Looking for things to do in Bristol?
Bristol is packed with uniqueness! A city break in Bristol offers appealing countryside, cosmopolitan culture and enough street art to fill a weekend of wandering. Bristol is a performing arts hub and a foodie haven with plenty to offer the history fans as well! Bristol is also a great place to base yourself for a night or two of excitement before heading further into the West Country or Wales.
Ready to start exploring? Discover the coolest sights to see and things to do in Bristol below!
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1. Clifton Suspension Bridge
The Millennium Bridge in London isn’t the only one likely to give you the shakes. Suspension bridges like Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge are actually designed to be flexible. Stop at the halfway point and focus on something in the distance to see how much it moves!
This historic bridge and unmissable Bristol landmark was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel at just the age of 23. While construction was not completed until he was 56, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is one of Brunel’s most iconic creations. The bridge bears the inscription SUSPENSA VIX VIA FIT, meaning ‘A suspended way made with difficulty’ – and it was certainly one of the greatest projects of this award-winning engineer’s lifetime.
2. Clifton Village
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Clifton is a lovely suburb located a stone’s throw away from the city centre. Housing Bristol’s university, the Clifton Village is full of independent shops and cafes in chocolate box-style Victorian houses.
Try Foliage Cafe in the heart of the village for locally sourced food, homemade cakes and a perfectly brewed coffee. And if the weather is good (and even if it isn’t), you can work off your lunch with a swim at the Bristol Lido. This heated outdoor pool re-opened in 2008 after a complete makeover, and offers the kind of spa facilities you’d expect in a wellness retreat.
3. Bristol Zoo Project
If you’re looking for a wild day out in Bristol, the Bristol Zoo Project should be high on your list. This wildlife park is set within 136 acres of beautiful countryside. See animal residents like bears, giraffes, lynxes and lemurs, all in spacious, naturalistic enclosures. But this is not just a zoo. It’s a conservation park with a big heart and even bigger ambitions to protect wildlife around the globe.
What makes the Bristol Zoo Project especially appealing is how interactive and educational the experience is. Kids (and grown-ups too) can follow trails through woodlands, climb through adventure play areas, and learn about endangered species in a hands-on, engaging way. The Bristol Zoo Project is evolving into a modern hub for nature lovers of all ages!
4. Bristol art tour
There’s more to Bristol than Brunel – it was also home to Banksy and the site of his earliest work. This graffiti artist, who elevated street art, has inspired a generation of artists with his ability to challenge convention and change opinions with just a spray can. Many of Banksy’s own works are in the centre of Bristol and easy to find. Keep an eye out for Grim Reaper, The Girl With The Pierced Eardrum and Well Hung Lover!
There are also several important large-scale works from the likes of Nick Walker (Butterfly, Rapunzel and Vandal) – a contemporary of Banksy’s and a hugely influential street art figure. Take a guided tour with Where The Wall Experiences to discover the stories behind the walls – and you’ll end up covering the best of Bristol’s art scene!
5. The Harbourside Street Food Market
Tucked away in one of Bristol’s most scenic spots, the Harbourside Street Food Market is a foodie must-visit. Popping up every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 12pm until 2.30pm, as well as every weekend from 11.30am until 4pm, this vibrant market brings together some of the best eats the city has to offer.
Whether you’re in the mood for sweet bakes or tasty, hearty grub, there’s something here to tempt every tastebud. It’s the perfect place to soak up the local flavour (literally!). Grab a bite, chat with friendly vendors and enjoy the buzz of a city that truly loves its food.
6. Cabot Tower
For a mix of history and some of the best views in Bristol, Cabot Tower is a must-visit. Tucked away in the peaceful greenery of Brandon Hill Park, this charming landmark is a favourite with locals and visitors.
Built in 1897 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s voyage to North America, the tower has a touch of old-world elegance, with its intricate stonework and Italian Gothic style. Climb the spiral staircase to the top (it’s a bit of a workout, but worth it!) and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views over the city. On a clear day, you can spot the Severn Estuary and even the Welsh mountains in the distance.
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7. Watershed
Watershed is a much-loved harbourside hangout in Bristol where film, food and creativity come together in the best possible way! Whether you’re catching an indie film, joining a workshop or admiring some live music, there’s always something interesting going on.
The café bar is a cosy spot to relax, serving up locally sourced (and organic!) food alongside great coffee. There’s free WiFi too, perfect for getting a bit of work done with a view. Whether you’re a film fan, a curious creative or just after a chilled-out space to soak up Bristol’s cultural vibe, Watershed is well worth a visit.
8. M Shed
If you want to get a real feel for Bristol’s character, M Shed is the perfect place to start. Set in a former dockside transit shed on the harbourside, this free museum tells the story of Bristol. From pirates to punks, engineers to artists, the exhibits bring Bristol’s rich and sometimes rebellious history to life in a way that’s fun, thought-provoking and family-friendly.
It’s not just about looking at things behind glass, either. M Shed often has interactive displays, films and real working exhibits. The views from the terrace over the harbour are lovely too, particularly on a sunny day. Whether you’re visiting with kids or just curious about what makes Bristol tick, M Shed is a brilliant (and free!) way to spend a couple of hours.
9. Windmill Hill City Farm
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Tucked away in South Bristol, Windmill Hill City Farm is a delightful 4.5-acre green space that brings the countryside to the city. Established in the 1970s by local residents, this community-run farm offers a charming mix of farm animals, flourishing gardens, friendly workshops and open spaces perfect for a relaxed day out. Visitors can meet goats, pigs and chickens, explore the productive gardens that bloom year-round, and let little ones enjoy the outdoor play area and sandpit.
The farm’s award-winning café serves up delicious meals using locally sourced ingredients, with plenty of outdoor seating for sunny days. There’s also a farm shop stocked with local produce and handmade crafts. Throughout the year, Windmill Hill City Farm hosts a variety of events and workshops, from yoga classes to seasonal markets, making it a vibrant hub for the community.
10. Clifton Observatory and Caves
Perched high above the Avon Gorge, the Clifton Observatory is one of Bristol’s most well-known landmarks. Originally built as a windmill in 1766, it was transformed in the 1820s by artist and inventor William West into an observatory complete with a working Camera Obscura – one of only a few still open to the public in the UK.
This Victorian marvel projects a live 360-degree panorama of the surrounding landscape onto a viewing table, giving visitors a unique perspective of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Bristol skyline and the lush greenery of the Downs.
For those feeling adventurous, a descent through a 200-foot tunnel leads to the Giant’s Cave. This natural cavern opens out dramatically on the cliff face, 250 feet above the River Avon. Steeped in legend, the cave is linked to the folklore of Bristol’s giants, Goram and Ghyston, and offers a spectacular (and slightly vertigo-inducing) view of the gorge and bridge.
11. St Nicholas Markets
If you’re into discovering hidden gems and one-of-a-kind treasures, St Nicholas Markets is a must-visit while you’re in Bristol. Home to the city’s biggest collection of independent retailers, at St Nicholas Market you’ll find everything from unique fashion and gifts to seriously cool vintage records. Whether you’re browsing for yourself or hunting for the perfect present, there’s something special waiting to be uncovered.
St Nicholas Markets is known for its buzzing atmosphere all week long, with the indoor market open Monday to Saturday, a street food market every Tuesday and Friday, and the Bristol Indies’ Market on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s the perfect place to wander, snack, and soak up the local vibe. Who knows? You might even stumble across a quirky little keepsake to remember your Bristol city break by!
12. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
For a dose of culture that won’t cost you a penny, head to the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Housed in a beautiful Edwardian building at the top of Park Street, this free museum is packed with everything from ancient Egyptian artefacts to sparkling gemstones and even a few dinosaurs! It’s the perfect place to spend a few hours getting lost in stories from around the world and Bristol’s own fascinating past.
Upstairs, you’ll find impressive art collections, including works by Turner and the Pre-Raphaelites, plus rotating exhibitions spotlighting local artists. It’s a lovely mix of old and new, classic and contemporary. The museum is super family-friendly too, with interactive displays and activities for younger visitors. Whether you’re an art lover or a history buff, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is a must-visit.
13. Bristol’s lively music scene
Bristol’s music scene is as vibrant and eclectic as the city itself. From gritty underground venues to grand historic halls, there’s always something to tune into, no matter your taste.
Bristol has long been a launchpad for iconic sounds. Think trip-hop pioneers like Massive Attack and Portishead. But today, you’ll find everything from punk and jazz to drum and bass and folk filling the air. Places like The Fleece, Thekla (a music venue on a boat!), and Exchange regularly host up-and-coming bands, while St George’s and the Bristol Beacon offer more classical and contemporary performances in stunning settings. There are also plenty of live music festivals throughout the year, like Love Saves the Day or the Bristol Harbour Festival, where local talent shares the stage with big-name acts. Whether you’re a casual listener or a dedicated gig-goer, Bristol’s soundtrack is one worth exploring.
14. Bristol City Docks
Bristol City Docks is where the city’s deep history meets its buzzing modern-day energy. Once a bustling hub of maritime trade, the harbourside has been transformed into a lively area packed with things to see and do. You can stroll along the waterfront and soak up the views, hop on a ferry boat, or explore historic ships like the famous SS Great Britain. There’s always something happening, from outdoor art installations to lively weekend markets.
The docks are also a food and drink lover’s dream. With everything from cosy cafés and waterside pubs to stylish restaurants serving dishes from around the world, it’s easy to find a perfect spot to relax and watch the boats go by. Whether you’re up for a bit of sightseeing, some people-watching over a pint or just fancy enjoying the city at a slower pace, Bristol City Docks is the kind of place you’ll want to come back to again and again.
15. Aerospace Bristol
Step into the world of flight at Aerospace Bristol, where Bristol’s fascinating aviation story comes to life. From early flying machines to cutting-edge jets, this museum is packed with exciting exhibits, interactive displays and jaw-dropping aircraft. Whether you’re checking out helicopters, missiles or the hands-on projection shows, there’s plenty to keep curious minds of all ages entertained.
One of the absolute highlights? You can climb aboard Concorde Alpha Foxtrot – the last supersonic passenger jet ever to fly. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see this iconic plane up close. Just imagine what it was like to cruise through the sky at twice the speed of sound!
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