Top 14 Best Things To Do in Bristol

Set your sights on the top things to do in Bristol and get to know a city packed with surprises. You’ll find yourself hopping from the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge to the lively harbor and everywhere in between. It’s time to ditch the ordinary and discover what makes this destination truly one-of-a-kind.

This English treasure is bursting with opportunities, and there’s no better place to start your adventure than with the widest range of Bristol activities available to all kinds of travelers. You’ll have access to everything from boat rides to amusing walking tours. There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy what this wonderful city offers!

For an effortless trip, look no further than the largest selection of affordable travel packages in Bristol. If you're after a relaxing vacation or a full-on thrill, you’ll find deals that suit any budget.

For those who want to maximize their time, check out the extensive collection of top itineraries in Bristol. These travel plans are designed to pack your days with must-see attractions, local gems, and unique experiences. Continue reading to learn more!

14. Visit Avon Valley Railway

If you're looking for historical activities in Bristol, Avon Valley Railway offers a chance to hop on a vintage train along a route originally opened in the Victorian era. This restored station at Bitton serves up countryside views and the satisfying chug of a heritage locomotive.

Take a relaxed three-mile (five-kilometer) ride through the riverside landscape, sip tea in a dining carriage, and browse the engine shed filled with character and coal dust. With themed events, a picnic area, and even dog-friendly ice cream in summer, you’ll enjoy a day out that blends history with fun.

13. Explore Gloucester Road in Bristol

Take any top-rated walking tours in Bristol, and you'll quickly realize why Gloucester Road feels less like a street and more like a piece of urban art. Lined with independent shops, relaxed cafes, and colorful murals, it offers a glimpse into the city’s creative, community-driven side.

Along this stretch of concrete, you’ll find neighborhood makers, antique finds, and global bites. You can sip oat flat whites at bistros, dig through racks of vintage items, or take shots of street art.

Look out for everything from fresh bread and local produce to retro clothes and the occasional busker. The area provides a casual, character-filled walk that gives you a feel for everyday Bristol.

12. Visit Blaise Castle

Blaise Castle is the kind of place that turns your 9-day city break in Bristol into a storybook-like journey. Built in 1766, the structure provides sweeping panoramas of the city, Avonmouth, and even South Wales if the sky’s clear.

Beyond the fortress, you’ve got 650 acres (263 hectares) to explore. This area includes woodland walks, play areas for kids, and lily ponds. Plus, you’ll see a mansion-turned-museum filled with Victorian oddities and a room dripping with 19th-century art.

Be sure to check the visiting times in advance. This attraction is seasonal and sometimes only open on select days, but it's well worth it for the exhibits inside.

11. Wander Through St. Nicholas Market

Those craving a walk that serves up both stories and local cuisine must join a guided peek into St. Nicholas Market and the area’s air raid past. This corner of Corn Street has been buzzing since 1743. To this day, it’s still packed with indie spirit.

The maze of independent stalls offers street food in the Glass Arcade, vinyl and vintage in the Covered Market, and quirky booths inside the Exchange Hall. Every spot feels like a bite-sized slice of Bristol!

One moment you’re enjoying Ethiopian flatbread, and the next, you're browsing secondhand books beneath Georgian columns. Visit midweek for farm-fresh produce and takeaway meals, or come on the weekend to explore the Nails Market. Time spent here is fast, fun, and full of surprises. So, come hungry and curious!

10. Visit the Bristol Cathedral

One glance at the cathedral’s arches makes it clear why it’s a must-see on this curated walk through Bristol’s historical landmarks. Founded in 1140 and still holding strong, this place of worship blends medieval grandeur with peaceful charm. You’ll see vaulted ceilings, cloisters, and sunlight dancing through centuries-old windows.

Joining a guided city exploration gives you the opportunity to uncover the past of Bristol Cathedral, from the story of St. Jordan to the ordination of the first women priests. For a different perspective, climb the spiral stairs on a tower tour for city views and a closer look at the church’s bells.

9. Relax at Clifton Down

Among the highlights of a 4-day city break in Bristol is Clifton Down. This stretch of parkland isn’t your average patch of grass. It’s 400 acres (162 hectares) of headspace, fresh air, and views. The green expanse serves as front-row seats to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, with bonus drama from the Sea Wall cliffs.

