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: Shopping

Prior Shop homewares - CREDIT Prior Shop

Sustainable and ethical shopping in Bristol

Nov. 28, 2025

Bristol is celebrated for its independent, eco-conscience spirit and has a long association with the green movement. As well as being the first UK city to win the award of Green Capital in 2015, Bristol is the UK’s first cycling city, and home to the pioneering Sustainable Fashion Week. In stark…

Hand holding a Love Bristol Gift Card shopping voucher in Cabot Circus, central Bristol - credit Bristol BIDs

Support local business with the Love Bristol Gift Card

Nov. 19, 2025

Give the gift of Bristol! The Love Bristol Gift Card can be used at more than 180 businesses across the city, including retailers, restaurants, theatres and music venues. Whoever you give the gift card to will be able to pick a new outfit, enjoy a meal out or buy something nice for their home from…

A market trader and 2 customers at the Made in Bristol gift fair - credit Jo Hounsome

The ultimate Bristol Christmas gift guide

Nov. 18, 2025

Frantic for ideas on what to get your loved ones for Christmas? Worry no more! Visit Bristol’s elves have searched Bristol's sensational shopping selection high and low to sniff out the top Bristol-themed gifts that’ll have your nearest and dearest dancing a Christmas jig for joy. Fact…

Interior of the Rough Trade record shop in central Bristol - credit Rough Trade

9 of Bristol's top record stores

Apr. 07, 2025

Love nothing more than geeking out over vinyl at a good record store? In keeping with the city's musical reputation, Bristol is home to stacks of friendly record shops, run by staff with encyclopaedic music knowledge. Here are nine of Bristol's best record stores where you can get rummaging for…

Bookhaus book shop in Wapping Wharf - Credit Hey What

Independent shops for gift shopping in Bristol

Nov. 13, 2024

Buying local and handmade is easy in Bristol, we've got a wealth of independent shops and markets for you to browse to your heart's content! Take a look at our top picks for gift shopping in the city, from bookstores and delis to art shops and more. If you're looking for a way to support local…

Bristol Christmas Market and Christmas lights 2023 - CREDIT James Bridle

Shop local at Bristol Christmas Markets

Nov. 13, 2023

During the festive season, there are countless Christmas market stalls in Bristol to potter around – more than enough for you to give Santa and his elves a good run for their money on the present-sourcing and yuletide-treat-eating front. So don your thermals, savour the street food and get your…

A view of Castle Street in the town of Thornbury, near Bristol

Exploring South Gloucestershire's vibrant high streets

Jul. 05, 2023

Away from the crowded shopping centres and big-name brands, you'll find a treasure trove of unique and quirky independent businesses on South Gloucestershire's high streets. We've rounded up a few fantastic local businesses that are definitely worth a visit so grab your shopping bag and let's…

Visitors at an exhibition at RWA Bristol in central Bristol - credit RWA Bristol

Give the gift of Bristol: Vouchers, gift cards & donations

Nov. 03, 2021

Buy vouchers for Bristol attractions and activities as gifts or just to treat yourself to the gift of Bristol. Attractions We The Curious You can buy a gift membership for hands-on science centre We The Curious, which starts from the date you redeem the voucher. They also have an online shop with a…