Bristol is a large city with various areas in its centre; a map is helpful to get to know the layout. The free map given away at the Tourist Information Centre at the Harbourside is excellent for this. At Bristol's core is the Floating Harbour - a stretch of water that snakes along the city centre which looks like a river in places but which is actually a dock. For centuries the Floating Harbour was where ships docked, bringing trade and prosperity to the city. It was created by diverting the River Avon in the early 19th century to the New Cut to the south, and by using various locks to create a non-tidal dock. Today, the industrial shipping has mostly gone and the Floating Harbour is a home for leisure, pleasure craft, upmarket waterfront apartments, and the occasional visiting sailing ship.

It's easiest to think about city locations as where they are relative to The Centre, or Central Promenade. (It's called "The Centre" as it used to be the "Trams Centre", until Bristol's tram system was scrapped in the 1940s after bomb damage. Now it's more of a bus centre.) The Centre is a broad avenue running north-south with fountains and trees and shops, and traffic, reaching the Floating Harbour at its southern end. The Centre is a major interchange for most city bus routes - you can ask a bus driver for a ticket to "The Centre" from anywhere in the city and you'll get back there.

To the east of The Centre is the core of historic Bristol - the Old City. Here major streets include Queen Square, King Street, Baldwin Street, and Corn Street. It has wonderful Victorian and Georgian buildings, historic and charming pubs, and many places to shop, drink and eat. To the north-east of the Old City is Bristol's main shopping area - Broadmead, centred on the Broadmead itself and related streets such as the Horsefair, Union Street and Penn Street as well as The Galleries shopping centre. At the east end of the Broadmead is the major shopping centre at Cabot Circus and a related development of more boutique shops at Quakers Friars. If you go east of Cabot Circus and across the dual carriageway you get to the less affluent area of Old Market, while if you go north of it you get to the St. Paul's area, which is a hotbed of culture but is best visited during the day.

To the north of The Centre are areas occupied by the city's hospitals, the bus station at Marlborough Street, and the University of Bristol.

To the west of The Centre is the Harbourside area, much of which has been a scene of heavy urban regeneration since 2000 and includes parts of what used to be called Canon's Reach. Here you'll find eateries in converted warehouses, Millennium Square with its attractions such as At-Bristol, and offices and smart apartments in new developments. It's a great place to spend time by the water. It continues to the south of the Floating Harbour at the M Shed museum of Bristol life, along to the SS Great Britain.

To the north-west of The Centre, and up Park Street, you head for the West End with its smart independent shops, the City Museum and other attractions, and if you keep going along Queen's Road you get to the upmarket Clifton area, known for its suspension bridge and elegant Georgian architecture.

• Visit Bristol website

• 51.382778-2.7191671 Bristol Airport (BRS  ^IATA) (8 mi (13 km) south-west of Bristol city centre). It offers scheduled flights from major European cities. It is a major base for budget airlines Easyjet and Ryanair, with nearly 80 destinations including: Amsterdam also with KLM, Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Lisbon, Madrid, Milan, Rome, Prague, Kraków, Bratislava, Kaunas and Riga (but not London). (updated Apr 2023)

There is no train link between Bristol's airport and the city, but there is a very useful bus service (bus A1) that takes about 35 min and has a frequency of up to every 10 min. It costs £15 for an adult return ticket (the second part of which can be used up to a month after the first), £9 for a one-way to the city centre, and £25 for a family return. There are student discounts on this service if you have a valid student photo ID. The Flyer bus is useful because route A1 takes you to Temple Meads station, then to the bus station at Marlborough Street.

There is a cheaper Falcon service by Stagecoach (£8.10 return) booked a week in advance via Megabus.com. The Falcon service terminates at Bond Street.

There is also a chepaer U2 service by First (£3 single under the England bus fare scheme), the bus station is The Airport Tavern, a 10-15 minute walk from the Terminal. The bus will get you to the city centre but watch out the timetable and the day of service.

The last cheper option would be the WESTlink services an 'on demand' bus services (£2 single) that cover the airport terminal and some limited area of south Bristol. It can get you to Parson Street Train station or somewhere closer to Temple Meads station along Bath Road and York Road (10 minute walk to Temple Meads station).

The alternative is to use one of the London airports or Birmingham airport and travel on to Bristol by train, car or bus. The most convenient are:

