-meter high Clifton Suspension Bridge .
• Browse the small boutiques, antique shops, cafes and eateries in Clifton Village.
• Go for a swim at The Bristol Lido pool.
• Pack a picnic and spend a day relaxing in Clifton Downs.
• Stop and smell the roses at the University of Bristol Botanic Gardens.
• Catch a fantastic live performance at the Victoria Rooms.
• Explore the Clifton Observatory and Caves, and enjoy stunning views of the city.

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Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Bristol and where to stay.

What are the best places to stay in Bristol?

The following three are our ultimate favorite places to stay in Bristol: – In the Old City:  YHA Bristol – In Harbourside:  Kyle Blue – Luxury Hostel Boat – In the Old Market:  Future Inn Bristol

Where to stay in Bristol City Centre?

Bristol’s City Centre and its Old City are the heart of town. These are our favorite places to sleep in the area: – YHA Bristol – Spacious Apt with Central Location

Where to stay in Bristol for a night out?

The Harbourside is the best place to stay in Bristol for nightlife. It has easy access to all the top bars and clubs of the city!

Where to stay in Bristol for couples?

Our top recommendation for couples traveling to Bristol is this  Affordable Designer Studio  we found on Airbnb — this place FUCKS.

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You can’t visit the UK without a trip to Bristol. It has a lively arts scene, great music, lots of bars and clubs, and a myriad of delicious food. Whatever you’re craving you’ll find it in Bristol.

If you’re still not sure where to stay in Bristol, we recommend the Harbourside. Kyle Blue is a perfect budget accommodation with a twist – its a boat!

For something more upmarket, Beaufort House in Clifton will be your city home away from home.

• Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Bristol .
• Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Bristol instead.
• Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Europe . 
• Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
• Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Sophie Steinebach

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Where to Stay in Bristol: 7 Best Areas

Easy access, exciting attractions, incredible events, iconic festivals, fabulous eateries, and a diverse, multicultural society. All blend together to make your upcoming stay in Bristol, one of new experiences and happy memories.

Accessibility is a big plus when you’re wondering where to stay in Bristol. The city has two mainline rail stations, with links to all the major cities, and is just 90 minutes travelling time by rail from Central London. 

By car, Bristol is close to the M4, linking London and South Wales, and the M5, running from the Midlands to the West Country.

The city sits on the River Severn Estuary , and has a maritime history dating back to 1051, when cargo ships would regularly cross back and fore to Ireland.

With a population of some 500,000, two universities with over 50,000 students from around the world, and a community that hails from over 150 countries with 45 different religions and 90 languages, multi-culturalism plays a big part in modern Bristol.

Add in 400 parks and gardens, endless culinary accolades including World Vegan Capital, many visitor attractions, festivals, museums, theatres, live music venues, art galleries, and amazing street art (remember Banksy), and the city has something for every age and interest.

To help you make the most of your city-break, we’ve put together this list of 7 of the best areas to stay in Bristol.

Table of Contents

1. City Centre, best area to stay in Bristol

Although choosing a stay in Bristol city centre will likely mean higher hotel prices, on the positive side you will be close to a whole range of attractions, restaurants, shopping centres, music and entertainment venues; and places of interest.

The Bristol Shopping Quarter is made up of Broadmead, The Galleries, The Arcade, and Cabot Circus; and contains some 500 shops, numerous cafes and restaurants, entertainment venues and cinemas. 

A great area to enjoy a little window shopping or some retail therapy during your stay in Bristol.You’ll find Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser, and a flagship Primark, as well as all the usual high street and independent brands. 

If Christmas is your favourite time of the year, from November to late December, the whole area is a vibrant mix of German and English style Christmas markets.

The ‘old city’ part of the town centre comprises Broad Street, St Nicholas Market, Corn Street, King Street, Welsh Back and Queens Square.  

An area dating back hundreds of years, it is old buildings, cobbled streets, and winding narrow alleyways. Much of it dates back to Norman times, and parts of the old Norman city wall can still be seen today.

An excellent selection of independent cafes, coffee-shops, pubs and restaurants around the area will keep the hunger pangs at bay, or you can eat on your feet, from one of the many street food stalls you’ll find along the way.

St Nicholas Market should be a must visit. Dating back to 1743 it is the oldest market in Bristol, and has a regular 60+ stalls spread over a number of different streets.

The indoor market is open Monday to Saturday in Corn Street. The Bristol Farmers and Producers Market is open Wednesday in Corn Street and Wine Street. 

The Street Food Market is every Tuesday and Friday in Wine Street, and the Bristol Indies Market is every Friday and Saturday in Corn Street.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN BRISTOL CITY CENTRE

• ($$$) Hotel du Vin Bristol
• ($$) Clayton Hotel Bristol City
• ($$) SACO Bristol – Broad Quay

2. Harbourside, a place to trace Bristol’s maritime history

Wherever one travels, the sea and a harbour are always big draws. In Bristol, Harbourside is one of the biggest. Since the 1980s, as the maritime industry moved to Avonmouth, the old Bristol docks have been undergoing major regeneration.

One of the big attractions for both locals and visitors is Millennium Square . Bristol’s permanent memorial to the turn of the millennium, and a focal point for the area.

There are fountains galore for the kiddies to splash about in. You can share a bench with Bristol’s famous sons. Enjoy a picnic by the waterside, or watch major events on the square’s big screen. 

With coffee shops and cafes, bars, restaurants, shops, and water-sports, a pleasant few hours can be enjoyed by everyone.

At Great Western Dock you can tour Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s famous steamship SS Great Britain , built in 1843. On Princes Wharf you will find a replica of another famous sailing vessel. This time the ‘Matthew’, sailed by John Cabot and his crew in 1497, from Bristol to Newfoundland. 

During the summer you can book one hour see-the-harbour trips, or longer four hour excursions along the Avon Gorge onboard the Mathew.

Also in the docks area at Princes Wharf you can find M Shed . A fabulous interactive museum split into four categories of people, places, life, and work. 

A history of how Bristol was , it contains exhibits of everything from slaves possessions through to Banksy street art , and rides on classic steam trains, cranes, and boats are available.

Other places of interest in Harbourside include the Watershed, the Bristol Old Vic Theatre, Bristol Cathedral , Bristol Aquarium, and the music venues of St George’s, and Colston Hall.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN HARBOURSIDE

• ($$$) Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel
• ($$) The Bristol Hotel
• ($) ibis Bristol Centre

3. Old Market, where to stay in Bristol for nightlife

Like so much of Bristol, it’s fair to say the Old Market area has had its share of prosperity and depression. One of Bristol’s oldest, most historic quarters, it was the first major development undertaken around Bristol castle, before the castle was ordered to be demolished by Oliver Cromwell.

Now, Old Market is a major conservation area, with over 60 listed buildings. Originally a busy shopping and leisure area, as the city centre underwent major refurbishment and regeneration from the mid-1950s onward, Old Market fell into disrepair. 

Since the 1970s however, with the help of conservationists and various grants, it has been given a new lease of life.

If your preferences are away from the glitzy shopping malls and designer label stores during your stay in Bristol, give the Old Market Quarter some serious consideration. If you prefer independent, bohemian, retro, and unconventional shops, you’ll find them all in Old Market.

It has also become Bristol’s own gay village, and a number of pubs, clubs, and shops are LGBT specific. The area is full of independent stores, vintage fashion outlets and antique shops, as well as gyms, health-food shops, bars, clubs and restaurants .

Old Market also offers a number of guided heritage walks , which are an excellent way to discover the architecture, heritage, and history of this ancient area of Bristol.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN BRISTOL IN OLD MARKET

• ($$$) Leonardo Hotel Bristol City
• ($$) Future Inn Bristol
• ($) Towed Town Camping

4. Stokes Croft, a place of independent minds and community spirit

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Or at least they did in Stokes Croft, when the area was falling into decay and neglect. 

Back in 2007, local residents and others of like mind banded together in community groups made up of artists, activists, and residents of the community, with names like the Peoples Republic of Stokes Croft. 

Their aim is to keep large commercial enterprises and international conglomerates out of the area, and so far it’s worked.

Situated in north Bristol on the A38, Stokes Croft very much considers itself the cultural quarter of Bristol, and forms a boundary between Kingsdown and St Paul’s. 

It is a haven for independent stores, bars, and restaurants of all kinds . Artists, sculptors, potters, independent dance schools, galleries, and museums can all be found in Stokes Croft, Gloucester Road, and close-by Montpelier.

Stokes Croft is actually a single road, running into Gloucester Road, and is famous for its level of street art . Every wall, alleyway, archway, the sides of shops, all have some form of street art. 

It could be political graffiti, or someone’s latest creation. Often, the gallery will change, with new artists overpainting the artistry of someone from the week before.

Even if your intention is just a little window shopping and checking out the latest graffiti, a refreshment stop at Hamilton House and Canteen should be pencilled in. Although a hub for everything going on in the local arty community, they welcome all with open arms.

If you’re looking for totally distinctive, quirky gifts to take home for friends or family, browse the shops, and look out for the local china products, with their quirky patterns and little pearls of wisdom.

Hamilton House also sells local produce and products, has a gallery display by local artists, and a café/bar on the ground floor. There is also a genuine Banksy on the outside terrace.

The majority of accommodation along Stokes Croft is residential, with a high proportion let to students of the close-by university. However there is a selection of popular chain hotels within a short walk of the area.

If you’re interested in an alternative way of life , or a lover of the avant-garde, take a couple of hours out during your stay in Bristol, and see how the other half live.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN STOKES CROFT

• ($$$) Artist Residence Bristol
• ($$) 144 Lower Cheltenham Place
• ($) Moxy Bristol

Read also: Best places to stay in London , best places to stay in Cardiff , best places to stay in Cornwall , where to stay in Oxford

5. Clifton, where to stay in Bristol for families

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Bristol in the heart of suburbia, but with plenty to see and do, look no further than Clifton. Clifton dates back to before the Domesday book, and sits to the west of the city centre. 

It is an affluent area of grandiose Georgian properties , leafy avenues, and quiet crescents. Yet just a short distance from some of the most popular attractions in Bristol.

The Clifton area also includes Clifton village. With its contemporary fashion boutiques, chic coffee shops, independent retailers, pubs, and excellent restaurants, you can spend a pleasant weekend just exploring the village.

Getting out and about, the Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and opened to the public in 1864. It spans the River Avon and Cheddar Gorge, and has attracted visitors for over 150 years.

Enjoy the panoramic view as you walk (or cycle) across the bridge to the Leigh Woods visitor centre , which shows a history of the bridge.

Walking a little further on will get you to Ashton Court. A large open space with a fenced off deer park. It is a popular area with walkers and joggers, and also hosts Bristol’s annual International Hot Air Balloon Festival.

On the northern edge of Clifton you will find Clifton and Durdham Downs, a large protected area of parkland. It is home to the University of Bristol Botanic Gardens, at The Holmes, Stoke Park Road, where over 4500 exotic plant species from 200 families are on display.

Bristol Zoo Gardens can be found on Guthrie Road, Clifton. A long established zoological park, it houses over 400 species of endangered animals in 12 acres of garden parkland.

For a little shopping time, the Victorian Clifton Arcade is great for those weekend away mementos. Its variety of independent shops sell everything from period jewellery, to retro fashion, to home accessories.

With Clifton’s number of high quality restaurants and friendly pubs (check out Whiteladies Road), you have everything you need to round off the perfect day – with the perfect evening.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN BRISTOL IN CLIFTON

• ($$$) Number 38 Clifton
• ($$$) Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin
• ($) Victoria Square Hotel Clifton Village

6. Temple, best place to stay in Bristol well connected

Temple Meads , Britain’s largest and oldest station, was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and opened in 1840, as part of the Great Western Railway from London to the West Country and Wales.

Through the years, the station has been extended numerous times to keep up with increasing passenger numbers, which today exceed 10-million a year. Along with adjoining Temple Quay, the whole area is in the throws of major regenerative works. 

It will see the stations capacity increased to 20-million passengers a year, with improved transport links to the surrounding areas.

A new urban quarter , comprising residential and commercial property, an additional university campus, waterways, shopping centres, clubs, bars, and restaurants, are also included, all designed to provide a better lifestyle experience for residents, workers, and visitors.

Although there is a lot of construction underway, with completion scheduled for 2030, much has already been completed, and a stay in the Temple Meads area means most of Bristol’s main attractions are within easy reach. 

The name ‘Temple’ comes from the 12th century Knights Templar, who built the nearby Temple Church – complete with its leaning tower.

Temple Quay also, is welcoming new businesses, bars, and restaurants; and has a weekly food market which is increasing in popularity.

There is a good selection of hotel accommodation at all levels in the area. All within easy walking distance of Temple Meads, Temple Quay, Old Market, and Redcliffe.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN TEMPLE

• ($$) Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Centre
• ($$) Novotel Bristol Centre
• ($) Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Centre, an IHG Hotel

7. Bristol Airport, convenient hotels close to the airport

While an airport hotel may not be everyone’s first choice of accommodation, there are some sound reasons why it should be considered in certain situations. Not a major problem if you live in the centre of Bristol, being just 8-miles from the airport.  

Business travellers are the obvious candidates for airport hotels. Late night flights in for a make or break business meeting the following morning, means a good night’s sleep is paramount. 

You can clear arrivals, jump the waiting hotel shuttle and be in the land of nod within the hour. Instead of spending extra time trying to find a taxi to get you to a city centre hotel.

Even if travelling by car, booking an airport hotel on the edge of town means you can easily explore both the city and surrounding areas. At the end of your visit, you can jump straight into your vehicle and be picking up the main road home in minutes.

Instead of having to crawl bumper to bumper out of the city centre with thousands of commuters, all trying to get to work.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Bristol close to Bristol Airport, there are excellent hotels within just a couple of miles . With some offering their own transport to ferry you into the city centre and back during your stay.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN BRISTOL AIRPORT

• ($$) Hampton By Hilton Bristol Airport
• ($) Acorns Old Farm
• ($) Airport Tavern Accommodation

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Where to Stay in Bristol: Bristol Neighbourhood Guide

Bristol isn’t a huge city, but there are still very notable districts. Some are classy, some are hipster, and some are family-focused. You’ll really want to get it right when you’re planning where to stay in Bristol.

Thankfully, I’m here to help! I’m going to tell you all of the best places to stay in Bristol, including which area to stay in Bristol if you have kids, are a couple, or are on a weekend with mates. 

We’ll also talk about the different neighbourhoods and why exactly you’d want to pick accommodation there. 

For starters, take a look at this list. If you know what kind of vibe you’re going for, it might help you make an instant decision.

Table of Contents

Best place to stay in Bristol for different travellers

Where to stay in Bristol for Backpackers: Stokes Croft

Best Place to Stay in Bristol for a Local Vibe: Bedminster/ Ashton

Best Place to Stay in Bristol for Tourist Attractions: Harbourside/ Old City

Where to Stay in Bristol for Shopping: Bristol Centre

Where to Stay in Bristol on a Budget: Filton

The Best Place to Stay in Bristol for Families: Clifton

Let’s look at a more detailed explanation into each area. 

Stokes Croft

This was my favourite area of the city when I was a student. Note that my student days involved many a party-til-5am night (not like now, when I’m in bed with my cocoa by 10pm) – which means that Stokes Croft is a bit of a party place. But a nice kind of party place – I also had many a chilled out night in the pubs and bars around Stokes.

If you are a backpacker or are travelling to experience Bristol’s partay scene, Stokes Croft is a great place to stay so you can party just a few steps from your bed. If you want a quieter break or are with kids, it’s probably not the best place to stay in Bristol, but it definitely is worth visiting in the daytime, to enjoy the street art and independent cafes and stores. 

Pros of staying in Stokes Croft – accommodation is affordable, it’s a busy, fun area, it’s close to the centre

Cons of staying in Stokes Croft – it’s loud at night and at times, not suitable for kids due to the amount of nightlife.

Things to do near Stokes Croft

• Grab a drink in the many bars – including Attic Bar, The Crofters Rights, Number 51 – and the list goes on…
• Check out all of the street art adorning the area
• Take part in a virtual Black history walk in St Paul’s
• Head up Gloucester Road and shop in Europe’s longest line of independent shops
• Head to Rave on Avon which is held every May, or St Paul’s Carnival in July

Where to Stay in Stokes Croft

Hampton by Hilton City Centre is located by the Stokes Croft exit of the famous Bear Pit roundabout. It’s a great place to enjoy the atmosphere of Stokes Croft, and to also have easy access to Bristol’s City Centre. A bestseller in Bristol, it features spacious rooms with flat-screen TVs, USB chargers and tea and coffee making facilities, and has a bar on site. Click here for more information and to reserve your spot.

Clifton is the classy sibling who always wears Prada in the Bristol family. Nonetheless, Clifton’s really pleasant to stroll around in. Georgian buildings line the streets – most are now restaurants and shops but if you look up, the old buildings still remain intact. Of course, our friend the Suspension Bridge is there which is a great photo backdrop; and there is a scenic grassy area that gives way to the Clifton Downs.

Clifton is one of the best areas to stay in Bristol with kids because it has a very low crime rate and is quieter than the city centre, has a lot of open parks (the downs are a short walk away) and plenty of attractions in walking distance. The Suspension Bridge is a must see for people of all ages, and Clifton Village is only about a 20 minute walk to the harbourside.

For those who want to stay somewhere that’s in close proximity to many local cafes, has gorgeous architecture and spectacular views of the city, Clifton could also be your best bet. 

Pros of staying in Clifton – it is quiet, it has beautiful architecture and plenty of local eateries and pubs. It feels like it is its own little town while being very close to Bristol centre. 

Cons of staying in Clifton –  it’s quiet (which could be a pro or a con depending on what you want!), it’s expensive, it’s not right in the heart of all the action like some other suburbs are. 

Things to do near Clifton

• Walk across the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge and learn about its history at the visitor’s centre
• Have a on the downs
• Dine at some of the many restaurants in Clifton or on Whiteladies Road
• Visit Ashton Court and take a walk around the estate
• See the imposing Wills Building at the Clifton Triangle
• Climb up Brandon Hill for an epic view of the centre, and check out Cabot Tower

Where to stay in Clifton

Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin has a beautiful lookout over the Suspension Bridge from its restaurant and some rooms. Bedrooms are decorated with period features but have modern and comfortable amenities. Click here for rates and to reserve your spot.

Number 38 Bristol is a boutique hotel with beautifully styled rooms, offering impressive rooms of Clifton Downs and Bristol City Centre. Full English breakfasts are available on site. Click here for rates and to reserve your spot.

Harbourside/ Old City

Neighbouring Hotwells, Spike Island and the Old City, the Harbourside area of Bristol is one of the city’s busiest.

Home to plenty of bars and restaurants, the gorgeous water and many docked boats, and eventually backing onto some very sought-after (and I imagine, extremely pricey) apartments, the Harbourside is one stylish area.

Whether you opt to eat in a swanky restaurant or enjoy lunch in a shipping container near M Shed, this area of Bristol is a fantastic place to stay. 

It’s a good location for kids, although it is slightly rowdier than Clifton.

But it’s close to all of Bristol’s best museums and many of the most popular attractions in the city, and the beautiful waterfront is one of the best Bristol walks .

It’s also a decent location for nightlife, with lots of pubs and bars in the vicinity. 

The Harbourside is also very close to Bristol’s Old City. This area still has its medieval layout; a fact I find fascinating. Plus, it’s bursting with pubs which all have their own unique story to tell.

Pros of staying in the Harbourside – it is in the heart of all the action, close to museums, attractions, and bars, and in easy reach of Temple Meads Train Station and all other areas of Bristol.

Cons of staying in the Harbourside: it’s not super quiet, or super loud – so if you are looking for an extreme, it’s probably not the best place to stay. 

Things to do near the Harbourside

• Visit M Shed to hear the full story of Bristol
• Take a virtual slavery tour to fully learn about Bristol’s grim past
• Go on the SS Great Britain to learn about Bristol’s nautical history
• Try out Bristolian cider at the Apple (a cider boat) or the Stable (Bristol’s biggest cider bar with 60+ draught ciders)
• Check out the hip bars and cafes of Whapping Wharf
• Get some iconic Bristolian photos of the coloured houses from Spike Island

Where to Stay at Bristol Harbourside

The Radission Blu Hotel is in prime location right by the Harbourside, with sweeping views of the whole city. The rooms are modern and comfortable, with flat-screen TVs, minibars and drinks making facilities. Click here for rates and to book.

For something a bit more fancy, the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel is located in a Victorian-style building and offers beautifully decorated rooms with modern amenities, as well as a grand reception and bar. As the Marriott is a 5* chain, sanitisation measures are, of course, exemplary. Click here for rates and to reserve your room.

Bristol Centre

The centre of Bristol is home to its most popular shopping complex, Cabot Circus, as well as multiple other attractions.

Castle Park is one of Bristol’s most popular green spaces and is right in the centre, and The Lanes is a popular bowling alley. Staying in Bristol Centre also means being very close to all of the Harbourside’s attractions. 

Pros of staying in Bristol centre – Very close to everything, good for shopping

Cons of staying in Bristol centre – it can be a bit noisy, difficult to drive into

Things to do near Bristol Centre

• Go bowling at Lanes alley and bar
• Hang out at Castle Park
• Try out the cider and pizza at Left Handed Giant
• Go shopping at Cabot Circus

Where to stay in Bristol Centre

Holiday Inn Express is a great location and has excellent sanitisation procedures, in keeping with the trusty Holiday Inn brand. It’s just opposite Temple Meads Station, so is a fantastic option for train travellers to the city. Click here for rates and to reserve.

Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Centre is a 4* property, also a stone’s throw from Temple Meads station. The rooms are clean and furnished well, and there is a restaurant and bar on-site. Click here for rates and to reserve your spot.

Located just east of the centre is Old Market. As the name suggests, this is one of the oldest areas of Bristol and, like the Old City, has lots of historic buildings. None of these are really designated as tourist attractions, but they are still interesting to look at!

There’s also lots of nightlife in Old Market, making it one of the best places to stay in Bristol if you’re looking for an evening out. Plus, accommodation is slightly cheaper than in the centre, making it a great budget location near central Bristol!

Pros of staying in Old Market – close to the centre, loads of nightlife, affordable

Cons of staying in Old Market – noisy at times, no tourist attractions in the direct vicinity

Things to do in Old Market

• Go to the bars in the area
• Check out the unique, LGBT+ friendly shops
• Marvel at the historic buildings and try to learn some of their secrets

Where to stay in Old Market

Future Inn is a good, low-price, place to stay in Old Market. The rooms are spacious, modern, and clean, with comfy beds and flat screen TVs in all.

There is a bar on-site, and it is very close to Bristol’s Cabot Circus shopping centre.

Click here for rates and to reserve your spot.

Bedminster/ Totterdown/ Southville

Bedminster has grown in popularity in recent years. It’s a largely residential area – it’s where Tony and Effy lived in Skins – and has recently seen a surge of activity as it has become a popular area for young professionals to live in.

This makes it a great place to stay in Bristol for neighbourhood vibes, and it’s also in close proximity to Bristol’s main station (Temple Meads). There are lots of parks here, but equally there are some fun bars and it’s in close proximity to Motion, Bristol’s rave-y superclub.

Southville is next to Bedminster, and is the home of lots of artwork and the annual UpFest. Totterdown, on the other side, is in proximity to the city centre and has coloured houses and lots of lovely cafes, and a few fun random events – a local fish and chip shop was the setting for an Eats Everything boiler room set, for example.

Pros of staying in Bedminster – it’s a quiet residential area with a few fun things to do and is close to nightlife

Cons of staying in Bedminster – it’s a bit far from the action

Things to do in Bedminster/ Southville/ Totterdown

• Check out a show at the Tobacco Factory – and visit the Sunday Markets
• Catch a football show at Ashton Gate Stadium
• Check out the view of Bristol City from Victoria Park in Totterdown
• Eat Lebanese Cuisine at Souk Kitchen
• Check out the street art in Southville

Where to stay in the area

Paintworks Apartments are artsy flats that accommodate 2-4 people.

They have gorgeous decor and are fully furnished and self-contained, located in close proximity to Temple Meads Station and the city centre the other side.

Click here for more information.

Filton isn’t the most exciting of Bristol neighbourhoods, but it does have cheaper accommodation and it’s in a good location for both getting onto the M32 and to Bristol Parkway station. It’s a studenty area, being the location of UWE’s main campus, but apart from the SU there aren’t really any places to go out here.

Pros of staying in Filton – it’s a lot cheaper than other options in Bristol

Cons of staying in Filton – there’s not that much to do there and it’s not walking distance to the centre (there are plenty of buses)

Things to do in Filton

• Learn about planes at the Aerospace Museum
• Go shopping, go to the cinema, and take a whirl at bowling at Cribbs Causeway

Where to stay in Filton

For local life, check out The Elms Guesthouse . This is located in a residential building – but the service and cleanliness are of hotel standards and a source of pride to the owners.

Rooms are furnished well with all the necessary amenities, breakfast is available and there is a large garden for leisure.

Village Hotel Bristol Filton has funky, well-kitted-out rooms with excellent amenities. My parents actually used to stay here when they visited me at university!

Each room has a flat-screen TV and an Amazon Alexa, the beds are comfy, and rooms are cleaned to a high standard.

There is a Starbucks on-site, as well as a restaurant.

Click here for more information and to reserve your stay.

Bristol Airport

Certain parts of the city, like Ashton and Southville, are close enough to Bristol Airport to not really need to stay somewhere specific the night before a flight, but if you want to spend some time in Somerset countryside or have a really early flight and hate waking up before you need to, there are some options.

Redhill House is nestled in the Mendip Hills and very close to Bristol’s Airport. Each room has a four-poster bed and bathroom with standalone tub, and on site is a spa, gym and bed and breakfast. Click here for more information.

I hope this list of where to stay in Bristol has helped you when planning your trip to the city!

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Where To Stay In Bristol: The Ultimate Neighborhood Guide

There are plenty of good reasons to plan a visit to Bristol in the UK. Bristol is a university city in the southwest of England around an hour and a half's train ride from London. It has a similar ambiance and is as architecturally interesting as the more well-known British university cities of Cambridge and Oxford, but maintains a more down-to-earth, less academically-focused vibe.

Bristol sprawls along both sides of a long stretch of the broad and winding River Avon . While the city gives its name to the smallest county in England, it's still an area that covers around 40 square miles. That's a pretty big area.

When you visit this historic harbor city, it's vital that you choose the right neighborhood to stay in or you could spend your entire time here just getting around Bristol . That's easy enough but can prove to be time-consuming so you won't be able to make the best of your time here.

You won't be able to make the most of your stay either if you're dragging a couple of suitcases around with you. Leave your bags at a Bounce luggage storage facility in Bristol and you'll be burden-free to hop on the local public transport and take amazing photos of the Clifton Suspension Bridge , Bristol Castle, or Bristol Cathedral.

Where To Stay In Bristol

Bristol city center.

Bristol city center or to use the correct British spelling, Bristol city centre, is one of the best spots to get accommodation if you want to be right in the heart of the city. You will, in fact, get two places in one as Bristol city centre is also the location of the historic part of Bristol known as Old City.

Stay in Bristol city centre and you'll be within walking distance of both modern and medieval architecture. In the city centre you'll find the superb public green space of Castle Park, be right by the River Avon and be in the right location for visiting several of the city's main attractions like the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery or for going shopping in the Bristol Shopping Quarter mall.

There's as much to do in Bristol's city centre at night as there is during the day, and thankfully, the things to do at night in Bristol aren't restricted to sipping pints in a stuffy pub, so be prepared for a few surprises. In Bristol city centre, you'll come across jazz clubs, theaters, and even an urban ax-throwing venue. If that's not diverse entertainment, then nothing is.

There's a good selection of hotels in Bristol city centre that for the most part are reasonably priced. You'll find large chain hotels with three and four stars for less than £100 per night. Breakfast and free wifi are a standard inclusion and if you search carefully you'll even come across a couple with indoor swimming pools. 

Bristol Old City

While the district known as Old City in central Bristol is in the city centre, parts of it date back to Norman England. That's around the late 11th century so Bristol Old City has a real medieval feel. Winding cobbled streets lined with vintage buildings, narrow alleyways, and open squares are what characterize this central Bristol district.

Old City is popular with visitors who enjoy that olde worlde atmosphere, but who don't mind wearing sneakers all day so they can cope with the cobbles or the Christmas Steps when they're out exploring.

