The Best Things To Do In Bristol: A Guide To The City

The bustling city of Bristol has a lot to offer for those looking for fun things to do. From exploring historic landmarks and attractions to enjoying outdoor activities, the city has something for everyone. Whether you’re just passing through or live nearby, we have you covered with this list of the best things to do in Bristol. With so many incredible places to visit, finding things to do in Bristol isn’t difficult at all. What might be more challenging is picking which one you should do first! This guide will help you discover some of the most fascinating, fun and unique experiences that this city has on offer, so read on to begin your journey.

Attractions & Activities

When you’re in a new city, you always want to make the most of your visit by seeing and doing as much as you can in one trip. Fortunately, Bristol has a lot to offer in the way of attractions, sites and activities that are sure to keep you busy. One of the best things to do in Bristol is to visit one of its many museums. The city has five world-class museums that display a variety of fascinating objects and artefacts. These include the Bristol Museum, The British Empire and Commonwealth Museum, the Bristol Art Gallery, the Bristol Industrial Museum and the M Shed: the world’s first ever modern museum. If you’re visiting during the summer months, you’ll also be able to explore the city’s outdoor attractions.

Bristol Zoo

The Bristol Zoo is one of the best things to do in Bristol for people of all ages. With over 4,000 animals from almost 650 species, it’s a hugely immersive and interactive experience that is sure to keep you and your family busy for a full day. The zoo has been welcoming visitors for over 100 years and today it is one of the busiest in the UK. It’s home to a variety of rare and endangered animals, including Sumatran tigers, Komodo dragons, Vietnamese birds-of-paradise, Chinese giant salamanders and various penguin species. There are daily animal presentations, feeding times, keeper talks and interactive experiences.

Brunel’s SS Great Britain

Nestled on the banks of the River Avon, you’ll find one of the most intriguing attractions in the city of Bristol. The ss Great Britain is the world’s oldest surviving ocean-going ship and it’s a fascinating place to visit that is sure to ignite a passion for history in everyone who steps foot on board. The ship was launched in 1843 and was the first to be made from iron. It was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, one of Britain’s most innovative engineers. In 1979, the ship was brought to Bristol for conservation and opened as a visitor attraction two years later.

Suspension Bridge and Park

Bristol has so much more to offer than just its famous Harbourside. The city is also home to the stunning Avon Gorge, which is one of the best things to do in Bristol for landscape lovers. The gorge is home to the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, which is the world’s third oldest of its kind. On either side of the bridge, you’ll find lush green parks and walkways that are perfect for taking in the stunning views of the city below. There are also a number of cafes and restaurants by the gorge that offer the perfect place to enjoy a meal or a cup of tea.

Bristol Museum

The Bristol Museum is one of the oldest and most prestigious museums in the UK. Dating back to 18th century, the museum has a vast collection of artefacts and objects from around the world that are sure to fascinate everyone who steps inside. There are 13 themed galleries at the museum, which include Archaeology, Natural History, Chinese Jade, Pacific and Caribbean. The museum also has a collection of Ancient Egypt artefacts that are second to none.

The Hippodrome: Theatre, Food & Games

If you love theatre and you’re visiting Bristol, then you won’t want to miss out on a visit to the Hippodrome. The theatre is one of the best things to do in Bristol for culture lovers, as it hosts a variety of performances throughout the year. The theatre has been running since 1902 and has a long history of showcasing both musical and dramatic performances. Today, it is one of the UK’s most prestigious theatres. It often features actors from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, which has helped launch the careers of many famous actors and actresses. If you’re hungry after the show, you can make your way over to the adjacent Hippodrome Casino and Restaurant. It is one of the most luxurious and prestigious venues in the city, offering guests a unique and unforgettable experience.

Bristol Harbour Nature Walk

If you’re visiting during the spring or summer months, then you’ll be able to enjoy a unique outdoor walking experience, known locally as the Bristol Harbour Nature Walk. The walk is a 2.5-mile trail, which runs along the River Avon and through the gorge. The trail is home to a variety of wildlife, including different species of plants, birds and various types of fish. The trail is perfect for those who want to experience the city in a fun and interactive way that is sure to get the whole family exploring and learning about the environment around them.

Places To Stay

Having a nice place to come back to is one of the most important parts of your whole trip. It can really make a difference to your experience overall. So, here are my top accommodation recommendations for when you visit Bristol.

Number 38 Clifton – A stylish and modern boutique hotel found in Clifton. Complete with garden and terrace.

Mollie’s Motel and Diner – A simple hotel with a retro-inspired design, this is a lovely and unique option

Artist Residence Bristol – A stylish and bohemian-decorated luxury hotel, this is a perfect option for all of the artsy types that want to visit Bristol.

The Bear and Swan – Slightly out of town, this five-star hotel has a cosy countryside feel with all the modern amenities.

Berkeley Suites – Get comfy in a whole floor of a stunning Georgian townhouse, complete with private garden, with one of these luxurious suites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

We hope you are as excited about this list of things to do in Bristol as we are! As you can see, there is something for everyone here. Whether you just need a day trip out of the city or you’d like to take a mini-break from your business travels, there are lots of great options for you to choose from. Whether you have a few hours to spare or you’re planning a multi-day visit, explore all that the city has to offer!

If you liked this article, you should definitely go and check out my post on nearby Bath.

Thank you so much for reading and I hope to see you back here again soon!

Ta-ta for now! x