The Bs of Bristol

New to Bristol and need a tour guide? Perhaps you’ve got a guest and need to show off some local knowledge? Not here for very long and need to know the must-see sights of the city? You’re in luck! Bristol is a marvellous and diverse city, with lots of brilliant sights to see. You won’t B-lieve your eyes!

Bridges

Perhaps the most iconic feature of Bristol, The Clifton Suspension Bridge is a well-known tourist attraction. An incredible feat of engineering, the world famous bridge was designed by Bristol icon Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1864 and is still in full use today. You can also walk up to the surrounding green areas for some fantastic photo opportunities of the Victorian engineering of the structure. Castle Bridge is Bristol’s newest addition to its collection of bridges. Right in the city centre, the bridge reflects the artistic nature of Bristol and makes the vibrant city centre even more accessible.

Bars

Bristol is famous for its lively night life and even a short trip to Bristol needs to include a trip to at least one bar. The Lower Deck Cocktail Bar in The Square Kitchen is the perfect opportunity to experience some of the vibrant atmosphere of the city. With a range of cocktails on the menu, you’ll keep everyone happy!

Bonus: For a real Bristolian experience, try hunting for the hidden gem Hausbar – a speakeasy located underneath an Indian restaurant in Clifton. It’s worth looking!

Boats

Did you know that Bristol was the starting point for John Cabot’s voyage to Newfoundland in 1497? Bristol has a long history of maritime tradition which you can see just by looking at the harbourside! A replica of John Cabot’s Matthew sails around the docks, even taking aboard passengers to experience the rich history of the city. Another of Brunel’s creations, The SS Great Britain sits proudly on the harbour and is home to a museum as well as hosting events throughout the year. Boats never go out of style here!

Beats

If there’s one thing Bristol knows how to do well, it’s music. We’ve got a whole mix of venues for every music taste – from classic to rock, from pop to drum and bass, there’s something for everyone. There’s the dazzling St George’s concert hall, a variety of music at Colston Hall, not to mention a night for everyone at the diverse range of clubs. Bristol’s best underground music scene takes pride of place at Motion, while the harbourside comes in useful as a host for some incredible performances while you’re enjoying a pint in the sunshine.

Benches

Bristol has some of the most stunning inner city green spaces around, so wherever you are you can find a green escape. Hidden away in the very centre is Brandon Hill, home of the fantastic lookout point Cabot Tower. It’s the perfect spot to sunbathe in good weather and definitely provides an Instagram-worthy view. If you fancy a game of football, catch, or even a water fight, Durdham Down is the place for you. An enormous area of flat greenery, the Downs is the best spot to spend an afternoon with friends, or looking out over the Suspension Bridge.

Business

A unique feature of Bristol is its booming independent business industry. Areas such as Gloucester Road, St Nicholas’ Market, Wapping Wharf, and Park Street are filled to the brim with Bristol’s best food, drink, souvenirs, trinkets and interiors. Don’t miss the tempting street food, handcrafted drinks, local Bristol artists and meet the friendly Bristolians that make Bristol the great place that it is!

Banksy

Of course, we can’t do a blog about the best of Bristol and not mention our very own internationally famous artist. Banksy is world renowned for incredible, thought provoking and often controversial street art and graffiti. You can take a tour of his original Bristol works – and the best part is? His art is free to view.