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! 

How to celebrate your graduation in Bristol

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…

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Eat your way around the world in Bristol

Do you have a favourite dish from your travels, or want to try something new? One of the best things about Bristol's food scene is the variety on offer, so we've rounded up some of the best places in town to get a taste of cuisines from across the globe. Not sure where to start? Book on to a food…

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Gluten free places to eat in Bristol

The prospect of dining out in a new city when you're coeliac or avoiding gluten can be daunting. Luckily, Bristol's cafes, restaurants, attractions and hotels are better than ever when it comes to options for varying dietary requirements, so you can easily enjoy food and drink that’s gluten free…

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The story of Bristol's breweries

We asked Bristol's top beer bloggers and brew aficionados Boak & Bailey for some background on the city's oldest breweries... Bristol has a long history of brewing and traces can be seen all over the city if you know where to look. Back in the 15th century, at a time when hops were being used in…

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Where to find sweet treats in Bristol

Whether traditional crêpes, epic pastries, gelato cocktails or luxury chocolates are more your jam, there’s a fine selection of indulgent sugary treats to get stuck into in Bristol. Here’s our guide to some of the best and where to find them. Chez Marcel Chez Marcel has brought a taste of Brittany…

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Bristol's best party venues

Planning a party? Whatever the occasion or vibe you're after, Bristol has a whole host of venues to host your event, from private dining to cocktails in a mock prison cell! Here are our top venues to celebrate in the city: King Street Brew House, Old City The Tank Room at King Street Brew House…

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Bristol's best brunch spots

Whether its a ‘grab and go’ or a leisurely feast, Bristol has a wide variety of brunch beauties on offer. Here’s a quick guide to a 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 No.1 Harbourside Tuck…

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10 of the best Bristol hotels for foodies

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…

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A gin drinker’s guide to Bristol

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 low down here… 6…

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The best places to eat al fresco in Bristol

From harbourside restaurants to stunning roof terraces, we've picked out some of the best places to eat al fresco 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…

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