Think you know Bristol? Think again!
Bristol may be known as the city of bridges, balloons, boats, bikes, Brunel and Banksy, but there's lots more to the city, and we can’t wait to show you what’s on offer – we know you’ll love it!
Whether you're looking for a great day out with the whole family, a romantic break for two or an epic solo adventure we know you’ll find just what you’re looking for here.
Top things to do in and around Bristol
Let’s get started by reminding you of all the most famous things to do in Bristol: Clifton Suspension Bridge, Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta and Banksy street art tours. These icons of the city showcase the best of the city’s heritage and talents and are not-to-be-missed.
Visiting with the family? In the city centre you can marvel at themed habitats in Bristol Aquarium, explore over 300 exhibits explaining the world around us at We The Curious or view collections of art, archaeology, Egyptology and natural history at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. Also make time to visit Bristol Cathedral, which has been a place of worship since 1140.
To the north of the city, Bristol Zoo Project is set among 50 acres and is home to bears, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, ring-tailed lemurs and more. Aerospace Bristol tells the story of Bristol’s world-class aerospace industry and gives you the chance to step aboard the last ever Concorde to fly.
Head south to explore Wookey Hole - a magical place of breathtakingly beautiful caves, adventure, and family fun. The Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare has a thrilling range of rides, attractions and amusements to keep all ages entertained.
Where to?
Explore the city’s bustling Harbourside with its mix of restaurants, bars, boat trips, museums, and maritime history. M Shed tells the story of the city and has a fantastic programme of exhibitions and events, or you can learn more about the history and workings of the Floating Harbour at Underfall Yard Visitor Centre, while enjoying gorgeous views of the harbour and colourful houses of Cliftonwood.
Spike Island presents free exhibitions of contemporary art and is home to more than 70 artists’ studios. Arnolfini combines gallery exhibitions, live performances and independent cinema, while independent arts cinema Watershed regularly hosts talks, film festivals and special screenings; the venue also has a café and bar serving breakfast, lunch and evening meals.
Bristol is also home to some exciting firsts: the world’s first Amazement Park at Wake the Tiger, and the UK’s first inland surfing lake at The Wave.
Bristol Events
Bristol has an incredible line-up of events throughout the year, from fantastic festivals to world-class theatre shows, and where do we begin with our live music scene!
The city is also home to some top notch sport, including two professional football teams: Bristol Rovers and Bristol City, with City playing home fixtures at Ashton Gate Stadium – also the home of Premiership rugby’s Bristol Bears. Cricket fans should check the latest fixtures for Bristol-based Gloucestershire County Cricket Club in Bishopston, otherwise sports fan can check our basketball team Bristol Flyers play at the SGS WISE Arena in Filton, or Bristol's ice hockey team Bristol Pitbulls at Planet Ice.
To find out what’s coming up, be sure to check out our Events Calendar.
Get some insider tips
Our blog is also an excellent tool to plan what to do in Bristol. We’ve got guides, suggested itineraries, reviews and lots of local information to help you plan the best trip possible.
