About Bristol City Centre and Old City

The City Centre and Old City of Bristol are the heart of the city and offer a superb taste of culture, food, history and fantastic shopping opportunities. A trip to Bristol would not be complete without a visit to its central area.

Bristol Shopping Quarter

Bristol's shopping quarter has over 500 stores, more than 50 cafes and restaurants, great cinemas and entertainment.

The amazing range of shops - from the world famous Harvey Nichols and a flagship House of Fraser to one of the largest Primarks in the country - means that whatever you're looking for, you're sure to find it in the centre of Bristol. From mid-November until late-December, Bristol Shopping Quarter is also home to popular German-themed and local Christmas markets.

The Old City

A veritable rabbit warren of diverse businesses and projects piled into a small, charming space. The streets of the Old City including Broad Street, Corn Street, St Nicholas Market, King Street, Welsh Back and Queen Square remain much the same today as they were hundreds of years ago and are dotted with cobbled streets, secret alleys and interesting architecture. A wander through the Old City will be overflowing with character.

As the name might suggest, this area contains some of the oldest buildings in the city and is described as the medieval heart. Take a heritage walk around the area to discover what remains of Norman Bristol and the city wall remain, then find a spot at one of the many independent and quirky coffee shops in the area for watching the world go by.

Or take a break in Georgian Queen Square which is leafy, peaceful and perfect for picnics. It also hosts a number of events throughout the warmer months, not least the Bristol Harbour Festival in July.

You can eat and drink at some of the best restaurants and bars in the city in this area, including restaurants aboard boats, secret speakeasies, jazz pubs, a cacophony of street food stalls and world-famous pies.

This area is home to some of the most diverse shopping in bristol too. So take the time to browse the stalls of the covered St Nicholas Market, and the old Corn Exchange where you will find anything from jewellery, records and crystals to games to hats and instruments. Also don't miss the original 'nails' on Corn Street where the English expression 'paying on the nail' is thought to have originated.

Or stroll towards the ancient, steep and winding seven streets of Christmas Steps Arts Quarter, which have been frequented by visitors since the 1600s and come complete with its own small theatre, a museum, pubs, restaurants and eclectic shops.

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Cabot Circus

Bristol Shopping Quarter

Enjoy brunch, lunch or dinner at Cabot Circus with flavours from around the world. From the ultimate dining experience at Harvey Nichols, to authentic Italian at Piccolino.
We The Curious

Harbourside

We The Curious is a state-of-the-art visitor attraction, offering an amazing world of hands-on discovery for you, your friends and family.
Watershed

Harbourside

Enjoy a lively programme of independent film, digital media and events at this fantastic media centre in the heart of the Harbourside
Keepers Kitchen & Bar at Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel

Old City

Eat, drink and unwind morning, noon and night at the Keepers Kitchen & Bar
Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel

Old City

Hotel

The four-star Mercure Bristol Grand on Broad Street, Bristol has had an extensive makeover giving the historic Grade II listed building a stylish and distinctive new look and feel.

Price
Guide Price From £79.00 to £189.00 Per room (room only)
Watershed Cafe Bar

Harbourside

Open every day from early in the morning to late at night, Watershed's cafe and bar offer breakfast, lunch and evening meals, all following a simple policy: stay fresh, local and seasonal.
Bristol Shopping Quarter

Bristol Shopping Quarter

Home to hundreds of shops, from high street favourites to independent boutiques, plus great restaurants, cinemas and bars.
Brunel's SS Great Britain

Harbourside

Voyage back in time at Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the world’s first great ocean liner.
6 O'clock Gin at The Glassboat

Old City

6 O'clock Gin at The Glassboat is now open, serving their delicious 6 O’clock G&Ts and cocktail menu. Visit their onboard shop for all your favourite gins as well as a full range of spirits, gift sets, barware and merchandise.
Bristol Aquarium

Central Bristol

A spectacular aquarium near Bristol's Harbourside that provides an amazing underwater adventure from the British coast to exotic tropical seas
The Granary

Old City

From its carefully curated menu to its commitment to local sourcing and community collaboration, The Granary promises a memorable and immersive dining experience for locals and visitors alike.
Wake The Tiger

South Bristol

The world's first Amazement Park, Wake The Tiger, is an out-of-this-world, self-guided, walk-through labyrinth of exploration. Step through the portal into the alternate world of Meridia where you explore The Dream Factory before transcending to the…
Kitchen + Bar at Bristol Old Vic

Old City

Bristol Old Vic’s Kitchen + Bar features a vibrant range of locally sourced, deli-fresh food that complements its great coffee and fabulous selection of drinks.
Berkeley Suites

Clifton

Luxury Georgian townhouse suites, offering all the services and luxuries associated with staying in a hotel, whilst also providing guests with the privacy of a serviced apartment.

Price
Guide Price From £125.00 Per unit per night
Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel

Central Bristol

Explore vibrant Bristol city and harbour by staying at Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel. Located on College Green, a 20 minute walk or 10 minute car journey from Bristol Temple Meads Train Station, as well as a 5-minute walk from Bristol Beacon.
Pastan

Central Bristol

Pastan makes uncompromisingly delicious plant-based pasta that does you and the planet a bit of good.
Cargo Cantina

Central Bristol

Cargo Cantina is a bustling Mexican restaurant on the harbourside. Serving high quality tacos and margaritas, guests are encouraged to let loose, relax and enjoy the fun Mexican experience.
St George's Bristol

West End

One of the country's finest music venues, offering the best in classical, chamber, world, folk, blues and jazz
Colonnade

Central Bristol

Colonnade is an exciting new eatery on Bristol’s ever-evolving restaurant scene, offering a fresh take on modern European cuisine. The food is consciously ethical, focussed on hyper-local, seasonal and sustainable.
Design West

Harbourside

Design West is a lively new venue for design and placemaking on Bristol harbourside, home to talks, events, education programmes and the co-ordinating hub for Bristol Open Doors.

Price
Free

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