Make the most of your time in Bristol by turning your visit into a full-day adventure. With artworks scattered across the Old City, Harbourside and Park Street, Redcliffe and Temple, and Bristol Shopping Quarter, plan your visit by diving into the city’s nearby attractions.
Spend the day enjoying everything from fun-filled family activities to trendy dining spots, and as day turns to night, immerse yourself in the excitement of the festival and explore Bristol’s vibrant nighttime scene. Whether you’re planning a lively day out with the family or an evening of jam-packed fun with friends, this guide is here to help you uncover the very best of Bristol.
Don’t forget to make the most of our festival events and exclusive offers, and explore what’s on in Bristol during your visit.
Explore the Old City
Bristol’s Old City is bustling with activity, making it the perfect backdrop for the vibrancy of Swing Song, Our Beating Heart, and Bristol Is Always A Good Idea. From modern eateries to lively bars and everything in between, explore what Bristol’s Old City has to offer.
Nearby hotspots
Start your day with an unforgettable experience at Blame Gloria or Tonight Josephine, where their themed brunches come alive with music and mayhem. If you fancy a more laid-back vibe with food and fizz, don’t miss out on bottomless brunch at Turtle Bay and The Botanist.
As the sun sets over Bristol, spend your evenings exploring the city’s vibrant nightlife. There’s fun to be had for everyone with retro video gaming at NQ64, a game of darts at Flight Club, or bowling at The Lanes. For live music and comedy, head to Mr Wolf’s, or experience Dareshack, a cosy coffee shop by day and event venue by night.
Where to eat and drink
Nestled in the Old City, you will find some of Bristol’s most exciting bars and restaurants. Queen Square will be a hub of activity, so be sure to fuel your fun nearby at family-friendly spots including Mud Dock Cafe, Aqua, Hole in The Wall, and Riverstation. For a cosy comfort meal, head to Cow & Sow for steaks, Muse Brasserie for French fusion, and The Granary for British dishes. If you fancy a late night tipple, visit one of the many bars glittered along King Street, including Small Bar, The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer, and The Old Duke.
Follow the call of the disco ball and witness Our Beating Heart in St Stephen’s Church. Nearby, explore a taste of Asia with Indian street food at Mowgli and Dhamaka, Vietnamese comfort food at Pho, and Asian fusion favourites at Four Wise Monkeys. If you’re dining out with the kids, Cosy Club, Franco Manco, Walkabout, and Honest Burgers make the perfect pit stop. End your night by cosying up with a cocktail aboard 6 O’Clock Gin at the Glassboat or award-winning cocktail bar, The Milk Thistle.
Explore the Harbourside and Park Street
Bristol’s iconic Harbourside and nearby streets offer endless sights and activities. Discover the vibrant pink flamingoes of Ramandu’s Table in College Green and experience Somnius’ captivating sky of light at Lloyd’s Amphitheatre.
Nearby hotspots
Spend the day enjoying bowling, shuffleboard, and more at Lane7 , or experience the excitement of cricket at Bristol’s new high-tech cricket bar, Sixes Bristol. If you’re up for a challenge, test your skills with the ultimate escape room adventure at Locked in a Room, or keep the excitement going into the evening with comedy and magic at Smoke & Mirrors.
Where to eat and drink
Scattered along Bristol’s Harbourside, you’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink. Relax at Ritorno Lounge, savour a variety of global flavours at Za Za Bazaar, enjoy authentic Indian dishes at Tikka Flame, or indulge in barbecue favourites at Spitfire. Wrap up your evening with drinks at one of many nearby bars, including Las Iguanas, Brewdog, and No.1 Harbourside.
Close to College Green, treat yourself to fresh Asian cuisine at Wok to Walk, freshly baked pizza from Pizzarova or Pizza On The Park, and sweet treats from Swoon Gelato. For drinks, visit Gin & Juice and The Cocktail Club or keep the party alive at Reina Bar.
Explore Redcliffe and Temple
Nearby hotspots
Spend your evening at The Fleece, Bristol’s legendary live music venue, hosting events every night of the week. From Power Ballads All Night to the No Future Punk Festival, explore their eclectic line-up. Prefer pub games? Head to Left Handed Giant for pool and darts, try the festival-exclusive beer, Shining Stars, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
Where to eat and drink
With C-Scales shimmering over the water at Finzels Reach, settle into one of the nearby bars like Bocabar, The Wellhead, or Le Vignoble. If you’re feeling hungry, treat yourself to an Italian feast at Bella Vista or flavourful Lebanese dishes at Lamaya.
Close by, Architecture Social Club will be brightening up Temple Church. Stop for a drink at Kings Head, Ye Shakespeare, Cornubia, or Seven Stars, or enjoy delicious Italian cuisine at Marco’s Olive Branch.
Across Redcliffe, meet The Whilers at St Mary Redcliffe Church, before tucking into steaks at Pasture, classic Italian flavours at La Panza, and a well-earned pint at Portwall Tavern.
Explore Bristol Shopping Quarter and Cabot Circus
Home to Tetra and Anthems: Volume One, Bristol Shopping Quarter and Cabot Circus boasts an impressive array of independent and national shops, cafes, and restaurants, giving you unlimited ways to spend your time in Bristol.
Nearby hotspots
From all your favourite high street brands like TK Maxx, Primark, and Lush to luxury and style at Harvey Nichols, discover hundreds of shops in Bristol’s shopping district. Explore fun lifestyle items at Miniso, comics and games at Excelsior, and official licensed headwear at Lids, plus so many more exciting finds.
Bristol is also home to several sustainable stores, such as Clothing XChange, Bristol’s largest sustainable fashion store, Sparks, a hub for sustainability, creativity, and education, and Beyond Retro, featuring street style staples and rare retro gems.
Make the most of your day with exciting nearby attractions, including mini golf at Treetop Golf, the latest films at ODEON, high-energy games at Roxy Lanes, or dive into local history at John Wesley’s New Room. As night falls, keep the party going with live music and DJs at SWX, Strange Brew, and Clock Factory.
Where to eat and drink
Whether you’re looking for food on the go or a sit-down meal, dive into delicious food nearby.
Grab a quick bite to eat at Greggs, Costa, Taste of Napoli, or the newly opened Hatter House Cafe. If you’re looking for delicious street food, sample Eat A Pitta’s legendary falafel and hummus, indulge in Twinkle Shawarma’s delicious middle-eastern food, or Big Bao’s Asian sandwich options, finished off with a delicious bubble tea from T4 U. If you fancy a sit-down meal, discover modern French food at Côte Brasserie or dine at the UK’s first L’Osteria right here in Bristol, where England meets Italy.