The 23 best things to do in Bristol

What is it? Much more than just a masterpiece of design and engineering. 

Why go? Widely considered to be Brunel’s greatest work, Clifton Suspension Bridge first opened in 1864, and the Grade I-listed structure is an internationally recognised icon of the city. No matter how many times you’ve climbed to Clifton Village to gawp at it, the giant wrought-iron structure never fails to inspire sheer vertiginous awe. 

There’s a lesser-known subterranean angle from which you can admire this symbol of Bristol. Head on a tour from the official visitor centre to marvel at two of the bridge’s twelve hidden underground chambers, only rediscovered in 2002. Hard hat and high vis at the ready. 

Don’t miss: Perched up on the hill, you’ll find Clifton Observatory. Within this former snuff mill is one of only two working camera obscura left in the UK and a subterranean passageway leading to Ghyston’s Cave, which looks out from the cliff face with unrivalled views of the bridge and gorge.

What is it? Get your green fix in the lungs of the city. 

Why go? Stretching from the top of Whiteladies Road all the way to the Suspension Bridge is the huge open green space known as the Downs. This massive area has been helping Bristolians feel a million miles away from the hustle and hassle of the city centre for generations. There’s more than enough room for endless teams of sporty types and Sunday leaguers to kick a ball around without bothering each other. 

Don’t miss: One of the newest and most exciting additions to the city’s jam-packed festival calendar happens here on August bank holiday weekend, Forwards. The two-day event mixes rock, alternative and electronic music with political discussions from big thinkers. 

What is it? Get to know Bristol’s graffiti hotspots. 

Why go? One of Bristol’s most famous cultural exports is street art. From fiercely protected murals on shop shutters and public walls to chrome-and-black ‘throwies’ and tags on vans and windows, Bristol is covered in graffiti. Definitely take a look at the art all the way up Stokes Croft and looming large on Nelson Street, and if you’re looking for even more top-quality street art, you can head to Dean Lane skatepark in Bedminster. You may see a Banksy or two along the way.

For a deep dive into the street art scene, join a Where The Wall tour. They introduce you to some of the city’s most notable pieces, while giving you the lowdown on the stories and artists behind them. There’s even a self-guided tour, so you can track down artwork at your own pace. 

Don’t miss: Every other year Bristol puts on Europe’s biggest street art and graffiti festival, Upfest, ensuring street art is in the spotlight in south Bristol.

What is it? Two of Bristol’s best things to do with kids are handily placed together on Millennium Square, where you can also take a pic of yourself in the great shiny sphere that holds an observatory. Epic science centre We the Curious is reopening in early 2024, inviting children and their grownups to experiment with ideas via colourful interactive installations once again. Just across the Square, Bristol Aquarium holds watery wonders like sharks in a sunken ship, a bay of rays and a learning lab.

Don’t miss: In summer, there’s a pop-up roller disco over the harbour. Brilliant for making some bum-bruising memories.

What is it? Whizz around in the UK’s first ‘cycling city’.

Why go? With more sharply rising inclines than a ski resort, cycling around Bristol can be hard work. Still, there are plenty of great things to do here on two wheels. Head to the open spaces and wooded mountain bike trails of Ashton Court, where you can hire a mountain bike for the day or cycle out to the beautiful Snuff Mills and take in the greenery. There are plenty of resources online to illustrate possible cycling routes – so get wheelie (sorry) into it.

Don’t miss: Set off on the Bristol to Bath Railway Path that follows the route of an old train line through the serene countryside for a manageable 13 miles from city to city.

What is it? Satisfy your caffeine cravings at an independent coffee shop. 

Why go? Bristol is packed with incredible coffee shops. From cold-pressed filter coffee to Italian-style espressos and flat whites, you’re never too far from a great coffee, and much of it is freshly blackened in the city by one of the many roasters that call Bristol home, like Clifton Coffee Roasters, Wogan Coffee Roastery and Extract Coffee Roasters. If you’re a real aficionado, pay a visit to one of the many independents around the city centre – Full Court Press, Little Victories, New Cut Coffee and Small Street Espresso deserve particular praise for their complex blends, broad roster and distinctly charming surroundings.

What is it? Do some shopping on the largest strip of independent retailers in Europe. 

Why go? One of the many things that makes Bristol so special is the huge variety of independent shops here, many of which are particularly well-clustered along Gloucester Road and Stokes Croft. Sure, there are a couple of Tescos along the way, but we all know how their arrival went down… On your walk from bottom to top, we’d particularly recommend a stop at Colmado, an award-winning Spanish deli; Wild Leaf, an indoor plant specialist; and Fox + Feather, an aspirational fashion and homewares shop.

Don’t miss: It probably goes without saying that there are many multiples of coffee shops and pubs to wet your whistle on your climb from the Bear Pit all the way into Bishopston and beyond. The pub garden at The Prince of Wales, cosy cocktail and craft beer bar Sidney & Eden and the cakes and coffee at FED 313 are all well worth a pause. 

What is it? Get hoppy on a tour of one of Bristol’s great craft breweries.

Why go? Bristol’s brewers are a friendly bunch, always keen to throw open their doors so you can get a taste of how they make such brilliant brews. From Bristol Beer Factory to Moor Beer to Wiper and True, beer-makers across Bristol offer an inside look at how those tasty pints make it to a pub near you.

Don’t miss: Twice a year you can complete a beer lover’s dream quest: the East Bristol Brewery Trail. The event usually features six breweries and bookmarks the summer on the first May and August bank holiday weekends. Meet the brewers and enjoy special offers, street food and good vibes. 

What is it? See the city from the water. 

Why go? Bristol was built on the slave trade. The docks and floating harbour that slave traders used until slavery’s abolition remain, and nowadays you can tour the city by boat. Bristol Ferry Boats operates a waterbus service 364 days a year, letting you jump on and off as you choose from Bristol Temple Meads train station to the SS Great Britain. The stops are well placed, letting you jump on and off at places, including Spike Island contemporary art gallery, The Cottage Inn and Underfall Yard’s working boatyard and visitor exhibits.

Don’t miss: Round off your seafaring day with dinner on-board a (stationary) vessel at Under the Stars, the Grain Barge and Three Brothers Burgers. For drinks, local distillery 6 O’clock Gin has a floating bar at The Glassboat, while pints of the West Country’s favourite beverage are flowing on The Apple cider boat. 

What is it? From high-end dining to independent shops selling plants, pastries and proper Bristol cider, it’s all here in this historical and cultural quarter. 

Why go? You could idle away a whole day exploring the shipping containers of Wapping Wharf – for each one holds its own kind of treasure. The Bristol Cheesemonger has an incredible range of specialist delights, Bristol’s first dedicated fermentery Every Good Thing is based here, and there are so many amazing restaurants here we don’t even know where to start. Seven Lucky Gods, Root and Bandook, perhaps? Gert lush, as the locals say.