Bristol is a vibrant city in the southwest of England with a prosperous maritime history. Being the starting point for early voyages of exploration in the New World, Bristol has always been famous for the city’s centuries-old heritage and it’s irrepressible creative spirit.

Famously known for its harbour, blended architectures, and contribution to arts and science, this city is also a great place for other commutes, whether it is shopping at Bristol Shopping Quarter or watch football at Ashton Gate Stadium, there is always something for everyone.

Floated with beautiful historic landmarks, it is in no doubt that Bristol lies among the UK's top 10 most popular tourist destinations (Eyewitness series of travel guides).

1. What makes Bristol unique?
2. Bristol's popular attractions
3. Nightlife in Bristol
4. Sports in Bristol
5. Food in Bristol
6. Shopping in Bristol
7. Festivals and events in Bristol
8. Bristol living costs
9. Travel in and around Bristol
10. Explore the UK from Bristol

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1. What makes Bristol unique?

Bristol is a fantastic international city with a growing reputation as the most sustainable, innovative, and culturally diverse place, with at least 91 languages spoken, 45 religions, and 187 countries of birth.

When you live in Bristol, you'll be immersed in the diverse world of art, music, and access to the wonderful social festivals, exciting events and free activities.

From the city’s most famous art murals and world famous constructions, through to a huge variety of sports and unforgettable events, Bristol welcomes people to experience it’s wonderful hub of activity and creativity.

Bristol is one of the breeding grounds for many of the UK's greatest comedians including Stephen Merchant, Russel Howark, Mark Watson, and Lee Evans.

Bristol is also home to Europe’s largest hot air balloon fiesta that is hosted every year in August.

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2. Bristol's popular attractions

Bristol offers an abundance of fun activities and unique places to visit. Among them, you will find:

• Bristol Floating Harbour. Include numerous museums and galleries, Bristol Aquarium, the We The Curious science center, and the Arnolfini art center, and Fairbairn Steam Crane.
• St. Mary Redcliffe. Fairest parish church in England built in the 13th century.
• Bristol Cathedral. 600 years old church that is famously known for its interesting rectangular chapter house.
• Brunel’s SS Great Britain. World’s first iron-hulled passenger ship.
• Llandoger Trow. A famous building where English writer Daniel Defoe met Alexander Selkirk, a Scottish privateer, and inspired Defoe’s famous novel, Robinson Crusoe.
• Clifton Suspension Bridge. One of the most important structures to be built in the Victorian era. An icon of engineering ambition and achievement.
• Bristol Old City. Contains a warren of historic buildings including the most famous St. Stephen’s Church.
• Bristol Museum and Street Art. An association of 6 beautiful museums and Banksy’s famous anti-authoritarian graffiti.
• Blaise Castle House. A late 18-century mansion house and estate that provides a feel for the lifestyle of a prosperous family.
• Cheddar Gorge. A National Nature Reserve with 450-foot cliffs, stunning stalactite caverns, and Gough’s Cave.

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3. Nightlife in Bristol

Bristol’s nightlife is a place that knows how to have fun. Whether you are searching for somewhere offering the best students’ nights, or to just have fun on a Friday night, Bristol’s got you covered.

If you want a fun and exciting night out with elevated music, nightclubs in Bristol are one of the best places to head to. You’ll find everything from sound systems a-banging with drum ‘n’ bass, to dance halls. And if you prefer something more low-key, an acoustic set is always a great choice, or a chill night with friends on a boat bar. Whatever it is, Bristol will never disappoint you with options.

Being the breeding ground for many of the UK's greatest comedians, there is no doubt that there is a fantastic comedy scene where you can enjoy most nights of the week.

A big city can sometimes be overwhelming, especially when it comes to locating where everything is. Do not worry, each unique street in Bristol will provide distinctive vibes that are based on what you want. Starting off with King Street, famously known for its microbreweries, historic inns, and jazz clubs, you can expect to be having a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Moving on to Park Street and The Triangle, this street is most preferred by students who like lively bars and late-night club nights.

Bristol is proud to have been awarded Purple Flag status in many of its famous districts, showing the city’s excellent management and night-time economy. With this information, it is safe to say that you can enjoy all the amazing nightlife in Bristol without fearing any precautions.

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4. Sports in Bristol

Bristol is home to the world’s largest balloon fiesta, making it one of Bristol’s most unique sporting activities.

At the International Bristol Balloon Fiesta, you’ll be taken into a breathtaking journey around the Bristol and the surrounding countryside.

National and international cricket can be enjoyed at Brightside Ground, and rugby union and rugby league teams play at Ashton Gate Stadium.

Other state-of-the-art facilities open to the public include:

• Ashton Court Golf Course
• Bristol South Swimming Pool
• Portway Rugby Development Centre
• Coombe Dingle Sports Complex
• City of Bristol Gymnastic Centre
• City Academy Athletic Tracks

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5. Food in Bristol

Bristol is famous for its food and drink scene, from award-winning restaurants to world-class pubs and bars, your life never gets better than this.

One of the must do experiences when you come to Bristol is taking a trip to Goram & Vincent or the White Lion Bar. These fantastic restaurants offer mouthwatering dishes and beautiful Avon Gorge and waterfront views alongside the harbour.

When it comes to finding a place to drink or eat, Bristol is never out on outdoor or unique spaces. Most notably, you can enjoy a full spa experience at The Lido, where you can relax in the hot tubs, while dining on some flavoursome meals and swimming in the aesthetically designed Victorian outdoor pool.

A Michelin-starred restaurant, Casamia, is also a must visit in Bristol as it offers the best in local, and seasonal food and drinks.

