Things to do in Bristol

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A city street at night with a historic building in the background.
A river with a bridge and buildings along the riverbank.
A museum interior with a large mural, red railings, and various labeled exhibits.
A suspension bridge over a river, surrounded by buildings and greenery.
A row of bicycles parked outside a building with the sign "SLAND".

Things to do

Fully Guided Bath Ghost Tours

Fully Guided Bath Ghost Tours

￥3,876
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Fully Guided Bath Ghost Tours
Bath: Private 2-Hour Bridgerton Experience Walking Tour

Bath: Private Bridgerton Walking Tour for upto 20 people

￥53,833
per traveler
Bath: Private Bridgerton Walking Tour for upto 20 people
St Mary Redcliffe Church Bristol: Guided Tour

St Mary Redcliffe Church Bristol: Guided Tour

￥1,292
per adult
St Mary Redcliffe Church Bristol: Guided Tour
Best of Bath Walking Tours - Georgian Tour

Best of Bath Walking Tours - Georgian Tour

￥5,168
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Best of Bath Walking Tours - Georgian Tour
Bad of Bath fun Walking Tour of Bath

Bad of Bath fun Walking Tour of Bath

￥4,737
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Bad of Bath fun Walking Tour of Bath
From Birmingham: Stonehenge & Bath Day Tour

From Birmingham: Stonehenge & Bath Day Tour

￥17,227
per adult
From Birmingham: Stonehenge & Bath Day Tour
Bristol: Brunel's SS Great Britain Experience Entry Ticket

Bristol: Brunel's SS Great Britain Experience Entry Ticket

￥4,737
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Bristol: Brunel's SS Great Britain Experience Entry Ticket
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Bristol must see attractions

1. Cabot Circus Shopping Centre

At Cabot Circus Shopping Centre you can shop at popular brand-name stores, dine on contemporary cuisine and have fun at an adventure golf course. Cabot Circus Shopping Centre opened in 2008 and replaced a precinct of post-war retail buildings. It features three split-level shopping streets covered by a striking shell-shaped roof. The roof’s glass panels create the effect of an outdoor mall while protecting visitors from unfavorable weather conditions.
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A multi-level shopping mall with a glass ceiling, various stores, and a central walkway.

2. Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Suspension Bridge spans the River Avon and links Clifton, a shopping district in Bristol, to Leigh Woods in the county of Somerset. Opened in 1864, the bridge is the brainchild of renowned mechanical and civil engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It has become a major landmark of the area, and is worth visiting even if you don’t need to cross it.
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A suspension bridge with two towers, a river below, and a cityscape in the background.

3. Thornbury Castle

Set in an estate of lush parkland and glorious Tudor gardens is Thornbury Castle. Spend a day enjoying the regal elegance and sumptuousness of this one-time residence of British monarchs. Treat yourself to a night of romance in the castle’s ornate rooms. Dine on meals inspired by food grown in the castle gardens and indulge in therapeutic massage treatments.
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A luxurious bedroom with a four-poster bed, a stone fireplace, and a chandelier.

4. University of Bristol

Experience student life in and around an acclaimed institute of higher education at the University of Bristol. It is recognizable for its landmark buildings, museums and its proximity to a busy nightlife district. The origins of the University of Bristol date back to 1595 and it received a royal charter in 1909. It counts Nobel Laureates, such as Sir Winston Churchill, among its former chancellors, professors and students.
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A city street with a historic cathedral in the background.

5. Bristol Hippodrome Theatre

Visit the Bristol Hippodrome for a wide variety of performances and to see the domed ceiling that can be opened up to the night sky.
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A street with various shops, including a cinema and a pub.

6. SS Great Britain

The SS Great Britain, permanently docked in Bristol Harbour, is one of the city’s most visited attractions. Between 150,000-170,000 people come to look at this great vessel each year. For your visit, allow a couple of hours as there is a lot to see.
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A large industrial structure with a rusty exterior, surrounded by metal railings and walkways.

What to do in Bristol

Stay near popular Bristol attractions

A multi-level shopping mall with a glass ceiling, various stores, and a central walkway.

Cabot Circus Shopping Centre

8.8/5 (1,383 reviews)
Cabot Circus dazzles with its striking glass roof sheltering over 120 shops. Browse fashion boutiques, dine at diverse restaurants, or catch a film at the cinema for a complete shopping experience.
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Where to stay in Bristol

Find the best Bristol areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Bristol
Learn more about Bristol
A suspension bridge over a river, surrounded by lush greenery and a cloudy sky.
Photo by Nic Trott
Open Photo by Nic Trott

Clifton

Clifton is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Clifton Observatory and The Clifton Arcade while you're in town.

A river with boats, a cityscape, and hot air balloons in the sky.

Harbourside

Harbourside is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Wills Memorial Building or We The Curious.

A narrow indoor shopping corridor with glass-fronted shops on both sides.

Bristol Old City

Bristol Old City is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to St Nicholas Market or Baldwin Street.

A historic cathedral with intricate Gothic architecture, including pointed arches and a tall spire.

Redcliffe

Redcliffe is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Banksy Graffiti Thekla and Redcliffe Caves while you're in town.

A wall with colorful graffiti art.

Stokes Croft

When in Stokes Croft, you can plan a visit to Banksy Graffiti Mild Mild West and Cabot Circus Shopping Centre, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Popular day trips from Bristol

A pier extending over calm water with a rocky shoreline in the foreground.

Clevedon

A large Gothic cathedral with twin towers and intricate stonework.

Wells

A pier with a large building labeled "GRAND PIER" and two towers.

Weston-super-Mare

The ruins of a large, historic stone building with multiple arches and a tall, narrow tower.

Chepstow

A coastal landscape with a golf course, a lighthouse, and cliffs.

Newport

A four-poster bed with red drapery, a chandelier, and a stone wall.

Thornbury

A historic stone building with a large arched entrance, surrounded by a grassy field and a gravel path leading to it.

Badminton

A mountainous landscape with steep cliffs and a valley.

Cheddar

Frequently asked questions

Is Bristol worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Bristol is visit Bristol Cathedral. Check this leading sight off your itinerary, then experience more of the area's nature and dining.
How do I spend a day in Bristol?
SS Great Britain and We The Curious are two excellent places to begin your vacation adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and shopping options in Bristol while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bristol?
Don't go home without visiting Bristol Cathedral, rated the top tourist attraction in Bristol.
Is three days enough to stay in Bristol?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Bristol Cathedral, We The Curious and Clifton Downs and Observatory with a three-day getaway in Bristol. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stick around longer and head to Bath.
Is Bristol a walkable city?
With popular neighborhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city center, Bristol is a great destination to discover on foot. Have fun wandering between Bristol Cathedral and We The Curious. Then take a stroll through Bristol Floating Harbour, located 2 kilometers from the center, and Redcliffe, which is roughly 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Bristol with kids?
If you are after activities and sights for all of your group, check out these excellent ideas for what to do in Bristol with kids.
What to do in Bristol for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there are loads of things to do in Bristol for adults including Baldwin Street and Arnos Vale Cemetery.
Are there free things to do in Bristol?
From visiting parks to strolling around hip neighborhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Bristol. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Bristol Cathedral is a must for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing adventures.

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