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!

Latest blogs

Tag: Budget

A guide to Bristol's student nightlife

Sep. 12, 2024

If you're lucky enough to have chosen Bristol as your university city, you've got plenty of choice for going out, from live music to comedy, magic and of course the city's world-class club scene. We've rounded up the need-to-know club nights and venues around the city. Let us know what you think…

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…

A group of balloons lifting off in a mass ascent at Bristol International Balloon Fiesta - credit Paul Box

60 free things to do in Bristol

Jan. 16, 2024

A visit to Bristol doesn’t need to be an expensive one, in fact we’ve got 60 ideas for totally free things to do in Bristol. 1. M Shed Located in a huge 1950s transit shed right on Bristol’s Harbourside, the M Shed museum explores over 2000 years of Bristol’s history and is free to enter. Learn…

Mercure Bristol Grand lobby with street art - Credit Jose Coello

Where to stay for parents visiting students in Bristol

Jan. 10, 2024

Dropping your son or daughter at university for the first time or visiting throughout the year is the perfect excuse to book in a short break to Bristol. You can get to know the city they've chosen to spend their uni days in a bit better and make your way around the many attractions on offer at the…

Bed with red headboard and blue bedding - Credit Berkeley Suites

Bristol on a budget: Get the best deal on accommodation

Mar. 08, 2023

It doesn’t matter how far your budget stretches – there are ways to get a great deal on accommodation in Bristol. Whether you prefer to rest your head in a cheap and cheerful hostel or a luxury hotel, here are our four top tips for getting more for your money: Look for special offers on…

The interior of St Nicholas Market in Bristol's Old City - credit St Nicholas Markets

Bristol on a Budget: Food & Drink

Jan. 20, 2020

A trip to Bristol doesn’t have to be an expensive one. We have plenty of options to suit a range of budgets, whether you’re a student, lone traveller or have the family in tow (we know how costs can add up!). In addition to the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants and high-end cocktail bars, Bristol…