Bristol Old City is a great part of the city for shopping because as well as hundreds of boutique stores, the St Nicholas Market is located here. It's a market that's been operating since the mid-1700s and takes place six days a week. Next to the market is a shopping arcade called the Glass Arcade, which is crammed with stores, stalls, and pop-ups plus a food hall where you can get the best brunch in Bristol .

Old City may be archaic, but it's a great place to stay in Bristol if you like upmarket accommodation housed in renovated grandiose buildings. There are a few guesthouses and bed and breakfasts in this area too. One even has a deluxe caravan in their garden where you can spend the night. Quirky, but fun.

Bristol Harbourside

If you're hoping to be sportingly active consider staying in the Bristol Harbourside district.

Bristol Harbourside is where all the boats once sailed into the city docks and would, in bygone times, have been a place you'd more than likely avoided. Now it's a trendy area of the city with a unique buzz that's also home to many of Bristol's big attractions such as Bristol Cathedral, the Bristol Aquarium , the Bristol Hippodrome, the Watershed, the Arnolfini art gallery, and We The Curious, a type of museum with hands-on exhibits. 

There are also lots of opportunities to participate in water-related sports in Bristol Harbourside too. So if you enjoy canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding, like to go yachting, or take a leisurely river cruise, you'll be in the right place.

There's an eclectic mix of accommodation available in Bristol Harbourside. It ranges from shared rooms in a hostel to basic rooms in a three-star budget chain hotel or a four-star hotel room that's slightly more deluxe. Harbourside is one of the more popular areas of Bristol for people to stay in so nothing is cheap, not even hostel accommodation.

Wapping Wharf

Wapping Wharf is part of Harbourside, on the opposite side of the river to the main district, that's becoming a fashionable area of the city in its own right. Wapping Wharf has a Bohemian atmosphere that attracts the younger generation in droves.

Spots like Cargo where the shops, cafes, and pop-ups are all housed in renovated shipping containers are favorite go-to haunts as is the store and eatery-lined pedestrianized walkway called Gaol Ferry Steps. The accommodation in Wapping Wharf is pretty much all residential although search hard enough and you may encounter some short-term availability on Airbnb or other similar private rental websites.

Bristol Shopping Quarter

If shopping is the main reason you're going to stay in Bristol, then you should seriously contemplate staying as close to Bristol Shopping Quarter as your budget will allow. This area of Bristol centre is crammed full of stores and is where the Cabot Circus Shopping Centre is located.

There are four distinct parts to the Quarter and they are Broadmead, the Quakers Friars, The Galleries, and Cabot Circus.

Broadmead and Quakers Friars - Broadmead and Quakers Friars are a pedestrianized area that incorporates several streets lined with big-name chain stores, independent boutiques, cafes, pubs, and restaurants.

The Galleries – The Galleries is a glass-roofed arcade-type mall in Broadmead housing over 100 stores.

Cabot Circus – Cabot Circus is Bristol's piece de resistance where retail is concerned. Part indoor and part outdoor, Cabot Circus is an immense mall containing more shops than you could visit in a fortnight.

Accommodation in this part of Bristol centre is mostly on the outskirts of the Broadmead commercial area. You'll find one or two hotels within walking distance of the plaza known as the Bearpit, which are chain hotels offering rooms at moderately reasonable prices.

Bristol Airport

Bristol Airport is less than ten miles from the city center and operates with short-haul European flights and routes within the United Kingdom and Ireland. The airport doesn't have a train station, but the AI Bristol Flyer runs a 24-hour service with departures every 20 minutes from the airport to Bristol city centre and the Bristol Temple Meads station .

The closest hotel to Bristol Airport is the Hampton by Hilton, a modern hotel with spacious rooms and all the amenities including an on-site gym. There are many other guest house-type hotels within a short driving distance from the airport. To get to them you need to use a local taxi service or hire a car. 

If you prefer to stay in the Somerset countryside in a small and friendly accommodation rather than in an urban setting, you'll find many of these suitable for your needs. Keep in mind though, that as they're all between one to three miles from the airport, and Bristol Airport ranks in the top ten of the UK's busiest airports, you may experience some air traffic noise. You’ll also need to use taxis or have a hire car to get into Bristol city centre or to get to Temple Meads train station if you want to go anywhere else.

Clifton Village

Choose to stay in Clifton rather than Bristol itself and you'll have the best of both worlds on your doorstep. Clifton is a village that practically borders the city's College Green neighborhood and is home to several of Bristol's main attractions, manmade and natural. If you're a golfer, Clifton will be heaven on earth for you as there are several 18-hole golf courses close by.

Clifton is a village with lots of historic buildings, but the one structure most people go there to see is the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The village is also where Bristol Zoo is located, but that has to vie for attention with the beautiful area of open countryside that borders the village known as Clifton Down.

Clifton Down is perfect for hiking or any other outdoor leisure activity and ideal for dog walking if you're traveling with your four-legged friend. Keen gardeners won't want to miss visiting the University of Bristol Botanic Gardens which are on the far side of the down

The spot most people have high on their list of places to go here, though, is the Clifton Observatory. The Clifton Observatory is housed in an 18th century renovated windmill and contains a camera obscura for public use. While the camera does offer views of the surrounding Somerset countryside, the best views are obtained if you climb to the top of the windmill from where you'll get panoramic vistas. Amazing views of the bridge and the gorge it crosses can also be seen from the Giant's Cave.

The hotels and guest houses in Clifton village are few and far between plus very select, so expect to pay quite a high price for the view of the bridge and gorge from the bedroom window of your luxury hotel. The hotels in the Tyndall's Park area, a nearby suburb of Bristol, offer a larger variety of accommodation and are slightly lower priced.

After reading through this guide about places to stay in Bristol, you may have come to the conclusion that it's not the most economical of English cities to stay in. That said, if you search carefully you will come across an affordable mid-range hotel that won't cripple your credit rating.

When you're visiting Bristol, the most important thing to do before booking a hotel is to decide the following things. Do you want to be in a central location close to all the tourist attractions? Do you want the best luxury hotel or just somewhere with a couple of comfy beds? Do you want Bristol accommodation that overlooks Millennium Square or a room with a view of Clifton Downs? Once you've made those decisions you'll be ready to book your room and start packing. 

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Where to stay in bristol: bumper bristol accommodation guide.

It’s no secret how much I love Bristol – I’ve been around the world (I’m repressing the urge to break into Lisa Stansfield lyrics here) and it’s still my favourite city. Yes, from travels over all six continents, Bristol still comes out number one.

It might have some sentimental attachment for me, but trust me, many people will tell you that Bristol is absolutely awesome . Whenever I’m travelling and people ask where I’m from, they’re never excited if I say London but if I say Bristol everyone’s a lot more interested. (BTW I’m not from Bristol at all, but I did live there for 4 years, so it’s adopted me).

Whether you’re a Brit on a weekend away or international traveler incorporating Bristol into your British travels, it’s a city well worth your time.

Anyway, I’m guessing you’ve already reached that conclusion, as you’re wondering where to stay in Bristol. And I’m more than happy to answer your questions with this bumper Bristol accommodation guide, with pointers on the best area to stay in Bristol for all ages and types of travellers.

The best thing about Bristol is it’s like lots of different towns, each with their own character, put together. Each neighbourhood has something different to offer and will appeal to various travelling styles. That means that you’ll certainly find one that suits you!

I’ve included lots of recommended hostels, guesthouses and hotels; there are only four decent hostels in Bristol, which is just about enough choice for budget travellers but I’m hoping that more will open in the city soon.

Bristol is home to a lot of chain hotels (think Marriott, Holiday Inn, Raddison Blu) so I’ve incorporated the best of these alongside privately run places. Chain hotels are sometimes a great idea because you can guarantee high quality, but Bristol loves its independent businesses so some of its smaller, quirkier hotels might be worth checking out too.

Where to Stay in Bristol: A Rundown

For a very quick rundown, here are the best areas to stay in Bristol according to travelling types.

• Best Place to Stay in Bristol for Families:  Clifton
• Best Place to Stay in Bristol for Backpackers: Stokes Croft
• Best Place to Stay in Bristol for a Local Vibe: Gloucester Road / Totterdown
• Best Place to Stay in Bristol for Tourist Attractions: Harbourside
• Where to stay in Bristol for Nightlife: Stokes Croft
• Where to Stay in Bristol for Shopping: Cabot Circus
• Where to stay in Bristol on a budget: Filton

And here are what I deem to be the best hostel, mid-range hotel and luxury hotel in Bristol (click straight through for more details).

• Best Chilled Out Hostel in Bristol (good for families as well) – The Bristol Wing
• Best Party/ Social Hostel in Bristol –  The Full Moon Backpackers
• Best Mid-Range Hotel in Bristol – Brooks Guesthouse Bristol
• Best Luxury Hotel in Bristol – the Avon Gorge Hotel

Or read on for the full Bristol neighbourhood guide showing you exactly where to stay in Bristol.

Best Area to Stay in Bristol: Bristol Neighbourhoods

The waterfront area is located in the centre of Bristol, and it’s one of my favourite parts of the city. Home to the River Avon, Bristol’s Science Museum and many other art galleries, the waterfront is the best place to stay in Bristol for those who want to be right in the thick of it.

For night owls, the Harbourside is a short walk to Stokes Croft and other nightlife areas; however it’s not a loud area, so is also great for families and people who want to sleep. During summertime evenings there are quite often events and shows taking place around the harbourside area, but nothing that’s too noisy or goes on too late.

The famous Park Street ascends from the Harbourside area, with Bristol Cathedral at the bottom and the beautiful Wills Building (a University of Bristol building) at the top. Park Street is also the home of the Bristol Museum . So you’re in a fantastic position here to enjoy Bristol’s museum scene and the rest of its main attractions, as well as being close to every other neighbourhood.

Hostels and Hotels at Bristol Waterfront

This has gotta be the most unique hostel in Bristol. You get to stay literally on a boat on the River Avon, right between the SS Great Britain and the M Shed Museum . There are shared and private cabin accommodations available, and a deck where you can watch the river and world go by. It’s a bit on the pricey side for a hostel, but the novelty makes it worthwhile.

Click here for rates for Kyle Blue and book today.

Raddison Blu

Home to a fantastic harbour view,  the 18 floor Radisson Blu is modern city living at its finest. With 24-hour room service, comfy beds and high-speed WiFi, you’ll be in complete comfort here. The hotel offers a restaurant, bar and fitness centre.

Click here for rates and more information for Raddison Blu.

Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel

Located in College Green, at the bottom of Park Street and right next to Bristol Cathedral, there’s no better setting for your hotel in Bristol city centre. All rooms are kitted out to Marriott standard, with luxury en-suite bathrooms with bath and shower and comfy beds with warm linen. There is a bar, restaurant and fitness centre on site.

Click here for rates and more information about Bristol Marriot Royal Hotel.

One of the (many) things I love about Bristol is how it effortlessly twins old and new. The old city still has its medieval layout and features many historic landmarks – you’ll literally feel like you’ve stepped back into the 1400s when staying here.

The Old City backs onto the river, where there are several bars on boats which are worth checking out. The Old City area encompasses the picturesque Queens Square and is less than five minutes’ walk from the Harbourside – but as it looks completely different and has an almost contrasting atmosphere I thought I’d give the Old City its own section.

You’re just a stone’s throw from Bristol’s main attractions here, so it’s a great place to stay if you don’t want any travel time.

Hostels and Hotels in the Old City

YHA Bristol

D’ya know, I never knew that hostels have star ratings. Apparently YHA’s is ‘four star’, so you can rest assured that it’s a great place to stay – especially as its quality adheres to international YHA standard.

They have a funky decorated interior and spacious, clean dorm rooms; each bunk gets its own power outlet. You might even be lucky enough to nab one of the double bottom bunk beds – I got this before in a hostel in Byron Bay and it was just fabulous. Choose from one of the private rooms (they range from single to five beds), or sleep in a 5 bed dorm.

Click here for more information about YHA Bristol.

The Bristol Hotel

With reviews entitled “If you want to stay in a good hotel, this is the one” and “I would certainly do this again” you bet that the customer satisfaction levels of The Bristol Hotel are sky-high.

They have friendly staff, good parking, views over the city and river and a great restaurant. Rooms are furnished in a classy yet charismatic style and offer all the facilities that you’d want in an upmarket city centre hotel room.

Click here for more information and if you would like to book The Bristol Hotel.

Brooks Guesthouse Bristol

Located in St Nicholas’ Market – Bristol’s favourite marketplace – Brooks Guesthouse is a contemporary hotel offering boutique-style accommodation. Opt for one of the rooms within the guesthouse, or – for something truly different – stay in a metal caravan on the rooftop! It’s basically glamping, in the middle of the city – how cool?

The caravans don’t compromise on luxury; each has a double bed, eco-heating, their own bathroom and LED disco lights, as well as offering one of the best views of the Old City. Rooms inside Brooks also enjoy city views, modern facilities and tasteful decor. Whichever accommodation type you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy one of the most unique hotels in Bristol when staying here!

Click here to book Brooks Guesthouse Bristol, or for more information and rates. 

Central (Non-Harbourside)

Bristol centre is made up of two parts: Harbourside and erm, non Harbourside (I may have just made this up). Basically, anywhere north of Harbourside but south of the end of the M32 is still the centre.

The centre of Bristol is convenient to access other neighbourhoods – but the actual area isn’t too exciting for tourists and very few people actually live here. Nonetheless, it encompasses Bristol Temple Meads Station where you will likely arrive into, Bristol Coach Station and the entire Cabot Circus Mall and shopping area.

This means it’s a great place to stay in Bristol if you’re visiting the city for shopping (although more unique shops can be found on Gloucester Road). It’s also perfect for staying in if you want to be close to the train or bus stations and if you just can’t decide which Bristol neighbourhood to stay in! It borders Stokes Croft, St Pauls, the Waterfront and other less-touristy areas like Cotham and Kingsdown.

Hostels and Hotels in Bristol Centre

Rock N Bowl Hostel

One of the reasons I’d stay in the centre is for Rock N Bowl Hostel – how cool is it that you can actually stay in a vintage bowling alley?!

The Lanes is Bristol’s most famous bowling alley and it is on the same site as Rock N Bowl. There’s also a vintage store there as well – so you can really get into the Bristol vibes! You’ll also be able to make use of the on-site bar, kareoke club and eat some of the famous Ray’s Pizza without needing to leave the building. It’s a great place to make travel mates and meet locals.

Side note: I once went on a first date to this very bowling alley. I suck at bowling and my date beat me by well over 100 points – I actually ended up throwing the ball backwards at one point. I’m 90% sure there were backpackers just sitting and laughing at me. But I can attest that it’s great fun here!

Anyway, the actual hostel has a range of dorm sizes – from 4 bed to 20 bed – all with sturdy bunks with their own powerpoints. There’s also a kitchen and common area on site and room rates include breakfast. It can be a bit of a party place, although isn’t too in-your-face.

Click through for more information about Rock N Bowl Hostel on Booking or Hostel World .

The Bristol Wing

Another hostel option in the centre, The Bristol Wing is owned by Bristol YMCA and is a great ethical and evironmentally friendly place to stay in the city. They opened in January 2018 with an eco-friendly building (it used to be the police headquarters, but has been well refurbished) and a portion of their profits goes to support young homeless people in Bristol – the rates of which are unfortunately very high.

Side note: if you want to give something back to Bristol and donate to a local charity, The Julian Trust is a fantastic homeless shelter. I volunteered here for a couple of years and they offer so much support to homeless people in Bristol.

The hostel is clean, spacious, and has a calm atmosphere. They cater for both backpackers and families, so there won’t be any raucous parties here – but it’s ideal for somewhere to chill out. It’s located in a Grade II-listed building and offers dorms, private rooms and family rooms.

Click through to read more about The Bristol Wing .

Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Centre

A great value hotel in Bristol City Centre, the Holiday Inn offers no-frills rooms and make for a great place to rest your head after a busy day exploring the city. The rooms offer everything you’d expect in a hotel – private bathroom, free toiletries, a flat screen TV and free WiFi – and all rates include a complimentary breakfast.

Click here to read more about the Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Centre and book today.

Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Centre

If you want to stay in luxury in Bristol City Centre, look no further than Hilton Garden Inn. Maintaining the high standard of Hilton hotels worldwide, the Bristol branch features comfy, spacious and clean rooms, free WiFi, a bar and restaurant, parking and a fantastic breakfast.

Click here for more information about the Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Centre. 

Stokes Croft

I, along with many inhabitants or ex-inhabitants of Bristol, am obsessed with Stokes Croft. Yes, it’s super hipster, but it’s also very chilled out, has an amazing outdoor art gallery and just oozes liberalness (is that a word?). It’s home to many local businesses (there’s even a huge mural urging visitors to boycott Tesco) and is my favourite place in Bristol for a night out.

With countless bars – many with different themes and vibes – that stay open until 2 or 3, you’re not spoilt for choice when it comes to partying in Stokes. But if that’s still too early for you, there’s two spots where you can two-step until the sunrise; Lakota and Blue Mountain.

Needless to say, I wouldn’t recommend Stokes Croft if you’re wondering where to stay in Bristol with kids! But it’s great for backpackers or groups of friends.

Hostels and Hotels in Stokes Croft

The Full Moon Backpackers

This hostel, with local murals decorating every wall, is the epitome of Stokes Croft. It’s connected to the Full Moon Pub and Attic Bar (which is one of the best clubs in the UK , according to the Guardian!) and guests at the hostel get free entry to all events.

There’s also a wood-fired pizza oven and late night noodle bar on site. And if you happen to have a bicycle, there are places to lock one and even a resident bicycle mechanic to help with any repairs needed.

The hostel has all of the features that you’d need: free WiFi, laundry facilities, a kitchen, a common room and a courtyard. Guests can choose from twin or double privates and dorms with between 4 and 10 beds. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and the place is clean.

Due to the onsite bar, it’s not the place to stay if you want a quiet night, but if you want to meet people, it’s among the best cheap accommodation Bristol has to offer.

Click through for more information and to book the Full Moon Backpackers on Booking or Hostel World .

Hampton by Hilton Bristol City Centre

This hotel is a fantastic Bristol accommodation option if you want to experience the vibe of Stokes Croft but still would like a decent night’s sleep. Including a hot breakfast, rooms are modern, tastefully furnished and feature Bristol-inspired art and massive flat-screen TVs. The staff are very accommodating and helpful.

Click through to read more about Hampton by Hilton Bristol City Centre. 

Gloucester Road

Out of the madness that is Stokes Croft, Gloucester Road retains the chilled out, anti-establishment vibe; it’s actually home to the longest line of independent stores in Europe. As well as independent shops, it’s also home to attractions like a Buddhist meditation centre and a World Peace Café.

As it’s quieter than Stokes Croft, it’s one of the best places to stay in Bristol with kids. It’s also great for people who want to enjoy Stokes Croft (which is in walking distance) but would rather sleep somewhere quieter. It’s not too far from the centre, but also feels a little less urban.

There aren’t too many places to stay in the Southern part of Gloucester Road, but at the top are two great pub-hotels. If you want to stay somewhere with a bit of character (that look very British!), they’re a great shout.

It’s about a half-hour walk to the bottom of Glossie Road from here, 45 minutes – 1 hour to the centre, and buses ply the route day and night.

Hostels and Hotels on Gloucester Road

The Crafty Cow

A must if you’re after a cosy country style pub in the city, the Crafty Cow (what a name!) is an awesome place to stay on Gloucester Road. Rooms are clean and well facilitated, and some complimentary drinks and snacks are provided.

With friendly staff and a homely atmosphere, this is definitely one of the best places to stay in Bristol for those seeking something different from the centre’s chain hotels.

Click through to read more about The Crafty Cow and to book.

The Wellington

With friendly staff, pub meals on site, and lovely garden rooms, The Wellington is a great option if you’re searching for quiet places to stay in Bristol. The rooms are clean and comfortable with unique furnishings including french shutters and walk-in showers! They also have new windows installed which eliminate traffic noise from outside.

Although rooms are very high quality, the prices are low, making The Wellington one of the best value hotels in Bristol.

Click here to learn more about The Wellington and check out its rates. 

Walking around the charming neighbourhood of Clifton doesn’t feel like you’re a ten minute drive from Bristol city centre; but indeed you are. It’s home to Victorian buildings, dozens of cute cafes and restaurants, grassy expanses and of course, the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge . This is possibly Bristol’s most famous attraction, so even if you don’t stay in Clifton, you’ll definitely end up hitting it up while you’re here.

Clifton Village is perhaps the best area to stay in in Bristol for international travellers; as it’s very unmistakably British. But Brits alike will love the quaint atmosphere of upmarket Clifton, where it’s quite easy to spend a day or two just ambling about, café hopping, looking at the buildings and admiring the spectacular views from the bridge and observatory. If you’re lucky enough to be in Clifton during British summertime, the downs are a great spot for a BBQ or picnic.

Clifton Village is also one of the best places to stay in Bristol with kids, as it is a lot quieter than the city centre and is in relatively close proximity to the waterfront’s attractions.

Hostels and Hotels in Clifton

The Clifton Hotel

This classy hotel leaves no stone unturned when it comes to excellent customer service. They include lots of extra touches like loose leaf tea, biscuits and fruit, as well as towels folded into swans! The breakfast is not included in the rate bus is delicious with a variety of options (including a vegan choice).

Rooms have heating, a private bathroom, comfy beds and free WiFi and there is a bar on site. It’s a really good value place to stay; perfect if you are travelling as a couple or solo.

Click through to see rates for the Clifton Hotel, read reviews and book.

The Rodney Hotel Bristol

Located in a Georgian building, this hotel is located in Clifton Village. The hotel has 31 uniquely furnished rooms, each with their own character. There is an AA Rosette Winning Restaurant on-site, as well as a bar and outdoor terrace.

All rooms enjoy a Freeview TV with 80 channels, tea and coffee making facilities, fresh fruit and biscuits and free Wifi.

Click here to learn more about The Rodney Hotel and to book.

Would you like to stay in a luxury townhouse? Then look no further than Number 38, which just oozes Clifton-ness (I may have made that word up).

This intimate hotel has just 12 bedrooms, meaning that the staff are very attentive and helpful with any needs. The hotel endeavour to provide a ‘home away from home’ atmosphere and wish to be a refreshing change to the many chain hotels in Bristol City Centre.

The boutique-styled rooms are clean and classy, featuring amenities like a stand-alone bath tub, city views and luxury bedlinen. A delicious breakfast is included in the room rate and there is a bar on site.

Click here for Number 38’s rates and reviews and if you like what you see, book today!

Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin

Probably one of the most famous hotels in Bristol, the Avon Gorge Hotel is worth staying at just for its spectacular views over, guess what… The Avon Gorge.

You’ll get a phenomenal view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge from here (the Bristol icon that we all know and love). The connected pub, the White Lion, gets very busy especially during summer – but there is a cocktail lounge within the hotel as well.

The staircases and hallways exude glamour and the bedrooms are tastefully decorated with period pictures. Every room has a comfy bed, a minibar, a flat screen TV and a deluxe en-suite bathroom.

Click here to learn more about the Avon Gorge Hotel and book soon to avoid disappointment!

Filton isn’t the most exciting of neighbourhoods, but hotels here are generally cheaper and it’s not far to the centre. It’s home to the main UWE (University of the West of England) campus, where I attended for four years, but unfortunately, this campus isn’t exactly one of Britain’s prettiest. (My original university campus was located in nearby Fishponds and looked like Hogwarts, but sadly it ceased from being a campus in my third year).

Filton is also close to Bristol Parkway Train Station . While I’d highly recommend arriving into Temple Meads, if for some reason you are getting into Parkway staying in Filton is a good bet. It’s also got its own rail station so is easy to get into town this way.

Filton is also a good place to stay if you’re in the city for Love Saves the Day . This is Bristol’s biggest festival – but it’s no camping, so festival-goers must sort out their own accommodation. It’s held at nearby Eastville Park.

Hostels and Hotels in Filton

The Elms Guest House

This small B&B is the perfect place to stay if you want to feel like a Bristolian, as it’s set in a residential house. However, it maintains a high hotel standard: it is spotlessly clean, has comfortable beds and a very friendly owner. Choose from double or twin rooms, and you have the option to use a shared bathroom or have an en-suite.

Click here to read more about the Elms Guest House and, if you like what you see, to book.

Village Hotel Bristol Filton

One of the most contemporary hotels in Bristol, Village Hotel has bright colours, jazzy facilities and a hip atmosphere. With a bar and fitness centre, the hotel provides first-class facilities at a small price compared to the city centre hotels.

The rooms are comfy and clean and very spacious. There is also an on-site restaurant and Starbucks.

Click here to learn more about the Village Hotel Bristol Filton, read reviews, see rates and book.

The other side of Temple Meads Station is Totterdown, an up and coming area. If you get a hotel here, you’ll be close to the attractions of the centre and in walking distance of Temple Meads, while staying somewhere a little more residential.

However, while Totterdown is a quieter area, cool things do happen there on the regular. The DJ Eats Everything once played a set in a chip shop there, and vintage kilo sales (where you pay by the kilo) occur at the event space Paintworks every month or so.

It’s also very close to Motion , Bristol’s most famous and largest underground music venue.

There are also, of course, restaurants, bars and cafes – and Bristol city is just a 20-minute walk away.

Hostels and Hotels in Totterdown

Novotel Bristol City Centre

For a tried and tested Bristol City Centre hotel, you can’t go wrong with Novotel. It’s located close to the city centre/ Totterdown boundary. Rooms at the Novotel adhere to globally expected standard, with comfy beds, luxury linen and all the technology you’ll need.

On-site is a gym and bar. The price makes it good value for couples.

Click here to learn more about Novotel Bristol City Centre. 

Totterdown Townhouse

If you’re after your own space, then why not rent a holiday home in Bristol? Totterdown Townhouse gives you your own pad, but is still walking distance from the city centre.

The house has three bedrooms and can sleep up to five guests. The house was only built in 2017, so you can be sure that it makes use of all the cutting edge technology and amenities such a place requires: high-speed WiFi, a SMART TV, kitchen facilities, Egyptian cotton linen, two rooftop balconies and a garden.

The hosts are attentive and responsive, happy to answer any questions that may arise during your stay.

Click here to read more about Totterdown Townhouse.

Paintworks Apartments

You’ll really be able to engage in the artsy, alternative vibe of Bristol while staying at Paintworks Apartments. With inspiration from New York City loft-style apartments, these are a super chic place to stay. There are only five apartments available, so book quickly to avoid disappointment.

You can choose from the River Loft which includes a roof garden, the Scandi Loft with Nordic furnishings, White Loft which is all in white (could ya guess?), Brick Loft (with lots of exposed brick) and The Loft – feautring some awesome murals. All apartments are decorated individually, yet feature a uniform standard of quality furnishings and features.

They’re definitely one of the coolest places to stay in Bristol, great for special occasions and will add a fresh, unique touch to your stay!

Click here to read more about and reserve Paintworks Apartments.

Hotels Near Bristol Airport

Many hotels near Bristol Aiport are built for just that function. However, the area around is very rural and pretty, with the Mendip Hills in the background. Once you’ve seen the city, you might want to stay here for a couple of nights to enjoy a dose of Somerset countryside – or of course, if you have an early morning flight.

Redhill House

Many people only stay at Redhill for a night, but you might never want to leave; it enjoys individually decorated rooms with some four poster beds, stand alone bathtubs, luxury bedlinen and spectacular views over the Mendip Hills. The staff are friendly and happy to help with any questions – they’re also very used to check ins and check outs at strange times!

There is a spa and gym on site and breakfast is included. Although the hotel is quite isolated, a pub is just five minutes’ walk away. And after spending time in Bristol city centre, a couple of nights in the countryside might be exactly what you need.

Click here to learn more about Redhill House and book today!

And that’s a wrap! I hope you’ve enjoyed this bumper Bristol accommodation guide – please share it if so and follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more. 

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Bristol Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 31, 2023

Bristol is an energetic and artsy city bursting with a robust restaurant scene, fascinating history, and lots of art. A college town with a youthful feeling, the city is full of great budget experiences, plenty of parks to relax in, interesting museums and historic homes, and a waterfront lined with art galleries and eateries.

Bristol is one of my favorite places to visit in England, and I’m not the only one who thinks so: in both 2014 and 2017, Bristol was named the best UK city. And that’s not the only award Bristol can claim — it won the European Green Capital Award in 2015, and in 2017 became a UNESCO City of Film.

