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: Sustainable

Vegan dishes at The Coconut Tree in Clifton, West Bristol - credit The Coconut Tree

The best places to get vegan food in Bristol

Jan. 03, 2024

Bristol has a great selection of vegan and plant-based options – from vegan pies to sushi rolls. There is something for almost every occasion. We’ve put together a list of the best places and our favourite dishes. Skip to: Restaurants | Street Food | Cafes | Sweet Treats | Experiences Restaurants…

A selection of dishes at Pastan in central Bristol - credit Pastan

Vegan dining on a budget in Bristol

Jan. 02, 2024

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or a meat-eater testing the waters, Bristol’s restaurants offer an incredible array of plant-based food for you to try without breaking the bank. Also make sure you read our guide to the Best Vegan Places to Eat in Bristol! Taste of Napoli Get an authentic taste of…

Bookhaus book shop in Wapping Wharf - Credit Hey What

Independent shops for gift shopping in Bristol

Feb. 08, 2022

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. Sparks, Bristol Shopping Quarter Shopping in…

Shop fronts on the Pigsty Hill section of Gloucester Road in North Bristol

Sustainable and ethical shopping in Bristol

Feb. 12, 2019

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…

Balloons flying over the Clifton Suspension Bridge in West Bristol during one of the morning mass ascents from the Bristol Balloon Fiesta - credit Gary Newman

The ultimate A-Z guide to Bristol

Jan. 14, 2019

Here are not one, not two, but twenty-six glorious reasons to visit Bristol in alphabetical order... A is for Attractions Bristol is a city with thrilling, world-class attractions. From an interactive Science centre to the world’s fifth oldest zoo, museums and galleries to iconic landmarks, the city…