what to do in bristol
I have been to Bristol a few times and every time I discovered something new! Bristol is a multicultural and extremely colorful city and a real foodie paradise.
If you are planning on spending a day or two in Bristol, here are some suggestions of things to do and places to explore.
If your looking for the best places to eat and drink in Bristol, check out this post.
what to do in bristol
Visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge
The Clifton Suspension Bridge is the symbol of Bristol and one of the biggest prides of the locals. It was built in 1864 and is a masterpiece of Victorian engineering.
On top of the bridge is one of the best places for a beautiful view over Clifton, making it to one of the most popular spots for tourist snaps.
The bridge is open every day of the week and it’s free to cross it by foot or bike. There is a 1£ charge each way for motor vehicles though.
Hop on a ferry and discover Bristol from the river
There are several different routes you can take by ferry. My favorite is the one that takes you up the River Avon to the popular Beese Riverside bar. The bar is only open from End of March throughout the summer months. Beside great Ciders you can enjoy life bands and the beautiful scenery there.
The area around the bar is perfect for a quiet afternoon stroll, too.
Visit the St Nicholas markets
The market is filled with independent stores selling their own wares and goods. It’s the perfect place to find a great souvenir or have a delicious lunch or afternoon snack at one of the many food stalls that sell snack and meals from all over the world.
things to do bristol
Discover Bristol’s architecture
There are many churches worth visiting. Take, for example the Bristol Cathedral or St Mary Redcliffe.
Apart from visiting churches, just walking through the town center or Clifton (a suburb of Bristol) will give you plenty to see.
Cliftonwood in Clifton is famous for its iconic colored houses and a popular Instagram photo spot. There is a beautiful little pub nested in between the houses which serves a wide variety of local ciders. If you get tired from walking around the steep hills of Cliftonwoods come here to clench your thirst and rest.
Where? The Lion Cliftonwood
What to do in Bristol? Spend an afternoon at the park (and have a picnic)
Bristol has many gorgeous parks that are perfect for an afternoon chill or picnic on a sunny day.
One of my favorite parks is College Green, located in the Old City of Bristol. It’s a spacious and well maintained park so go grab some of Bristols’ world famous ciders from one of the many pubs around the area and relax under the cooling shade of the trees.
The park is nested in between many famous buildings such as the Bristol Cathedral, the City Hall and the University of Bristol.
things to do bristol
You can find another great green area close to the Clifton Observatory next to the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
If you get bored of sitting around the grass you can go up explore the observatory hill for an even better view.
From there and for a charge of 4£ you can go down and explore the Leigh Wood Vaults, which are hidden chambers inside the structures that hold up the bridge.
Dress @Free People
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