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! 

Review: Starter for Ten at Bristol Old Vic

Find out what Vicki from the Visit Bristol team thought of Starter for Ten, which is on at Bristol Old Vic until 11 October 2025. Starter for Ten, first performed at the Bristol Old Vic in 2024, is back with a bang for 2025. It follows the story of the book called Starter for Ten by David Nicholls…

Read More

A guide to the Women's Rugby World Cup in Bristol

The biggest-ever celebration of women’s rugby, the Women's Rugby World Cup, comes to England from Friday 22 August until Saturday 27 September, and Bristol is lucky enough to be one of the host cities! We've rounded up everything you need to know about the tournament in Bristol, whether you're…

Read More

Top 10 music venues in Bristol

Bristol has a vibrant music scene beating behind the doors of its many characterful venues. From musical legends in revered concert halls, to 25-piece Samba bands strumming under Banksy-covered walls, from indie hangouts to gigs afloat an old German boat, these music and arts venues cater for all…

Read More

6 top tips for Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is one of the most popular and striking outdoor events on the calendar. This year, the world-renowned free Fiesta returns to Ashton Court between Friday 8 August and Sunday 10 August 2025. Each morning and evening of the fiesta, you can join one of the fiesta's…

Read More

8 ways to make the most of #SummerInBristol

From soaring hot air balloons to bustling Harbourside festivals, incredible live music to new cultural event spaces, food festivals to family fun; there’s something very special about #SummerInBristol... Read on to find out why Bristol is always a good idea: find out what’s coming up and how to make…

Read More

Review: Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Bristol Hippodrome

Find out what Vicki from the Visit Bristol team thought of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, which is on at Bristol Hippodrome until 9 August 2025. Having not seen the Baz Luhrmann musical film, I really wasn’t sure what to expect from Moulin Rouge! The Musical, but I have to say it was beyond my…

Read More

Review: How To Win Against History at Bristol Old Vic

Find out what Ian from the Visit Bristol team thought of How To Win Against History, which is on at Bristol Old Vic until 12 July 2025. Image - How to Win at History Full Company How To Win Against History is camp, outrageous, moving, and wonderful in the best of ways. You're whisked along the…

Read More

10 things to do at Bristol Pride 2025

Bristol Pride is back for 2025 with an amazing and diverse line up of events happening across the city, from 28 June to 13 of July, with the main festival Pride Day taking place on Saturday 12 July on the Downs. With four stages filled with dance, music, and performance, alongside the circus tent…

Read More

Review: War Horse at Bristol Hippodrome

Find out what Laura from the Visit Bristol team thought of The National Theatre's acclaimed production of War Horse, which is at Bristol Hippodrome until 21 June. War Horse is an unforgettable theatrical experience which takes audiences on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to…

Read More

Outdoor theatre in and around Bristol this summer

Watch dramatic Shakespeare performances and family-friendly shows alfresco this summer! Here's our guide to the outdoor shows you won't want to miss... Henry V at Temple Church (19 June - 2 August) Watch Shakespeare's Henry V set among the ruins of the 14th century Temple Church, which will be…

Read More

Latest blogs

Find something to do

Get some inspiration for your trip to Bristol...