In short, Bristol has a lot to offer. It’s an underrated city often overshadowed by England’s more international hubs but it’s definitely worth visiting for a day or two.

This travel guide to Bristol can help you plan a fun, affordable trip to this unappreciated gem!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Bristol

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Bristol

1. See the Clifton Suspension Bridge

Bristol’s most famous landmark is suspended 100 meters (330 feet) above the Avon River. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it is considered the mark of a turning point in the history of engineering, took 33 years to complete, and is now one of the oldest surviving iron suspension bridges in the world. The bridge provides sweeping views of the river and surrounding parks and buildings. The first modern bungee jump took place here in 1979 (though it was illegal at the time). It costs 1 GBP to cross the bridge in a car but is free for pedestrians and cyclists.

2. Visit Bristol Cathedral

Dating back to the 12th century, Bristol Cathedral was originally the abbey of St. Augustine. Parts of the Cathedral include Romanesque architecture and large vaulted ceilings in the nave, choir, and aisles, although the nave wasn’t built until 300 years after the rest of the cathedral. It’s open daily and admission is free. There aren’t currently any tours on offer but the welcome leaflet is useful to discover more about the building.

3. Learn nautical history aboard the SS Great Britain

Also designed by Brunel, the SS Great Britain was the world’s first steam-powered passenger liner. It was also the first screw-propelled, ocean-going, wrought iron ship. Built in 1843, it used both sail and steam power simultaneously, allowing it to travel across the Atlantic in half the time of other ships. You can visit the boat, its dockside museum, and even climb the rigging. Tickets are 19.50 GBP and you have to book an admission slot when you buy them. Tickets also permit free re-entry for one year from the date of first use in case you want to come back another day.

4. Visit St Nicholas Market

This bustling market has more shops than you could go through in an afternoon. Spend some time checking out the endless number of stalls offering seasonal local produce, second-hand books, vintage clothing, and more. It’s been trading since 1743 and now runs multiple different markets a week: St Nicholas Indoor market (Mon-Sat, 9.30am-5pm); Bristol Farmers’ and Producers’ market (every two weeks); Street Food Market (Tues and Fri, 11am-2.30pm) and Bristol Indies’ Market (Fri-Sat, 10am to 5pm).

5. Enjoy the street art

Other things to see and do in bristol, 1. take a pirate walks tour.

The Bristol Pirate Walks are short guided tours that take you to some of Bristol’s oldest neighborhoods. You’ll learn about Bristol’s early history in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries when slavery, maritime trading, and piracy were part of daily life. Tours cost 12.50 GBP and include visits to sites related to the legendary Long John Silver and Blackbeard’s Lair. Call ahead to check availability.

2. Hang out on King Street

King Street is a fascinating, historic part of Bristol dating to the 17th century. It used to be where the old sailing barges docked after their journeys from South Wales. Now the area is the heart of Bristol’s theater district and features numerous bars and restaurants too. The oldest continually operating theatre in England, Bristol Old Vic, is located on King Street. Tickets to a show start at 8 GBP.

3. Daytrip to Bath

The site of the ancient Roman baths is just a quick train ride away. The Romans used this area as their spa retreat up until the 5th century. Whether you’re interested in seeing the baths, cathedrals, or Jane Austen’s home (her family lived here in the early 19th century), Bath is an easy and enjoyable day trip from Bristol. Trains from Bristol to Bath run all day and it’s just a 16-minute ride for 8.80 GBP (return).

4. Explore the Wookey Hole Caves

This unique geological area, comprised of a series of limestone caves formed by an underground river, is another short day trip from Bristol. During your visit, you can take a 35-minute tour, stop in the historical museum, and view artifacts that archaeologists have uncovered in the caves. You can also take a boat ride through the murky cave waters and learn about spelunking. Don’t miss the famous Witch of Wookey Hole, a human-shaped stalagmite that legend says is a witch who was turned to stone. Most of the attractions are geared for children and families (other attractions at the site include animatronic dinosaurs). Admission is 19.95 GBP and you need to book a timeslot.

5. Take a stroll along the Bristol Harbour

The historic Bristol Harbour along the Avon River was traditionally known as the Floating Harbor because the water levels neither rise nor fall, keeping everything constant. Today, the harbor is home to most of Bristol’s busy street life and many of the city’s tourist attractions, including the Watershed Media Center and the M Shed Museum. In July, the free Bristol Harbour Festival features a weekend of activities on the waterfront including live music, dance performances, spoken word, food markets, circus acts, and more.

6. Tour the Bristol Aquarium

In a city with such close ties to the sea, it’s no wonder the Bristol Aquarium has several unique exhibitions on display. There’s an underwater tunnel that takes you through a recreated environment and even a sunken ship inside. The real attraction, though, is the Urban Jungle which features hundreds of exotic plants and trees, including mangroves. The jungle’s underwater environment is home to stingrays and freshwater fish from the Amazon rainforest. Tickets to the museum are 19.25 GBP, though you can also buy a 4-pack of adult tickets for a discount if traveling in a group. It’s a good place to visit if you’re traveling with kids.

7. Wander the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Bristol’s largest museum is home to an extensive collection of art and artifacts, including works from Bellini, Renoir, Hepworth, Sisley, and Bomberg. The ground floor has a collection of Egyptian mummies and other ancient artifacts, as well as displays dedicated to rare gems and crystals. Possibly the oddest yet most beloved part of the museum is Alfred the Gorilla, a mascot for the city. The gorilla originally lived in the Bristol Zoo, but since his death in 1948, he has been housed in a glass case on the second floor of the museum (he was even stolen for a few years in the 50s). Admission is free.

8. Visit M Shed

For a more in-depth look at the city of Bristol itself, visit this free museum. Over 3,000 artifacts comprise the museum’s exhibitions, which focus on the people and history of the city. The exhibition includes a collection of historic vessels, such as a fireboat and the oldest surviving steam tugboat (which is moored outside the museum). Admission is free.

9. Take a harbor tour

For an even closer look at the harbor, Bristol Ferry Boats offers daily harbor tours leaving from the city center. You float past all of Bristol’s maritime sights during the hour-long tour and learn more about the city. They also offer specialized cruises (such as a gin cruise) on certain days of the week. Tickets to the daily harbor tour are 9.75 GBP. There’s also an option to do a tour on The Matthew, a replica of John Cabot’s 1497 ship that he used to discover Newfoundland, or you can do a cruise of the Avon Gorge that goes under the Clifton Suspension Bridge (23 GBP).

10. Meander through Castle Park

Before being destroyed in World War II, Bristol’s main shopping district was located on the site of what is now this large harbor-side park. The park is home to several ruins: the 14th-century tower of St Mary-le-Port Church, the 12th-century St Peter’s Church (now a memorial to those who died in the Bristol Blitz), and vestiges of Bristol Castle itself. Stop in for a hot drink at the Vaulted Chambers Café, located within the last above-ground remnants of Bristol Castle.

11. Take a free walking tour

One of the first things I do in a new destination is to take a free walking tour. It’s the best budget-friendly way to see the main sights and connect with a local guide who can answer all your questions. Bristol Free Walking Tour hosts two-hour tours (they don’t run in winter) that can show you all the highlights. They meet in front of the Victoria Rooms, next to the fountains. There’s no need to book; just turn up a few minutes before it starts. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

For more information on other cities in England, check out these guides:

• Bath Travel Guide
• Brighton Travel Guide
• Cambridge Travel Guide
• Liverpool Travel Guide
• London Travel Guide
• Manchester Travel Guide
• Oxford Travel Guide

Bristol Travel Costs

Hostel prices – There aren’t too many hostel options in the city and some close in the off-season. A dorm with 4-8 beds costs 20 GBP. Several of the hostels are still currently only offering private rooms from 70 GBP and up per night due to COVID -19. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities.

There is only one campground in the immediate area (Ennywevers Campsite), but if you branch out from the city you can find others. Expect to pay around 10 GBP for a basic tent plot without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels cost 70 GBP per night (its closer to 80-90 GBP in high season). Free Wi-Fi is standard and breakfast is often included.

There are also lots of Airbnb options in Bristol. Private rooms start at 35 GBP per night (although 50 GBP is more realistic, particularly in peak season), while a full apartment averages 90-100 GBP per night.

Food – While British cuisine has evolved in leaps and bounds due to immigration (and colonialism), it’s still very much a meat and potatoes country. Fish and chips remain a popular staple for both lunch and dinner while roasted and stewed meats, sausages, meat pies, and the quintessential Yorkshire pudding are all common options as well. Curry (and other Indian dishes, such as tikka masala), are super popular too.

For falafel or sandwiches, prices start at around 6 GBP. A cheap pub meal of fish and chips costs around 10 GBP.

A meal at a casual pub or restaurant costs 12-16 GBP for a main course while a pint of beer costs 5-6 GBP. Dining on the waterfront or at a mid-range restaurant costs around 30 GBP for a multi-course meal with a drink.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 6 GBP for a combo meal while pizza starts at 9 GBP. Indian food starts at 10 GBP for a main dish.

Lattes/cappuccinos cost around 3.40 GBP while bottled water is around 1.20 GBP.

If you choose to cook your own meals, a week’s worth of groceries costs 40-50 GBP . This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Bristol Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Bristol, expect to spend 55 GBP per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, taking public transit, limiting your drinking, cooking your own meals, and doing mostly free activities like museum visits and seeing the suspension bridge. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 GBP per day to your budget.

A mid-range budget of 135 GBP per day covers staying in a private Airbnb room or private hostel, eating out for most of your meals, taking the occasional taxi, having a few drinks, and a few paid activities such as a harbor cruise or street art tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 220 GBP or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car or take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GBP.

Bristol Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

With cheap pubs, public parks, an accessible waterfront, and a few hostels, there are plenty of ways to save money in Bristol. Here are my top ways to save money when you visit:

• Chill in the park – It seems like Bristol is one giant park, with many great places to relax, play Frisbee, read, and picnic. It’s a low-cost way to spend an afternoon, hang out, and people-watch.
• Eat cheap – Bristol is a college town with lots of cheap sandwich shops and restaurants. Flock to where the students go to save money on your meals. Popular places for students include St. Nick’s Market, the Harbourside Market, and places along Wapping Wharf (Bertha’s for pizza is a great stop).
• Visit the museums – Learn about Bristol’s fascinating history by going to the museums, all of which are free.
• Take a free walking tour – If you’re there on a weekend, be sure to take a free walking tour. It lasts a couple of hours and is a nice way to get a sense of the city. Bristol Free Walking Tour offers free tours that cover the highlights. Visit Bristol also offers several free self-guided audio tours for download on their website.
• Stay with a local – If you’re on a budget, use Couchsurfing to stay with a local. It’s a great way to cut costs while getting insider tips and advice. Just note that many students are away during the summer so be sure to apply early.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Bristol

Bristol has a few hostels; however, most are not currently booking dorms due to COVID safety protocols. Nevertheless, here are my favorite places to stay in Bristol for when things open up again:

• The Full Moon Backpackers
• YHA Bristol
• Clift Guest House

How to Get Around Bristol

Public transportation – Public transit for Bristol and the surrounding area operates on a zone system, so bus prices depend on how far you go. A single fare in Zone A (Bristol and the immediate area) costs 3.50 GBP, with a daily cap of 6 GBP (the price of a Zone A day pass). The city center is easily walkable but to get to some of the outer parts of the city you need to take a bus.

Bicycle – Bristol is a bike-friendly city, ranking as the UK’s best city for cycling. Cycle the City and Bristol Cycle Shack both offer day rentals for 15-18 GBP. If you’re planning to cycle outside of the main city area to enjoy the riverside country trails, consider getting an electric bike or a mountain bike to make the trip easier. You can even cycle all the way to Bath (there’s a bike path and it’s just 13 miles). Electric bike rentals cost 35 GBP per day (8 hours).

Taxi – Taxis are readily available, with prices starting at 2.60 GBP and going up 2.13 GBP per mile. Given how expensive they are, I wouldn’t take one unless absolutely necessary.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Bristol but again walking or cycling are the easiest (and cheapest) ways to get around in the compact city.

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 20 GBP per day for a multi-day rental. Keep in mind that traffic flows on the left and that most cars have a manual transmission. You don’t need a car to explore the city, however, it might be helpful if you want to explore the region.

When to Go to Bristol

Bristol doesn’t get too cold, but like most English cities, it also doesn’t get too hot. Summer is peak tourism season and temperatures are the warmest during this time – but rarely are they ever above 22°C (72°F). People make the most of the warm weather and during July and August, there are tons of events and festivals happening along the Bristol harbor. One of the most famous is the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta when hundreds of hot air balloons fill the sky during the first two weeks of August.

Spring (late March-June) and autumn (September-November) are also fantastic times to visit, as temperatures are mild and the summer crowds have thinned out. You can still walk everywhere and hang out in the parks. Just bring a rain jacket.

Winter lasts from December to February and temperatures can dip below freezing (0°C/32°F). While prices are a bit lower, I wouldn’t visit during the winter as you’ll miss out on the parks and other outdoor activities.

How to Stay Safe in Bristol

Bristol is a safe city and the risk of violent crime here is low. Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Scams and pickpocketing can occur around high-traffic areas, especially on busy weekend nights in the city center when partygoers are a little less aware. Always keep your valuables secure and out of sight just to be safe.

If you’re partying in the student pubs, be aware of your surroundings and avoid dimly lit alleys and pathways when heading home. Pickpockets tend to work in teams, so stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Bristol Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Bristol Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling England and continue planning your trip:

The 14 Best Things to Do in Bristol

Where to Stay in London: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 8 Best Hostels in London

How to Spend a Week in London

The 9 Best Walking Tour Companies in London

70+ Free Things to Do in London

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How To Spend A Perfect Weekend in Bristol, England

Table of Contents

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I recently spent a weekend in Bristol, one of the most fun and colourful cities in England . It’s located just over an hour’s train ride from London and 10 minutes from historical city, Bath. Whether you’re a tourist from overseas backpacking the UK or a local taking a mini-break, I can’t recommend Bristol enough!

BRISTOL ESSENTIALS Bristol Lonely Planet Accommodation:  Booking.com Activities:  GetYourGuide UK trains: Trainline / Busbud

I was surprised by the size of Bristol. It’s much bigger than Bath which can easily be seen during a Bath day trip , or my own hometown, Oxford . Basically, prepare for lots of walking. Bristol is a city where journey distances by bus are similar to those on foot, so you may as well walk. Bring comfy shoes as there are lots of hills. I’m going to summarise the main areas in Bristol then talk about what to do during 2 days in Bristol and (most importantly) where to eat and drink. I’ll also share my favourite day trips from Bristol and discuss where to go next. Here goes!

Neighbourhoods during a weekend in Bristol

The city centre.

Bristol has a sizeable city centre with all your usual shops and amenities stretching from Cabot Circus shopping centre to the harbour.

Harbourside

I love a city with an outdoor area and Bristol definitely fits this category. My recent visit was in February but when I visited in August, my friends and I spent an afternoon drinking wine by the harbour. The atmosphere was bustling and atmospheric. At the Harbour, you’ll also find Whapping Wharf , a new collection of eateries and bars in recycled shipping containers. The burgers at Pigsty are to die for.

A 15-minute walk from the Harbour is Bristol Marina which if anything is even more colourful than the harbour. There’s not much to do apart from take photos and befriend the swans – worth it in my eyes!

This area runs from Clifton Downs station all the way to the river. In particular, you’ll want to visit Clifton Village which is full of pretty shops and cosy cafes. Closer to the waterfront, you’ll find loads of colourful houses, plus the area is home to Clifton Suspension Bridge, an iconic Bristolian landmark.

Stokes Croft & Gloucester Road

This area feels very boho and is slightly north of the city. Here you’ll find unusual things to do in Bristol from hippy music venues-cum-cafes like The Canteen to street art and independent shops. The locals even rioted against the opening of a Tescos so you can guarantee this isn’t a chain-heavy high street. Just north of the area is Gloucester Road which is popular for its multicultural restaurants and eclectic nightlife.

Redcliffe & Old Market

Close to Temple Meads train station (where you’re likely to arrive) are these areas. Old Market has lots of architecture and independent shops as well as a friendly gay village. Redcliffe is equally historical-yet-modern, set around the gothic St Mary Redcliffe Church with plenty of local shops and businesses.

Bedminster & Southville

Both these areas are south of the River Avon and a 20-minute walk from the harbour. There’s not loads to do in terms of tourist activities but I loved the street art in Bedminster and there seemed to be lots of cool restaurants and pubs. It’s a great place to base during your weekend in Bristol.

Easton & St Pauls

The multicultural area of the city, St Pauls is famous for its Afrikan Caribbean festival in July. Apparently, rum punch and jerk chicken flood the streets and it’s a fantastic celebration of colour and culture – it sounds like a mini Notting Hill Carnival. Also, don’t miss St Mark’s Road where there are lots of quirky cafes and a strong sense of local community.

Where to stay in Bristol

• Budget – Brooks Guesthouse (£68pn)
• Splash out – Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin (£134pn)
• Private apartment – SACO Bristol with equipped kitchen and balcony (£94pn)
• Browse all Bristol accommodation on Booking.com
• Book hostels and budget stays on Hostelworld.com

How to get to Bristol

I use Trainline to book UK trains. You can choose an open return of select the individual journey times which makes things much cheaper. To get the best price, booking ahead of time and choosing your inbound and return journey based on the cheapest ticket prices. Trainline show live departure times and offer generous discounts for under 30s by way of a young person’s railcard. Bus – you can also catch the bus to Bristol from London and other UK cities. Buses start from £3 when you compare prices on Busbud .

Weekend in Bristol itinerary

Assuming you have a full two days in Bristol arriving Friday night or early Saturday, this is my suggested itinerary. During the first day, we’ll explore the city centre and Harbourside and during the second, we’ll check out the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, as well as some quirky neighbourhoods.

Top experiences in Bristol:

• ‘Bristol like a local’ private tour
• Banksy Bristol street art tour

This Bristol itinerary includes a few museums which you can include or skip depending whether you’re visiting for history and culture or just enjoying a leisurely weekend. Let’s get stuck in…

Pinkmans Bakery

Start your day weekend in Bristol at Pinkmans . We came for coffee and morning pastries but this would also be a great place to stop for afternoon refreshments or lunch after you’ve checked out a few of the upcoming Bristol attractions. The doughnuts are divine!

Wills Memorial Building

Just a two-minute walk from Pinkmans Bakery is Wills Memorial building. This Neo-Gothic structure was one of the last to be built in this style, around 100 years ago. You can wander the grounds for free and snap photos or tour the tower on Saturdays. It reminded me a lot of Oxford so wasn’t that exciting for me but I’m sure history fans will enjoy their visit.

Take a street art walk

The Bristol street art is some of the coolest I’ve seen and it’s little wonder – it’s the hometown of the world’s most famous street artist, Banksy. I went on an awesome walking tour with Where the Wall for £9 but you could also find it for free (although you wouldn’t glean the same amount of info without a guide).

Read next: Bristol street art guide

Tours depart from the city centre at 11am. If you’re up and about early, you can squeeze in breakfast and a visit to Wills Memorial before departing on a tour lasting 2 hours.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is fun and interactive, showcasing everything from Egyptian mummies to dinosaurs. Like most UK museums, it’s free to visit. They hold events most weekends which you can browse via their what’s on page. I managed to catch some demonstrations put on for Chinese New Year. The museum is an especially good pick if the weather doesn’t play ball during your weekend in Bristol.

Climb the Cabot Tower

If you have good weather, take a steep walk through Brandon Hill Park and up the windy staircase of the Cabot Tower. Entry is free and the panoramic view over the city is worth the climb! By walking through Brandon Hill Park, you’re also en route to Harbourside which is my suggested stop for the afternoon.

Bristol weekend – afternoon day 1

Harbourside is one of my favourite areas in Bristol. There are countless museums, exhibits and places for families and individuals to explore, but there are also cafes, bars and gardens where you can socialise or simply enjoy a coffee to views of the harbour.

Visit the SS Great Britain

Described as the great-grandmother of modern ships, the SS Great Britai n is Bristol’s most visited attraction. It’s £16 to climb aboard but apparently worth every penny (I’m usually exploring the UK on a budget so have yet to go inside). There are even real letters and diary entries from the passengers for an immersive taste of the past.

Learn about Bristol history at M Shed

Not your average stuffy museum, M Shed will fill you in on Bristol’s past from prehistoric times to the modern day. There are colourful exhibitions, personal stories, photo series and even street art inside. Entry is free.

Dinner and drinks

Finish your day by eating at one of the many Harbourside restaurants . In the summertime, you can dine outside and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the area. During weekends in Bristol, many of the restaurants turn into bars and even clubs later on. Some options include: Arnolfini Café Bar – partnered with Bristol Beer Factory, this is a fantastic spot for eating and drinking with tables right beside the water. There are tasty seasonal dishes, coffee, cakes and an outside bar in the summer months. Spoke & Stringer – this independent lifestyle store and deli sells clothes and other goods. The highlight is the bright European-style cafe and coffee shop serving brunch and tapas dishes until 6pm. The Pump House – this grand gastropub serves all your fancy pub grub and has over 400 types of gin. There’s a large outdoor seating area that’s open until 10pm.

Bristol weekend – day 2

For my second day in Bristol, I ventured further from the city centre and explored a few other worthy neighbourhoods in Bristol. After breakfast, I would suggest heading to…

See Clifton Suspension Bridge

Clifton Suspension Bridge links Bristol to Somerset and has become somewhat of an emblem for the city. There are free tours and a visitors centre if you want more than a quick snap. Another fun activity for a weekend in Bristol is walking the Avon Trail where you’ll see the bridge from below. You can also climb up to Observatory Hill to view it straight-on. While it’s best in daylight, you can visit in the evening to see it illuminated in the dark. Relax with a drink at the White Lion Bar at  Avon Gorge Hotel and have it as your backdrop.

Find the colourful houses of Clifton

To get back to Bristol city centre from Clifton Suspension Bridge, you’ll have to journey through Clifton itself, a relaxed and upmarket neighbourhood. If you’re a fan of all things bright and colourful like me, you’ll want to discover the rainbow houses in this part of town.

Read next: Where to find the colourful houses of Clifton, Bristol

Begin on Cliftonwood Road close to the river and explore the surrounding streets. I spent a few hours wandering the area, soaking up the colour and discovering gorgeous mosaics around the streets.

Southville and Bedminster

To finish off your Bristol weekend, why not take a trip to another of Bristol’s coolest neighbourhoods? This is quite the contrast to the city centre with its mainstream shops and chains. Bedminster and Southville sit beside each other boasting plenty of boutique shops, farmers markets, quirky cafes and even a city farm . Bedminster also holds the annual Upfest Street Art Festival where artists from all around the world come to compete. The incredible murals stay put until the next year when they’re taken down and replaced with new works of art. Bedminster is also a great place for vegans to browse menus to their heart’s content. For a low-key night out, you can escape the clubs of the city centre and explore the pubs and bars of Bedminster.

Bonus day – day 3 in Bristol

In case you have a third day in Bristol, I would suggest one final activity for your Bristol weekend: escaping the city and walking in Ashton Court Estate .

This stately home with 850 acres of woodland and grassland is home to wild deer, a golf course, two cafes, a picnic area and woodland garden. There are activities and play areas for children as well as several walking trails. To reach Ashton Court from Bristol city centre, catch buses X3A, 71, 79 or X1 for 10 minutes to the outskirts of the park. If you’re driving, there’s a large parking area with a £1.20 parking charge. The stately house closes at 4pm but the park is open until dusk. Check the seasonal times before visiting.

Best Bristol weekend markets

Bristol is known for its vibrant market scene. There are farmers markets selling fresh produce, pop-up street food markets and static indoor markets. Here’s a quick synopsis of the best ones. Squeeze them into your Bristol itinerary depending what takes your fancy… St Nicholas Market . This maze of street food and quirky bric-a-brac has been around since 1743. There are food, flowers and textiles from Monday-Saturday and an additional multicultural street food market from 11am-2.30pm on Tuesdays and Fridays. There’s a special Farmers Market from 8am-2.30pm on Wednesdays and an arts market from 10am-5pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Basically something for everyone! Bristol Harbourside Market, 10am-4pm, Saturday and Sunday . Get ready for a vibrant festival every weekend with food, musicians and artists down at the waterfront. There’s a specific street food event on Thursdays featuring Canadian to Caribbean food and just about everything else you can think of. Tobacco Factory Market, 10am-2.30, Sunday . Head to Raleigh Road for a bright and open refurbished space with creative industries, organic local food and craft stalls. Good vibes! Whiteladies Road Market, 8.30am-2pm, Saturday . Here’s you’ll find everything farmer-esque including cheese, fish, jam and homemade bread.

Where to eat & drink during a Bristol weekend

It wouldn’t be a Bristol travel guide without spots to refuel and feel merry, right? I ate some great meals in Bristol and it’s just a shame I couldn’t have stayed longer – there’s only so much one girl can put away in two days! Here are a few of my top picks:

Prince Street Social

Prince Street Social beside the harbour and does an excellent boozy lunch for £30 including unlimited Prosecco. We visited as a group of four and every time we finished our drinks, the waiter appeared to top us up, plus you could pick any brunch dish on the menu. I went for spicy shakshuka with chorizo which was delicious.

Oowee Diner

If enormous, juicy burgers are your thing, you’ll love Oowee Dine r with their American-style menu comprising burgers, dirty fries and wings. I want to try the waffle fries so badly. There are branches in North Bristol and Bedminster with burgers starting at £5. They’ve now also launched Oowee Vegan on Baldwin Street and Picton Street, serving enormous burgers and dirty fries, meat-free!

Eat a Pitta

There are five locations of Eat a Pitta spread across Bristol so luckily one’s never far away. They serve enormous falafel, pitta and hummus bowls and healthy juices using fresh, quality ingredients. Few dishes are more than £5 so it’s a cheap eat whether you dine in or grab lunch on-the-go. Their packaging is all compostable and they have a zero food waste policy.

Mud Dock Cycleworks & Cafe

I sadly saw this place online a week after my visit, damn it! Mud Dock is a cafe full of quirky features like porthole windows and hanging bicycles. They serve breakfast, lunch and supper until 10pm Tues-Sat and 5pm Sun-Mon. Options include burgers, salad bowls, pancakes and sourdough dishes with locally sourced, veggie-friendly ingredients.

Coffee & cake in Bristol

I already mentioned Pinkmans Bakery near Wills Memorial Building but here are a few more spots for coffee and cake to fuel your Bristol weekend…

Brew Coffee

Brew on Whiteladies Road is an independent Bristol coffee shop serving brunch, lunch and cake. Their seasonal brew espressos come served with dairy, soya and almond milks, and the food has a Middle Eastern focus with delicious quiches, tagines, Buddha bowls and sourdough toast dishes.

Full Court Press, Broad Street

Full Court Press is a must-visit for speciality coffee lovers spending a weekend in Bristol. They have four special coffees of the week (two espressos and two filters) sourced from roasteries in the UK and Europe. The coffees are small but strong rather than large and milky.

Primrose Cafe

Primrose Cafe in pretty Clifton is one of Bristol’s best-loved cafes with over 25 years of service. Rather than a quirky, minimalistic coffee shop, it’s a warm and friendly cafe with giant, homemade portions for lunch and equally generous slabs of cake. If you’re hungry, don’t miss it. Tie in a visit with the colourful houses of Clifton.

Bars & nightlife in Bristol  

I’ve only been on one night out in Bristol which was to Thekla , a club on a moored boat. It was such a great night and I’d highly recommend it if you like fun, mainstream music and something a bit different from your standard bar. Clubbing on land is so 2012! Check out this nightlife guide to Bristol for pubs, clubs, live music, comedy and LGBT nightlife in Bristol.

Where next?

I love the variety of the UK. Catch a 10-minute train journey from Bristol Temple Meads station and you’ll be in traditional Bath which couldn’t be more different. I recently visited Bath as a day trip – the city centre is quite small so you don’t need loads of time. If time is limited, you can also take a day trip to Brighton or spend longer. I love this vibrant coastal city!

Finally – the balloon festival!

I’m so keen to visit Bristol in August for the hot air balloon festival. I’ve seen some stunning photos and people rave about it – if you can time a visit around it, you should (though accommodation will probably be more expensive). While it’s still on my to-do list, I did catch this street art image which will keep me going for now!

