There’s no better way to experience the varied sights and districts around Bristol than with a tour, whether you opt to do one on foot, by bike or even by boat.

Bristol is made up from a number of distinctive districts, each with its own charm – so make sure you get out exploring while you’re here!

Local buses run frequently around the city and to places like Park Street, Clifton, Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road as well as out to Somerset, the coast and South Gloucestershire - check the First West of England website or app, or TravelWest website for the latest information.

Boat trips and tours in Bristol

See the city from a completely different perspective on board one of the local ferry boat services: Bristol Ferry runs a water taxi service and has stops close to many key attractions; while Bristol Packet Boats, The Matthew and Number Seven Boats will give you a tour of Bristol harbour and even further afield, where you can sail underneath the Clifton Suspension Bridge and through the Avon Gorge.

Many boat trips are dependent on the season, so make sure you check the website or social media for latest operating times.

Explore Bristol on foot

If you would rather view the city at a leisurely pace, then don your walking boots for a selection of top-class walking tours, including Blackbeard to Banksy the Ultimate Bristol Walking Tour, Bristol Street Art Walking Tours, Raising Cary Grant Tour and St Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Walking Tour.

See a spookier side of the city with Bristol Ghost Tours, or hear some unbelievable tales from Bristol’s history on a Show of Strength tour around one of the city’s districts.

Enjoy a bit more flexibility with a self-guided walking tour. Options include Banksy Bristol Trail, Bristol Murder Mystery Trail by Killer Trails, Treasure Hunt Bristol and Puzzle-filled Walking Tours.

Excursions and tour operators

GOOD: Stories in Food take you on guided tours to many of the area's best food and drink businesses, from a city centre walking tour to a day of Wine and Cheese Tasting in the Cheddar Valley.

The award-winning Mad Max Tours run small group private day tours to Stonehenge, the Cotswolds and more, with pickups in Bristol and Bath. Rabbies Tours run a selection of day and overnight trips from central Bristol to the Cotswolds, Stonehenge, Wales, Devon and Cornwall.

Browse a selection of local experiences and tours on Yuup’s website, from guided tours with local experts to a variety of food and drink tours.

Get around on two wheels

If you bring your own bike then there are plenty of cycle stands to lock it up safe and securely while you go off exploring. There are also places to hire bikes, or you can pick up e-bikes from Dott across the city. If you head out into the countryside, check out the Sustrans website for routes and information.

Cycle The City offer public tours, running daily where you'll take in spectacular views of the Iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, Brunel's SS Great Britain and Banksy artwork. Or treat yourself to one of their bespoke private voyages. Or hire a bike head over to Bath.

Take your own alternative tour on an e-scooter or bike hired from Dott. Covering nearly all of the city, they’re easy to find, quick to use with TIER's app and lots of fun. Users will need to create an account and prove they are over the age of 18 with a valid full or provisional driving licence to ride an e-scooter. 

See Bristol from above

Barely a day goes by when you don't spot a hot air balloon in the sky over Bristol so if you're looking for something that little bit special and memorable then why not book a hot air balloon flight with Virgin Balloon Flights or Fly Away Ballooning?