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

Saloon bar at The Highbury Vaults in Bristol - credit Youngs

Cosy pubs in Bristol

Oct. 28, 2024

When it’s cold or rainy outside, there’s nothing better than finding a comfy corner in a traditional pub. Here are a few of our favourite places to get snug in the colder months. The Cottage Inn Come rain or shine, it's hard to beat the view across the harbour from The Cottage. On colder days, pull…

A selection of Sunday roasts on a table at The Maple restaurant in Cleeve, near Bristol - credit The Maple

Bristol's best Sunday roasts

Oct. 09, 2024

You’re never too far from a great Sunday roast in Bristol. Bristol has an eclectic mix of venues to enjoy a classic roast dinner, from cosy pubs to stylish restaurants. Many restaurants and pubs in Bristol are passionate about sourcing ingredients locally from great producers, in addition to having…

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…

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…

Bristol's best ice cream

Aug. 08, 2024

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 Street…

Exterior of country pub The Upton in Bitton - credit The Upton

Top country pubs near Bristol

Jul. 25, 2024

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…

Two women eating a picnic in the grounds of Tyntesfield House, near Bristol - credit Alana Wright

Bristol’s best picnic spots

Jul. 17, 2024

Warm summer weather calls for al fresco eating at some of Bristol's best picnic spots. Please remember to take your rubbish home with you, to help keep our parks and green spaces clean. 1. The Downs The Downs is an enormous expanse of green up in Clifton and is loved year-round by runners, dog…

Wine being poured on the terrace at Harbour House in the Redcliffe area of Bristol - credit Harbour House

Where to go wine tasting in and around Bristol

Jul. 16, 2024

Want to become a wine aficionado, discover the secrets of local Bristol vineyards, learn about pairing food with your favourite plonk or sip like a pro with friends in aid of wine education? We've put together a list of the best wine tastings in Bristol to keep you watered all year round. Bottom's…