TRUSTED RESOURCES FOR VISITING THE UK   Guidebooks – LP always get my seal of approval. Use the latest copy of Lonely Planet England . Getting there & around by air – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Car hire – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals and campers in the UK (and all around the world). For UK trains , I use Trainline . The search feature allows you to compare prices, and they show live departure times on the website. For buses , I use Busbud . It’s the only site that compares UK coaches and buses. Find London to Manchester journeys for £1!  For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Browse UK tours and activities on GetYourGuide . I also check Viator as they often have fun & unique tours. For food tours pairing travellers with passionate local chefs and foodies, check out EatWith . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips!

Thanks for reading my Bristol weekend guide!

Check out my other Bristol & England blogs:

• Where to find the colourful houses of Clifton Bristol
• Bristol street art guide
• My London archives
• UK backpackers guide
• How to spend a weekend in Norfolk
• How to spend a weekend in Manchester
• The perfect weekend in Dorset
• 2 day Oxford itinerary
• 1 perfect day in Brighton
• The perfect Margate day trip from London
• Things to do in Liverpool in winter

See you next time for more adventures,

For more travel content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

Ps. Liked my Bristol travel guide? Pin it for later!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

7 thoughts on “ How To Spend A Perfect Weekend in Bristol, England ”

Wow, I didn’t know Bristol was this colorful! So many amazing Insta spots 🙂

Hi Rose, I was looking for some info on Bristol and came across your blog. This brings back so many memories… Bristol is such an amazing city and I can’t wait to go back (again)! Thanks for sharing!

Hi Julie! Glad you enjoyed it. Such a wonderful city, hope you enjoy your visit!

I’ve always wanted to visit Bristol but have no idea why because I knew absolutely nothing about it until reading this post. I think I was right in wanting to visit though because it sounds like an awesome city!

I’m in Bristol following your blog and right now in Pinkmans having the best doughnuts of my life! Thanks for the recommendation!

This is great to hear, thanks for letting me know!

Great news! Glad you enjoyed

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Ultimate Guide to Bristol

Bristol is a city in the southwest of England near the Welsh border on the River Avon. With around half a million residents, it’s one of the top five biggest cities in England. It’s long been a favourite of British travellers seeking a fun staycation thanks to its thriving cultural scene.

But it’s often overlooked by overseas visitors in favour of the bustling capital city of London or historic cities like York. So, is Bristol worth visiting?

Absolutely! If you love cities with historic harbours, iconic street art murals, and rows of bright and colourful houses, Bristol has you covered.

There are also tons of street food markets, vintage and antique stores, art museums, and quirky pubs that make this a fun and exciting place for a city break. And let’s not forget Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge in Clifton Village which is one of the most noteworthy British landmarks.

This ultimate guide to Bristol includes everything you need to know to enjoy the best of Bristol and make the most out of your trip.

It will show you how to get to Bristol, how to get around, and the best time to visit. It also includes the best things to do, the top places to visit in Bristol, what to eat, and where to stay so you have an amazing trip!

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Table of Contents

How To Get to Bristol

Bristol is situated, unsurprisingly, on the Bristol Channel which is a major inlet between Bristol and Wales. Despite it having its own harbour, travelling to Bristol via boat isn’t much of an option these days cruise ships nor many passenger ships dock here. But you can travel to Bristol via plane, train, or car.

Bristol’s nearest airport is Bristol Airport. It’s very small, so you might find flying to a London airport like Heathrow, Cardiff, or Oxford Airport more convenient than travelling by train.

Bristol’s main train station is Bristol Temple Meads and you will have no problem finding many daily direct services via CrossCountry trains between Bristol and all major UK cities.

Bristol is accessible by road from London via the M4 motorway, England’s midlands via the M5 motorway, and Wales via the M48. You catch Megabus or National Express bus services from other major UK cities to Bristol.

The Best Time to Visit Bristol

Bristol’s climate is characterised as Oceanic. This means Bristol’s winters are cold and rainy and its summers are mild and rainy. You won’t escape the rain! Bristol’s coldest month is January with average lows of 2.5°C (36°F) and its warmest month is July with average highs of 22°C (71°C).

July and August are Bristol’s summer months and the peak season. The city will be at its busiest and accommodation prices will be particularly high during the Bristol Harbour Festival in July and the Balloon Fiesta in August.

This is when the weather is the warmest too. Despite the crowds and prices, this is still the best time to visit Bristol. 

Don’t mind colder, wet weather and would rather save money and have fewer crowds? The shoulder seasons of April – June and September – October are great times to visit Bristol.

What To Expect in Bristol

Since Bristol is a city in England, most of the residents here will speak English as their first language. The vast majority do not speak a second language and, if they do, Polish is the second most popular language. 

The UK’s currency is the Great British Pound (GBP) . In the last decade, many banknotes and coins have been removed from circulation. Check your currency is current before you travel. However, most businesses in Bristol will accept and prefer card payments.

According to local news, Bristol’s city centre has one of the worst crime rates in the UK. But for travellers, it is no less safe than any other big city in Europe. And it also has a reputation for having some of the friendliest locals in the UK. Avoid walking alone at night, keep your valuables safe, and use your common sense.

How To Get Around Bristol

Most of the main tourist attractions in Bristol old city centre are within walking distance. As long as you don’t have any accessibility needs (and the weather isn’t too bad!) then you should have no problems walking to get around in Bristol.

Bristol does not have a city bike scheme but you can hire bikes from private rental companies. Alternatively, most of Bristol’s bus services are run by FirstBus and you can buy an unlimited day ticket for £5. There are also night bus services.

If you want an alternative way to travel, Bristol Ferry Boat docks at multiple quays along the coast. Cars aren’t the most cost-effective or quickest way to travel around the city because parking is scarce and expensive and traffic can be a problem.

Taxis are expensive yet convenient and you can hail free black cabs whenever you see one. You can also hire private (often cheaper) taxis or use a ride-share service like Uber.

Things To Do in Bristol

Ride in a hot air balloon at bristol’s balloon fiesta.

One of the city’s most popular events is the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. It’s an annual event that takes place over a weekend in mid-August where tons of hot air balloons fill the sky.

It’s a spectacular sight and most people gather at the Ashton Court Estate to watch the display.

Shop at St Nicholas Market

St Nicholas Market is an undercover Georgian market selling everything from food, antiques, nicknacks, houseplants, soap and more.

Lots of local independent companies have stalls in this market so you can take home some souvenirs from a local artisan rather than a mass-produced trinket.

Witness Vistas of Bristol from Cabot Tower

Cabot Tower dates back to 1897 and sits on top of Brandon Hill, a park in the centre of the city. You can climb the 108 steps to the top of this 32-metre-tall historic tower for phenomenal views over the entire city.

Bristol, like other parts of the UK, doesn’t have any skyscrapers so you can gaze over the entire city and the countryside beyond.

Places to Visit in Bristol

Clifton suspension bridge.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge is the most iconic structure in the city and it is the top thing to do in Bristol. This bridge was built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1864 and links Bristol to the town of Leigh Woods over the Avon Gorge. 

It’s considered a masterpiece of urban design and an engineering triumph. There is even a visitor’s centre near the bridge so you can learn more about its inception.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Bristol Museum contains a little bit of everything and anything; natural science, street art, a Romany caravan, and so much more.

There’s even a sculpture created by local artist Banksy. No matter what your interests are, you are sure to find something that will fascinate you at the Bristol museum.

Some other fantastic museums in Bristol include the M Shed, The Georgian House Museum, and The Red Lodge Museum.

Bristol Cathedral

Bristol Cathedral dates back to the 12th century but its most recent facelift was in 1877. It’s a mix of architectural styles including Norman, Gothic, and Gothic Revival.

This Church of England cathedral is one of the most impressive in the country and you can enter for free. It’s also in a beautiful location on Bristol’s College Green.

Brunel’s SS Great Britain

Bristol’s maritime history is so extensive and vital to the city’s growth. Many historic ships sit as permanent time capsules in Bristol’s harbour but none more than the SS Great Britain .

This was a passenger liner built by Brunel (who also built the Clifton Suspension Bridge) in 1843.

It’s been restored and you can take a tour of the whole ship as well as learn more about Brunel and shipbuilding in general in the museum.

What To Eat in Bristol

English cuisine is infamous for being bland, unexciting, and carb-heavy. Signature dishes include battered cod and chips (thick-cut fries) and roast dinners consisting of meat like beef or pork and vegetables covered in gravy.

Not forgetting English fried breakfasts which are huge plates of eggs, toast, bacon, sausages, tomatoes, beans, black pudding and more.

For dessert, nothing beats a sticky toffee pudding covered in custard or cream. Apple crumbles, scones, and afternoon teas are also winners.

You’ll find all of these English stapes in Bristol. But England, including Bristol, is an incredibly multicultural and diverse nation. Curry houses and kebab shops are just as English as cafes serving afternoon teas.

There are tons of fantastic restaurants in Wapping Wharf . The Harbour Kitchen is a great seafood restaurant and you’ll find lots of traditional English pub grub on the menu at The Ox .

Where To Stay in Bristol

Because the city is so walkable, the best neighbourhoods to stay in Bristol are in the city centre. Bristol harbour, or Wapping Wharf, is the most picturesque part of Bristol, Clifton Village is more upmarket, and Broadmead is the shopping district. Old Market is also very central.

Mid-Range – There are tons of affordable chain hotels in Bristol like Holiday Inns, Premier Inns, and Travelodges. But if you’d prefer to stay somewhere a bit more unique while not blowing your budget, check out The Curious Cabinet. This is a quirky guesthouse with lots of vintage decor and a homely feel with room rates starting from £79 per night.

Luxury – Want to pay a little extra for a little bit of luxury? You can stay in a gorgeous boutique hotel on the harbour for around £147 per night. Bristol Harbour Hotel has a tasteful nautical theme and some suites even have bathtubs in the bedroom. The hotel is housed in a beautiful period building and they also have an onsite pool and free breakfast.

Tours To Do in Bristol

Banksy street art tour.

In case you didn’t already know, Bristol is the hometown of the uber-famous and elusive street artist Banksy. The city is filled with some of his best works including The Girl With the Pearl Earring, Well Hung Lover, and The Mild Mild West.

You could hunt them all down yourself, or you can take a street art walking tour and let a local guide do all the hard work for you. Joining a tour will also allow you to learn more about the artist and the meanings behind his pieces as well as Bristol’s street art scene today.

Craft Beer Tour

Bristol is one of the UK’s best cities for craft beer and has lots of speciality craft beer bars, breweries, and taprooms. By joining a craft beer tour , you will be able to sample flights of lots of different beers from multiple local Bristol breweries.

You will also have the advantage of a knowledgeable guide who can reserve tables because it can be difficult to find free seats on a busy weekend in Bristol!

Ferry Boat Tour

Want to see more of Bristol’s historic harbour? Join a boat tour where you can learn all about Bristol’s maritime past and see the city from a different angle. Most boat tours depart from Wapping Wharf and last up to 60 minutes.

Day Trips From Bristol

Yes, Jane Austen country is only a 40-minute drive (12 miles) away from Bristol which makes the city of Bath ideal for a day trip .

You can visit the Roman Baths that the town is named after, the beautiful Georgian houses on Royal Crescent, or a simple stroll around this gorgeous city.

Most of the buildings are made from the local Bath limestone so the city has a clean, unified style.

Bristol is located on the border of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s an area of England famous for adorable, charming cobblestone towns that look straight out of a fairytale book.

Castle Combe, Tetbury, and Slaughterford are just a few of those beautiful towns that are only around 20 miles away from Bristol. 

Cheddar Gorge

Do you love cheese? Of course, you do. Love geology or cool rock formations? Sure! Take a day trip to the town of Cheddar and follow the hiking trail through this beautiful ravine.

You can also explore the caves here before heading into the village and tasting as much of the town’s namesake treat as you can. It’s only a 45-minute drive (or 20 miles) south of the city.

Recommended tours in Bristol

• Blackbeard to Banksy – The Ultimate Walking Tour of Bristol
• Bristol’s Darkest Secrets Tour
• Guided Walking Tour of Bristol Old City and Harbour
• Guided Walking Tour of Suspension Bridge, Clifton Splendour & Old City
• Bristol Balloon Fiesta Champagne Flight from Bristol
• Bristol Street Art: Banksy & The Capital of Graffiti Exploration Game
• Brunel’s Bristol: A Self-Guided Tour from SS Great Britain to Clifton Bridge

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Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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Where to Stay in Bristol First Time: Best Areas & Neighborhoods

In this blog, I will help you to decide Where to stay in Bristol , best area to stay in Bristol for first-time visitors, for family, couples and the best hotels in Britol for all budgets (including the hotel where I stayed).

Bristol is a beautiful, vibrant city in the Southwest of England. Once a busy port town, Bristol is now a fashionable city renowned for its excellent arts and culture, first-class nightlife and entertainment, and brilliantly preserved historical architecture. 

The home of Banksy, Bristol is a mecca for street art, and the thread of artistic integrity and authenticity runs strongly through the city. If you are looking for a modern city rich with charm and character, Bristol is for you.

Where is the best area to stay in Bristol?

Some of the best areas to stay in Bristol for tourists and first-time visitors are the Old City, Harbourside, Clifton, Old Market, Temple, and Stokes Croft. These are popular and safe neighborhoods, offering a wide range of attractions and amenities.

Bristol Old City is the overall best area to stay in Bristol for first-time visitors due to its prime location and proximity to major attractions, museums, galleries, and historic sites. The area is rich in history with cobbled streets, old buildings, and charming architecture.

Where did I stay in Bristol?

When I first visited Bristol, I stayed for 5 nights at the Clayton Hotel Bristol City . It was a great accommodation in the city center, a short walk from Bristol Cathedral and Cabot Circus. Easy access to local bars and restaurants. I had a quiet room and comfortable bed.

Overviews of where to stay in Bristol for tourists

Here is an overview of recommended areas in Bristol for first-time visitors: 

Maps areas and neighborhoods of Bristol:

The Best areas to stay in Bristol for tourists are:

1. bristol old city.

Bristol Old City is the best overall place to stay in Bristol for first-timers due to its central location and proximity to majot attractions. Staying here offers easy access to top restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as important sights such as the Queen Square, Cascade Steps, and Bristol Old Vic.

Bristol Old City is one of the most historic neighborhoods in Bristol . Lovers of historical architecture will enjoy wandering the lanes and back streets lined with buildings constructed throughout the various eras since Bristol’s founding. 

One of the dominating features of the area is the Queen Square at the southern end of the Old City. The leafy park provides a calm green area to relax on warm days and makes for a popular meeting point for both locals and tourists.

This end of the Old City is surrounded by the docklands and the local hospitality takes advantage of the lovely views over the water. You can find plenty of fashionable bars and restaurants lining the waterfront, so you can enjoy wining and dining whilst overlooking the marinas. 

The area is full of various art installations and monuments. While they’re each worth visiting in their own right, one not to be missed is the Cascade Steps leading down to the water. The fountain installation features a marble staircase turned into a waterfall, while two public access stairways lead down either side, adding to the illusion.

If you prefer performance art, then you should make sure to check ahead to see what’s on at the Bristol Old Vic during your visit. The iconic theatre is the center point for theatrical art in Bristol and puts on some of the best productions in the city. Booking in advance is heavily advised if you don’t want to miss out on a show. 

The historic heart of Bristol of plenty shopping opportunities around the St Nicholas Market and Glass Arcade . The bustling St Nicholas Market is hosted in a beautiful Georgian Glass Arcade, with an array of stalls and stores, offering everything from street food and baked goods to craft items and antiques.

There are a Monday vegan market, Wednesday farmer’s market on Corn Street, Tuesday & Friday food market on Wine Street, as well as the Friday and Saturday Nails Market. The market is surrouned by impressive buildings, bars and restaurants, and the Bristol Harbour Hotel.

Continue the historic shopping experience by heading to the Christmas Steps next. The narrow shopping lane has been a Bristol icon since the steep steps were constructed in 1669, funded by a local wine merchant.

You can visit the Leonard Lane , which is the ancient hidden lanes to go to the Centerspace Gallery, showing the exhibitions of the work of many artists.

To keep you busy, the Bristol city center also offers Cabot Circus, Bristol Cathedral, the Street Food Market, the Bristol Shopping Quarter, Bristol Zoo, Bristol Central Library, Baldwin Street, The Galleries to explore.

Bristol Old city offers a wide range of accommodation options for all budget travelers ranging from budget backpacker hostels to 5-star luxury hotels.

Stay in Bristol Old city if you are visiting Bristol for the first time; you want to appreciate the history of the city; you want to stay close to the waterfront; you prefer shopping at independent boutiques and markets.

Best places to stay in Bristol Old city for first-timers :

luxury ($$$): Clayton Hotel Bristol City , great family-friendly accommodation, located in the heart of Bristol, ideal base for first-time visitors, offering easy access to Cabot Circus, Bristol Cathedral, and Temple Meads Station. It has air-conditioned rooms and a 24-hour front desk.

mid-range ($$): The Bristol Hotel , 4-star hotel located on the quayside of the Floating Harbour, within walking distance from Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Queens Square, Arnolfini Gallery, Castle Park and The Galleries shopping center.

budget ($): Brooks Guesthouse Bristol , family-friendly boutique hotel, located in Bristol’s Old Town, next to St Nicholas Market, which offers exotic food stalls. It is only a 2-minute walk from the O2 Arena and the Bristol Hippodrome.

2. Harbourside

Harbourside gains its name from its past as the primary docklands for this once busy port city . In the modern-day it has transformed into a thriving entertainment center, boasting some of Bristol’s top sights and attractions, as well as museums, galleries, bars and restaurants.

Stroll along the harbourside you can find many attractions including the Brunel’s ss Great Britain, Banksy’s Girl with the Pierced Eardrum, At-Bristol Science Centre, Bristol Aquarium and M Shed.

One of the main attractions of both the area and the city as a whole is the magnificent Bristol Cathedral . Dating back to the 12th century, parts of the original structure and even furnishings still remain. However, much of the building has had to be rebuilt or renovated over the centuries, and as such the Cathedral stands as a monument to the various architectural fashions through the ages. 

The Cathedral sits just across the College Green from the Bristol Council Building . The curved red brick building is a grand structure in its own right, and the proximity between the two offers a great contrast between historic and modern architecture.

Just south of the cathedral is the Bristol Aquarium . Home to an array of exhibits displaying numerous fascinating sea creatures, the aquarium makes for a fun and educational family day out. More than just for entertainment, the aquarium is also a conservation center, involved in various breeding programs and awareness campaigns. 

For more maritime fun you can head to see Brunel’s SS Great Britain . The restored and permanently moored 19 th century passenger ship has been converted into a museum for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can explore the deck and cabins and learn about her construction and journeys. The ship is docked just across the river, so to reach it you can catch a ferry from one of several terminals and enjoy a short cruise. 

Whilst in the area, you should also take the time to visit Millennium Square . The open public square is ringed by shops, cafes, and restaurants, whilst the square itself is full of various art installations and statues of notable Bristolians. 

Along the waterfront, many of the remaining warehouses and port facilities have been converted into trendy restaurants, bars, and cafes. Especially in the summer, it is a lovely place to go for a meal or a drink with views over the river Avon.

If you need a break from the urban jungle, head to Brandon Hill in the north of the district. The sprawling public park is a great place to take a moment to relax. Families with children will appreciate the opportunity to let them run off some energy in the wide-open space.

Follow the paths to the top of the hill and you will come to Cabot Tower . Built at the end of the 19th-century, visitors can still climb to the top of the stone viewing tower for stunning panoramic views across the whole city.

Stay in Harbourside if A central location with a good variety of sights and attractions is ideal; You want to stay close to the river; You are traveling with family; You enjoy a good range of educational attractions.

Best places to stay in Bristol Harbourside :

• mid-range ($$): Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel , 4-star Victorian-style hotel that has family rooms and private parking, offering a fabulous location next to Bristol Cathedral and the historic waterfront.
• budget ($): ibis Bristol Centre , 3-star modern hotel, offering views of Millennium Square, located in Bristol’s vibrant Harborside area, featuring a stylish bar and cafe restaurant.
• budget ($): 3 Berkeley Square Guesthouse , great B&B, set a short distance from attractions such as Bristol Zoo Gardens and Cabot Circus.

3. Old Market

Old Market is a neighborhood that date back to the time of the city’s founding. Old Market in particular is so packed full of superbly preserved historic buildings that it has been designated as a Conservation Area of national significance. 

Once a major marketplace lining the road leading to the local castle, Old Market is now a thriving hub of alternative culture. Old Market is well known by both locals and tourists as being home to some of the best nightlife Bristol has to offer. 

With more of a laid-back, authentic atmosphere than many of the party districts in the city center, this is an area where you can enjoy a fun night out away from the fabricated gimmicks of the hyper trendy contemporary bars and clubs in the tourist districts.

Many of the venues here are hosted in converted historic buildings, so you can find plenty of unique locations with an authentically quirky atmosphere. This Bristol’s Gay Village is also where you will find most of Bristol’s specifically LGBT-friendly nightlife, mostly concentrated around the main A20 road.

Whilst Old Market is relatively close to the city center, it’s still further from the main tourist hubs and attractions than many of the other districts on this list. Old Market is ideal for those looking for a more bohemian neighborhood away from the tourist traps and crowds of the city center. 

However, if it’s your first time visiting, or you are only staying for a shorter trip, then the slightly more awkward location may be a drawback.

Stay in Old Market if A thriving nightlife scene is important; LGBT, gay-friendly bars are a plus; You appreciate historical architecture; You want to stay in a more alternative, bohemian area;

Best places to stay in Bristol Old Market for first-time visitors :

mid-range ($$): Future Inn Bristol , 4-star family-friendly hotel, set next to Cabot Circus shopping center, short walk from Bristol’s Temple Meads Station. It offers a convenient car parking for overnight guests in the Cabot Circus car park, adjacent to the hotel.

mid-range ($$): Leonardo Hotel Bristol City , 4-star accommodations with a restaurant , air-conditioned rooms, a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange for guests.

budget ($): ibis Bristol Temple Meads , 3-star children-friendly hotel, located in the Temple Quay area, just 5 minutes’ walk from Temple Meads Railway Station.

4. Stokes Croft

Stokes Croft is one of the edgier, cooler neighborhoods in Bristol. Just beyond the contemporary shopping hub of Broadmead, Stokes Croft and the smaller roads leading away offer an ungentrified alternative. This is the area to head to if you want to immerse yourself in the street arts and culture that Bristol has to offer.

The main Stokes Croft Road is lined with independent boutiques and vintage clothing shops. It is a great place to go if you want to find some unique fashion pieces that you wouldn’t be likely to find in the chain stores. 

There are also plenty of family-owned cafes, restaurants, and pubs that offer a more authentically local experience than what you may find in the city center. The quieter backstreets leading away from the main road are home to a number of artists studios, small galleries, and artisan shops. 

Stokes Croft is home of the notorious Banksy, some of his first and most famous murals can still be found if you know which walls to check. His mural “The Mild Mild West” , depicting a teddy bear facing off against riot police, has survived here since the 90s. You can check out Hamilton House and Canteen.

The area may seem quite rundown at first glance, and it’s true that it is not known to be one of the most affluent areas of Bristol. However, the buildings in various states of urban decay provide a perfect canvas for the many street artists of the city to work their graffiti magic. 

It’s always worth taking a walk around the neighborhood to see what’s new, since so many artists in the area create a high turnover rate, and new works are appearing and being painted over every week.

This area is one whose development is largely pushed by the local community, rather than outside investors. Indeed, public protests took place in opposition to the opening of a chain supermarket. As such, the neighborhood retains a distinct sense of genuine charm and character. 

For a rather different look at Bristol’s art heritage, you can visit the Charles Wesley House museum . Converted from the poet’s Georgian home, the museum provides insights into the Bristol of the 18 th century, as well as the life of the local poet known for writing over 6500 hymns. 

Stay in Stokes Croft if you have an appreciation for street art; you want to stay in one of the trendier, edgier neighborhoods of Bristol; you prefer independent boutiques over chain brands and shopping malls.

Best Places to Stay in Stokes Croft for first-timers :

• budget ($): The Full Moon Backpackers
• budget ($): & Cosy Apartment in the heart of Stokes Croft
• budget ($): Artist Residence Bristol

The north-western suburb of Clifton is an affluent neighborhood that is known for its independent shops and boutiques, high-end dining, and chic bars. But Clifton is more than just a fancy suburb and there is plenty for visitors to see and do here.

The most famous attraction in the area is the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge . The bridge finished construction in 1864 and has stood as both a marvel of engineering and a major landmark ever since. Images of the bridge can be found on most Bristol souvenirs and postcards, so it is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting the city. 

If you decide to actually cross the bridge, you will be able to visit the Leigh Woods visitor center and museum , where you can learn more about its construction and the turbulence surrounding its development.

Just north of the bridge is the Clifton Observatory . Converted from an 18th-century windmill, the observatory offers some wonderful views. Visitors should definitely stop to enjoy said views and a drink from the rooftop café.

A great venue for a family day out is the wonderful Bristol Zoo Gardens . The zoo focuses on conservation and education, with a wide range of animals housed here, from penguins to gorillas to lizards. 

It is a great place for everyone to learn about the animals we share our world with whilst enjoying a walk around the lush gardens. There’s even an onsite hotel, The Lodge , for guests who want to stay at the center of the park.

The north of the district is dominated by the Clifton Downs . The vast fields stretch along the River Avon and then lead away across the top of Clifton, taking up about a third of the region’s area. Comprised of both woodland and open grass, it’s a g reat place for the whole family to get out in the fresh air for a walk.

Just across the river is the National Trust Leigh Woods . The protected forest boasts several trails winding through the trees and plenty of historic sites and curious structures to discover. 

Other highlights for you to explore are Ashton Court, Clifton and Durdham Downs, University of Bristol Botanic Gardens, and the Victorian Clifton Arcade.

Stay in Clifton if you are visiting with young children; you want to stay in central Bristol; you want to stay in a laid-back suburban area but still have easy access to the Bristol city center; you enjoy spending time outdoors.

Best places to stay in Bristol Clifton for the first time :

mid-range ($$): Beech House , stylish boutique apartments situated just off Whiteladies Road in Clifton, short walk from the shops and restaurants of Clifton Triangle and Park Street and the Clifton Lido and Spa. Also close to Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Zoo Gardens.

mid-range ($$): Number 38 Clifton , a modern boutique hotel set in a Georgian townhouse, offering rooms with views of the Clifton Downs or Bristol city center. Set within 10 minutes walk of bars, restaurants, and Clifton Down Train Station.

budget ($): Victoria Square Hotel Clifton Village , located on a leafy Georgian square in fashionable Clifton Village. Close to Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.

6. Broadmead

Broadmead is Bristol’s modern City Centre. A hub of multiple large shopping centers , connected by broad pedestrian-only avenues, this is the perfect area for anyone who wants to spend their vacation engaging in a bit of retail therapy.

This area is for those who enjoy the contemporary shopping experience . If you are looking for independent boutiques and local craft stores, you won’t be finding many of those here. What you will find is a host of well-known brands from Zara to Ted Baker, as well as plenty of chain cafes and restaurants to keep you refreshed. 

If you get tired of shopping and want to experience a bit more of Bristol’s modern culture, you might want to see if anything is going on at The Bear Pit . This unusual public park is located in the middle of a busy roundabout, accessible by either the pedestrian crossings or several subways. 

The park is a good place to spot some local art , both in the form of official sculpture installations, as well as street art and graffiti over almost every available surface. 

Street-food stalls are often set up here, and it is a popular spot for public speakers and street performers to draw in a crowd. It also hosts various public events throughout the year, so it’s definitely worth checking out.

But it’s not all concrete shopping malls. At the south of the area is the lovely Castle Park , a large public garden stretching along the length of Broadmead, between the shopping centers and the river Avon. 

Aside from being a charming spot for a riverside picnic, the park is home to the remains of several historical structures, most notably the castle which grants the park its name. Bristol Castle is now largely ruined, but what remains is in remarkably good condition considering it dates back beyond the writing of the Doomsday Book in 1086. 

Despite various attempts over the centuries to tear it down, and suffering under the bombings of the blitz, there is still enough of this once grand fortress remaining to make it worth the visit. 