Wander to the Clifton Observatory for an old-school peek through the Camera Obscura or head into the Giant’s Cave to take in breathtaking sights over the gorge. Bring a picnic, sip a flat white from the coffee hut, or watch a local dance group rehearse under the open sky. This is Bristol’s backyard at its best.

8. Cycle Through Bristol’s Best Sights

Experience the city from a different perspective as you pedal through its highlights on the best of Bristol bike tour. Take in views of the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge from a scenic viewpoint and enjoy the charm of the Floating Harbour. Visit landmarks like Saint Nicholas Market for local flavors and King Street for theaters and pubs.

For more flexibility, consider a bike rental in Bristol. Get the freedom to explore at your own pace. For instance, detour through Stokes Croft to spot some of Banksy’s street art. After your ride, relax at one of the harborside cafes or take some time to stroll around the city's waterfront.

7. Ascend Bristol’s Cabot Tower

For one of the most breathtaking vantage points, make sure your sightseeing tours in Bristol include a visit to the top of Cabot Tower. This 105-foot (32-meter) Neo-Gothic structure, built in 1898, offers sweeping panoramas of the city and beyond.

Climb the 109 steps of the spiral staircase and enjoy 360-degree views of landmarks like the Clifton Suspension Bridge, SS Great Britain, and Bristol Harbour. Entry is free, and the spot is open daily from 8:00 to around 21:15. Cabot Tower is great for photos and is best experienced at sunset.

6. Explore We The Curious

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Dietmar Rabich. No edits made.

Explore a world of interactive exhibits and fun at We The Curious, a top pick for activities in Bristol. This award-winning science and arts center is filled with over 200 hands-on displays spread across two floors. The entire place invites curiosity and imagination in a playful, engaging environment.

Top highlights include the UK’s first 3D planetarium, where you can enjoy star shows and space storytelling. Check out “Project What If” to try exciting experiments like launching hot air balloons or sending a message beyond Earth. The Live Science Team also offers live demos, covering everything from food chemistry to cosmic rays in the kitchen, studio, or lab.

Get creative at the animation stations or solve giant puzzles and optical illusions. With a focus on community events and a family-friendly vibe, We The Curious makes discovery-based learning interesting and accessible for everyone.

5. Visit the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is a must-see on cultural tours in Bristol. Set in an Edwardian Baroque building, the exhibition space is free to enter and offers a fascinating mix of history and natural wonders. Those interested in ancient artifacts, classic masterpieces, or dinosaur fossils will surely love this place!

Check out Banksy’s Paint-Pot Angel near the entrance, a fun tribute to the city’s street art. Explore early Egyptian mummies, Mesopotamian relics, or prehistoric displays. You can even enjoy works by Constable, Gainsborough, Bellini, and modern Bristol School artists.

The attraction also features seasonal exhibitions and curated photo collections that provide new takes on visual expression. With events throughout the year, the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is a cultural treasure you don’t want to miss.

4. See Banksy’s Street Art in Bristol

The city’s neighborhoods serve as an ever-evolving open-air gallery, and you can explore it all with a guided walking tour in Bristol that covers everything from Blackbeard to Banksy. Discover iconic creations like Girl With a Pierced Eardrum, a playful take on Vermeer. Also, see Well Hung Lover, Britain’s first legal street art piece.

As you wander, make sure to check out hidden gems like Mild Mild West in Stokes Croft and the Paint Pot Angel sculpture at the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. Don’t miss early Banksy works such as Cat and Dog in Easton or the striking Gorilla in a Pink Mask on Fishponds Road.

For an even more immersive outing, book the ultimate walking tour of Bristol. This experience takes you beyond the murals to explore the city’s history.

3. Tour Bristol’s Harbourside

Learn about the city’s maritime past with a self-guided walking tour of Bristol’s Harbourside. This area is packed with must-see sights, the most notable being the iconic SS Great Britain and the waterfront cafes. It’s the perfect spot to gain insight into the historic port or just enjoy the lively atmosphere.

As you explore, you’ll discover key landmarks like the M Shed Museum, where you can dive into Bristol’s past. You’ll also find the unique Underfall Yard, a working dock that offers a glimpse into the area’s industrial roots. Be sure to check out the Arnolfini Arts Centre, a modern gallery with stunning views over the waterfront.

