The Best Things to Do in Bristol in 2024
Must-See Attractions in Bristol in 2024
Brunel's SS Great Britain
This iconic ship launched in 1843 is a real time capsule. You can go beneath the glass sea to see the hull up close and even walk the decks to imagine life aboard for Victorian travelers. The newly renovated dockside museum brings the story to life.
Clifton Suspension Bridge
Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, this iconic suspension bridge spans the gorgeous Avon Gorge. Walk across for amazing views and photo ops, or just admire the 19th century engineering marvel from one of the viewpoints. It's especially atmospheric at night when it's illuminated.
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
From Egyptian mummies to modern masterpieces, this free museum has an eclectic collection spread across 19 galleries. Don't miss the Western underworld section revealing objects from prehistoric Britain. The museum also hosts cutting-edge temporary exhibitions.
Banksy Street Art Trail
Bristol is the hometown of the infamous and anonymous street artist Banksy. Join one of the guided walking tours to see some of his most famous works like The Girl with a Pierced Eardrum or the Mild Mild West. You'll gain insight into his satirical stencils while discovering cool urban neighborhoods.
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Wild Place Project
This new immersive wildlife park lets you get up close with amazing animals like cheetahs, wolverines, and giraffes roaming freely through contained habitats. Feed a bear, check out the Bug Beach, and learn about conservation efforts.
Ballooning Over Bristol
For a sky-high thrill and unforgettable aerial views, book a hot air balloon ride at dusk or dawn when the light is most magical. The launch site varies based on winds, but you'll have a bird's eye view of Bristol's landmarks.
Beer Tasting and Brewery Tours
With a flourishing craft beer scene, Bristol is a beer lover's paradise. Take a guided tour sampling local brews from top brewers like Wiper and True or the Bristol Beer Factory. Or create your own pub crawl through lively neighborhoods like North Street.
Arts Trail and Streetwise Events
Every few months, Bristol explodes with public art installations, sculptures, and murals during the Arts Trail and Streetwise events. Local artists take over urban spaces, letting you experience the city's vibrant creative spirit.
7 of the Best Free Things to Do in Bristol
Ride the Underfall Sluice
A quirky freebie, ride on vessels through an underwater lock and channel while learning about Bristol's maritime history on this guided tour. It's only open on certain dates, but worth catching if you can.
Enjoy the Harbourside
Simply wandering the revitalised Harbourside area is a delight, from watching boats glide through the Floating Harbour to browsing markets, popping into galleries, street food and basking in the lively ambience.
Picnic in Castle Park
Bring your own nibbles to enjoy amid the ruins of Bristol Castle in Castle Park, right in the heart of the Old City. The green space has lovely river views and a great playground for kids.
Bristol Cathedral
This 12th century cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Even if you don't take an official guided tour, wander inside to admire the vaulted ceilings, stained glass, and sculptures.
Rise and Shine Clifton Village
Start your day browsing the boutiques, bakeries, and cafes of postcard-perfect Clifton Village with its Georgian architecture and pedestrian lanes. Stop for a coffee and croissant to take in the village vibe.
Enjoy a Free Museum Day
Bristol is loaded with fantastic free museums, so pick a few to hop between like M Shed (free entry) for Bristol's history, Red Lodge and the Georgian House Museum.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Viewing
On summer evenings, you can watch dozens of colorful hot air balloons inflating and launching from spots like Clifton Downs and Durdham Downs for free. It's a magical sight!
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Top Events in Bristol in 2024
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
Over four days each summer, Bristol hosts this epic hot air balloon festival. You can watch loads of colorful balloons launch at dawn and dusk while enjoying live entertainment, fireworks, and more. This year it’s being held between the 9th to 11th of August, 2024.
Upfest
Upfest is Europe's largest street art and graffiti festival celebrating urban art. Local and international artists create murals, with parties, music, panel discussions, theatre, comedy and artistic workshops over the long weekend. Every year, it’s free for artists to book a space and for visitors to attend. It’s being held between the 17th of May till the 2nd of June 2024.
Outer Town Festival
Outer Town is Bristol's latest multi-venue festival celebrating the city's underground music and arts scene. Held on April 13, 2024 in the Old Market neighbourhood, it showcases up-and-coming talent across genres like indie rock, punk, electronic music, and more. Experience Bristol's grassroots creativity and discover new favorite acts before they hit the mainstream. It's a one-day immersive dive into the city's renowned DIY counterculture.
Bristol Craft Beer Festival
The Bristol Craft Beer Festival brings together the best micro and independent craft breweries from across the UK on June 7th and 8th. Festival goers can explore and discover exciting new breweries while sampling a diverse range of unique beers like hoppy IPAs, stouts, and saisons. In addition to the carefully curated beer selection, the festival features award-winning street food vendors and great live music entertainment. It offers a full weekend of unforgettable beer tasting experiences in Bristol. Plan to indulge in rare and specialty craft brews from top brewers nationwide. A beer lover's dream!
Traveling Around Bristol
Public Transit
Bristol's compact city center is very walkable, but use the quick and frequent First Bus service or the Overground rail service to get around the Greater Bristol area with ease. You can buy tickets via the mTicket app.
Park and Ride
Eight Park and Ride stations on the city's periphery let you park your car and take a bus to access the center traffic-free. Ideal for day trips to minimize driving hassles.
Ferry Boats
For a scenic way to get around the Harbourside and Floating Harbour areas, hop aboard one of the bright yellow Ferry Boats. Services run every 10-15 minutes between 14 stops.
Bike-Friendly
With over 600 miles of bike routes, cycling is an excellent option in Bristol. Rent bikes and take advantage of paths along the Harbourside or River Avon Trail. Or join a tour.
Driving
If you do drive in Bristol, be prepared for heavy traffic and limited parking, especially downtown. Consider using Stashbee to book a convenient and affordable parking space from a local resident near your destination. It can save the headache of circling for an open meter or paying high garage fees.
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Places to Stay in Bristol
Boutique Splurge: The Bristol Harbour Hotel
This luxury hotel in two former banks oozes sophistication right on the Harbourside. Unwind in opulent rooms, relax at the spa, or sip cocktails on the outdoor terrace.
Budget Traveler's Pick: Holiday Inn Bristol City Center
The location puts you steps from Cabot Circus shopping, Bristol Cathedral, and transportation hubs for convenience and value. Rooms are unfussy but clean and comfy.
Hip and Trendy: Artist Residence Bristol
With locally sourced decor, bold wallpaper, and quirky room themes, this boutique hotel has style for days. Check out the funkadelic suites in a former boot factory.
Family-Friendly: Holiday Inn Bristol Filton
This hotel just off the M5/M4 offers spacious family rooms with amenities like indoor pool, playground, and free parking making it a smart suburban base.
Shopping Centres in Bristol
Cabot Circus
This massive downtown shopping complex has over 120 stores, restaurants, and even a cinema. It's all undercover and pedestrianized for easy browsing and access to Bristol's main shopping streets.
The Mall at Cribbs Causeway
This regional shopping destination has all the big brands from Primark to Apple. It's especially convenient for Christmas shopping for gifts galore under one roof.
St Nicholas Market
For an independent shopping experience, pop into this historic market dating to 1786. Stalls peddle everything from local food to antiques, crafts, records and Bristol souvenirs.
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Written 4th Apr 2024