The center of the park is home to another ruined building, St Peter’s Church . Dating back almost as far as the castle, the church is in somewhat better shape, despite having also been bombed during the blitz. 

It’s not structurally sound enough for you to go inside but it makes an impressive sight, especially when you consider that it is almost a thousand years old.

One last ruin stands in the west end of the park, Saint Mary le Port Church . With foundations dating back as far as the Saxons, the church as it stands today was built in the 11th century and stood the test of time until it too succumbed to the blitz. The church is now surrounded by modern buildings, so you have to make a point to look for it through the trees.

Stay in Broadmead if Shopping is a highlight of your vacation; You want to stay somewhere very central; You enjoy viewing ancient ruins and historical buildings; You want somewhere with a lot of variety as to what is on offer.

Best places to stay in Bristol Broadmead :

• mid-range ($$): Hotel du Vin Bristol
• mid-range ($$): Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre
• mid-range ($$): PREMIER SUITES PLUS Bristol Cabot 

The eastern section of the Redcliffe district is known as Temple Meads , or simply Temple. This area is home to Bristol’s major train station Bristol Temple Meads , which dominates the south sector. There are several hotels immediately next door to the station. 

This is an ideal location for anyone traveling in and out of the city by train, who wants to minimize time wasted traveling between the station and your accommodation.

Temple is a very central location . Just a few minutes north across the Avon are the shopping hub of Broadmead, and the nightlife center of Old Market. Meanwhile, immediately west is the popular central hub of Redcliffe. The train station also provides convenient access to districts of the city further from the center. 

Alternatively, the station also links to various villages and local towns in the area surrounding Bristol. If you would like to spend a day or two exploring more typical, small-town English life, or ramble around the countryside, this is a great place to stay for that convenience.

The area owes its name to the 12 th century Temple Church . Whilst partially ruined by bombing during World War II, the outer walls still stand as a testament to the buildings enduring beauty. 

The Church itself gets its name from being built on the site of a previous Knights Templar Church . The circular footprint of that ancient church can still be seen within the walls of the newer square church.

Next to the church, the historic graveyard has been converted into the public Temple Garden . The leafy park is surrounded by pubs, restaurants, and bakeries, and makes a lovely place to relax with a picnic.

There is plenty to keep you entertained after sundown here too. There is a variety of bars and pubs that stay open until late, some with lovely views over the river. If clubs are more your style, then head just across the river to Avon Street where you will find Motion. 

The iconic converted warehouse venue was ranked as the 19 th best club in the entire world by DJ Mag and hosts the industry’s top DJs and artists, so you know you will be in for a great night.

Stay in Temple if You are traveling in and out of Bristol by train and want to stay close to the station; You are interested in venturing out into the towns and countryside surrounding the city; Staying central and well connected to other major districts is ideal.

Best hotels in Bristol Temple for first-time visitors:

• mid-range ($$): Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Centre
• mid-range ($$): Cleyro Serviced Apartments – Finzels Reach
• budget ($): Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Centre, an IHG Hotel

Cotham is another of Bristol’s affluent inner-city suburb s, although rather less green than Clifton. Distinctly residential, there is little here in the way of sights and attractions, but it is just a short journey to Bristol city center. 

This is an area for visitors looking for a quieter neighborhood from which to explore Bristol without being constantly swamped by crowds. The hospitality and shopping in the area are mostly aimed at the local population, featuring primarily family-run restaurants and small independent cafes. 

Bordering Stokes Croft there is an overflow of independent boutiques and artists’ studios. If you enjoy exploring local art cultures but aren’t fond of the edgy vibe of Stokes Croft, Cotham may be your ideal alternative.

The area is known for boasting a lot of boutique hotels and guesthouses converted from residential houses. If you are looking to forgo the big contemporary hotels in favor of something more intimate and cozy, Cotham may just be exactly what you are looking for. 

These little guesthouses, located down residential streets, will allow visitors to stay at the heart of the local community. This is a great option if you are hoping to experience what everyday life is like in Bristol.

Stay in Cotham if you want a quieter, more residential neighborhood, away from the crowded city center; you would like to immerse yourself in the local community and experience what typical Bristol life is like;

Best places to stay in Bristol Cotham :

• Sussex Mews Homestay
• Sandbed House – Sleeps 6

9. Redcliffe

Redcliffe is a large, central district just across the water from the Old City. The area includes the sub-district of Temples Mead, so visitors staying here have immediate access to Bristol’s largest train station. 

With the Old City to the west, Broadmead to the north, and Old Market to the east, it would be hard to pick a more convenient location . The north of the area is largely council buildings and offices, but the south has a leafy suburban vibe. 

It is here that you will find the primary attraction of Redcliffe, St. Mary Redcliffe Church . The majestic 15th-century church is a stunning example of full-scale gothic architecture, with sweeping spires and towering windows. Whilst much of the structure has survived the many centuries, the stained-glass windows were sadly destroyed during the civil war, with the current panes dating back to the Victorian period. 

Various unique local cafes and restaurants can be found throughout the neighborhood, including the Kiln restaurant which is housed in a converted glass factory. However, much of the hospitality is concentrated in the southwest corner, near to the marina. 

Here you will find various bars and restaurants where you can enjoy your meal and drinks with a lovely view overlooking the marina or the River Avon. 

For a hidden gem experience, check ahead to see if there are any events going on in the Redcliffe Caves during your visit. The sandstone caves stretch under Redcliffe and are often open to being explored by those wielding a torch. More notably, they are often used as a venue by local film screening groups , particularly for horror films, so you may be able to catch a unique cinematic experience.

Stay in Redcliffe if you want to stay somewhere central with great connections to other popular areas; you are traveling in or out of the city by train; you want to stay close to the Bristol city center but in a less crowded neighborhood.

Best places to stay in Bristol in Redcliffe:

• mid-range ($$): Novotel Bristol Centre
• mid-range ($$): PREMIER SUITES Bristol Redcliffe
• budget ($): Redcliffe Parade No11 I Your Apartment

10. Bristol Airport

Bristol International Airport is located a few miles southwest of the city. Bridgewater Road leads directly into the center of Bristol, so it is fairly easy to get in and out. However, the distance means this is not an ideal location if you are hoping to spend multiple days exploring the city. 

The airport is surrounded by beautiful countryside, as well as a golf course and several campsites . It makes a decent option for those who enjoy spending time outside. Goblin Coombe Woods, immediately west of the airport is a particularly lovely area for a walk. 

Meanwhile, the public road that rings the runway is also a popular spot for airplane enthusiasts who enjoy the excellent views of planes taking off and landing. There are also several small villages around this area, the closest being Lulsgate Bottom and the largest being Felton. 

Lulsgate Bottom is ideal for anyone who just needs somewhere to stay before their flight . There are several options for accommodation in the village, ranging from boutique to budget, and all are only a couple of minutes away from the airport.

Just east, across the fields, Felton is a typical example of a modern English village , primarily filled with residential streets and cul de sacs.

The town pub, The George , is a great place to enjoy a casual dinner and mingle with the locals. It is also one of several B&Bs and guesthouses in the town that cater to travelers using the airport, many of which offer complimentary airport shuttle services.

If small, family-run hotels are not your preference, there are still plenty of options to choose from outside of the local villages, with more contemporary, chain options on the grounds of the airport. 

Stay in Bristol Airport if Staying close to the airport is a priority; you want to enjoy the English countryside; you want to stay in a small local village, whilst still having access to the larger city; you don’t plan to explore Bristol City over several days.

Best places to stay in Bristol International Airport:

• budget ($): Hampton By Hilton Bristol Airport , 3-star hotel, a popular place to stay in Bristol near airport, featuring family rooms, a continental breakfast, and private parking.
• budget ($): Accommodation Bristol Airport , located in Redhill, on a small holding away from the flight path. the bedrooms have a private bathroom with free toiletries.
• budget ($): Acorns Old Farm , great accommodation, a few steps from Bristol Airport, it has a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, bicycle parking and free Wifithroughout the property.

Where should I stay in Bristol for the first time?

Bristol Old City is the best area to stay in Bristol for first-timers due to its prime location. If you stay here, you will be located in the middle of everything, within easy access to major sights, as well as many restaurants, bars, and shops.

What are the best areas to stay in Bristol?

Old City, Clifton, Old Market, Broadmead, Harbourside, Temple, Stokes Croft, Cotham, and Redcliffe are the best areas to stay in Bristol because they are the most popular neighborhoods for tourists that offer a wide range of attractions and amenities.

How many days should I spend in Bristol?

Well, that really depends on what you want to see and do in Bristol. I’d recommend at least 2-3 days to fully explore the city’s vibrant culture, history, and attractions.

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In conclusion, Bristol Old City, Harbourside, Clifton, Old Market, Broadmead, Temple, Stokes Croft, Cotham, and Redcliffe are the best places to stay in Bristol for tourists and first-time travelers. They offer plenty of things to do and see for all travelers.

Overall, Old City is the best area to stay in Bristol for the first-time travelers due to its central location and a wide range of accommodation options for all budget travelers. If you book a hotel here, you will be located in the middle of the action.

About Author: Linda Smith

I'm Linda Smith, the Hotel Expert, an experienced travel blogger who passionate about traveling. I'm here to share with you all my travel experiences and tips. I cover a wide range of travel topics, specializing in sharing information about the best areas, neighborhoods, and hotels in each city. I hope all these things will make your travel easier.

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Visit Bristol

Visit Bristol to enjoy a diverse entertainment scene, some of the best produce Britain has to offer, locally brewed beer, and many museums and historical displays. The River Avon is Bristol’s lifeblood and the city’s harbor is a great place to start your visit. Once a center of the shipping industry, the harbor area has now been regenerated into one of culture and entertainment. It’s the site of the annual Bristol Harbour Festival, one of the U.K.’s largest festivals. The harbor is also home to the steamship SS Great Britain. Buy a ticket and climb aboard to learn about the vessel’s eventful life at sea, and understand why it’s considered to be a marvel of its time. In the city center, visit St. Nicholas Market and spend a morning or afternoon browsing stalls selling anything from old records and handmade jewelry, to hot sauces and haberdashery. On Wednesdays, head here to buy fresh produce at the farmer’s market, then enjoy a snack made with locally sourced ingredients. Pair your food with a Somerset cider or a beer from the local Butcombe and Zerodegrees breweries. By night, Bristol offers a range of entertainment options from classical music at Colston Hall, to theater at the Bristol Old Vic and Bristol Hippodrome. The city also offers plenty of activities the whole family can enjoy. Attractions like We The Curious, Bristol Aquarium, Bristol Zoo Gardens and M Shed get kids burning energy while they learn. Another Bristol landmark, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, is a short drive from the center of town. Families will also enjoy the city’s festivals, including the Bristol Festival of Nature, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Europe’s largest hot air balloon event, and the Bristol Festival of Puppetry.Bristol is one of the warmest, and sunniest, cities in the U.K. This is due to its position in the south, and its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll find better accommodation deals outside the warmer months, which are between May and September.Getting around Bristol is easy and the city actively promotes public transportation. Make use of the excellent bus service, or rent a bike and see why this city is considered so cycle-friendly.

Where to stay in Bristol

Bristol City Centre

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.

Clifton is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Clifton Downs and Observatory and The Downs while you're in town.

Bristol Floating Harbour

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.

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.

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 Memorial Stadium.

Keynsham is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Chew Valley and Kennet & Avon Canal.

• Bristol Hotel Deals
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Check Bristol hotel availability

Popular places to visit.

• University of Bristol

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

• Cabot Circus Shopping Centre

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

• Bristol Hippodrome Theatre

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

• Ashton Gate Stadium

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

• Clifton Suspension Bridge

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

• Thornbury Castle

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

Things to do

St. nicholas market and air raid shelter walking tour, the best of bristol walking tour, bristol bike rental, reviews of bristol.

Had a very nice stay. The staff was very helpful with directions and places to go see. Would stay here again. It was just a short taxi ride from the station.

If you are visiting from the U.S. & drive a rental vehicle in U.K., rent a small car, not an SUV! The streets are small. On some street, parking are allowed on both sides of the street, portion of your vehicle will be in the opposite traffic lane!

5/5 - Excellent

Bristol is a multicultural city. So many things to do and see. So many different places to eat and or drink and have a good time with friends and or family. Great for children and adults of all age groups. There is something for everyone

Convenient for us for proximity to Bath and Newport (Wales.) Great place to catch the train to London!!

Cold and wet....English weather...but Bristol a beautiful Historic and Modern City to visit

I love small towns with winding roads and loads of natural, green spaces. Bristol had both!

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Bristol

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• Cities near Bristol

Weston-super-Mare

Other places like Bristol

• Places of interest
• Bath Spa University
• Aztec West Business Park
• SS Great Britain
• Noah's Ark Zoo Farm
• The Mall at Cribbs Causeway
• Bristol Cathedral
• Bath Racecourse
• St Nicholas Market
• Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery
• Queen Square
• Chew Valley Lake
• Mendip Hills
• Banksy Graffiti Frogmore Street
• Ashton Court Mansion
• Old Vic Theatre
• Bristol City Hall
• Cabot Tower
• Millennium Square
• Dyrham Park
• We The Curious
• Wills Memorial Building
• Tyntesfield
• Chew Valley

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

Things to do in Bristol: A Bristol Itinerary and Planning Guide

Last updated: March 25, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 10 Comments

I almost went to university in Bristol, which would have been a great choice, as it’s a fantastically beautiful city. As life turned out though, I ended up at Nottingham, home to the oldest pubs in Britain. Which wasn’t a deciding factor, honestly.

Still, Jess and I have explored Bristol thoroughly as part of our mission to explore as many corners of the UK as possible. We visited when we were living in Edinburgh, and then we moved to Bath which is just a short drive away.

As a result of our time spent in Bristol over the years, we’ve put together our suggestions of some of our favourite things to do in Bristol.

This covers some of our favourite sights in Bristol as well as places to eat and a few photography locations you’ll want to visit.

We’ve laid this guide to things to do in Bristol out in the form of an itinerary for 2 days in Bristol to help you plan, but this list can be used for any length trip to Bristol of course.

Following this, you’ll find some advice on when to visit Bristol and other planning advice for putting together the perfect trip. Let’s get started!

Things to Do in Bristol

Things to do in Bristol: Day 1

1. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

We’re starting off our two days in Bristol with a visit to the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery , which covers a wide range of subjects, from natural history through to Egyptology.

There are also exhibitions with a more regional focus, including work by local artists, information on the history of interesting fossil finds in the Bristol area, and a gallery which showcases how Bristol has changed over the centuries. For a more Bristol focused museum though, you’ll want to head to M-Shed, which is on the itinerary for the second day.

We particularly enjoyed seeing the Banksy statue “Paint pot Angel” and the dinosaur fossils, although there is a lot to see here with something for everyone. A good way to start off your Bristol adventure! Entry to the museum is free with a suggested donation. Special exhibits are separately priced.

2. Climb Cabot Tower

One thing I always like to do when visiting an unfamiliar city is to get to a place where I can get a good view of it, to help me get my bearings. In Bristol, the place to do that is at Cabot Tower.

This is a 19th century tower which commemorates the journey of John Cabot from Bristol to what later became Canada, in the year 1497. It’s found near the top of Brandon Hill, just a short walk from the Bristol Museum, and the 32 metre tower offers an excellent view of much of Bristol and surrounds, including the river area.

Climbing the tower is free, and you can see opening times here.

3. Georgian House Museum

We’re going to head towards the old city centre of Bristol now, but on the way you have the opportunity to stop in at the Georgian House Museum , which is on the way down the hill from Cabot Tower on Great George Street.

This house was built in 1790 for a man named John Pinney, who owned a number of sugar plantations in the Caribbean, as well as the slave labour that allowed these plantations to be so profitable. When Jess and I visited the deep south of the USA, we visited a number of plantations along the river road , where we learned a lot about the lives of plantation owners and slaves.

The Georgian House offers a small insight into slavery in England. Bristol profited heavily from the slave trade and slave-run plantations. Slave ships were operated out of Bristol, running the infamous “slave triangle”, taking goods to Africa from the UK, slaves from Africa to the USA, and then the plantation products from the USA back to the UK. Ships were also built in Bristol, which further added to the city’s wealth.

The Georgian house shows what that wealth would have looked like to a man like John Pinney who profited from the slave trade. Eleven rooms spread across four floors reveal the luxuries available in the late 18th century, as well as the stark difference between life “above stairs” and “below stairs”. Entry is free, and is definitely worth some of your time.

4. Christmas Steps

Next on our list is going to be a photo stop, before we swoop into lunch. Christmas Steps is a small and narrow stepped lane in Bristol’s city centre, dating from the mid 17th century, and lined with beautiful old buildings.

It’s the centrepiece of the Christmas Steps Arts Quarter, eight streets filled with independent shops, bars, cafes and art galleries, many of which don’t seem to have changed too much over the centuries. It’s worth exploring and an excellent photo opportunity.

5. Lunch at St. Nicholas Market

There’s no shortage of places to eat in Bristol, but one of our favourites was definitely the Glass Arcade at the St. Nicholas Indoor Market , which you’ll find on Corn Street. Winner of the award for Britain’s best large indoor market in 2016, and in operation since 1743, this is Bristol’s oldest market, with over 60 stall holders.

But we’re here for lunch, so head to the Glass Arcade – a large open glass-covered area with seating that offers plenty of food stalls to pick from, cuisines that vary from local to worldly. Take a look at some of the stalls available here , to get yourself excited. I went with Moroccan from the Moorish Cafe , whilst Jess had a healthy salad option from the Olive Works . But whatever food you’re into, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed!

6. Explore the Old City

Since our itinerary has brought you down into the old city, our suggestion for your post-lunch activity would be to wander Bristol’s old city for a little while.

The crossroads of Corn Street and High Street was the centre of the medieval city, and as you explore this small area you’ll be able to see traces of the old city boundaries, including the walls and gateways that used to mark the edges of the city. Of course, today Bristol has expanded far beyond these old walls, but it’s fun to walk around and imagine what the city might have been like in the past.

Naturally, you can explore the old city on your own, but there are also other options. For example, this self-guided tour you can download to your smartphone is a cost-effective way to learn about what you are seeing in the city.

7. Take a Street Art Tour

Bristol is famous for its street art, not least because it was where legendary street artist Banksy first came into the public eye. It is also believed to be the childhood home of Banksy although there is still speculation about his identity. So we think it’s appropriate to spend some time exploring the street art of Bristol!

You can either do this by yourself, or you can take a specific tour like this .

If you choose to do it by yourself, we highly recommend dropping into a tourist office and picking up a copy of the Bristol Street Art Map by Where the Wall, which has detailed information about where to find all the most famous pieces of street art in Bristol, as well as popular areas to find new street art.

That was what I did, and I documented my adventures in my post on Bristol’s Street Art .

Alternatively, you might consider this interactive street art exploration game .

If you’d rather take a tour, then we suggest the Where the Wall street art walking tour company, who operate the longest running street art tour in the UK. Timings for their tours are up on their website, but based on our itinerary, we’d suggest going for their Banksy tour , which start at 2pm. They also do another tour , which starts at midday, so you’d have to re-arrange this schedule a little to accommodate that.

Whichever tour you choose, we suggest booking in advance and always checking tour times and information on the official website.

8. Watch Sunset at the Clifton Suspension Bridge

Depending on the time of your visit, sunset will be at varying times. But whenever it is, either before you eat or after, we highly recommend that you take the time to go up to the Clifton Suspension Bridge and enjoy the sunset from there.

This iconic bridge is the symbol of Bristol, with a design based on drawings by one of Britain’s greatest Victorian engineers: Isambard Kingdom Brunel . Whilst it is today accepted that the final version of the bridge differs from Brunel’s original vision, it is certainly the bridge that most associate with Brunel, and when built, had the longest span of any bridge in the world.

Today the bridge is still very much in use, and you can both drive and walk across it. We’d suggest that you head up to the park on the east side of the bridge though, where you’ll find the Clifton observatory, and lovely views of both the bridge, and the sunset. On warm summer days this is a very popular location with locals and visitors alike, who come up here to enjoy the evening warmth and views. A lovely way to end your first day exploring in Bristol!

Things to do in Bristol: Day 2

9. Bristol Cathedral

Our second day in Bristol has you starting off at Bristol Cathedral , seat of the Church of England in the city. This was founded as an Augustine abbey in 1140, although the version you see today largely dates from work undertaken in the 14th –16th centuries.Some parts of the original do survive though, including the Chapter House (dating from 1160!) and the Abbey Gatehouse.

In its present form the Cathedral is a stunning building both inside and out, with beautiful vaulting, medieval stonework and 14th century stained glass, to name but some of the features. It’s also one of the few churches in Britain to be designed as a “hall church”, where the nave, choir and aisles are all the same height. There’s an on-site cafe too, where you can grab a coffee to fortify you for the rest of your days explorations!

10. Bristol Aquarium

Down in the harbourside area just a short walk from the cathedral there are a number of excellent museums and attractions. Which of these you decide to visit will of course depend on your interests and who you’re travelling with, but we’re including a few highlights to give you ideas, ordered in a logical fashion.

First on that list is the Bristol Aquarium . This is home to over forty marine life displays, with everything from local specimens through to tropical environments on show. Unusually for an aquarium, there’s also a giant botanical house on site, that you walk through as part of the tour. The aquarium is open year round, and is an excellent attraction for families especially. Check out their official website for opening times, prices, and special events.

11. We the Curious (Bristol Science Centre)

Right next door to the Aquarium is We the Curious (formerly known as the At-Bristol Science Centre), which focuses on highly interactive science themed exhibits. There’s a lot of really hands on stuff here, and we had a lot of fun playing with the various displays.

There’s also a whole part of the attraction dedicated to animation. Bristol is home to Aardman Animations , the animation studio responsible for Wallace & Gromit as well as UK TV character Morph . This attraction was put together by Aardman, and lets you become an animator for the day – even creating your own TV show.

This is definitely a museum for people who like a more hands-on, interactive attraction, and you could easily spend a whole day here. Again, check the official website for opening times and ticket prices .

If you want to get deeper under the skin of what make Bristol tick, then a visit to M-Shed is an absolute must. This free museum, housed in a former transit shed, has exhibits that focus exclusively on telling the story of the city, from prehistoric times right up to the present day.

We don’t like to play favourites, but M Shed was definitely a highlight of the various museums and attractions that we visited. We loved how it explored the history of the city, with everything from the people to the geography to Bristol’s experiences in the war on show. There are even working exhibits on show, including the giant cranes outside the museum, and the museum even has its own Banksy on show. Not to be missed.

13. Visit the SS Great Britain

No visit to Bristol would be complete without a visit to the SS Great Britain – Bristol’s top visitor attraction. Designed by Brunel, the SS Great Britain was built in Bristol and launched in 1845. She was the first ship with both an iron hull and a screw propeller, and was also the longest passenger ship in the world.

Initially built as a transatlantic passenger ship, the cost of building and tweaking such a radical design combined with the cost of rescuing her after she ran aground ended up bankrupting her owners.

As a result she has a varied service history, including 30 years spent taking immigrants to Australia from Liverpool in the UK and coal-hauling. Finally, in 1937, she was scuttled and abandoned in the Falkland Islands.

Of course, the story doesn’t end there, as otherwise there wouldn’t be much to visit! In 1970, a great rescue operation took place, and what remained of her hull was floated onto a pontoon and returned to her place of construction in Bristol.

Following an extensive restoration process, she re-opened to the public, and today you can visit and tour her in a form that resembles her glory days as a transatlantic ship. Tickets are slightly cheaper if you book them online, which you can do online here .

14. Take a picture of the colourful houses

One thing that will catch your eye when you visit Bristol is the variety and colour of many of the homes and buildings in the city. This is one of Bristol’s signature features, and you definitely need to get a photo of these homes.

We actually visited Bristol during the Bristol Balloon Fiesta , and were lucky enough to go up in a balloon, and see all these houses from above.

But don’t worry if a balloon ride isn’t on the cards. If you walk a little further west along the south side of the river from the SS Great Britain, you’ll come to a lovely harbour area where many boats are moored. On the opposite side of the river, you’ll see a lovely selection of colourful houses for you to get a picture of.

15. Underfall yard

The last stop on our two day Bristol itinerary continues the marine theme. Underfall Yard is a historic Victorian-era boatyard in Bristol. The name “underfall” comes from the design solution that Brunel developed to resolve the issue of silt filling up Bristol’s floating harbour, which used a series of sluices to suck away the mud – a system that is still in use today.

Much of the original yard has been preserved, and is home today to a boat building cooperative, as well as various exhibits on the history of the floating harbour and the sluicing technology. I certainly learnt a few things that I didn’t know before, and I’m sure you will too!

With that, we’ve finished our ideas for how to spend two days in Bristol! Let’s take a look now at some practicalities for your visit.

Getting to Bristol

Bristol is a well connected city. There’s a fast train connection to London, which takes less than two hours, and of course it’s connected to a number of other cities in the UK as well.

Bristol also has an airport, with connections to a number of UK and European cities.

Finally, Bristol is easy to drive to, although in the city centre, we’d advise leaving the car safely parked somewhere else, as parking can be tricky to come by and fees can add up.

How to Get Around Bristol

Bristol is an easy city to get around, although it does have a few hills. The itinerary we’ve put together can be easily done on foot though, and it’s largely set up to have you travelling downhill for the most part.

Of course, there’s an excellent public transport network, as well as a ferry boat service that will take you to various points along the harbour.

Where to Stay in Bristol

Bristol has lots of accommodation options, pretty much something to suit every budget, from hostels through to boutique hotels and five star luxury.

There’s also a wide range of apartment rentals, and we opted for an apartment rental on our most recent visit as it gave us the flexibility to dine in as well as some working space and laundry facilities.

Check out all the Booking.com listings for Bristol, we find they usually come up with the best deal on a wide range of properties.

We also recommend Plum Guide if you’re looking for an apartment rental. Plum Guide carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. We’ve stayed at a number of their properties around the world, and you can see our  review of the Plum Guide here . See their  listings for Bristol here .

For more vacation rental options in the UK, see our guide to our favourite holiday rentals websites in the UK .

When to Visit Bristol

Bristol is a pleasant city to visit year round, and there are plenty of indoor attractions to keep you entertained should the weather turn against you.

Probably the busiest time of year to visit is during the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta , which takes place in early August. Whilst this is a fantastic time to visit the city and see the skies filled with beautifully coloured balloons, it’s also definitely going to be a very busy time to visit as well.

We visited during the Fiesta, and had a wonderful time, but do be aware that accommodation, traffic and visitor levels are certainly higher at this time of year.

Otherwise, for the best weather we’d recommend visiting from May through to September. Also, do check out the official Visit Bristol website for all the events taking place throughout the year, to get an idea of what’s on.

Day Trips from Bristol

If you’re in Bristol for a little while and wondering if there are any good nearby spots for a day trip, then you’re in luck. Bristol makes a great base for exploring a number of nearby attractions, including the following.

• Bath. This beautiful Roman-era spa town is filled with beautiful Georgian architecture. It’s also just a 13-minute train ride from Bristol, so very easy to reach.
• The Cotswolds. This beautiful part of England is filled with postcard perfect villages and lovely countryside. Explore with your own vehicle or take a tour like this .
• Stonehenge . An incredible ancient monument, the origins of which are still debated to this day. Can be visited by car or public transport from Bristol, or as part of a tour like this .
• Cardiff. The capital city of Wales is easy to reach by train from Bristol, and offers museums, castles and plenty more to fill a day.
• Glastonbury & Somerset. Glastonbury is famous for its Tor and links to St. Arthur. A day out from Bristol can easily cover other highlights of Somerset as well, including Cheddar Gorge and the incredible cathedral at Wells. You can drive yourself, or take a tour like this .

Further Reading for your Bristol Visit

That sums up our suggested things to do in Bristol for two days! As you can see, there’s plenty to see and do in Bristol, and you’ll easily be able to fill two days – or extend your trip for a few more days!

We’re got more content coming up on Bristol, so do subscribe to stay updated. In the meantime, here’s a series of resources to help you plan your trip to both Bristol and the wider UK!

