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

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…

People enjoying small plates and cocktails at Rick's Bristol

12 of the best Bristol hotels for foodies

Jul. 21, 2026

If West Country fodder is calling you, and you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the Bristol area, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect combination of delicious food, fine wines and a comfy bed. We’ve rounded up some top places to stay for foodies, from charming boutique hotels to country…

Terrace at 360 Cafe in Bristol - credit Clifton Observatory

10 rooftop bars for summer in Bristol

Jul. 07, 2026

When the temperature rises in the city, it’s hard to beat a rooftop bar for an awesome view and a glass of something chilled. Here are ten of Bristol’s best bars with a roof terrace: The White Lion Bar Home to one of the most iconic views in Bristol, The White Lion Bar (part of the Avon Gorge by…

People wearing graduation gowns throwing their caps in the air - Credit Visit West

How to celebrate your graduation in Bristol

Jun. 30, 2026

If you’re one of the graduates-to-be collecting your undergraduate degree, masters or PhD this year, it’s time to mark the end of an era and raise a glass or two with your friends and family. Here are some ideas for ways to celebrate and make it an occasion you never forget. When is graduation in…

People sat on The Grain Barge in Bristol

Bars and restaurants on boats in Bristol

Jun. 26, 2026

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…

The best places to eat alfresco in Bristol

Jun. 19, 2026

From harbourside restaurants to stunning roof terraces, we've picked out some of the best places to eat alfresco in Bristol when the sun is shining. By the water Aqua, Welshback Whether you're looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you can enjoy your food with a view of the water from the sunny…

Bristol's most sustainable restaurants

Jun. 17, 2026

Bristol has a strong tradition of green-minded and purpose-led restaurants, with many of the city's top chefs championing local suppliers and minimising waste. Bristol has been a Gold Sustainable Food City since 2021, and we're lucky to have some great quality produce on our doorstep, from farms…

The New Inn pub near Blagdon - credit The New Inn

Top country pubs near Bristol

May 22, 2026

Whether you’re staying on the outskirts of Bristol or in the city centre, you're never far from a traditional country pub that serves a great selection of food and drink. They provide a relaxing spot for Sunday lunch or a pitstop on a long country walk. Avon Valley Between Bristol and Bath, you'll…