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

Exterior of The Llandoger Trow on King Street, Bristol

The Weird Bristol Pub Crawl

Oct. 28, 2026

Bristol is famed for its varied and popular pub scene, but locals and visitors alike are often unaware of the stories behind some of our most historic drinking establishments. Local author Charlie Revelle-Smith (Weird Bristol) has put together a pub crawl featuring five of Bristol's oldest pubs…

Restaurants in Bristol perfect for large groups

Oct. 23, 2026

There are plenty of places to treat your gathering to a special meal, from a boat with a view to a grand house in the countryside. These are 12 of the best, suited for large groups and with delectable food and drink offerings. Racks Bar and Kitchen Located in Clifton just off Whiteladies Road, Racks…

Old Market Assembly venue packed with people enjoying a meal

Bristol's best party venues

Oct. 09, 2026

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…

Spicer+Cole at the RWA - credit Spicer+Cole

Bristol's best bakeries

Sep. 28, 2026

In Bristol, you’re never far away from the scent of freshly baked bread or a counter chock-a-block with impressive cakes. Here are some of our favourite bakeries where you can satisfy any hankering for great bakes. Pinkmans Sour-dough-nuts are the star of the show at Pinkmans, which has several…

Christmas Day lunch at Coppa Club in Clifton, Bristol - credit Coppa Club

Where to go for Christmas Day lunch in Bristol

Sep. 20, 2026

Want to take the stress out of the big day? Gather your family or friends and book a table at one of these restaurants or pubs, which are serving a special lunch on Christmas Day. Hort's Townhouse Cosy up in this sprawling city centre gastropub and tuck into three indulgent courses for your…

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…