• The official Visit Bristol tourism page , which has loads of ideas on what to do, where to stay, transport information as well as event information.
• Our detailed guide to attending the Bristol Balloon Fiesta
• The official Bristol International Balloon Fiesta website
• The Rough Guide to Bath, Bristol and Somerset , which is available in both digital and physical book formats
• My guide to the best locations to find Street Art in Bristol
• Our detailed one week itinerary of the UK , as well as a two week version
• A guide to driving Scotland’s epic North Coast 500 , as well as accommodation options on the North Coast 500
• A guide to 10 of the best Stately Homes in England , to give you some ideas as you plan your itinerary
• We also have number of other guides to UK cities, including things to do in Cambridge , things to do in Edinburgh  and  things to do in Belfast , amongst others.
• For London, we have some detailed itineraries to help you plan your visit. These include a 1 Day London Itinerary , a Two Day London itinerary and a six day London itinerary
• The top Harry Potter sites in London
• Tips on Buying and Using the London Pass
• A guide to Visiting Oxford on a Day Trip
• Visiting Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds
• A guide to things to do in Portsmouth
• Getting online when travelling in a foreign country can be daunting – check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options for your trip
• If you’re interested in getting better photos when you travel, take a look at my online photography course , where I’ll teach you everything you need to know about getting better photos – whatever camera you have!

And that’s it for our suggestions for the best things to do in Bristol over 2 days! Have you ever visited Bristol? Do you have anything you’d add to the above? Just let us know in the comments below!

So you know: For some of the attractions we visited in Bristol, Visit Bristol provided us with complimentary entry. We covered our own accommodation, transport, meals, and other expenses.

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28th January 2023 at 2:29 pm

Thank you so much for this wonderful itinerary! I’ll be traveling with my husband to Bristol from the US in about a month. It’ll be my first time in the UK. He’s going for his work so the first 4 days of our 10 day trip I’m on my own to explore. I may need to spread this out for 3-4 days vs. 2 but it looks like plenty to keep me busy seeing all the sights :)…Thank you!

Laurence Norah says

29th January 2023 at 9:05 am

It’s my pleasure! I think you will easily be able to spread this out over a few days. However, as you have 4 days I can highly recommend jumping on the train and riding for 11 minutes or so from Bristol to the historic town of Bath which is a world heritage site and well worth a half day or full day of your time. It’s very different from Bristol, all Georgian architecture and lovely streets. Well worth it!

Safe travels!

Macarena says

13th January 2023 at 12:45 am

Thanks you so much for this guide! My husband and I are visiting UK for the first time from Argentina, and I was not very sure about including Bristol in our itinerary, but reading your blogue has convinced me! best wishes!! Macarena

14th January 2023 at 10:08 am

Thanks Macarena, have an awesome time in Bristol and the UK 🙂

17th December 2022 at 1:39 pm

This is a lifesaver! My girlfriend is coming to Bristol for the first time over Christmas, and I had no clue where to take her until reading your blog. Thanks again. Any to-do lists for Bath? 🙂

18th December 2022 at 11:45 am

It’s my pleasure! So we lived just outside Bath for three years, but haven’t really written much about it! However that’s not to say we don’t have recommendations. Obviously the town centre is pretty to walk around, and sights like the Royal Crescent, Circus and Bath Abbey are a must to see. There is an excellent free walking tour that meets most days in front of the Abbey that is worth doing. If you like walks, the Bath Skyline walk is really lovely. The Roman Baths are also of course worth a visit, and there also the thermal spa if you prefer a more relaxing experience. That should get you started hopefully!

Have a lovely Christmas 🙂

Mahmud says

1st January 2022 at 8:53 am

thank you so much Laurence and Jessica. We are on our way now. It was a fantastic blog really helpfull.

Thanks Mahmud & Şendül

1st January 2022 at 12:31 pm

Hey Mahmud & Şendül! Thanks so much guys 🙂 Have an awesome time in Bristol, what a great way to start 2022 🙂

All the best,

Dory Merriman says

8th May 2021 at 7:56 am

Thank you so much Laurence and Jessica for taking the time to put together this fantastic guide. It has helped me greatly for my forthcoming short visit to Bristol. Best wishes Dory

8th May 2021 at 11:18 am

Thank you so much Dory – have a wonderful trip to Bristol!

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What to Do in Bristol | 2-Day Bristol Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Planning a trip to Bristol, England soon? You’re going to want to make sure that you read this post on the thing to do in Bristol .

I had the opportunity to visit Bristol recently and spend a few days exploring the city. The city is a treasure trove of places to see and things to do.

I am kicking myself as I wondered why I hadn’t visited this gorgeous city before.

So, if you’ve never been to Bristol, it’s a good thing you’re finally planning your trip there now. Once you arrive, you too will wonder what took you so long to visit.

To help you make the most of your time in the city, this guide to the perfect 2 days in Bristol itinerary gives you all the information you need. It’s all here from, getting there and travelling around the city to where to stay, eat, and visit.

Facts About Bristol

Let me drop some facts on why Bristol should be on your list of must-visit cities in the UK!

Bristol was named the ‘Best City in Europe’ by the Academy of Urbanism in 2017. The city also won the 2015 ‘European Green Capital’ title and was also awarded European City of the Year in 2008.

This English city is also known as one of the friendliest cities in England (they are way friendlier than Londoners), and the local accent is recognisable miles away.

With a deep and fascinating history, Bristol offers plenty for visitors to learn about and immerse themselves in.

This is a popular place, which makes it a worthwhile spot to travel to at least once.

Where Is Bristol, UK?

Bristol is a city in southwest England, south of Birmingham and west of London and the River Avon runs through the city centre.

Bristol’s Old City has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique combination of Georgian and Victorian architecture.

Is Bristol Worth visiting?

Bristol offers a lot in terms of architecture, history, nightlife, and food. The city is a hub of creativity, with plenty of artists and musicians among the population.

This is all apparent in the eclectic mix of bars, clubs, restaurants, and music venues that are dotted around the city centre.

Bristol also has two universities and youthful energy to it, thanks to the students. So, you can expect a wide range of clubs and music events to take place throughout the year.

Away from the friendly energy of people and celebrations, though, is a quieter side that offers stunning photography locations. If this sounds like the kind of place that tickles your travel fancy, then it’s safe to say it’s worth the visit.

For more inspiration read my guide on the best places to visit near Bristol UK

What Is Bristol Most Famous For?

Bristol has a fascinating history involving pirates and service in the British navy. Today, the city is known for its creative character and charming architecture.

The universities also put Bristol on the map, as do the Bristol Balloon Fiesta and, of course, the famous landmarks like the SS Great Britain and the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Is Bristol a Good City Break?

Bristol’s unique mix of Victorian, Georgian, and modern architecture makes it a delight to explore by foot.

There are plenty of great boutiques, cafes, bars, pubs, and restaurants to be found too. Add in some interesting art galleries and museums plus the city’s maritime history points of interest, and its clear why Bristol can be considered as a viable alternative city break .

How Many Days Do You Need to See Bristol?

Whether you want to spend just a day in Bristol or two, there are enough interesting things to do and see here that any length of stay is worthwhile.

Thankfully, the best and most exciting attractions in Bristol are all located relatively close together, and you can do a day trip to Bristol from London.

However, I think 2 days in Bristol would be better and should be enough time for anyone looking to get the most out of the city.

And if you’re tempted to stay longer, an extended trip to Bristol gives you time to further explore and visit some of the surrounding areas, such as Bath and Wells in Somerset.

The Best Time to Visit Bristol

Bristol is a city that experiences all four seasons. The highest population of students is here during the fall and spring terms, so these are the most popular months to travel if you’re hoping for something lively.

Winter can be quite bleak; however, it’s ideal if you want to avoid crowds and experience some quieter times in Bristol. Most activities in Bristol can be done year-round, and the varying seasons only change the city’s vibe.

If you’re looking for a vibrant feel, go during the summer months. But if you want something a little quieter and more mellow, come in the spring or when it’s colder.

How to Get to Bristol

Getting to Bristol is easy, no matter where you start from. The quickest way to get to Bristol from London is by train – it’ll take you just over 90 minutes from London to Bristol by train.

Trains leave from London Paddington Station and arrive at Bristol Temple Meads station every half an hour during peak times.

You can also take the bus from London Victoria coach station to Bristol bus station in the city centre. You can bag these coach tickets for as cheap as £3.90, and the journey takes around 2 and a half hours.

If you’re coming from South Wales or Southwest England, then you’ll be able to arrive by train too. It takes over an hour for services to depart Swansea and Cardiff Central stations and get you into Bristol Temple Meads station.

Alternatively, it’s around a three-hour drive from London (if there’s no traffic) and around two hours from South Wales.

Routes to Bristol

The M5 runs between Bristol and Birmingham, with the M4 running in tandem further west for most of its route through South Wales.

At junction 17 you can take the A38 north toward Bath, while at J18 you can take the A37 south toward Yeovil via Glastonbury.

North of Bristol, you can take the A38 south to Exeter via Glastonbury, Wells, and Burnham-on-Sea. If you’re arriving by ferry or on foot then your route will be into Prince Street (Bristol’s old town).

Getting Around – To and From ​​Bristol Tourist Attractions

Bristol is a small city that’s perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. Most buildings are close together and it doesn’t take long to get from one side of Bristol to another.

There are plenty of options for buses and taxis. Bristol also has an extensive ferry network (the Bristol Ferry Boat Company) which is great for exploring the River Avon.

If you want to make the most of your time in Bristol, using your contactless debit/credit card is recommended. You can get preloaded cards that will cover both bus and ferry services – remember that it’s not valid on trains.

Parking in Bristol

If you’re driving yourself to Bristol, you can also easily drive in and around the city. Parking your car overnight in a car park or at your accommodation is safe and often free.

For parking, while you are sightseeing in Bristol, it may be easiest to find the nearest free parking spot and then walk between your stops. 

How to Spend Two Days in Bristol – Weekend in Bristol Itinerary

Bristol has plenty to offer for anyone who wants to visit. From the museums and old-time architecture to the nightlife that attracts both students and older, fun-loving tourists.

Trying to fit in all the great places to see in Bristol in just 48 hours is a near-impossible task. But you can hit all of the best parts of the city if you plan well enough.

Here is a detailed 2-day itinerary to help you get a better idea of how to spend your time while visiting Bristol.

Bristol Day 1 – Top Things to Do in Bristol

What to see in Bristol in one day? On your first day in Bristol, there is an excellent mix of history, art, and plain old good fun on offer.

Put on your walking shoes, get your camera out, and make a date with a different kind of first-rate attraction around every corner.

Brunel’s SS Great Britain

Your first stop is the SS Great Britain Museum which is on the dockside. This ship was launched in 1843, carrying passengers to Australia and New Zealand.

It was the first iron-hulled transatlantic steamship, and its success led to more large ocean liners like it. These massive ships changed travel forever.

Visitors can board the ship itself, which is now a museum covering both sides of the ship; you can see the cargo holds and how the crew lived.

In addition to this you can go up onto the deck and see how sailors used to work aloft – just bear in mind that this part of the ship is not accessible to those with walking difficulties.

M Shed Museum

Just a few minutes walk from SS Great Britain. You’ll find the M Shed, a museum that provides an overview of Bristol’s heritage and culture through the years.

There is a fantastic mix of history and culture on display here, including the world’s first hovercraft.

Visitors can learn about the city’s role in the slave trade and even discover what life was like for children during WWII.

You can also see exhibits that look into Bristol’s modern-day culture, such as their contribution to music and digital technology.

I saw a fantastic street art exhibition while visiting the M Shed and it is where you will also find the Banksy piece, the ‘Grim Reaper’.

We the Curious Museum

Next up on the way to Bristol’s Old City is We The Curious Museum . This museum is designed to be interactive and encourage more play within the science spheres.

There are various exhibits here, including ones surrounding the science of food and interactive displays on light and sound.

This museum is great fun for all ages, but it might be worth bearing in mind that things get busy here during school holidays.

There are multiple activities and shows that happen throughout the year, so check the program out online before you go so you know what to expect.

The museum also includes a planetarium with multiple shows each day and stargazing at night, but you will need to book your tickets in advance.

Bristol’s Old City and Harbourside

Just on the other side of We The Curious, on Anchor Road, is Bristol’s Old City. This area fuses together impressive architecture with significant landmarks and highlights here include the Christmas Steps and Kings Weston Roman Villa.

Spend some time here, strolling through the streets and discovering the more magical side of Bristol.

You can stop in at one of the pubs for a drink, take a few photos, or do some shopping.

Finally, your last stop for the day should be Bristol’s Harbourside area which is a lovely place for a walk or to get something to eat after a busy day of sightseeing.

In addition to many restaurants here, there are also some great views across the harbour.

The Beer Emporium

Before you head back to your accommodation, make a stop at The Beer Emporium. This is a unique bar that offers an eclectic range of beers from all over the world to suit both novices and experts.

They have over 400 bottles of beer to choose from in their fridges, so you truly are spoilt for choice.

Pick your favourite or discover a new brew and enjoy a cold beer with the friendly locals who frequent the bar.

These are just a few of the things you can see with the Bristol 1 day itinerary, up as you have more sightseeing tomorrow.

Bristol Day 2 – What to See in Bristol

Once you have finished exploring Bristol’s Old City and Harbourside on day one, it is time to move onto its modern heart.

Head to the other side of Bristol and discover some more of the top attractions and landmarks across the city.

Bristol Cathedral

Bristol Cathedral was founded in 1140 and consecrated in 1148. The site was originally St Augustine’s Abbey, however but after the Dissolution of the Monasteries, in 1542 it became the seat of the newly created Bishop of Bristol and the cathedral of the new Diocese of Bristol.

Bristol Cathedral is a Grade I listed building which includes fabric from the 12th century, with the Elder Lady Chapel added in the early 13th century.

Cabot Tower

Start the day with a climb up Cabot Tower for some splendid views across Bristol. The tower is open daily, and it’s free to climb the steps.

But be warned, they are steep and winding steps – the view from the top makes it worth it, though.

The tower is situated on Brandon Hill in the Clifton area of the city, not far from Clifton Suspension Bridge. It was built in 1897 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s discovery of Newfoundland .

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

After you have enjoyed the views, your next stop should be Bristol Art Gallery. This is a beautiful art gallery with some wonderful paintings displayed inside. Look out for pieces by both local artists such as Banksy as well as pieces by international stars.

The gallery houses a variety of artworks from British and European, French, and Victorian artists. As well as a collection of Eastern, modern and contemporary art.

There are also some great sculptures to see here too, including ceramics and pottery creations.

Clifton Suspension Bridge

This is one of Bristol’s most recognisable landmarks, and you will probably recognise it even if you haven’t visited Bristol before. Built-in 1864, this suspension bridge spans nearly 400 metres over the Avon Gorge.

Visiting the Clifton suspension bridge as the green spaces on either side of the bridge is peaceful. I recommend visiting at the sunset and walking up to the Clifton Observatory to watch sunset over the bridge.

The bridge is still open to pedestrians and cyclists, so you can take your time crossing this landmark to see some fantastic views across the city. Take photos of the incredible engineering, but make sure to be careful on your way back down.

Once you have finished exploring here, take a stroll through Clifton Village and visit some of the independent shops and restaurants around here too.

And if you have time, book a boat trip along the Avon River for a look at the surrounding city from a different viewpoint.

Where The Walls Art Tour

All along the streets of Bristol, you will find numerous spots that have been adorned by street art. The colourful wall art is a part of the city’s history and holds much of the culture within the artistic designs.

The Where the Walls Art Tour is a fantastic way to explore this artwork further and find some of Bristol’s best spots for street art as well as learn about its history. You will visit many famous landmarks across the city, including Stokes Croft and Park Street.

You can find dates and times for available tours online and join a guide who will be able to give you in-depth details and explanations around the art.

You can also download an audio self-guided tour and go at your own pace.

However, I did this Bristol street art tour, and I think that you will miss out on the wealth of knowledge that the tour guide has.

My guide has been in the Bristol Street art scene for more that 20 years and knew some of the biggest Bristol Street artists and was able to detail accounts of different artists and how their work has evolved over time.

If you’re a photographer who enjoys street art walking tours, this is ideal. You’ll go home with new insights on the fascinating art in Bristol and some amazing photographs as well.

Bristol Zoo Gardens

Next up is an experience that will be enjoyed by young and old alike with a trip to Bristol Zoo Gardens.

This zoo has been around since Victorian times, but it continues to be at the forefront of animal preservation and conservation.

This zoo includes some impressive exhibits that are home to creatures from far-flung locations across the world, including monkeys, lemurs, African penguins, and orangutans. There is also a fun space with farm animals so those travelling with children will be well catered for.

Along with the activities and educational opportunities, this is a great spot to stop before leaving Bristol.

Visitors to the zoo can enjoy both outdoor and indoor exhibits with a choice of events, including feeding demonstrations, talks, and behind-the-scenes tours.

Bristol Trip Planning

Along with finding all the best things to do in Bristol, here are some more important things to keep in mind when visiting the city.

Where to Stay in Bristol

Finding accommodation for your Bristol weekend won’t be hard. There are plenty of options for every budget. Here are some great accommodation options in Bristol:

Self-Catering

If you want to go it alone and self-cater, then you’ll need somewhere to stay that offers cooking facilities as well as a place to rest your head. Luckily, there are many apartments available for rent short term.

You’ll find a number of places listed on yourapartment.com which offers homelike spaces close to all of the top Bristol tourist attractions. This allows you independence and freedom but still offers a feeling of luxury and being on vacation.

During my stay in Bristol, one of my accommodations was a one-bedroom apartment complimentary of yourapartment.com in the Clifton area. The apartment was cosy and equipped cooker, dishwasher, fridge and anything you could ever need when away from home.

The apartment was also only 20 minute’s walk from the Clifton suspension bridge and Clifton Observatory.

Book Into a Hotel

There is no shortage of hotels in Bristol, from complete luxury options to more budget-friendly choices. Take a look at a few below:

Leonardo Hotel Bristol Glassfields is located close to the Bristol docks area. It has excellent family rooms with panoramic views of the marina and city, so you’ll never get bored of your view.

If you want the best luxury experience possible, then book a room at The Marriott Hotel – conveniently located by Cabot Circus shopping mall.

The hotel offers wonderful spa facilities, and you can even book a table in one of the many restaurants.

Select a Bed and Breakfast in Clifton

Staying at a bed and breakfast in Clifton instead. This area is the most beautiful part of the city thanks to its gorgeous views over the Avon Gorge.

Many also offer fantastic dining facilities so you can eat like a local and enjoy some delicious food!

Or Find a Cozy Hostel

If you want the best budget experience possible, then book a room at The Rutland Backpackers – very centrally located and within walking distance of all major attractions. Rooms and facilities are basic but clean and tidy.

Where to Eat in Bristol

A great way to explore an area or city is through its food, sampling local delicacies and enjoying some traditional fare while learning about what makes each place special.

If you’re in the mood to splurge on delectable food, then try Casamia which serves up English cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. The restaurant is exclusive, with space for only 35 diners and offering a 14-course tasting menu.

The Pump House

This charming restaurant is set in a former Victorian pumping station at the waterside. This is a stunning building inside and out.

The food is all made from locally sourced ingredients and there is absolutely no shortage of flavour in these meals.

Number 7 Kitchen

Number 7 Kitchen provides a more casual space to enjoy a lunchtime meal or just a quick coffee and cake in between your sightseeing.

There is indoor and outdoor seating, and if you’re around on a Friday evening, be sure to pop in for some live music.

The Burger Joint

As far as budget options are concerned, you can’t go wrong with The Burger Joint. It uses only locally sourced beef to make all its burgers fresh every day.

They do the standard meat burgers along with some more unusual flavours like Moroccan chicken.

The Royal Oak is a no-fuss place to go if you want some delicious British cuisine made with local ingredients. Enjoy a burger, a wood-fired pizza, or a homemade pie and pair it with a drink as you enjoy it in the garden or on the terrace.

Where to Go out in Bristol – Nightlife

There are some great places to go out drinking or clubbing when visiting Bristol. Whether you’re after a cosy pub to throw back a beer before bedtime or a nightclub to dance the night away, there’s something for everyone.

The Butcher’s Arms

This family-run pub is relaxed but still plenty of fun. Stop here after a long day for some unwinding with your favourite beer, wine, or cider.

The Green Man

If you’re looking for somewhere more traditional, then try The Green Man which is found right in the centre of Bristol. It’s an 18th-century building that serves up hearty English food as well as micro-brewery ales and stouts.

If it’s DJs and dance floors that you’re after, Thekla offers a unique kind of clubbing experience. The venue is set inside a moored cargo ship and covers two floors.

There’s more than enough space to dance, an endless supply of drinks, and you’ll often find live bands here. 

Things to See in Bristol – Photo Stops

For hobbyists, amateurs, and even professional photographers, there are a few Bristol must-see locations. Some you’ll find along the way as you go through the above itinerary, others you may need to make the time to seek out.

Wills Memorial Building Tower

When visiting the University of Bristol, be sure to get a photo at its impressive Wills Memorial Building. This structure towers over the campus and is worth seeing up close.

Christmas Steps

This is an urban flight of steps that lead up to St Michael’s Hill and are most beautiful when they are decorated with festive lights. But regardless of the time of year you visit, this alleyway makes for some beautiful photos.

This elegant and simple structure has stood for centuries, and you can go inside it to admire the architecture and historical features. Photos of the outside of the building are simply mesmerising.

If you seek some greenery during your trip to Bristol, then take a trip down to The Downs – this is a large parkland area that is popular with walkers and dog-walkers. This is great for some people watching and landscape snaps.

University of Bristol Botanic Garden

This garden has an impressive collection of plants from all around the world. There are also numerous rare plants to photograph here.

Where to Day Trip from Bristol

Once your time is over in Bristol, there is still so much of the English countryside to explore. Why not continue on your trip and head to one of these close-by destinations?

The next city from Bristol is Bath which is just 24 miles away. Spend some time exploring Bath and the fantastic history of the city.

Start off by visiting the Roman Baths. This was a temple to the god Sulis Minerva, and you can still see the hot water bath that people used here thousands of years ago.

Next up is The Royal Crescent which dates back to 1767 and offers a glimpse into how wealthy people used to live.

The Circus is the last thing that you should visit here, and this is where you’ll find three curving terraces that date back to 1760.

From Bath, you’re just under an hour away from Stonehenge which is one of Britain’s most famous historical sites.

You could also travel further afield and go to London – this will take around 2 hours by train from Bristol Temple Meads Station. You’ll find so much to do and see here including all of the major sites of this iconic world city.

In London, you can go see one of the most famous landmarks in the world – The Tower of London. This is where you’ll find the Crown Jewels as well as a number of other historical exhibits.

If that wasn’t enough, then check out Shakespeare’s Globe and Westminster Abbey which are both must-see attractions if you’re visiting London.

Also close by is Windsor Castle which is one of the official residences of Queen Elizabeth II. If you get time, also try to go see Hampton Court Palace  – this is another royal property not far from London.

You can also travel from Bristol to Oxford – this will take around 45 minutes by train. This is a beautiful place that deserves some attention too as it’s steeped in history and has some impressive buildings.

Oxford has many great attractions that visitors to this city enjoy. For example, you can check out the impressive Bodleian Library which holds over 12 million books and other items that date back to 1602 (when it first opened).

The city is also home to another library called The Taylor Institution. If you’re a fan of art then Oxford has many great galleries for you to experience too. The Ashmolean Museum is one of the most famous museums.

You’ll see items going back thousands of years including Egyptian artefacts and more.

If history is your thing, then check out Christ Church Cathedral which is one of the most beautiful churches in Oxford.

You can read my guide of things to do in Oxford .

Visiting Bristol for the Weekend

With so many things to see and do in Bristo l, two days doesn’t seem nearly enough time to really get a good feel for this unique city. But there is no rule saying that you can’t come back to the city as soon as you are able.

For your first trip, though, it’s important to choose a plan in order to get the most out of your visit without overwhelming yourself.

Hopefully, this has given you some ideas on how to spend 2 days in Bristol and what there is to do during your stay here.

Let me know how your first time in Bristol goes! Did you find any other gems that you feel should be included in this guide?

If you liked this guide and want real-time London/UK travel information, make sure you follow me on Instagram @huesofdelahaye and subscribe to my Youtube channel for weekly travel videos.

This post was in partnership with VisitBristol.co.uk . Although all thoughts and experiences are entirely my own.

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Insider’s guide to Bristol, England: best 10 things to do in Bristol

Bristol is a city my husband visited a few times, with his job. He liked it, so today I’m inviting you to r ead this insider’s guide to Bristol, England to discover the best things to do in Bristol, off the beaten path things to do in Bristol, where to eat in Bristol, where to stay in Bristol, and valuable tips for Bristol from Justine from Wanderer of the World. This guide is part of the free travel guides series on this blog.

Insider’s guide to Bristol, England

Bristol in the South West of England is such a colourful and vibrant city, with a thriving port and harbour at its centre. World-renowned street artist, Banksy also originated in Bristol, meaning you can find many of his earliest (and lesser known) masterpieces all over the city.

Today, Bristol is at the heart of the “hipster” culture, providing plenty of coffee shops, vintage and retro boutiques and green parks. Here are the best things to see in Bristol.

Top things to do in Bristol

There are many top landmarks and attractions that any first time visitor to Bristol must-see, including:

Cabot Tower

Free to enter and offers 360-degree views across the city and surrounding countryside. You need to have a head for heights!

Clifton Suspension Bridge

World famous and one of Brunel’s masterpieces, this is a must.

I’d recommend heading to Leigh Woods, which provides you with unique views of the bridge and nearby Avon Gorge

(image source )

Harbourside

One of Bristol’s draws is its popular port and harbourside and it’s not to be missed. Head here to watch the boats go by, or just grab some ciders and sit in the sun

SS Great Britain

Another Brunel masterpiece; the SS Great Britain is fun to explore, and it’s always hard to believe that this ancient ship made frequent journeys all the way to Australia from Bristol. One of the top things to see in Bristol, UK.

Banksy artwork

Found throughout the city, your best bet would be to embark on a free or self-guided walking tour to see all of the best Banksy street art pieces

If you’re visiting during the summer months, I’d also recommend checking out the many free festivals such as the Harbourside Festival and International Balloon Fiesta !

As you can see there are a lot of things to do in Bristol in summer and free things to do in Bristol.

Bristol Off the Beaten Path

To get off the beaten path in Bristol, here are my top suggestions:

Cox and Baloney Tea Shop

Found along Gloucester Road, this tea shop serves some of the best afternoon tea in the city. They even let you choose from 14 homemade tea varieties!

Gloucester Road

When walking the length of Gloucester Road, you’ll be struck by just how many independent shops are found here, providing you with everything from locally-run bakeries, to vintage boutiques, to music stores and second-hand bookshops.

The Beehive Coffee House

Found within Downend, one of Bristol’s lesser-known suburbs, is The Beehive Coffee House.

This was one of the first places in Bristol to jump on the “Freakshake” trend and is an absolute treat.

Get here early on weekends or you may be fighting with locals over tables.

Pirate Bay Adventure Golf

No trip to England would be complete without playing some miniature / crazy golf, and Pirate Bay is the best one in Bristol by a mile!

They even have some of the holes on mini islands that you have to pull along a boat in order to get to – lots of fun and one of the best things to do in Bristol, UK!

Beese’s Riverside Bar

Only open during the spring and summer months, this is a very unique spot in Bristol.

You have to catch a boat across a river to get there, and it provides great riverside views, food, and drinks.

Where to eat in Bristol

Bristol has a lot to offer in the way of food. Coming out of the “hipster” trend that’s found here, you’ll be able to find all kinds of options. Here are some of my top recommendations of places to eat in Bristol:

ZaZa Bazaar

Found along the Harbourside, this all-you-can-eat buffet serves cuisine from around the world. Come here at lunchtime to get a cheaper meal.

Cox and Baloney

As mentioned above, this is the best place in Bristol for afternoon tea.

St Nick’s Market

A street food market selling everything from sausages to pies, to falafel, and is a big hit with locals and tourists alike.

Pieminister

Born out of Bristol, this pie shop serves some delicious combinations. Make sure yours comes with gravy and mash for the complete “Pieminister” experience.

Where to stay in Bristol

Bristol has a lot of great hotels on offer to suit a wide range of budgets. But if I had to recommend just a few, then I’d go for:

The Bristol Hotel

Great waterfront location, and places comfort and relaxation at the heart of their service with duck down duvets and generous check-out times.

Berkeley Suites

When you need a special apartment in Bristol, this is where you come. Every suite is decorated differently, which means each visit is unique.

Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa

Great city-center location, and comes complete with a spa. But what makes this hotel extra special is that it’s in a very grand building that used to be a bank!

