Bristol

Mixing contemporary culture with a fascinating past of pirates, industry and overseas explorers - Bristol is a great place to visit.

Galleries and theatres reveal a thriving arts scene and there are a huge number of festivals and events to enjoy year-round. Shopaholics will while away afternoons splashing out at large shopping malls or hunting for bargains in the cobbled streets of St. Nicholas Market, and if you like to stay out late then the city's wealth of top-notch restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs will have you up until the early hours.

No visit to Bristol would be complete without a stroll across Brunel's Clifton Suspension Bridge - commanding impressive views over the city, this bridge is a masterpiece in itself.

Take a look at the ideas on this page for more things to see and do in Bristol. For detailed information and booking online, go to the official Visit Bristol website.

To search for a wide range of fantastic accommodation in Bristol and to book online, go to:
visitbristol.co.uk

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For more information and booking online, visit our official partner

Must Sees

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Clifton Suspension Bridge © Gary Newman

Designed by the great Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, a spectacular setting on the cliffs of the Avon Gorge have made this the symbol of Bristol. Stroll across for amazing views of the gorge and elegant Clifton.

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St Nicholas Market & Old City

Market stall worker at St Nicholas MarketFantastic stalls and quirky ambience create a vibrant and buzzing market in the heart of the old city. A perfect place to shop, eat and loose track of time.

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Floating Harbourside

Once a busy working dock, Bristol's historic harbourside is now an attractive, modern development lined with restaurants, bars, hotels and top attractions.

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Bristol Floating Harbourside

Brunel's ss Great Britain

ss Great Britain © Mandy ReynoldsExperience what life was like aboard the world's first ocean-going, propeller driven, iron ship. Conserved in the dockyard where she was originally built.

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Bristol Zoo Gardens

Gorilla at Bristol ZooSet within 12 acres of award winning gardens, meet over 450 species of exotic, endangered and just plain cute animals from the four corners of the globe.

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Must Dos

Shop 'til you drop!

ShoppingBristol's fantastic shopping highlights include the £500 million Cabot Circus, bustling Broadmead and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway. For quirky alternatives try Clifton Village, St Nicholas Market and Park Street.

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Sample the Nightlife

NightlifeMai tai, Cosmopolitan or a pint of tasty local beer - whatever your tipple, you'll find a stylish bar or cosy old pub to suit your tastes.

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Eat Out

Glass of wineWhether you enjoy hearty pub grub, French classic cooking or lively Mexican food, you'll have an abundance of great places to choose from.

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Take a Sightseeing Tour

Hot air balloon over Bristol

A sightseeing tour is a great way to get to know Bristol - you could choose boat, bike, bus, or even hot air balloon! If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground then why not download an MP3 walking tour taking in all the city has to offer.

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Hop on a Bristol Ferry Boat

Discover the sounds and sights of Bristol's historic harbourside with a Ferry Boat trip. Hop on and off at key points along the waters' edge connecting you from one attraction to the next.

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Bristol Ferry Boat

Get Adventurous

CyclingAdrenalin-junkies will be spoilt for choice in Bristol, with all sorts of activities to try such as speed car racing at Castle Combe Circuit or rock climbing in the Avon Gorge.

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Hidden Gems

The Llandoger Trow

The Llandoger TrowStop by for a pint of ale at this salty old cove! Built in 1664, this historic pub is one of the last timber-built buildings in Bristol and retains many of its original features. Myths and legends of pirates and secret tunnels abound!

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Bristol's City Museum, Galleries & Archives

Outstanding collections of art and archaeology, geology and natural history await you in a magnificent Edwardian baroque building.

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Bristol City Museum & Art Gallery

Christmas Steps Arts Quarter

Christmas Steps Arts QuarterThe area around this ancient, steep, winding street contains a host of fascinating old shops, novelty stores, art galleries, and cafes and bars.

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St. Mary Redcliffe Church

St Mary Redcliffe Church

Explore the centuries-old gothic arches and beautiful stained glass windows at this fine English church, once described by Queen Elizabeth I as "the fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in England"

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Bristol Pirate Walks

Join Pirate Pete for a guided walking tour of Bristol's historic harbourside. Covering a maritime history of discovery, trade, slavery and piracy.

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Explore @ Bristol

Explore @ Bristol

Take an exciting interactive journey through the workings of the world around us with action-packed science exhibits, live shows and a planetarium.

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Image: Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol