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!

Category: Food and Drink

Brunch at The Boot Factory in Bristol - credit Artist Residence

Bristol's best brunch spots

Sep. 18, 2026

Whether it's a ‘grab and go’ or a leisurely feast, Bristol has a wide variety of brunch beauties on offer. Here’s a quick guide to some of the city's top spots - we've even broken our recommendations out by area so you don't have to stroll too far for your breakfast! Central The Granary The…

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

Halal places to eat in Bristol

Sep. 15, 2026

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... Skip to: City Centre | Harbourside | Old…

People sitting outside under the sun next to the Railway Inn at Thatchers Cider HQ in Sandford, near Bristol - credit Thatchers

A cider drinker's guide to Bristol

Sep. 08, 2026

The cliché is true – Bristolians love their cider. So, of course, there’s a smashing selection of pubs where you can stop for everything from super strength scrumpy to refreshing perry. We’ve rounded up five of the best places serving top-quality ciders in Bristol, to make your search for pints of…

The ultimate Bristol student bucket list

Sep. 01, 2026

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…

Bottomless Brunch cocktails at Coal Kitchen in Cabot Circus Bristol - credit Coal Kitchen

Where to go for cocktails in Bristol

Aug. 28, 2026

If you’re looking for a special night out, it’s worth seeking out some of Bristol’s top cocktail bars, whether you’re looking for a secluded speakeasy or a bit of glitz and glamour. The Granary Club Housed in one of Bristol's most historic and beautiful buildings, The Granary Club serves up some…

Bottles of gin and G&Ts on bar - credit The Spirit of Bristol

A gin drinker’s guide to Bristol

Aug. 21, 2026

Do you know your juniper from your geneva? Is ‘gin o’clock’ scheduled firmly into your diary? Never mind the cider, Bristol has several gin distilleries to its name and plenty of places to drink this splendid spirit. If you’re looking for a bit of gin-spiration, get the Bristol gin lowdown here……

Bristol's best ice cream

Aug. 17, 2026

When visiting Bristol this summer, you’re sure to be a stone’s throw away from a classic whippy or frozen yoghurt. Here are some of Bristol’s best treats for a warm day... Swoon If you’re looking for authentic Italian gelato, then a visit to Swoon, the gelato bar perched at the bottom of Park…

The afternoon tea at The Ivy Clifton Village in Bristol

The definitive guide to afternoon tea in Bristol

Aug. 06, 2026

Jam or cream first? Ahh the great Devonshire or Cornish cream tea debate…well, we suggest seeing how it’s done Bristol fashion. From the quirky to highly traditional, grab a brew and indulge in some of these afternoon teas. Central Bristol Hotel du Vin & Bistro Located in an old sugar factory, this…

People on terrace at Riverstation restaurant in Bristol - credit Riverstation

Waterside places to eat & drink in Bristol

Jul. 29, 2026

You're never far from the water in Bristol, whether you're looking for a place to enjoy a pint in the Harbourside, or a riverside terrace for a special meal. Here are our top picks for where you can drink or dine by the water's edge. Harbourside No.1 Harbourside One of the city centre's most…

People sitting outdoors under the sun by The Ostrich pub in the Redcliffe area of Bristol - credit Mahtola Eagle

Bristol's best pub gardens

Jul. 24, 2026

We’ve rounded up some of the best beer gardens in Bristol to get you in the mood for a nice cold pint in the spring sunshine. We can almost taste the cider now… The White Lion This Clifton pub has one of the best views in the city from its back terrace, overlooking the Avon Gorge and Clifton…