Tips for Bristol

Bristol is a pretty safe place, although as with most cities, you should be aware of potential pickpockets and petty criminals. There is also quite a large population of homeless people here, who are nice enough, but is something worth knowing about ahead of your visit.

Best time to visit Bristol

I’ve already mentioned that it’s a good idea to time your trip to coincide with the Harbourside Festival (usually mid-late July) and the International Balloon Fiesta (usually early August).

Another great time to visit would be in December as you can see the German Christmas Market come to town, which is huge and well worth it.

Some locals may try to persuade you to visit the Cribbs Causeway shopping centre during your trip to Bristol, but I’d advise against it. The shops are good, but there’s a lot more choice in the city centre itself and at better prices.

However you decide to spend your time in Bristol, I’d always recommend it as a great weekend or mini-break destination. When you visit, you’ll be struck by how colourful, vibrant and unique it is – enjoy!

About the author This guide was written by Justine Cross from a female travel blog, Wanderer of the World . When not exploring every inch of her hometown of Bristol, England, she can be found roaming the rest of the UK and Europe with her fiancé, Scott and her Rough Collie puppy, Kai. Follow her travels on Facebook and Twitter .

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12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bristol, England

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Among Bristol's many tourist attractions are numerous art galleries and a number of pleasant parks and green spaces. It's also an extremely fun city to walk around, with some of the best routes taking in Bristol Harbour, with its preserved and rejuvenated old wharves and promenades.

For families, there's Bristol Zoo Gardens and We The Curious , a science and arts center that's especially designed to engage and educate young minds. Also worth a visit is Ashton Court Estate, a facility that provides a wide variety of fun outdoor activities for families.

You can also take day trips to places just outside of town, such as the amazing Cheddar Gorge.

Between all these points of interest and countless places to visit, you'll find plenty of fun things to do in Bristol.

See also: Where to Stay in Bristol

1. Bristol Harbour & Bristol City Docks

2. brunel's ss great britain, 3. clifton suspension bridge, 4. bristol cathedral, 5. enjoy city views from brandon hill park & cabot tower, 7. st. mary redcliffe, 8. llandoger trow, 9. bristol old city, 10. bristol museum and art gallery, 11. blaise castle house, 12. take a drive to cheddar gorge, a brief history of bristol, where to stay in bristol for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in bristol, england, bristol - climate chart.

The old Port of Bristol on the Avon River has been given a new and imaginative lease of life, with many of its old wharves and warehouses restored or converted for contemporary uses. Traditionally known as the "Floating Harbour" for the fact that a tidal bypass was constructed in 1809 to ensure water levels remained constant, the harbor covers 70 acres and is fun to explore on foot.

Today, Bristol Harbour, home to Bristol City Docks, is where you'll find numerous museums, galleries, entertainment, and dining opportunities suitable for all ages. It's also where you'll find top attractions like the Bristol Aquarium ; the We The Curious science center; and the Arnolfini, the city's world-class visual arts, music, and performance center.

Thanks to its lack of a tide, the harbor has also become a very popular area for personal pleasure craft such as kayaks and paddleboards, as well as local rowing clubs. From here, you can row a large navigable section of the River Avon.

Travel in and around Bristol Harbour is made easy thanks to Bristol Ferry Boats , which operates a number of ferry services on the Avon River. This convenient mode of transport offers inexpensive passes that let you hop on and off at key points of interest around the harbor area and across other parts of the city.

Location: Welsh Back, Bristol, England

The SS Great Britain , the world's first iron-hulled passenger ship, lives on at the same dry dock where the great vessel was built and launched in 1843. The work of the famed engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it was also the first ship to use screw propellers.

Famously rescued from oblivion after being scuttled off the Falkland Islands , the ship is now located at Bristol's Great Western Dock and is a testament to Brunel's engineering ingenuity. Today, you can stroll the ship's upper decks or explore below deck and peep into the luxury cabins of First Class passengers, as well as the much more humble accommodations provided for other classes.

Part of the fun here is exploring an authentic facsimile of the original dockyards dating from the time the vessel was built, complete with goods waiting to be loaded. An exhibit entitled Being Brunel also offers a fascinating peak into the great inventor's mind.

The site is also home to the Brunel Institute and the David MacGregor Library , an archive of thousands of books, documents, plans, and objects related to England's greatest engineer and inventor. A gift shop, a café, and a picnic area is also located on-site.

Address: Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, England

Official site: www.ssgreatbritain.org

Another work of the famed British engineer I. K. Brunel, and one of his first, is the spectacular Clifton Suspension Bridge. Spanning the 260-foot-deep Avon Gorge on the west side of the limestone plateau known as Clifton Down and Durdham Down, this spectacular structure measures 702 feet between its piers.

The bridge was completed in 1864, 33 years after Brunel had first submitted his prizewinning plans.

Stop at the visitor information center to learn about the bridge's construction or join a weekend behind-the-scenes tour. You can also grab a coffee and snack here and walk back across the bridge to sit on the grass or a bench to enjoy the incredible views of the bridge with the city in the background.

Located just a short climb up Observatory Hill from the bridge is the former Clifton Observatory. This historic building now houses a great restaurant with spectacular views, as well as the Camera Obscura attraction. Giant's Cave is located nearby and is worth a visit, too. While you're up there, watch for peregrine falcons flying above the Clifton side.

Address: Bridge Road, Leigh Woods, Bristol, England

Official site: www.cliftonbridge.org.uk

Built originally as the church of the Saint Augustine Abbey, Bristol Cathedral took almost 600 years to achieve its present form. The east end, superbly rebuilt in the Decorated style by Abbot Knowle, dates from between 1298 and 1330.

The central tower and transepts were completed in the 16th century, and the nave and towered west facade are from the 19th century. The church was elevated to cathedral status in 1542. Among the many other interesting features of the cathedral is the rectangular chapter house, with its late Norman decoration of zigzags, fish scale patterns, and interlacing.

Also look out for the Great Gatehouse . Built in 1170, it served as the gatehouse for the St. Augustine Abbey. It also features early examples of the use of pointed arches. You'll also want to visit the cathedral café for a sweet treat to enjoy in the tranquil cathedral garden.

Guided tours are available with advance booking, as are audio guides for those who prefer to go at their own pace (these can be picked up when you arrive)..

Address: College Green, Bristol, England

Official site: http://bristol-cathedral.co.uk/

Perched high atop Brandon Hill, Cabot Tower strikes an impressive pose over the city. Constructed in 1897 to mark the 400th anniversary of explorer John Cabot's voyage to North America from Bristol, the tower stands 105 feet tall and, while easy to spot, does involve a bit of a climb.

Once here, though, the city views from the base of the tower are breathtaking. The best views are from the top of the tower, reached by a spiral staircase. It's worth expending the additional energy, as the panoramic views here take in not just the city, but the harbor area. The climb to the top is one of the best free things to do in Bristol.

When you're done with the views, Brandon Hill Park is certainly worth hanging around. The city's oldest park, it's a great place for a scenic picnic, or simply to chill on the grass. Other notable features include a pleasant network of paths and trails and a kids' playground.

Address: Brandon Hill Park, Park Street, Bristol, England

Part of the Bristol Museums group, M Shed on Prince's Wharf is a must-visit when exploring Bristol Harbour. You'll not easily miss the museum thanks to the huge historic cranes set outside the building. The oldest such crane left in England, the Fairbairn Steam Crane was built in 1878 and was used continuously until the 1950s, when the shed itself was built.

Set in the large "shed" behind the crane, M Shed offers visitors a fascinating multi-media look at the city's rich history through a mix of colorful permanent and temporary exhibits. Highlights include displays related to the stories of everyday people placed in context with major events, as well as transportation and maritime history.

This "living museum" also includes a variety of fun experiences that feature some of the original machinery that once worked in the docks. A highlight for the kids is the chance to take a ride on the Bristol Harbour Railway. Built in the 1870s, this museum-run attraction offers fun rides along the quayside, offering great views of the harbor and SS Great Britain .

Another fun experience includes the chance to operate one of the original steam cranes lining the dock outside M Shed. This unique experience, though, is dependent on the availability of crew, so be sure to check ahead to ensure they're operating.

Address: Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, England

Official site: www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/

When Queen Elizabeth I visited Bristol in 1574, she described St. Mary Redcliffe as "the fairest parish church in England." Built in the 13th century and extensively renovated in the 15th century in the Baroque style, the church is located on the south side of Floating Harbour and takes its name from the red cliffs on which it stands.

With its slender, clustered pillars and reticulated vaulting, hexagonal porch, and richly decorated doorway, it perfectly displays the wealth of Bristol's rich merchants. A great triptych, Sealing The Tomb , designed and executed for the main altar by William Hogarth, is now at the offices of the Bristol & Region Archaeological Services in the former St. Nicholas Church.

Also of note is the memorial tablet and tomb of Admiral Sir William Penn, father of the William Penn who founded Pennsylvania. Be sure to pay attention to the church's organ, too. Built in 1726, it's regarded as one of the best preserved of its type in England.

Address: 12 Colston Parade, Redcliffe, Bristol, England

Official site: www.stmaryredcliffe.co.uk

The famous triple-gabled, half-timbered Llandoger Trow building in King Street, built in 1664, is where Alexander Selkirk is said to have told the story of his shipwreck to Daniel Defoe, who immortalized the tale in Robinson Crusoe .

The Llandoger Trow was also the model for the Admiral Benbow , the inn frequented by Long John Silver in Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island . Carefully restored in 1991, the building is linked by an underpass to the Theatre Royal, home of the Bristol Old Vic and the oldest playhouse in England to have had its stage in continuous use.

Address: King Street, Bristol, England

Official site: https://llandogertrow.co.uk

Bristol Old City is a warren of historic buildings from a long stretch of the city's history. One of the most photographed landmarks is St. Stephen's Church on St. Stephen's Avenue, the parish church of Bristol, which dates from 1476. Look inside for the tomb of Martin Pring, the discoverer of Cape Cod Bay in Massachusetts, and for the colorful effigy of George Snygge.

The medieval St. John on the Wall is close by and is the last of the many churches once built into the city wall. It is noted for its vaulted crypt and interactive displays added in 2016. It is near St. John's Gate , originally part of the old city wall, famous for its figures of Brennus and Belinus, mythical founders of Bristol, and Christmas Steps , an ancient alleyway paved in 1669 and now lined with antique and souvenir shops.

At the corner of Broad Street and Corn, you will find the neoclassical Old Council House , constructed in 1827. Across Corn Street, the Palladian-style Exchange (built in 1743) is noted for its four outdoor tables, the brass "nails," upon which Bristol merchants settled their transactions and gave rise to the expression "paying on the nail."

The covered St. Nicholas Market , with more than 60 stalls, is adjacent to the Exchange on St. Nicholas Street. A Farmers Market is held on Corn and Wine Streets on Wednesdays.

Official site: http://bristololdcity.co.uk/

Part of Bristol Museums, an association of six fine museums in the city, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery has three floors filled with Egyptian mummies, wildlife, dinosaurs, gemstones, glass, pottery, oriental arts, and a collection of Old Masters. An entire section is devoted to I. K. Brunel and his many technical achievements.

The nearby Red Lodge Museum (closed Jan to April), with its old furniture and fine Elizabethan room, focuses on the human side of history.

Also at a separate location and open seasonally, the Georgian House Museum tells the story of an 18th-century merchant, sugar plantation owner, and slaveholder through his house and possessions.

Address: Queens Road, Bristol, England

Official site: www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery/

A late 18th-century mansion house and estate, Blaise Castle House provides a feel for the lifestyle of a prosperous family on a country estate. The Picture Room, with a domed glass ceiling, is decorated with paintings, and the house is known for its collections of children's toys, including doll houses and furniture, trains, and toy soldiers.

On the estate are ruins of Kings Weston Roman Villa , with baths, a heating system, and mosaic floor. The house and Roman villa are closed January through March.

Address: Henbury Road, Bristol

Official site: https://www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/blaise-museum/

Located just 18 miles from Bristol, the spectacular Cheddar Gorge makes for an excellent day trip. Highlights of this National Nature Reserve include its dramatic 450-foot cliffs and stunning stalactite caverns.

Other attractions include the spectacular Gough's Cave, with its hidden chambers, as well the soaring chambers of "St. Paul's Cathedral" and the towering spires of "Solomon's Temple."

A word of caution: you do need a degree of fitness to tackle some parts of the gorge, including the 274 steps up the side of the gorge and the 48 more to the top of the Lookout Tower . Entry includes the cliff-top walk and the Cheddar Man Museum of Prehistory.

Official site: www.cheddargorge.co.uk

The city of Bristol, set inland on the Avon River and with access to the Bristol Channel, has an illustrious history as one of England's oldest and most important ports.

It was a favored port of departure for the New World following John Cabot's voyage to North America in 1497. To celebrate that event, Cabot Tower in Brandon Hill Park was erected on the 400th anniversary of Cabot's voyage in 1897. Bristol was also an important trading center and served as Royalist headquarters during the English Civil War.

Shipbuilding has been a pillar of Bristol's economy for centuries, reaching its pinnacle with Isambard Kingdom Brunel's famous SS Great Britain . Built in 1838, this was the first steamship to make regular Atlantic crossings. In addition to designing the famous suspension bridge spanning the Avon Gorge, Brunel was also the engineer in charge of completing the Great Western Railway between London and Bristol.

We recommend these centrally located hotels in Bristol near top attractions such as Bristol Harbour:

• Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa : This fine luxury boutique hotel is set in a Venetian-style building with an illuminated indoor pool and upscale spa; it's popular for its afternoon tea.
• Holiday Inn Bristol City Centre : A good choice for its mid-range pricing, the Holiday Inn is located near shops and features great showers, contemporary decor, and 24-hour room service.
• The Bristol : Featuring affordable rates and great harbor views, this stylish hotel boasts comfortable beds and Nespresso machines.
• Premier Inn Bristol City Centre : This budget hotel is set in a convenient location and features modern room decor and multilingual staff.

More on England

Bath vs Bristol: Which Should I Visit?

Only 12 miles separate Bath and Bristol, but you wouldn’t know that by looking at them.

Despite being only a stone’s throw from one another, these two cities have incredibly different atmospheres. Bath is famous for classical architecture and its historic Roman Baths; Bristol, with its trendy creative scene, is vibrant and exciting.

Both of these cities are popular destinations – and they typically attract two very different types of people. To help you decide whether you should visit Bath or Bristol – or both – I’ve compiled a nifty guide comparing the two.

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Reasons to Visit Bath

With 6.25 million tourists visiting every year on average, Bath doesn’t struggle to provide people with reasons to visit. 

The city is the epitome of elegance and refinement – when you step out onto paved streets lined with pristine Georgian architecture, you are given the impression that you have not only stepped into a new city, but into a different time.

It’s a fantastic place to explore on foot – everything is conveniently contained within a small area, so it’s a very walkable city.

Here are just a few of the reasons why Bath is so popular.

Beautiful Architecture

Bath is a city made for leisurely strolls.

Gorgeous columns of golden stone and Neo-classical designs of palatial style buildings are the backbone of an astonishingly homogenous city. Turn any corner and you’re simply faced with another beautiful street – all honey-yellow hues of Georgian architecture and Regency elegance. 

It’s easily one of the most beautiful cities in England. The entire city is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site; an honour shared with no other city in the UK.

This is partly due to the Roman Baths, but also the uniform nature of the architecture across Bath. The iconic Bath Stone, a local type of limestone drawn from the quarries of Combe Down and Bathampton Down, gives the city its distinct golden colour. 

The Circus and the Royal Crescent are some of the most famous examples of Georgian architecture in the world. 

You might recognise parts of Bath from the popular Netflix show Bridgerton . The show takes inspiration from the high society of the Regency era and has many filming locations in the city.

Historic Monuments & Museums

It’s hard to think of a place in England with a historic monument more synonymous with the city than Bath. The Roman Baths are an iconic feature of the city – they’re on the front of every brochure, and do a lot of the heavy lifting for Bath’s tourism sector. 

You can visit the luminous green waters of the bathhouse for a slice of ancient history. With the foundations of the Baths built in 70AD, it is one of the best-preserved Roman spas in existence. It’s quite expensive, at £20 per adult, but is unmissable.

• No. 1 Royal Crescent – since you are in all likelihood going to visit the Royal Crescent anyway, you should see inside one of the buildings. No. 1 Royal Crescent has been furnished to look exactly as it would in the late 18th Century. Tickets are £10.60 for adults.
• Fashion Museum – this fashion museum has the unusual honour of being set in Bath’s Assembly Rooms. You get to see fashions from the Regency era and beyond in the setting they would have shined the most. Designer pieces from Dior and the like roundup the more modern examples. Tickets are £9.50 for adults.
• The Jane Austen Centre – experience the world of Mr Darcy as you enter a perfectly preserved example of Regency-era living, detailing the life of Jane Austen. The famous author lived in Bath for several years – her last residence was on the same street as the Centre, and she set both Northanger Abbey and Persuasion in the city. There’s a Jane Austen Festival in Bath every September. Tickets are £12 for adults .

Cute Boutiques & Coffee Shops

As is often the case in quaint historic cities like Bath, there are dozens of independent boutiques and eateries to enjoy. It shares a similar historic-chic vibe with places like Oxford and Cambridge, riding the line between keeping with tradition and introducing exciting modern elements.

You will find many of the usual brands – particularly the pricier ones – in town, but the smaller boutiques are worth a look. Pulteney Bridge is both a picturesque attraction and a shopping destination. The 18th Century bridge is lined with shops, most of which are independent retailers and restaurants.

If you like bookshops, Topping & Company is the kind of bookshop dreams are made of. Think the library from Beauty & the Beast, all tall shelves with ladders to reach the top, but with complimentary tea and coffee.

If you love coffee as much as I do, you have to stop by Colonna & Small’s. It’s an absolute necessity.

Wander through the wonderful parks of Bath and get back in touch with nature.

You can head to any of the open green spaces in the city, but the Royal Victoria Park is particularly lovely. The park was opened in 1830 by an 11-year-old Princess Victoria. The 57-acre park is a lovely place to escape for a walk or to relax by the pond.

It isn’t called Bath for nothing. The spa capital of England has dozens of wellness centres and spas – thanks to the natural hot springs in the area, it’s been a centre for relaxation for millennia. 

The thermal waters that lie beneath the city surface into three springs, and just as the Romans did thousands of years ago, we use the mineral-rich waters to bathe and relax. 

You can indulge in the same experience as the Romans at Thermae Bath Spa. The spa is close to the Roman Baths (which you can’t swim in, by the way) , using the same spring, but the water is treated, ensuring it is safe to use.

For a luxurious spa experience, try Gainsborough Bath Spa. The spa embraces the Neo-classical architecture of Bath – the thermal waters have very Romanesque surroundings.

Reasons to Visit Bristol

Enter Bath’s grittier cousin: if the cities of South West England are a family, Bristol is the cool one. Bristol is still a laid-back city – they both share a love of cosy coffee shops – but of the two, it is undeniably the ‘fun’ one. 

Leaving behind the timeless elegance of Bath for a splash of colour, Bristol has an irrepressible energy that pervades the city. 

Off-The-Wall Spirit

Every city has its own feel, and Bristol’s is fiercely independent. Different neighbourhoods have their own unique atmospheres, but the vibrant, creative nature of Bristol can be felt throughout the city.

Head to Stokes Croft, the cultural hub of Bristol, for vintage shops, unusual retailers and street art.

North Street in Bedminster has a similar vibe. It’s slightly more upmarket than Stokes Croft, with bookshops, coffee shops and award-winning restaurants the norm around the street. Upfest Art Festival is hosted on North Street every year in May.

The underground music scene is alive and well in Bristol, and the city is also home to a few popular music festivals in the summer.

Keeping in line with that alternative off-the-wall vibe, Bristol is one of the best places in Europe to see world-class street art.

Bristol native Banksy left his mark on the city with a number of famous pieces. You can meander through the city at your own pace or join a guided tour of the city searching for his work. 

Much of the street art in Bristol is concentrated in the counter-culture centre of Stokes Croft. The Mild Mild West , boycott Tesco appeal and many other murals can be found in the area. One of Banksy’s most famous works, Well Hung Lover , is located on Frogmore Street.

The Museums

Bristol has some fantastic museums. Even better, many of them are free.

It’s a city with a rich culture and history, and this is reflected in the variety of museums and art galleries dotted around the town.

• The Bristol Museum & Art Gallery – the largest museum in Bristol has a collection that spans millennia, all housed in a magnificent Edwardian Baroque style building. Free entry.
• M Shed – head to the dockyard for a museum all about life in Bristol. The colourful exhibits offer some great insight into the city. Free entry.
• SS Great Britain – board Brunel’s magnificent passenger steamship and explore the first iron steamer to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Tickets are £18 for adults.
• We The Curious – an interactive science museum and planetarium perfect for families. Tickets are around £15 for adults, £10 for kids.
• Arnolfini – overlooking the harbour, this International arts centre embraces the city’s love for contemporary art. Free entry.

Clifton Suspension Bridge

If the Roman Baths are the most recognisable sight in Bath, this is the equivalent for Bristol. 

The Clifton Suspension Bridge is an enormous marvel of Victorian engineering – it celebrated its 150th birthday in 2014. Spanning 214 metres – with a total length of 412 metres – and sitting 100 metres above the River Avon, the bridge is as impressive to witness now as it was back then.

You can embark on an hour-long circular walk from Clifton for the best views of the bridge. The walk takes you both under and over the bridge, and through Leigh Woods.

Nightlife 

A night out in Bristol is a lot of fun. There’s a bit of everything – it’s almost a mini London in that way. Unlike London, most of Bristol’s nightlife is within walking distance of one another.

Dive bars and cocktail bars, clubs and pubs, stand-up comedy and karaoke: Bristol has something for everyone. It doesn’t matter if your ideal night is in a jazz club or an underground techno punk venue – Bristol has you covered.

Coffee & Food

Bristol is a real foodie city. Whether you’re looking for Michelin stars or pop-up street food, Bristol covers a wide range of dining styles and cuisines. It is particularly blessed with Caribbean restaurants, thanks to a fantastic community that’s been thriving in the city since the 1960s.

One of the best places to try some street food is St Nick’s Market. It’s come a long way since its opening in 1743! You can find everything from Persian to Japanese food among the quirky stalls of St Nicholas.

Bristol and Bath battle it out for the best coffee in the South West, but I think Bristol just edges it.

Maybe that energy and buzz is just the natural result of all the phenomenal coffee in the area? Full Court Press and Little Victories are two of the finest coffee shops in town – the coffee is always of the highest quality.

Where to Stay Overnight 

If you’re torn between spending a night in Bristol or a night in Bath this, again, typically depends on personal preference. 

If you’re looking for nightlife, there isn’t much competition: while Bath has some cool bars, Bristol’s eclectic mix of pop-ups, pubs and speakeasies far outstrip them in number.

For a quieter, more genteel experience, Bath is undeniably lovely. Staying overnight in Bath gives you the chance to get up early and wander those famous honey-coloured streets before the crowds arrive.

Affordability 

In a perfect world, where you spend the night would simply be the city you prefer. But for people travelling on a budget, expenses are often the deciding factor. Accommodation in Bath is unsurprisingly quite expensive, though still affordable compared to London – if you’re on a tighter budget, you will fare better in Bristol. 

Two Birds With One Stone?

It doesn’t have to be Bath or Bristol – you can easily do both. A train journey between them takes around 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the number of stops. With such a short travel time, you really owe it to yourself to squeeze in both!

Stay in the city you prefer – if it suits your budget – and do a day trip to the other.

So, Bristol or Bath?

To roundup – these cities offer completely different experiences, but both are worth visiting.

Bath has more attractions than Bristol. It’s more typically tourist-friendly – the Roman Baths are one of the biggest attractions in South West England. For a traditional English experience loaded with history, Bath is the obvious choice.

But the alternative atmosphere of Bristol has its own charm. If you want to experience a grittier urban environment with a lot of personality, the colourful setting of Bristol would be a better fit.

Their differences complement each other well. What one city lacks, the other has in abundance.

To summarise:

Best of Bath: 

• Timeless beauty
• Historic – Regency era architecture
• Sophisticated and elegant 
• Relax and rejuvenate in the spas
• Great for a bath

Best of Bristol:

• Trendy and young
• Excellent nightlife 
• Incredible choice in free museums
• World-class food and street art 

Kat Hi, I'm Kat, an Australian that moved to London in 2013 to start a  new adventure.  What a roller-coaster that was! I love helping others move to the UK  and people  explore the world ! I’d be honoured if you’d say, “Thanks!” with a £3 coffee on Ko-fi.

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How to spend a day exploring Bristol's best music venues

Take a tour of the West Country city’s finest music venues, from the new Beacon to one in a former church.

Bristol’s home-grown music scene has long been a big draw, with thriving indie venues providing a breeding ground for trip hop, techno, dubstep, jazz, folk, reggae and drum and bass. And with the unveiling of The Beacon in November 2023, the southwest’s biggest city welcomed four new performance spaces. The £132 million reimagining of Colston Hall – a live music landmark since 1867 – sees more than a name change. The five-year remodelling has expanded the main stage area and created additional performance and educational spaces. With such increased capacity, it’s set to host 800 events annually, including rock, classical, comedy and more, cementing Bristol as a UK music hub.

It's yet another reason to visit this leafy, maritime city. Europe’s largest dockside regeneration has taken shape here in recent decades, around Bristol’s harbour. Waterfront warehouse museums are overlooked by the Georgian mansions of Clifton Heights, while Avon Gorge is spectacularly strung with Clifton Suspension Bridge. Beyond that lies the Bristol Downs, which play host to events including Forwards music festival.

1.   Wanted Records

Start the day at St Nicholas Market, Bristol’s oldest, held in a cathedral-like structure that’s been a place to trade, snack and shop in since 1743. In the heart of the Old City, surrounded by handsome Georgian buildings and indie boutiques, the market is a must for vinyl vultures. Wanted Records buys and sells jazz, reggae, psychedelic and progressive rock, hip-hop, folk and myriad sub-genres, including collectible items.  

2.   St George’s Bristol

Head to church — a former one that functions as a top venue for classical, jazz and folk music. An extension to the Greek Revival building in 2018 added   a pavilion for art exhibitions and performances, plus a cafe-bar whose leafy courtyard is a great pit-stop for coffee, cake or toasties after a stroll around nearby Brandon Hill. Look out for regular lunchtime concerts and ‘mini beats’ sessions for kids.  

3.   Stokes Croft

Explore the city’s creative quarter, defined by indie shops and Bristol’s highest concentration of street art, including Banksy murals. As well as plant-based dining spots and arty bars, Stokes Croft is also where you’ll find landmark music venues such as The Canteen, a restaurant-bar with free gigs most nights, and club stalwart Lakota. That Thing, nearby, sells creative crafts made by 50 Bristol artists.  

4.   Strange Brew

Housed inside a former car showroom, this multi-room arts space is testament to Bristol’s flair for small- to medium-size indie venues. It opened in 2020 after a crowdfunding campaign by the promoters behind local club-night institution Dirtytalk, and operates as a music venue, cafe and bar. It’s also home to Planet Caravan, which sells vinyl, CDs, music fanzines and original prints by local artists.  

5.   Bristol Beacon

Hosting club nights, gigs and concerts, Bristol’s newest venue has completely reimagined the former live music landmark Colston Hall, bringing four new performance spaces to the city. Opening its doors in November 2023, the Beacon bills itself as having some of the best acoustics in Europe. This year, its main stage will host shows by artists including Orbital, Robert Plant and Róisín Murphy.  

6.   Thekla

Dance until near-dawn at this bar, club and gig venue, set aboard a 1950s German cargo ship moored at the Mud Dock. A floating symbol of Bristol’s maritime and music heritage, it became a club in the 1990s. Since then, it’s supported local drum and bass, techno and breakbeat artists with regular events, while its Saturday indie and alternative Pop Confessional has become a staple of Bristol’s late-night scene.  

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Best Driving Vacations 2024: Go on the ultimate full-circle adventure around Lake Erie

Highlights include beaches, wineries, history and a stop in ontario to admire the natural wonder of niagara falls..

Today we continue on our journey highlighting four of the best driving destinations from central Ohio.

From a circle tour of “our Great Lake” to the architectural wonders of a modernist sister city three hours away, these extraordinary adventures are wonderful ways to widen your horizons in 2024.