If you want to have a touring journey and enjoy your food, it is a great idea to climb aboard Bristol Packet ferry boats, where you will be taken along the floating harbour to Beese’s Tea Room, a place where you will be treated with delicious home-made food and a beautiful scenery. Another option you can take is traveling in the opposite direction to The Cottage Inn and The Pumphouse, where you can experience a rare scene of crowds gathering.

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6. Shopping in Bristol

Bristol is known as the ‘shopping capital of the South West.’ You will find everything from tiny pop-up stalls to a whopping great shopping malls.

For its posh boutiques, you can take a leisurely stroll around the Regency Street of Clifton Village or head to the famous Bristol Shopping Quarter to experience high-class shopping and a number of great restaurants, cinemas, and bars. And if you are into vintage or retro, there is Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road - Europe’s longest street of independent shops, a perfect place for you to explore.

There is also the Part Street & The Triangle, known to be a student mecca, where trendiest shops are there to help you catch up with the fashion world.

And if you prefer to enjoy strolling around while also taking in some local history, Old City offers just that perfect place. There is also the Christmas Steps Arts Quarter that offers eight unique streets with beautiful design shops and booksellers.

For shopaholics, just off the M4/M5 interchange, you will be at Bristol’s most ideal place for shopping sprees, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway. Here, you will find high-end fashion brands and a great deal of other exclusive brands such as John Lewis & Partners. There is also Kilver Court Designer Village, located nearby Somerset, was created by Mulberry founder and English designer Roger Saul. This is a unique designer real village that offers over 50 designer brands and 70% discount RRR all year round, making it a true paradise for shopaholics.

Bristol is also famously known for its markets such as year-round St Nicholas Market and the weekend Harbourside Market. Most notably during Christmas, you definitely should not miss the Mile of Markets that stretches from Bristol Shopping Quarter to Brunel’s SS Great Britain on the Harbourside.

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7. Festivals and events in Bristol

Bristol has a number of wide-ranging festivals and events throughout the year, including:

• Bristol International Balloon Fiesta - Europe’s largest annual event of hot air balloons
• Bristol Volksfest - a Volkswagen show and family camping weekend
• The Gert Lush (Bristol’s Vintage Bicycle Jamboree) - celebration of eco-friendly, eccentric, inclusive, cycling rides.
• Bristol Sounds - music festival
• Jekka’s HerbFest - celebrating the growing and use of culinary and medical herbs
• NASS Festival - UK’s biggest celebration of music, street art, and BMX
• Bristol Harbour Festival - free dance, music and arts extravaganza with family activities, music, circus, food market, and visiting vessels
• Longleat Live: The Festival with Bite - live music festival
• Valley Fest - best-tasting music festival in the South West
• Bristol Wing Fest - live music stages playing blues and reggae and eating challenges.
• Tokyo World - music festival

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8. Bristol living costs

Budget guide:

• Weekly bus pass: from £15.50
• Meal out: from £26
• Cafe: from £5
• Fast food: from £7.00
• Cinema ticket: from £10.00

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9. Travel in and around Bristol

Within the city, you can access affordable and efficient public transportations including train, bus, park and ride, and even floating harbour ferries, in order to visit various parts of the city and its surrounding suburbs.

By plane

Bristol Airport offers direct flights from across 26 countries including the UK, Europe, and North America.

Located just 17 minutes from Bristol city centre, about 19 airlines and 25 tour operators offer direct flights to all of Europe’s main cities with low cost prices.

By train

Bristol is the hub of the national rail network in the West of England. Great Western Railway and other main train operators ryb regional, national and inter-city services from Bristol Temple Meads Railway Station and Bristol Parkway Railway Station.

With the GWR Freedom Travel Pass, you can get unlimited travel on all trains and most buses in Bristol. This can also get access in Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. Located in these four zones, you can buy a daily, weekly or monthly ticket that can be used any time during the day

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10. Explore the UK from Bristol

Bristol is an ideal base for you to start exploring the rest of the UK. From iconic attractions, historic landmarks to stunning countryside are all just a short train journey, bus, or car ride away.

Somerset

Somerset is a county renowned for its cheddar cheese and cider. With more than 400 different varieties of apple cider grown in the area, Somerset claims its name in cider capital of the UK. There is also the Cheddar Gorge cave that is still used to mature cheese until this day.

Somerset is great for outdoor pursuits, especially for cyclists and walkers, traveling from the flat lands of Somerset to steep cliffs. With historical pubs, rolling hills and endless moors, and iconic landmarks, Somerset is also home to some of the country’s most beautiful villages.

Wells

Sitting at the fronhills of the Menipis just one hour drive from Bristol, lies England’s smallest city, Wells. Popular with tourists and film-makers for its quaint streets and medieval architecture, Wells is also well known for its year-round cultural offering and the famous Wells Cathedral.

Famously known for the famous 13th-century cathedral, Wells also contains other historic buildings including the moated Bishop’s Palace, Vicar’s Close, St. Cuthbert’s Church and a number of great museums.

This is a perfect location for families to take short breaks, whether it is to experience the ancient and calming atmosphere of this medieval town or take on a more vibrant vibe at The Wells Market Place, whatever it is, this place offers something for everyone.

Bath

Just 12 miles east of Bristol lies the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bath. Popular among tourists for the Roman Baths, abundance of museums, renovated shopping areas, and stunning architecture, Bath has always been among one of the most visited cities in the UK.

The Jane Austen Centre is one of Bath’s greatest residents that offers an intriguing insight in what life was like during the Regency times. For art-lovers, the Fashion Museum is a must visit as it is one of the world’s finest museums of contemporary and historical dress, showcasing its evolution throughout 400 years.

Bath is not only famed for its spectacular buildings, but also offers plenty of boutique shops, charming cafes, regular street entertainments, and delightful restaurants.