The Top 10 Things To Do and See in Bristol

Bristols Clifton Suspension Bridge spanning the River Avon and linking Clifton and Leigh Woods
Bristol's Clifton Suspension Bridge spanning the River Avon and linking Clifton and Leigh Woods | © robertharding / Alamy Stock Photo
Marianna Hunt

This European city is a perpetually buzzing hive of life and activity. With its bustling markets, vibrant festivals and excellent entertainment, there’s no better place to explore the best of the UK’s culture, food, and history. The multi-cultural nature of Bristol makes it a fantastically diverse city, offering no end of interests. Follow our guide to discover the best of what this English metropolis has to offer.

Banksy’s Street Art

RB941R The Well Hung Lover, also called Naked Man Hanging From Window and simply Naked Man a mural by the street artist Banksy is pictured in Bristol

Banksy: notorious graffiti artist and Bristol’s most famous creation. This English city is famed for the world-class street art that adorns the back alleys, underpasses and pretty much any accessible areas of Bristol. Street artist Banksy lifted this reputation to new heights when he shot to fame, defying capture by police, bedaubing the city with his bold, controversial murals. Banksy is now famous across the world, and visitors flock from all four corners of the globe to admire these priceless pieces of graffiti by the true master of street art. Maps and walking tours are available to ensure you don’t miss anything in the outdoor gallery that is Bristol’s streets.

1. Bristol Zoo

Zoo

Bristol Zoo Aerial Walkway
© christopher jones / Alamy Stock Photo
The city’s charming Zoological Gardens are a perfect place to while away a sunny day in Bristol. The daily feeds and talks offer incredible opportunities to learn fun facts and intriguing details about these exotic animals. The zoo conducts vital conservation work and has helped to save more than 175 species of animals from extinction. This zoo, the fifth oldest in the world, is home to a whole host of amazing creatures, ranging from huge gorillas and lions to tiny and delicate rare butterflies. The ZooRopia high-wire adventure course is a fantastic opportunity to monkey about on rope swings and zip wires while zooming over the zoo’s lush, green grounds. Bristol Zoo also offers unique Animal Experiences – unparalleled opportunities to meet one-on-one your choice of the zoo’s fascinating creatures. Opening hours: Mon-Sun 9am-5pm Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3HA

2. Cross the Clifton Suspension Bridge

Bridge

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta seen over the Clifton Suspension Bridge
© Simon Crumpton / Alamy Stock Photo
Inaugurated in 1864, this masterpiece of engineering is one of the world-famous creations by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. A Grade I listed structure, the Clifton Suspension Bridge spans the Avon Gorge and offers an unrivalled panorama of the spectacular natural landscape all around. There is a visitor centre which provides information about the bridge and its tale throughout history. The Clifton Suspension Bridge was voted the Best Tourist Attraction of 2015 by ShoutOut radio. The bridge is a true Bristol landmark and an iconic sight which features on postcards and posters all round the city.

Shopping

DW3W0R Cabot circus shopping centre in Bristol.

Bristol’s shopping is famous across the UK. Shopaholics will find themselves in heaven wandering along the streets of this superb city. The newly built Cabot Circus is a huge, stylish and modern complex which houses all the high-street favourites as well as a vast array of designer stores. Given Bristol’s young and trendy student population, the vintage shopping in the city is some of the best in the UK. Make a beeline for Bristol’s Park Street, Gloucester Road, or one of the city’s vintage fashion warehouses to grab the best bargains. For those simply seeking to ogle at exquisite artisan wares during a day of window shopping, the boutiques and jewellers of Bristol’s St James’ Arcade are an unmissable stop.

By Marianna Hunt

Marianna is a languages student and travel blogger with an eye for the unusual, a heart for exploration, a stomach for food adventures, and a penchant for a pun. Visit her blog, A Hunt Around Russia, or follow her on Instagram to discover more.

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