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! 

Bars and restaurants on boats in Bristol

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…

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Where to go wine tasting in and around Bristol

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…

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Waterside places to eat & drink in Bristol

You're never far from the water in Bristol, whether you're looking for a place to enjoy a pint in the Harbourside, or a riverside terrace for a special meal. Here are our top picks for where you can drink or dine by the water's edge. Harbourside No.1 Harbourside One of the city centre's most…

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A gin drinker’s guide to Bristol

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…

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A cider drinker's guide to Bristol

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…

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The best places to eat al fresco in Bristol

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…

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Bristol's brewery taprooms

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…

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Where to go for cocktails in Bristol

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…

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Where to find top non-alcoholic drinks in Bristol

Gone are the days when opting for a low or no alcohol drink meant sticking to the same old fizzy drinks. An alcohol-free revolution is underway and Bristol’s pubs, bars and restaurants are embracing it, with mocktails and low ABV spirits and beers for anyone cutting back on booze. Here are some of…

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10 rooftop bars for summer in Bristol

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…

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