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: Cocktails

Bar at Flight Club Bristol - credit Flight Club

Things to do at night in Bristol

Aug. 28, 2024

No matter what time it is, there is always something to do in Bristol. Nightlife in Bristol is legendary whether you are a party-goer or want a more cultural night out. Here are some of our top picks for things you can do in Bristol at night. Activity bars to play and socialise Not one for chilling…

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…

Two women watching a bartender prepare a cocktail at Rick's Bar on Bristol's Harbourside - credit Rick's

A gin drinker’s guide to Bristol

Jun. 04, 2024

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…

Friends drinking cocktails and wine on the terrace at Harbour House in the Redcliffe area of Bristol - credit Harbour House

The best places to eat al fresco in Bristol

Apr. 30, 2024

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…

People sitting inside the Wiper & True Taproom in St Werburgh's, East Bristol - credit Wiper and True

Bristol's brewery taprooms

Apr. 02, 2024

Bristol is a beer lover's paradise, with over 20 breweries in the city and surrounding countryside, and you'll be pleased to hear that many of them have tap rooms that you can visit! Not only can you enjoy a great pint, but there's usually the option of booking on to a tour of the brewery too. Most…

Cellar cocktail bar with low lighting and person behind bar

Where to go for cocktails in Bristol

Feb. 19, 2024

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. Hyde and Co. Bristol’s original prohibition-style bar, Hyde and Co. is inconspicuously tucked away down a side street…

People sitting under the sun on the roof terrace at the Bambalan restaurant, central Bristol - credit Bambalan

10 rooftop bars for summer in Bristol

May 25, 2023

When the temperature rises in the city, it’s hard to beat a rooftop watering hole for an awesome view and glass of something chilled. Here are ten of Bristol’s best rooftop bars: The White Lion Bar Home to one of the most iconic views in Bristol, The White Lion Bar (part of the Avon Gorge by Hotel…

Peanut butter parfait dessert at No. 4 Clifton Village in Bristol - credit Evoke Pictures

10 of the best Bristol hotels for foodies

May 09, 2023

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…

People sitting outdoors under the sun by The Ostrich pub in the Redcliffe area of Bristol - credit Mahtola Eagle

Bristol's best pub gardens

May 08, 2023

We’ve rounded up some of the best beer gardens in Bristol to get you in the mood for a nice cold pint in the spring sunshine. We can almost taste the cider now… The White Lion This Clifton pub has one of the best views in the city from its back terrace, overlooking the Avon Gorge and Clifton…