Things to do in Bristol: 8 cool ideas
Is Bristol one of England’s last bohemias? In 2018, around 80 people moved to Bristol from London a week, and then there was a further uptick post-pandemic as many Londoners made the 100-mile pilgrimage to a more relaxed pace of life. The once shabby southwest city has reinvented itself recently, with exciting new hotels and a surge of fantastic restaurants that shout about food sovereignty.
Historically, Bristol’s port was the second largest in England after London, known for exporting wool and leather; pirates once walked its streets. Nowadays, Bristol is compact compared to London and Manchester but packs in culture with festival after festival, a thriving vegan/vegetarian community and plenty of quick-fix outdoorsy options.
The locals worship the city (many never leave after school), and any dog-walking Bristolian will be itching to tell you about a cherished café, secret climbing spot or their mate’s next gig. It’s the home of Massive Attack and more recent favourites Idles – music runs through Bristol’s blood. You’ll rarely meet a Bristolian who isn’t associated with a local band. In this city of lost music genres, ska, reggae and drum & bass still thrive.
Built on anti-establishment attitudes and alternative lifestyles, Bristol has a potent personality you don’t find in the diluted capital or visitor-skewed Edinburgh.
Getty Images1. Soak up the beauty of Clifton
Clifton Village is the home of honey-hued Georgian architecture, quaint streets and iconic views of Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge, securing it as one of the city's most picturesque areas to explore. You can easily spend a day here, beginning with brunch at Foliage Cafe, having a roam around Clifton’s upmarket boutiques, a stroll down Royal York Crescent, and then settling down at the White Lion or The Clifton Observatory to sample a local craft beer with views overlooking the Avon Gorge and Suspension Bridge.
In the afternoon, continue your adventure heading over the bridge to Leigh Woods and Ashton Court, both perfect for a dog walk and a wander in the wilderness right on the city's edge. Or a meander through Victoria Square will take you past Clifton Cathedral through Whiteladies Road and Cotham Hill, where you’ll find remarkable bars and restaurants like Bravas, The Metropolitan and The Crying Wolf.
Alamy2. Absorb Bristol’s history in the Old City and Christmas Steps
In the historic part of Bristol City Centre, the Christmas Steps quarter has many independent shops, galleries and eateries. The charming cobble-stepped street with its historical buildings looks like a scene set in the world of Harry Potter, so it’s a perfect photo-op. You could spend a few hours here shopping for a unique gift or souvenir, cosying up at the Christmas Steps pub or indulging in one of Ahh Toots’ delicious bakes. The street is just a stone's throw away from St. Nicholas Market and corking cocktail spots, including the award-winning bar Milk Thistle – so you won’t be short of things to do afterwards.
Address: The Christmas Steps, 2 Christmas Steps, Bristol BS1 5BS
Alamy3. Wander Wapping Wharf and the Harbourside
For the foodies, Wapping Wharf is the perfect spot to tingle your tastebuds. This bustling destination adjacent to the M Shed Museum offers an eclectic mix of independent restaurants and cafes housed in cargo shipping containers. The community-driven area is a must-visit during the summer, where you can sit and enjoy delicious small plates and cocktails alfresco, with stunning views across the famous floating harbour to match.
The locals congregate on the Harbourside during the warmer months, taking a perch on the train tracks and enjoying a cool tipple next to the water. Further down the tracks, you can enjoy a cultural afternoon exploring Brunel’s SS Great Britain or having a mooch around the contemporary art galleries, Spike Island and the Arnolfini.
Address: Wapping Wharf, Bristol; Harbourside, Bristol
Alamy4. Track down some street art
North Street in Bedminster is home to an array of vibrant murals by Bristol’s renowned local street artists. The area is bustling, especially during Upfest – Bristol’s world-famous graffiti festival, which highlights every key mural throughout Bedminster and where you can watch street artists in action. Despite the event taking a hiatus during 2023, you can still explore the area and discover some hidden gems, including the distinctive landmark ‘The Six Sisters’, celebrating six of Bristol’s women street artists, such as Zoe Power (@zoepowpower on Instagram) and Sophie Long (@sophielongart on Instagram). As well as soaking up Bristol’s Street art culture, the area offers a great selection of hip, independent coffee shops, bars and restaurants for all you foodies. In particular, the Sunday market at the Tobacco Factory is not to be missed.
Address: North Street, Bedminster, Bristol
Alamy5. Hit up King Street
The 17th Century cobbled King Street is known in Bristol as an after-work watering hole for its locals. The area is especially buzzing during summer evenings, where you can enjoy live music at Bristol’s famous jazz pub, The Old Duke, sink cider like a true Bristolian at the Apple Cider Boat and soak up the street-party vibe as the sun sets over the surrounding historic buildings.
Experience theatrical magic at Bristol Old Vic Theatre, housed within the most remarkable grade-I listed building on the street. So it’s no surprise that Daniel Day-Lewis once called it “the most beautiful theatre in England”. The building underwent a multi-million-pound refurb in 2019, so if you dig architectural masterpieces, you’re in for a treat.
Address: King Street, Bristol
Alamy6. Get cultural in Stokes Croft
Soak up the true grit of Bristol in Stokes Croft, the city’s creative core. The area is characterised by its unique residents, independent spirit and, of course, its graffiti by world-famous street artists Banksy (“The Mild Mild West”), Inkie and Alex Lucas (@lucas_antics on Instagram).
At night, the area is a vibe – experience some live music at the Crofter’s Rights, watch an indie film at the Cube Microplex Cinema or spend an evening wining and dining at Bianchis on Picton Street. Without forgetting its epic brunch places like The Crafty Egg, Artist Residence and The Bristolian, you won’t be stuck for things to eat here.
Address: Stokes Croft, Bristol
Toby Mitchell7. Go on a Bristol beer trail
Bristol is home to over 20 breweries (and counting). Most of them are located in the city’s east side, where you’ll find home-grown heroes like Left Handed Giant, Wiper and True, Good Chemistry, Lost and Grounded, New Bristol Brewery, Arbor and Moor. Collaboration is a binding ethos in Bristol, so these breweries often join forces in their innovative approach to beer by participating in the annual East Bristol Beer Trail and Craft Beer Festival on the Harbourside. Left Handed Giant’s Brewpub in Finzels Reach is also a honeypot for tourists and locals alike, where you can enjoy a glass of Bristol’s finest fresh beer with the most idyllic view of the water and Castle Park – an essential stop-off in summer!
8. Get lost in Wake The Tiger
Located in St Philips, Wake the Tiger is a truly unique and magical walkthrough experience you won’t find in any other city. The brainchild of the team behind Boomtown Fair, the fantastical immersive ‘World of Meridia’ features 27 distinct interactive art installations with a trippy and tantalising twist for you to explore (and most likely get lost in!). The amazement park is one of a kind, fusing the latest technology and incredible artwork for all ages to enjoy. It’s not one to miss!