Things to do in Bristol

Activities, attractions and tours

Wills Memorial Building showing night scenes, heritage elements and a city
Bristol showing a bridge, a sunset and a river or creek
Bristol
Bristol showing a sunset, a river or creek and a bridge
Bristol
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Top places to visit

1. 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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University of Bristol

2. 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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Bristol Hippodrome

3. 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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Cabot Circus Shopping Centre which includes shopping and interior views

4. 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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Clifton Suspension Bridge showing a river or creek, landscape views and a bridge

5. 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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Thornbury Castle which includes a castle and heritage architecture

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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SS Great Britain featuring art and interior views

What to do in Bristol

Popular places to visit

Bristol Hippodrome featuring interior views, theater scenes and performance art

Bristol Hippodrome Theatre

This historic theater offers a wide variety of entertainment, from West End productions and Broadway shows, to traditional pantomimes and opera.

Bristol Hippodrome Theatre
Cabot Circus Shopping Centre which includes shopping and interior views

Cabot Circus Shopping Centre

Discover new fashion trends, watch the latest releases from Hollywood and play a round of miniature golf at this modern retail mall.

Cabot Circus Shopping Centre
University of Bristol

University of Bristol

Wander between campus buildings and architectural landmarks, visit museums, catch a theater show and admire outdoor art displays at this city center university.

University of Bristol
Ashton Gate Stadium

Ashton Gate Stadium

Catch an event at Ashton Gate Stadium during your trip to Bristol. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Ashton Gate Stadium
Clifton Suspension Bridge showing a river or creek, landscape views and a bridge

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Both striking and practical, this bridge has long been the symbol of the city of Bristol.

Clifton Suspension Bridge
Thornbury Castle

Thornbury Castle

Walk the grounds once traversed by royalty, dine in a dungeon and spend the night in a room fit for a king.

Thornbury Castle
SS Great Britain which includes signage

SS Great Britain

Climb aboard this museum ship to learn about its long and eventful life at sea.

SS Great Britain
Bristol Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Bristol Cathedral

This 900-year-old religious monument is revered for its exquisite vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows and Romanesque-style Chapter House.

Bristol Cathedral
Chew Valley Lake

Chew Valley Lake

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Chew Valley Lake during your travels in Bristol. Discover the lively bars and great live music in this walkable area.

Chew Valley Lake

Areas of Bristol

Cabot Circus Shopping Centre showing street scenes and shopping as well as a small group of people

Bristol City Centre

The beating heart of Bristol is packed with stunning architectural landmarks, shopping districts, centuries-old pubs and live music venues.

Bristol City Centre
Clifton showing street scenes as well as a couple

Clifton

This picturesque suburb of Bristol is home to iconic city landmarks, an excellent zoo and boutiques set inside Georgian- and Victoria-era buildings.

Clifton
St. Mary Redcliffe Church featuring a bay or harbor

Bristol Floating Harbour

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Bristol Floating Harbour. Make a stop by We The Curious or Millennium Square while you're exploring the area.

Bristol Floating Harbour
St. Mary Redcliffe Church showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

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.

Redcliffe
Castle Park showing wildflowers, a garden and heritage architecture

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 Broadmead Shopping Centre.

Bristol Old City
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Avonmouth

Avonmouth might not have many top sights, but Noah's Ark Zoo Farm and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Avonmouth
Photo by Chris

Chipping Sodbury

Photo by Edgar Pinto

Portbury

Photo "Filton" by Linda Bailey (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Linda Bailey (CC BY-SA)

Filton

Cardiff showing street scenes, a city and night scenes

Cardiff

Parade Gardens featuring a castle, a garden and heritage architecture

Bath

Photo by Sharon Sunshine

Portishead

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.