To get a closer look, join a guided walking tour of Bristol’s Old City and Harbourside. The combination of history and culture makes this spot a must-visit.

2. Explore Brunel’s SS Great Britain

Climb aboard a Victorian steamship and see history in motion with a ticket to explore the SS Great Britain in Bristol. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the groundbreaking creation was the world’s first iron-hulled, screw-propelled passenger liner. Today, it stands as a symbol of the city’s maritime past and a must-see attraction.

As you explore, you’ll walk through its restored interiors, such as its first-class dining rooms and steerage quarters. Be sure to check out the Dockyard Museum, which shares the vessel’s fascinating history from its 1843 launch to its recovery in the Falklands in 1970.

1. Cross the Clifton Suspension Bridge

Take in the stunning scenery as you walk across the Clifton Suspension Bridge during your guided exploration of Bristol. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it offers breathtaking panoramas of the Avon Gorge and the city skyline, perfect for capturing great photos.

As you move through the landmark, you’ll get a close-up view of its design. For an even better perspective, visit Clifton Observatory or wander the nearby paths. The Clifton Suspension Bridge is a must-see and one of Bristol’s most memorable attractions.

What are the best things to do in Bristol for couples?

The best things to do in Bristol for couples blend creativity, charm, and a dash of surprise. Sip and create your way through a wine and painting experience in Bristol, perfect for relaxed fun and shared laughs.

For an unforgettable date night, grab a ticket to The House Magicians Comedy and Magic Show. It’s a mix of mind-bending tricks and cheeky humor. Top it off with a romantic stroll through Clifton Village or across the iconic bridge for postcard-worthy views.

What are the best things to do in Bristol for young adults?

The best things to do in Bristol for young adults include exciting adventures, interactive activities, and exploring the city's lively atmosphere. Try a treasure hunt around Bristol. You’ll solve cryptic puzzles and discover hidden gems around the city. It’s a great way to see lesser-known spots while embracing a bit of mystery.

For those seeking a spine-chilling experience, a guided ghost tour through Bristol’s haunted streets is a must. With creepy tales and eerie locations, it’s the perfect mix of history and thrills. It’s ideal for young adults looking for a unique, slightly spooky adventure while uncovering the area’s past.

What are the best things to do in Bristol for families?

The best things to do in Bristol for families include hands-on fun at We The Curious, where kids can explore science through interactive exhibits and play-based learning. With its planetarium and educational zones, it sparks curiosity in visitors of all ages. 

Animal lovers can visit Bristol Aquarium to see marine life up close, including sharks and rays, in immersive underwater tunnels. Alternatively, families can head to local city farms like St. Werburgh’s. Here, children wander through gardens and see livestock.

What are the best things to do in Bristol during the weekend?

The best things to do in Bristol during the weekend include exploring the buzzing Harbourside. Here, you can have brunch, stroll past historic ships, or hop on a scenic ferry ride.

Dive into the city’s creative side with a Banksy street art walk or browse indie shops at Clifton Village. For something more active, try paddleboarding or challenge yourself on vertical walls at one of the indoor climbing centers. Afterward, unwind with dinner at Wapping Wharf and live music aboard Thekla.

What are the best indoor activities in Bristol?

Some of the best indoor activities in Bristol include exploring hands-on exhibits at We The Curious, a science and art center with a planetarium that’s great for all ages. For history buffs, the M Shed Museum offers a deep dive into the city’s maritime and industrial roots.

Meanwhile, a visit to the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery showcases everything from ancient relics to modern displays. For those looking to have a relaxed afternoon, head to Chance & Counters, a board game cafe packed with hundreds of titles and great snacks.

What are fun things to do in Bristol?

One of the fun things to do in Bristol is scaling the cliffs above the River Avon with a rock climbing session overlooking the Avon Gorge. It’s a great way to enjoy the city’s natural beauty with a dose of adrenaline.

For something more offbeat, grab your orange jumpsuit and immerse yourself in a theatrical cocktail bar. Sip alcoholic drinks inside an Alcotraz Prison-themed experience that’s anything but ordinary.