A visit to Bristol doesn't have to be an expensive one. We've got so many great free attractions, activities and events for you to enjoy without costing you a penny.
Museums and Galleries
Plenty of the world-class museums and galleries in Bristol are free to enter. Most of them have changing exhibitions and events throughout the year, so even if you've been before there'll be something new to look at each time. In the centre of Bristol alone you can visit M Shed, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Arnolfini, Spike Island, Underfall Yard and The Matthew for free.
Outside of the centre there are other free museums to visit including Glenside Hospital Museum and the George Müller Museum. A number of the Museum and heritage sites in South Gloucestershire are free to visit too.
Bristol's prestigious photography galleries The Royal Photographic Society and Martin Parr Foundation both have free entry, and only charge for particular events.
You can also visit several of Bristol's historic houses free of cost, including The Red Lodge, The Georgian House Museum, Charles Wesley's House and Blaise Museum.
Clifton Suspension Bridge
Bristol's most famous attraction, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is totally free to admire, walk across and take that all-important selfie with. If that isn't enough free for you, then there are also FREE guided tours of Clifton Suspension Bridge at 3pm every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday from Easter to October. You'll find your volunteer guide by the Clifton Toll Booth (Bristol side of the bridge) wearing a high vis jacket.
Banksy Walking Tour and Street Art
You may know that Bristol is the hometown of infamous street artist Banksy and as a result there's plenty of his work around the city that you can go and see. You can take our-self guided and free Banksy walking tour to discover more.
However, it's not just Banksy that has street art to write home about, Bristol's walls are an ever-changing free gallery of incredible art and there's always something new to discover. There is even a free street art festival, Upfest. Find out more about where to find the best street art in Bristol here.
Bristol has over 400+ parks and green spaces and virtually all of them are totally free to visit. In the city centre you'll find Brandon Hill, where you can spot squirrels, explore the nature reserve or climb the 105ft Cabot Tower for panoramic views of the city below. Nearby there's also the beautiful Georgian Queen Square, with leafy plane tree-lined avenues and plenty of space for picnics, playing catch or just relaxing. On the outskirts of the city, you'll find Ashton Court Estate, 850 acres of woods and grasslands in total, designed by Humphry Repton. Discover the magnificent old oak trees and see the deer graze in an estate that first became a deer park over 600 years ago.
Find out more details of our free parks and green spaces.
Free events in Bristol
Bristol is a city that's always got plenty going on and we have some of the best free events that you could hope for. Our world-famous Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is a free event and watching hundreds of colourful hot air balloons take off and drift over the city is probably one of the most quintessential Bristol experiences you can have.
There are even more big free events throughout the year, including Bristol Light Festival in February and Bristol Harbour Festival in July. The city also plays host to many free street parties, community events and neighbourhood arts trails.
For more free events in Bristol, browse our Events Calendar.
The great outdoors
If you want to get out and about in Bristol and the nearby area, then there are lots of free things to do. We have some excellent parks and gardens or nature reserves near Bristol. There are city farms, including Windmill Hill City Farm, where you can meet animals and learn about farming techniques. Heading out of the city, you'll discover beautiful coastlines and beaches and stunning countryside.
Sacred spaces
The majority of Bristol's sacred spaces are free to enter and they are among the most beautiful and impressive buildings in the city. Bristol Cathedral regularly has touring exhibitions and free lunchtime music events.
John Wesley's Chapel and New Room Museum is an oasis of calm in the centre of the bustling Bristol Shopping Quarter. St Mary Redcliffe is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with a fascinating history.
Walking in Bristol
What's better than discovering a city, for free, on your own two feet? We have plenty of resources for walkers on our walking in Bristol page or you can download free audio walking tours for different routes around the city.
