You'll never be short of bars in Bristol to reflect on the day’s adventures. Each area in the city boasts numerous options – the hardest part will be choosing which one to go to.
If it’s a fine day then a visit to the large outdoor terrace at The White Lion Bar at the Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin is not to be missed, or you can dangle your legs over the quayside at Arnolfini Harbourside Bar like a proper local. Expect a good crowd of locals and visitors if the sun is shining.
Another popular waterfront bar in Bristol is The Grain Barge, where you can sample Bristol Beer Factory’s brew while sitting on top of the barge overlooking the famous SS Great Britain. You can easily spend a whole evening sampling the different bars on Bristol's Harbourside, including Junction in Wapping Wharf and 6 O’clock Gin on The Glassboat.
For beer connoisseurs, The Strawberry Thief specialises in a range of Belgian and international beers, or you can try beer brewed on-site at Zerodegrees and King Street Brew House.
Wine lovers will enjoy a visit to KASK in Bedminster, which specialises in organic and minimal intervention wine, or if you’re more of a spirits person, order a whiskey or rum tasting flight at Spirited.
Cocktail bars
If you’re looking for something a little sassier, Bristol’s creative and unconventional style influences the speakeasies and cocktail bars around the city.
Hyde & Co oozes original prohibition style, with a distinctive drinks menu like no other, while its sister bar The Milk Thistle is spread out across three wood-panelled floors, with an ever-changing menu of unique concoctions. The Granary Club is a sophisticated cocktail bar tucked away underneath one of Bristol's most beautiful buildings, and The Wellhead offers riverside views from its cosy terrace.
Want to try something a bit different? Go back in time at The Clockwork Rose, Bristol's steampunk-themed cocktail bar, or head to Brozen Bar for some delicious frozen cocktails, made in front of you using liquid nitrogen!
Treat yourself to a bit of luxury in The Gold Bar at Bristol Harbour Hotel, or the Sugar Bar at Hotel du Vin.
If you like your cocktails with a Latin twist, try the famous Margaritas at Cargo Cantina in Wapping Wharf. Or enjoy some classic serves with a view of the water at Rick's at The Bristol.
We'd also recommend reading our guide to Bristol's best cocktail bars if you're planning a night out in the city!
Bars with live music and entertainment
Tap into your creative side with a visit to Smoke and Mirrors Boutique Pub and Magic Theatre, for an evening of magic, comedy and much more. The Canteen on Stokes Croft and The Gallimaufry on Gloucester Road offer different live music every night of the week.
Challenge your friends to a game of darts while enjoying cocktails at Flight Club, practice your bowling between pints at Roxy Lanes, or have a game of mini golf at Par 59. Choose from a huge selection of pool and snooker tables or watch the latest live sport at Allstars Sports Bar.
For a truly memorable night out, bring along your own bottles of spirits, don your orange jumpsuit and watch the talented team at Alcotraz Bristol mix you up a cocktail or two - just make sure that the warden doesn't see!
