Blog & Guides

Welcome to the Visit Bristol blog, your one-stop shop for ideas, inspiration and handy tips to make your time in Bristol that bit better!

From suggested itineraries to festival round-ups and unmissable things to do, our guides aim to showcase the best of the city, whatever the time of year. We publish new blogs every week and keep our blog posts up-to-date with the latest information, so you can trust that you’re getting the most accurate and useful tips for your trip.

Planning a trip with the family? Check out our guides on Places to stay with kids in and around Bristol and Things to do with teenagers. We’ve also got a list of 60 free things to do to keep costs down.

Coming here to sample as much of the food scene as you can? Have a read through our list of Bristol’s Michelin-starred restaurants, top cocktail bars and pub gardens, or find the best places to go for vegan food while you’re here. We’re sure you’ll also want to try a tasty Sunday roast while you’re here – we've rounded up a few of the best of those too!

If you’re local to Bristol, or here for a few days, we’ve also got plenty of suggestions for day trips to the north, south, east and west of the city so that you can experience as much of the region as possible. Maybe you want to tick off all of the World Heritage Sites near Bristol, or discover our most accessible outdoor attractions.

We’ll also have seasonal guides to help you get the most out of Summer in Bristol, from rooftop bars to scenic cycle routes, or find out what’s on for Christmas in and around the city.

Keep checking back for more brilliant Bristol inspiration!

Latest blogs

The bar area at The Swan Inn in Rowberrow, near Bristol - credit Butcombe

Top country pub walks near Bristol

Sep. 04, 2024

From rolling hills to ancient woodland, we’re lucky to have what feels like an endless supply of green space just beyond Bristol. Of course, the wondrous wildlife and gorgeous scenery is reason enough to get out for a walk. But there’s nothing like a country pub pitstop to make a rural ramble even…

A group participating in the Wild Wookey caving experience at Wookey Hole in Wells, near Bristol - credit Wookey Hole

Adventurous activities in Bristol

Sep. 02, 2024

Whether you’re looking for daring date ideas or a fun day out with friends or family, Bristol and the surrounding area is home to plenty of thrillseeking activities, from rock climbing to surfing! Head for heights? Climb, jump and swoop your way around the high ropes course at Bristol Zoo Project’s…

Bar at Flight Club Bristol - credit Flight Club

Things to do at night in Bristol

Aug. 28, 2024

No matter what time it is, there is always something to do in Bristol. Nightlife in Bristol is legendary whether you are a party-goer or want a more cultural night out. Here are some of our top picks for things you can do in Bristol at night. Activity bars to play and socialise Not one for chilling…

People sitting on the Bristol Harbourside with Pero's Bridge and the cranes outside M Shed in the background

The ultimate Bristol student bucket list

Aug. 27, 2024

If you’ve landed a place to study in Bristol, congratulations – you’re in for a brilliant three years. With all-round friendly vibes and a particularly buzzing student community, unbeatable nightlife, cracking culture and a renowned foodie scene, we’re certain you’ll love your soon-to-be second…

Banksy's Mild Mild West mural in Stokes Croft, Bristol - credit Morgane Bigault

Banksy and other street art hotspots in Bristol

Aug. 26, 2024

Visiting Bristol is like browsing an outdoor urban gallery. Tour the city’s streets and you’ll struggle not to find a brightly coloured, cutting-edge piece of spray can art embellishing the walls. The birthplace of Banksy, Bristol’s constantly-evolving graffiti culture has made street art one of its…

Indian stall at Za Za Bazaar. Indian chef cooking up halal dishes during a demo.

Halal places to eat in Bristol

Aug. 22, 2024

Are you searching for tasty, halal-friendly food in Bristol? You’re in the right place! Many of Bristol’s eateries cater for halal diners, offering everything from Lebanese grilled meat to Caribbean wraps. Take a look through our top picks for your visit... Bristol Shopping Quarter If you’re…

A burger at Three Brothers Burgers in central Bristol - credit Three Brothers Burgers

Bristol's best burger joints

Aug. 20, 2024

In honour of #NationalBurgerDay, we asked Bristol's very own Burger Queen, Natalie Brereton, to tell us about the best ones in town. Take it away, Nat... Three Brothers Burgers A serious Bristol burger institution with a far-reaching reputation, Three Brothers has nabbed probably the most…

Glassboat at night - credit 6 O'Clock Gin

Bars and restaurants on boats in Bristol

Aug. 16, 2024

Dine with a difference on board one of the converted boats that are moored on Bristol’s Floating Harbour. Three Brothers Burgers This popular burger joint on Welsh Back has plentiful outdoor seats on the quayside, as well as large tables inside the restaurant. The menu is a simple selection of…

A wide shot of the pool at Bristol Lido by day - credit Bristol Lido

Where to swim and splash outdoors in Bristol

Aug. 13, 2024

Make the most of warmer days and cool off at these alfresco swimming spots, from Bristol Harbourside to open air lidos, marine lakes and more. Jump to: Outdoor swimming pools - Open water swimming - Splash parks Outdoor pools Bristol Lido Tucked away down a quiet street in Clifton, this Victorian…

Paddleboarders in front of Hotwells on Bristol Harbourside - credit Visit West

8 of Bristol's best water-based activities

Aug. 12, 2024

With our lovely harbour at the heart of the city, it’s no surprise that Bristol is awash with water-based things to do. These range from a leisurely cruise on a boat tour right up to a day of adventure on a canoe or stand up paddleboard. Here are eight of Bristol’s best water-based activities to…