Things to do in Bristol
Bristol combines maritime heritage with cutting-edge street art, creating one of England's most distinctive urban experiences
Plan your trip to Bristol. Budget from £45-65/day. Where to stay, what to see, and what to skip. Honest guide updated for 2026.
Top attractions in Bristol
12 must-see places
Activity guides for Bristol
Curated activity guides and individual experiences
Getting around & travel tips
Practical advice for visiting Bristol
Getting around
- First West of England buses: £2.50 day ticket, covers most areas
- Bristol Ferry Boats: £2.50 single journey across the harbour
- Uber/taxi: £8-15 for cross-city journeys
- YoBike/Voi e-scooters: £1 to unlock plus 20p per minute
- Walking: most central attractions within 2km radius
Practical tips
- 10-15% in restaurants if service charge not included, round up taxi fares, no tipping expected in pubs or casual venues.
- Casual dress appropriate for most venues, waterproof jacket recommended year-round
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout the city
- EE, O2, Vodafone available at airports and city centre shops, tourist SIMs from £10
Trip essentials
At-a-glance reference for Bristol
- Best time
- May to September offers the warmest weather and longest days, perfect for exploring outdoor attractions like the Suspension Bridge and harbourside walks
- Currency
- GBP (£)
- Language
Travel guides for Bristol
Editorial travel guides
Frequently asked questions
Common questions travellers ask about Bristol
May to September offers the warmest weather and longest days, perfect for exploring outdoor attractions like the Suspension Bridge and harbourside walks
Bristol is generally safe with standard city precautions needed. Avoid walking alone late at night in Stokes Croft and St Pauls areas.
Budget around £45-65 per day for hostels and street food, £90-140 for mid-range hotels and restaurants, or £220+ for luxury.
First West of England buses: £2.50 day ticket, covers most areas. Bristol Ferry Boats: £2.50 single journey across the harbour.
December to February brings shorter days, frequent rain, and some outdoor attractions have reduced hours
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