Today's installment is Part 3 of 4 destination packages from Columbus Monthly's annual travel guide. We hope you enjoy.

Part 1: Best Driving Vacations 2024: Explore the Northern Shore of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Experiencing Lake Erie

Lake Erie was the last Great Lake to be discovered and explored by European adventurers. Don’t make their mistake. And if you decide to do some lakefront exploring this year, consider something more than a quick trip to Cedar Point or Put-in-Bay . 

Sure, Ohio’s lakeshore is packed with fun and interesting destinations. But three other states and the Canadian province of Ontario also share the Lake Erie shoreline. A multiday international circle tour of our Great Lake offers something for every traveler, including wineries, history, city lights, natural delights, beaches and fun in, on or next to the water. 

From Columbus, a complete circle tour of the lake requires at least 12 hours of driving in total. So allow three or four days for a leisurely circumnavigation with plenty of stops along the way. 

Of course, it doesn’t matter which direction you circle the lake, but assuming your coin flip demands “counterclockwise,” a good first stop from Columbus is Ohio’s Grand River Valley wine region east of Cleveland. 

The region, which includes the Vines & Wine trail in Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties, takes advantage of a lake-influenced microclimate to grow a wide variety of grapes, especially American-European hybrids that allow production of some tasty and sophisticated vintages. Several good lodging options in the area, including some at the wineries, also offer a good choice for a first night’s stay, especially after a few tastings. 

Part 2: Best Driving Vacations 2024: Take a Battlefield Tour of Pennsylvania and Maryland

Pennsylvania’s Presque Isle State Park is a large, sandy peninsula that juts into the lake, forming a natural barrier protecting the harbor at the city of Erie and featuring beaches, nature trails and plenty of room for stretching your legs before the next segment of the journey. Buffalo, New York, is a better travel destination than its reputation might suggest, at least if you visit after the last of the winter’s lake-effect snow has melted. The city has a number of sites associated with famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright , including the Martin House , one of Wright’s great achievements in Prairie-style architecture. 

Niagara Falls may be a cliche, but it’s a magnificent, awe-inspiring one. Cross the border into Canada for the best views of the natural wonder and the best places to spend the night. 

Remember, you’ll need a current passport to make the international crossing. (You don’t have a passport ? What are you waiting for?) Driving along the northern shore of Lake Erie reveals a stretch of lovely farms and orchards dotted by a series of lakeside towns, each seemingly more charming than the last. Port Stanley, Leamington, Kingsville, Amherstberg and others offer pleasant waterfront business districts with shopping, cozy bed and breakfasts, historic sites and restaurants and diners often featuring local and scrumptious lake-caught perch. 

Point Pelee National Park is situated on and around a natural point that sticks out far into the lake. It’s a prime spot for watching the migrating birds that use it as a jumping-off point before flying across the lake every spring. (And if you walk out to the very tip of the ever-shifting sandy-stony point, and pocket the last pebble above the waterline, you’ll have the southernmost point of the Canadian mainland as a souvenir.) 

Lake-rambling gamblers can, of course, play in the casinos of Toledo or Cleveland, but why not give the slots and tables a try at Caesars Windsor , across the border from Detroit (which has several casinos of its own)? The view of the Detroit skyline is quite lovely from Windsor. Plus, there’s something a bit exotic about placing a bet with colorful Canadian currency. And every $100 Canadian lost is only $75 American — so you’re already ahead! 

Toledo is another town that doesn’t get its tourism props, but be sure to stop by the National Museum of the Great Lakes at the Toledo Maritime Center on the Maumee River near downtown. The center has many great exhibits about all of the Great Lakes, including their natural history, commercial activity, shipwrecks, lighthouses and much more. Visitors can also tour the retired coal ship Col. James M. Schoonmaker, once the largest freighter on the lakes. 

From Toledo, a traveler can call it a tour and head south on U.S. 23 toward central Ohio, or continue along the lake to more familiar Ohio stops such as Port Clinton , Put-in-Bay, Sandusky and on to Cleveland. 

Or you might just be tempted to turn around and try the drive in the other direction. 

Where to Stay Along the Way 

The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake is a great place to stay while exploring Ohio wine country, and even offers a shuttle to and from several area wineries. Stays range from about $110 per night. Many hotels in Niagara Falls, Ontario, offer magnificent views, such as at the Hilton Fallsview , with rates for view rooms beginning at less than $150 per night. Lake Erie’s north shore has many cozy inns and B&Bs, including the Hallmark-cute Kettle Creek Inn in Port Stanley, with rooms beginning about $100 per night. thelodgeatgeneva.com , niagarafallshilton.com , kettlecreekinn.com   

This story is from the Best Driving Vacations package in the February 2024 issue of Columbus Monthly. 

When is the 2024 total solar eclipse? Your guide to glasses, forecast, where to watch.

Editor's note: An early cloud forecast for the April 2024 total solar eclipse is in. Read the latest eclipse forecast and news as of Friday, March 29 .

We're less than two weeks away from the astronomical event of the decade: A total eclipse of the sun , which will grace the nation's skies from Texas to Maine on the afternoon of Monday, April 8 .

Millions of people are expected to travel to see the spectacle, which will also attract scientists from across the country to study its unique effects on the Earth and its atmosphere . (Meanwhile, brands such as Burger King, Pizza Hut, Applebee's and Sonic are getting in on the eclipse excitement too.)

The full total solar eclipse experience will plunge people along a narrow path into darkness midday, but people outside the path of totality can still use eclipse glasses to see the moon pass in front of the sun. It's an awesome and confusing sight on the ground and in the sky.

It should go without saying: Don't drive while wearing eclipse glasses

One task to do now is to get yourself a pair of special eclipse glasses (and luckily there's still time to score a free pair of eclipse glasses ). They're important eyewear during an eclipse because they will block out the sun's harmful rays, which could damage your eyes when you're looking at the sun — even if it's partially blocked.

Solar eclipse glasses are still readily available from plenty of vendors across the internet as of Thursday, March 28. But be wary of counterfeit or fake glasses , experts warned.

The other big factor everyone's anxiously awaiting is the weather forecast, which most experts say is still a bit far away for a specific forecast, though that hasn't stopped some meteorologists from issuing them already. But more detailed, realistic forecasts will start to roll in over the next few days.

Of particular interest will be the cloud forecast , as a deck of thick, low clouds would likely ruin the entire event. But if the clouds are higher up in the atmosphere, such as thin, wispy cirrus , they'd act to diffuse but not ruin the eclipse.

USA TODAY 10Best: 10 solar eclipse fun facts to share with your friends

There's plenty to know before the big day, which won't happen again for about two decades . Read on for answers for all your eclipse questions, including how to watch the eclipse , understand the eclipse and use eclipse glasses to stay safe .

WATCHING THE APRIL 2024 ECLIPSE

How do i watch the 2024 solar eclipse.

There are a few ways of watching the eclipse:

• Get the full experience in person : If you're in a narrow band of U.S. land that spans from Texas to Maine, you will see the moon block the sun and its shadow cast a night-like darkness over Earth for a few minutes. You'll briefly be able to look up without eye protection and see the moon block the sun.
• Watch from outside the path of totality : Much of the U.S. will get a partial view of the eclipse that isn't nearly as impressive as being in the path of totality. Earth won't be plunged into complete darkness and you'll have to wear protective eyewear to see the moon partially block the sun.
• Watch a livestream : Check back on April 8 for a video feed from the path of totality. It's not the same as being there in person, but hey, at least you won't have to sit in traffic .

Totality explained: The real April 2024 total solar eclipse happens inside the path of totality

What time is the solar eclipse on April 8?

The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT, but the exact time of the eclipse varies by where you are in its path.

You can search by zip code to find the exact time for your location.

Where will the April eclipse be visible?

All of the lower 48 U.S. states will see the moon at least clip the sun, but that sight is a trifle compared to being in the path of totality.

Because the narrow path includes or is near some of the nation's largest cities, expect millions of people to crowd into a band of land a little over 100 miles wide that spans from the Texas/Mexico border to the Maine/Canada border.

Here are the major cities in each state where you can expect to experience totality (note that the included times do not account for when the partial eclipse begins and ends):

• Dallas, Texas: 1:40-1:44 p.m. CDT
• Idabel, Oklahoma: 1:45-1:49 p.m. CDT
• Little Rock, Arkansas: 1:51-1:54 p.m. CDT
• Poplar Bluff, Missouri: 1:56-2:00 p.m. CDT
• Paducah, Kentucky: 2-2:02 p.m. CDT
• Carbondale, Illinois: 1:59-2:03 p.m. CDT
• Evansville, Indiana: 2:02-2:05 p.m. CDT
• Cleveland, Ohio: 3:13-3:17 p.m. EDT
• Erie, Pennsylvania: 3:16-3:20 p.m. EDT
• Buffalo, New York: 3:18-3:22 p.m. EDT
• Burlington, Vermont: 3:26-3:29 p.m. EDT
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: 3:27-3:30 p.m. EDT
• Caribou, Maine: 3:32-3:34 p.m. EDT

Will clouds block the April 2024 eclipse?

It's too soon to say for sure, but history offers some clues.

Chances of cloudy skies are pretty high along much of the eclipse's northern path, and some areas such as Buffalo have about a 1-in-3 chance of clear skies in early April.

Skies are usually more clear to the south. Right along the Texas/Mexico border, chances of a clear sky can be nearly 75%.

Keep in mind that clouds don't always ruin an eclipse . High, wispy clouds won't spoil the show in the same way that low thick clouds would. In that case, you wouldn't be able to see the moon pass in front of the sun, but you would still notice a sudden darkness in the path of totality.

What dangers are associated with the eclipse?

The  eclipse , as exciting and fun as it promises to be, comes with a growing number of safety warnings — both for what will happen in the sky and what will happen on the ground.

In addition to the dangers of looking at the eclipse without proper eyewear, we've heard warnings about potentially dangerous  fake eclipse glasses , the possibility for increased  car  c rashes  around the time of the eclipse — and possible  air travel headaches  due to delayed or cancelled flights.

Where is the best place to watch the eclipse?

Texas is considered the best state for eclipse viewing . There's a good chance the skies will be clear and its location along the southern path of the eclipse means totality will last a little longer.

A few lucky travelers will also have a front-row seat with unobstructed views — from a plane .

Will traffic be bad?

Most likely, yes — especially after the eclipse ends . Millions of people will crowd into the narrow path of totality, then many will attempt to leave all at once as soon as the eclipse is over.

When a total solar eclipse passed over the U.S. in 2017, reports say some traffic jams didn't fully clear for more than 12 hours. Even worse, a recent study reported that the 2017 eclipse "was associated with increased risks of a fatal traffic crash" – potentially as much as a 31% increase, the study said .

Also worth noting: The eclipse is expected to have impacts for air travel as well.

Why are schools closing for the eclipse?

Primarily out of a concern for students' safety, schools across the country have given students  the day of the eclipse, April 8,  as a day off, a half day or a chance for e-learning. In Tennessee, for example, officials also say it gives students a chance  to experience the eclipse with their family and friends .

UNDERSTANDING THE 2024 ECLIPSE

What is a solar eclipse definition explained..

A total solar eclipse happens when three celestial spheres — the sun, moon and Earth — line up in a specific way in space.

According to NASA, a solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth. That alignment casts a moving shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the sun's light in some areas. This leads to a period of partial or full darkness on a narrow stretch of Earth. 

The path is so narrow because of the huge distance and size of the sun — as well as the moon's distance from Earth. That focuses the moon's shadow on an area of land much smaller than the moon itself. The movement of the shadow across the land happens as the Earth's rotation interacts with the orbit of the moon.

A total eclipse only happens occasionally because the moon doesn't orbit in the exact same plane as the sun and Earth do. In addition, a solar eclipse can only happen during a new moon.

What's special about a total solar eclipse?

The total solar eclipse on April 8  is causing such a stir because the rare event is an astronomical experience like no other that will be unusually accessible to millions of people.

April's total solar eclipse will fall over more places in the U.S. than the total eclipse before and after it. And the broad length of the path of totality – where Americans have the best shot of getting a clear view – is "much wider"  than it was for the eclipse in 2017 , according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

A total solar eclipse is also far more impressive  than a lunar or an annular solar eclipse. During an annular eclipse, the moon covers the Sun but leaves an outside ring some call a "ring of fire" — it darkens the sky instead of plunging Earth into a night-like darkness, which is what happens during a total solar eclipse. And a lunar eclipse – the appearance of a red moon – happens when the moon passes into the Earth's shadow, according to NASA.

Total solar eclipses can have spiritual significance, too . Ancient cultures viewed as a sign of the gods' anger or impending departure. Some religions today are hosting eclipse viewings and services.

Historically, eclipses have left major marks on religious and spiritual civilizations. In Christianity, an eclipse has been associated with the darkness that accompanied Jesus' crucifixion and in Islam, the passing of the Prophet Muhammad's son Ibrahim.

When was the last solar eclipse?

The USA's most recent total solar eclipse was on August 21, 2017, and stretched from Oregon to South Carolina.

When will the next solar eclipse happen?

The  next visible total solar eclipse  to cross over the U.S. after April will come in more than two decades on Aug. 23, 2044, according to NASA.

And that eclipse won't be as accessible as the 2024 one: The path of totality in 2044 will only touch the states of Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society, a nonprofit involved in research, public outreach and political space advocacy. Another total eclipse  will pass over the U.S. in 2045  that will be more accessible to Americans, including for people who live in California, Florida and Nevada.

ECLIPSE GLASSES AND SAFETY

What are eclipse glasses and why are they needed for the eclipse.

Gazing at the bright rays from the eclipse without  protective eyewear  can seriouslt damage your eye, so wearing a pair of protective glasses is important.

There's a technical standard for eclipse glasses, which are designed to block out most light and let you safely see the moon pass in front of the sun: It's called ISO 12312-2 after the International Organization of Standardization.

While there's concerns that not all glasses marketed as eclipse glasses live up to that standard, experts say usually the shortcomings aren't significant .

But as the 2024 eclipse approaches, the American Astronomical Society  has warned that there are some counterfeit and fake eclipse glasses being sold from unverified vendors that would be unsafe to use during the eclipse. They recommend buying from a vetted vendor and testing the glasses before the eclipse.

How do I get solar eclipse glasses?

You should buy from a reputable source who can ship the glasses to you in time for April 8. A guide to last-minute eclipse glasses explains more.

Heads up: The online marketplace is flooded with retailers selling solar eclipse glasses they claim have the NASA seal of approval . Consider that a red flag to look elsewhere.

How can you test eclipse glasses?

NASA shared an easy method to check eclipse glasses at home.

Buyers should put on their glasses and look at a bright light, like a flashlight. If the light is "extremely dim," or doesn't appear at all, the glasses are safe, Susannah Darling, of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, said in an instructional video. Viewers should be able to see the filament of the lightbulb, not the glow surrounding the bulb.

Can you really go blind watching a solar eclipse?

You could severely damage your eyes . Directly staring at the sun before and after the total eclipse, or watching a partial eclipse outside the path of totality without proper eye protection, can result in permanent damage including blurred and altered vision.

While rare, eye damage from watching a partial eclipse happens in part because a person's natural response to squint when looking at sunlight does not get triggered. In the lead-up to the  April 8 solar eclipse ,  doctors and a rare set of eclipse watchers are warning about  watching this planetary event without adequate eclipse glasses or with the naked eye.

It’s hard for experts to know or even estimate how many people experience eye damage from solar eclipses. Since looking at an eclipse does not cause complete blindness, people with permanent damage may not know they have it or report it to a doctor. The 2017 eclipse , which passed from Oregon to South Carolina, is thought to have caused about 100 cases, according to the  American Astronomical Society .

How can I watch the eclipse without glasses?

If you don't have access to eclipse glasses do not use regular sunglasses — You need a more creative solution for safe viewing, like a pinhole projector .

Welding glasses are not recommended for eclipse viewing .

Should I take dogs or cats to see the eclipse? Is it safe for pets?

An eclipse itself isn't dangerous for domestic animals such as dogs and cats, but experts say it's probably best to not bring pets .

Experts' biggest concern is not what’s happening in the sky but on the ground as crowds of excited and anxious people gather, said Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

“Rather than the effects of the eclipse, I would be more worried about the excitement and all of the people,” she said.

Contributing: Ramon Padilla, Karina Zaiets and Janet Loehrke

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This Underrated European City Is Finally Having Its Moment — With Affordable Flights, Buzzy Bars, and Beautiful Hotels

A tale of two Dublins, two iconic hotels, and a host of new reasons to visit in 2024.

Peter Unger/Getty Images

When planning an itinerary to Europe, a stopover in Dublin can feel easy to skip – it’s on an island removed from the Continent and while charming, it’s not a seat of power or change. It’ll always be there, still fun and pretty, for some other visit. 

Look again. 

Dublin, of course, maintains its charm (welcoming pubs, leafy public squares, history around every corner) but between its sustained tech boom, the transformation of the Docklands and London’s distractions with Brexit, Dublin has ascended to the forefront of English-speaking Europe.

Dublin’s secret to moving confidently into the future without letting go of the past? “The marrying of old and new does not happen by accident. The thing is to balance progress with preserving cultural heritage so the city maintains its core identity,” says Juliet Passmore , an economist with the Dublin City Council. “Dublin’s role as a digital leader in Europe hasn’t diminished its appeal to tourists. In fact, I think it has led to innovation that has improved the city.”

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• One of Dublin’s most beloved landmarks, the Long Room at Trinity College’s Old Library, has something new to check out: an exhibit, called Gaia , features a three-dimensional glowing representation of the Earth floating amid the library stacks. The work by Luke Jerram, in place until September 2024, juxtaposes the fragility of our planet with that of the beautiful and esteemed library, slated to close in late 2025 for a conservation and modernization project. 
• In addition to ogling the illuminated 9th-century Book of Kells at Trinity Dublin’s Long Room, visitors can also partake in a new Book of Kells Experience , a mesmerizing multimedia exploration of the mythical beasts and colorful swirling motifs found in the manuscript, as well as a look at its history, from its creation in a quiet monastery to its secret smuggled journey to Dublin during Cromwell’s invasion. 
• A 55-room boutique hotel, The Leinster , opened in March on Merrion Square. The hotel’s rooftop restaurant is overseen by Jean-George Vongerichten and offers the chef’s signature dishes that meld French tradition with Southeast Asian recipes, as well as some new takes on classic Irish food.
• The buzz around new wine-bar-in-a-parking-deck Amy Austin may finally have subsided enough to get a table. The casual and wildly popular joint, with a small-plates menu and wine on tap as well as cocktails and a surprisingly full wine list, is located on the street level of the Drury Street Carpark.
• Amari, an Italian restaurant on busy Chatham Street, recently opened up Amari by Day , a satellite downstairs on the ground floor. The shop, which calls itself a Sicilian deli, operates daily (except Mondays) from 8 a.m., serving pastries and espressos early on and moving into the arancini and panini as lunchtime approaches. 

Louise Kennedy, founder and designer of an eponymous luxury women’s clothing brand, is a longtime resident of Dublin and operates a flagship store in Merrion Square. She concurs: “Although I deeply appreciate living and working in the Georgian quarter of the city, I am also a great admirer of the bold and contemporary architecture evident along by the Docklands and city quays. Strict planning laws ensure that development does not subtract from the attraction of the city. There is an energy that always comes with new developments which adds an extra layer of richness to Dublin.”

Walter Bibikow/Getty Images

It’s a tale of two cities, then, modern Dublin sitting amiably alongside old Dublin, both halves coexisting in this famously walkable metropolis. Visitors to the city can opt for high tea or kombucha, for CrossFit or a stroll in the square, or both. You don’t have to take sides.

However you choose to experience it, Dublin’s charms are hard to beat. “Within 15 minutes visitors can be by the sea or strolling along a leafy canal, and within 40 minutes you could be climbing a mountain," Kennedy said. "All the major museums and galleries (which are free to the public) are concentrated within a 1-kilometer radius in the city center. And of course, with the population now expanding, we have seen a plethora of new and interesting restaurants and bars opening across the city.” 

Designer Louise Kennedy

Within 15 minutes visitors can be by the sea or strolling along a leafy canal, and within 40 minutes you could be climbing a mountain.

Luxuriate in Georgian Dublin with a stay at the Shelbourne.

The Shelbourne Hotel , which celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2024, is an elegant example of Dublin’s enduring beauty. Originally built from three connected grand houses in a prime spot facing St. Stephen’s Green, the Shelbourne retains her five-star glow these two centuries later.

In her remarkable reign as the grand dame hotel of Dublin, the Shelbourne has been the site of upheaval (during the 1916 Easter Uprising, skirmishes were fought right on the hotel’s doorstep), national pride (the first Irish Constitution was drafted here and an original copy is on display off the lobby), and glamor (past notable guests have included Peter O’Toole, the Rolling Stones, Maureen O’Hara, Princess Grace of Monaco, and John and Jacqueline Kennedy). The hotel even shows up in the pages of James Joyce’s epic "Ulysses." It’s not just a recommended place to stay in central Dublin: The Shelbourne is woven into the fabric of the city.

Once inside the lobby, all gleaming checkerboard floors, Connemara marble, stained glass windows, and wedding-cake plasterwork, guests are met with deft and warm service at every level, from manager to cleaning staff.  

The hotel’s restaurants and bars attract Dubliners as well as guests and tourists. Between high tea service at the hotel’s Lord Mayor’s Lounge and the lively bar scene at No. 27, you’ll get a sense of the hotel’s importance to the city’s social and business scene. At the Saddle Room, the hotel’s updated restaurant, lunch and dinner menus highlight Ireland’s remarkable bounty: lamb, seafood, salmon, beef, and produce. The hotel’s other bars are worth exploring, too. The racing-themed Horseshoe Bar, an institution, is intimate in size but maintains a convivial and expansive vibe. The handsome wood-paneled and book-lined 1824 Lounge, on the other hand, seems designed for hushed conversation.

As in many historic hotels, some guest rooms are on the snug side but all the fittings are quietly opulent, with marble bathrooms, beautifully maintained furniture, deep carpets, and a cozy turndown service (macarons, anyone?). Premium rooms and suites are larger and most come with views across St. Stephen’s Green — an upgrade that is guaranteed to imbue you with a feeling of Irish luck.

Mark Stewart/Skramshots.com/Getty Images

JetBlue just launched daily flights to Dublin from New York’s JFK and Boston’s Logan airports.

Embrace the city’s modern present at the Marker Dublin. 

A few minutes’ walk from the Shelbourne, you’ll find another neighborhood transformed. Dublin’s Docklands district — a sparkling stretch of high-rise buildings and cunningly renovated warehouses flanking the Liffey River — was once the medieval stomping (stumping?) ground of lepers and where condemned prisoners were hanged. In the past few decades, the once-seedy waterfront has become the “Silicon Docks,” the European headquarters of Facebook, Google, and Airbnb and where many of Dublin’s young entrepreneurs and wealthy live and work. 

Donal Murphy/Courtesy of Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel

The Marker Dublin , a distinctive checkerboard edifice on Grand Canal Square in the Docklands (next to the equally striking Daniel Libeskind-designed Bord Gáis Energy Theatre), serves up an ultramodern, tech-forward hotel stay softened with lovely local touches. The hotel’s stepped and jagged lobby walls and ceiling evoke the cascading basalt formation of the Giant’s Causeway. The airy hotel’s colorway of mossy browns and greens, punchy yellows and blues, and moody grays feels simultaneously chic and earthy as an Irish landscape. Even the hotel’s name comes from the old milestone markers that were placed along Ireland’s Grand Canal to let ships track how far they’d sailed from the sea.

Courtesy of Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel

The dreamy color scheme extends into the calmly stylish guest rooms, lit by floor to ceiling windows and featuring marble bathrooms with heated floors. Take advantage of the yoga kits on offer — the rooms are airy and spacious enough to accommodate a good stretch. Between the Nespresso machine in the rooms and the Malin + Goetz products in the bathrooms, the hotel’s clientele is refreshed and ready for a day at nearby office buildings or down in the lobby, where many business deals seem to be taking place. 

As at the Shelbourne, the Marker’s public spaces draw as many locals as guests, especially the rooftop Bar and Terrace, popular with the young afterwork crowd. The views — with the city in the foreground and the coast and mountains in the distance — are stunning, even on a misty evening. Off the lobby, the open-concept hotel restaurant, Forbes Street by Gareth Mullins, maintains a focus on provenance with a menu bolstered by a curated litany of Irish producers. Irish veg, beef, duck, scallops, cheeses, even cockles and mussels, alive-alive-oh. 

On the mezzanine level, a hushed, jewel-toned Anantara spa offers treatment rooms, a steam bath, and a truly sexy pool area (dark walls, natural light spilling in through sheer curtains, and deep orange chaise lounges surrounding a green 75-foot pool). If you want a fully immersive Irish experience, the Marker can also arrange for a "wild swimming" outing to one of the region’s coastal beaches. 

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Welcome to Trilith Guesthouse, Fayetteville, GA, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Boutique, storytelling hotel in fayetteville, ga.

Welcome to our boutique hotel in Fayetteville, Georgia, a captivating destination where the art of storytelling comes to life. Nestled in the Town at Trilith, our 193-room grand hotel is designed, not to rest weary travelers, but instead, to awaken the storyteller in all who visit. Retreat to our sophisticated accommodations curated to provide the utmost comfort and style. Embark on a culinary journey at our signature restaurant, Prologue Dining & Drinks, or ascend to our European-inspired rooftop bar, Oliver’s Twist Bar & View, for creative cocktails and sweeping views of Trilith. Host a memorable event with 17,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor venues designed to inspire collaboration and productivity. Envisioned as a gathering place for creatives, artists, and storytellers, endless adventure awaits with an array of shopping, remarkable dining, and more just steps away. Discover a world where every corner tells a unique tale, and where your stay becomes an immersive experience like no other.

Rooms & Suites

Rates vary by date & room type

FEATURED AMENITIES ON-SITE

Hotel information.

Check-in: 4:00 pm

Check-out: 11:00 am

Minimum Age to Check In: 21

Smoke Free Property

Pets Welcome

Non-Refundable Pet Fee Per Stay: $150

Maximum Pet Weight: 25lbs

Maximum Number of Pets in Room: 1

Daily: $25.00

Prologue Dining & Drinks 

Where the story begins. With inspiration at every turn in the Town at Trilith, the hotel's signature restaurant is the catalyst for culinary creativity. Rich flavors are paired with the joy of shared meals, breaking bread, and a touch of Southern charm.

Oliver's Twist Bar & View

Revelries on the rooftop are met with a whimsical English touch. On the hotel's fifth floor, indulge in elevated pub fare and soak in scenic views of the Town at Trilith, all while mixologists take center stage with innovative cocktails.

Fitness Center

On-site fitness center featuring cardio equipment, free weights and other workout equipment.

Swimming Pool

What to expect.

Plan and Prepare for your Stay

GETTING HERE

Trilith guesthouse, fayetteville, ga, a tribute portfolio hotel.

350 Trilith Parkway, Fayetteville, Georgia, USA, 30214

Bus Station

Subway Station

Train Station

Property Details

Accepts: Cash, Credit Cards

Property has elevators

For more information about the physical features of our accessible rooms, common areas or special services relating to a specific disability please call +1 866-791-7417

Self Operating lift or a sloped entry in hotel swimming pools

Service Animals are Welcome

Accessible Entrance to On-Site Pool

Entrance to On-Site Business Center is Accessible

Entrance to On-Site Fitness Center is Accessible

Main Entrance is Accessible

Meeting Spaces are Accessible

On-Site Restaurants are Accessible

Hearing Accessible Rooms and/or Kits

Mobility accessible rooms

Roll-in Shower

Frequently Asked Questions

The check-in time at Trilith Guesthouse, Fayetteville, GA, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel is 4:00 pm and the check-out time is 11:00 am.

The pet policy at Trilith Guesthouse, Fayetteville, GA, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel is:

The parking options at Trilith Guesthouse, Fayetteville, GA, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel are:

The property amenities at Trilith Guesthouse, Fayetteville, GA, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel are:

Yes, Trilith Guesthouse, Fayetteville, GA, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel has free Wi-Fi available to hotel guests.

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TRILITH GUESTHOUSE, FAYETTEVILLE, GA, A TRIBUTE PORTFOLIO™ HOTEL

350 Trilith Parkway,

Fayetteville, Georgia, USA, 30214

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