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. 

For beer connoisseurs, Froth & Fries specialises in a range of Belgian and international beers, or you can try beer brewed on-site at 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.  

The Milk Thistle is spread out across three wood-panelled floors, with an ever-changing menu of unique concoctions, while The Granary Club is a sophisticated cocktail bar tucked away underneath one of Bristol's most beautiful buildings. Crave in Clifton has a cocktail bar tucked underneath the restaurant, or you can choose to enjoy your cocktails on their large front terrace.

Want to try something a bit different? Head to Brozen Bar for some delicious frozen cocktails, made in front of you using liquid nitrogen! The Bootlegger serves up some fun cocktails in a 1920s speakeasy-style setting, with live music and DJs throughout the week.

Treat yourself to a bit of luxury in The Gold Bar at Bristol Harbour Hotel, or the Sugar Bar at Hotel du Vin. Or kickstart your night with cocktails and live music or DJs at Bar ZaZa or Bambalan.

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! 

Bristol wine bars

Wine lovers are well catered for in Bristol, with Le Vignoble offering 64 wines by the glass in the city centre, while Cotto and Marmo serve up some approachable, refined dining with an impressive wine list. Port O' Bristol in Wapping Wharf sells a range of Portuguese wines from their cosy shop and bar, which they bring to Bristol by sail ship.

Hotel du Vin & Bistro has potentially the biggest wine list in town, while Tapps Wine Bar on Whiteladies Road has an exciting and ever-changing line-up of wines on tap, and Carmen Street Wine on Stokes Croft offers a well-honed selection of low-intervention wines from across the globe.

KASK has a bar in Bedminster and KASK2 just off Gloucester Road, specialising in organic, vegan and "sometimes natural, sometimes biodynamic, always mind-blowing" wines and hosts weekly wine tasting events.

Cave on Gloucester Road is a popular spot for its regular wine tastings and short but perfectly formed wine list, which is perfectly paired with the latest selection of nibbles from their menu. Snobby's in Redland serves up an Italian-inspired menu of small plates alongside an extensive selection of wines.

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. Barbara's Bier Haus close to the harbourside offers live music and special events throughout the week, from Music Bingo to quizzes.

The Canteen on Stokes Croft and The Gallimaufry on Gloucester Road offer different live music every night of the week, while The Stable on the harbourside hosts live music every weekend.

Challenge your friends to a game of darts while enjoying cocktails at Flight Club, or have a game of mini golf at Par 59. 

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!

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