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Top things to do in Bristol

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About Bristol

Including tips for the best time to visit Bristol

Straddling both sides of the River Avon and laying claim to being one of England’s largest cities, Bristol is not short of things to see and do. Here you can learn how to brew like a proper ‘Bristolian’, browse the independent shops of Wapping Wharf and cycle through some of England’s most beautiful scenery all within the space of a morning.

Bristol is brimming with things to do, from a wealth of art collectives and street art to exploring the SS Great Britain and the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge. Don’t miss a chance to see Banky’s famous graffiti.

Bristol's nightlife is legendary – this is a place where vast warehouse clubs hosting some of the world’s most famous DJs go hand in hand with glamorous speakeasies and fun, quirky bars. If you’re looking to dance to techno, house and jungle, make for Lakota, or for a chance to throw some shapes in a former police station, book a night at The Island. There are also plenty of breweries dotted around the city as well as a thriving LGBTQ+ scene.

If you’re looking to escape Bristol’s city centre for a day or two, there’s plenty to keep you occupied just a stone’s throw away. The waterways of the city docks offer ample opportunities for stand up paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing, and you can climb to your heart’s content in the stunning Avon Gorge National Nature Reserve. For cyclists, head to the Bristol and Bath Railway Path which offers over 13 miles of picturesque cycle trails.

Tonight

From £171 per night

This weekend

From £416 per night

Next weekend

From £385 per night

Most popular time to visit October–December
Cheapest time to visit January–March
Local currency GBP
Language English
Average weekend price £113 per night
Average weekday price £112 per night
Typical stay 1 night

Points of interest in Bristol

Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Bristol

Bristol reviews

What other travellers say about Bristol

10

Bristol is a great little city.

10 April 2024

Bristol is a great little city. Nice to see some of the UK outside of London. Very close to Bath, Cardiff, and other interesting places to see. We stayed in Clifton which is a very charming little village just above the city center and very easy to get to. Parking is a bit of a challenge but we managed to figure it out quite quickly.

Cameron Shaw
Cameron Shaw Italy
4.0

Bristol is a place with a lot of history & the S.

7 April 2024

Bristol is a place with a lot of history & the S.S. Great Britain ship is well worth visiting. Clifton Bridge & its surrounding area is worth visiting too. Bristol though is the graffiti capital of Europe - sadly most of it has little artistic value and the city is definitively car unfriendly with so many road restrictions and cameras everywhere.

NICK
NICK United Kingdom
10

We found Bristol a very friendly city.

7 April 2024

We found Bristol a very friendly city. Everyone smiled. Loved the market at ST Nicholas well outside stalls inside too much for me. Plenty of coffee shops and even more restaurants no shortage of cocktail bars. Over all a lovely city will be back i promise.

JILL
JILL United Kingdom
6.0

We pre booked a trip before we arrived so just stuck to that.

6 April 2024

We pre booked a trip before we arrived so just stuck to that. Hotel was fab next to an amazing bakery Ahh Toots it’s a must, food exceptional and the staff are too. We ate at the Little French which was the best and we also went to the Lido which you must visit- you need to book both before your visit as they are both very popular places.

Krystyne
Krystyne United Kingdom
10

This was our second stay at The Bristol Hotel, and it was...

27 March 2024

This was our second stay at The Bristol Hotel, and it was just as amazing two years on. On arrival we were greeted at Reception by friendly and helpful staff, but throughout our stay every member of staff we passed in the corridor asked how were were and if we needed anything. Impressed with the efficient and welcoming staff team. Our Classic double room had a coffee machine, nice toiletries, comfy kind size bed and good shower and we were thrilled to be allocated a bedroom looking out on the waterside. The breakfast in the morning was outstanding, the standard of food was high, with big selection of lovely Danish pastries, banana bread, croissants: my husband had the fried breakfast which he said was great, and I ordered porridge which was made especially, and this came piping hot , the gentleman serving us remembered I requested honey on the side. We had a lovely break at this hotel, and recommend this hotel to anyone that wants a family or romantic break, it is in a great location right by the waterfront and is near all the bars and restaurants, Bristol Hippodrome, The Bristol Beacon (Music Venue). Look forward to our next time and a thank you to the staff for making our stay so welcome and relaxing.

Nicky
Nicky United Kingdom
10

Great city for shopping and sightseeing.

24 March 2024

Great city for shopping and sightseeing. Well laid out pedestrianised city centre and the Museum is not far away up the hill and is fantastic! People were good too and also the local Tesco shop was convenient.

Anonymous

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