• Heathrow Airport (LHR ^IATA) is about two hours drive straight down the M4 (westbound) motorway. The RailAir express bus service (running every 20 minutes) connects with the main London to Bristol rail service at Reading rail station; expect the total journey to take slightly over two hours. Another possibility is to use the Heathrow Express service to London Paddington and then take a train to Bristol Temple Meads from there, which is more expensive and slightly longer than the route via Reading, but possibly more convenient. There are also direct National Express and Megabus coaches from Heathrow to Bristol, which take about two to two and a half hours (depending on whether they depart from Heathrow Central Bus station or T4/T5) and are often cheaper than a rail fare, especially during (rail) peak times. National Express coaches terminate at Marlborough Street coach station in the city centre whilst Megabus services terminate at Bond Street near McDonald's and Cabot Circus.
• Birmingham Airport^{[dead link]} (BHX ^IATA) is within quicker (and cheaper) reach of Bristol than London's two other airports, Gatwick and Stansted. By car it takes about 2 hours and you'll be avoiding the congestion-prone M25. Rail services connect Birmingham International to Bristol every 30 min at peak times with a change in Birmingham New Street. The journey takes 2-2½ hours.
• Gatwick Airport (LGW ^IATA) is about 3 hours drive away via the M23 (northbound), M25 (clockwise) and M4 (westbound) motorways. Gatwick has its own built-in station and you can take a train from Gatwick to Reading where you change to take a train straight to Bristol for a rough total of £50 (although you can get relief by using a railcard and booking in advance). If you're on a budget, it can be cheaper to get the Gatwick Express train to London Victoria and from the nearby Victoria Coach Station take a bus to Bristol. There are also coach services provided by National Express and Megabus that take 3½ hours between the airport and Bristol.
• Stansted Airport (STN ^IATA) is about 3 hours drive away via the M11 (southbound), M25 (anti-clockwise) and M4 (westbound) motorways. By train you must catch a Stansted Express train to London Liverpool Street station, the tube to London Paddington station, then follow the directions below; expect the total journey to take around 3½ hours. If you're travelling on a budget you can also take Route Express Bus A51 to from Liverpool Street Station to Stansted Airport. Costs £9 for a single, and only takes about 10 minutes longer than the train.
• Cardiff Airport (CWL ^IATA) is about one hour west of Bristol, going northbound from Culverhouse Cross, to J33 of the M4, then Eastbound, to Bristol. Or take the train direct from Cardiff Airport, to Cardiff Central Station, then take another train to Bristol Temple Meads Station.

When coming from London, the cheapest way is generally by coach or rail.

See also: Rail travel in Great Britain

• 51.449-2.582 Bristol Temple Meads station (about 15 minutes walk from the city centre). Has regular inter-city and regional train services from Bath, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, London Paddington, Manchester Piccadilly, Plymouth, Southampton, Swansea, York, and many other UK towns and cities. Great Western Railway and CrossCountry provide all train services. If you have luggage or are too tired to walk, and need to get to the city centre or Clifton, take bus no. 8 from the bus stops at the station forecourt, or a taxi. (updated Aug 2022)
• 51.5136-2.54273 Bristol Parkway station. The second main railway station which is several miles north of the city centre deep in suburbs. Although this station also has frequent services to many of the same locations as Temple Meads, it is principally aimed at suburban residents and is unlikely to be useful to visitors. (updated Aug 2022)

From London, you travel from Paddington station. There are several through trains an hour, the fastest of which takes 1 hr 13 min to Bristol Parkway and 1 hr 32 min to Bristol Temple Meads. Train times (from any location) can be found on the National Rail Planner or by calling ☏ +44 345 748 4950 from anywhere in the UK.

National Express operate services to Marlborough St Coach station in the city centre, from cities throughout the UK including London. The journey from London to Bristol takes about 2 hr 30 min. Tickets are much cheaper if booked in advance online (London to Bristol £3.50).

MegaBus also operate budget coach services from London Victoria coach station and cities thoughout the UK to a stop outside Black's Bond St. Tickets must be booked online and fares are demand responsive but can be cheap (£3.50). The journey from London to Bristol takes about 2 hr 30 min.

Flixbus also operate budget coach services from London Victoria coach station and cities thoughout the UK to a stop outside Black's Bond St. Tickets must be booked online and fares are demand responsive but can be very cheap (£2.00). The journey from London to Bristol takes about 2 hr 50 min.

South West Falcon operates a service connecting Bristol, Taunton, Exeter, and Plymouth. A single fare from Plymouth to Bristol is £27. Tickets can be booked online in advance and is cheaper, but reservations are not strictly required.

The Bristol-Bath Railway Path is part of the National Cycle Network (R4) and provides a cycle corridor between the city centres of Bristol and Bath. Travel time is about 90 minutes. The path is relatively flat, and has only 2 road crossings, making it very safe. In the morning and evening it is a busy commute route, so it may be advisable to avoid these peak hours.

The M5 and M4 motorways intersect near Bristol and the M32, a motorway 'spur', brings traffic directly into the city centre. The M4 links London with Bristol with a driving time of less than 2 hours.

The city also has several Park and Ride facilities, Portway, Brislington, Lyde Green, Parkway North, Yate, and Long Ashton sites, for more information see the Bristol City Council website.

Visit Bristol, the official tourism website for Bristol has maps of the city to download. Distinctive blue A3 tourist maps which cover the city centre, the Harbourside and Clifton, are available for free from locations such as libraries, shops, Temple Meads railway station, hotels and the YHA hostel. These really are excellent maps and you should obtain a copy or two. They indicate main streets, attractions, hotels and areas of the city in the central area and in Clifton.

You can also buy commercially produced maps before you leave from sites such as Amazon. The pocket-sized "Bristol Pop-Out Map" is useful, as are the pocket-sized A-Z maps.

Bristol is also home to a branch of Stanfords, a very large supplier of maps and tour guides (e.g. their store at Covent Garden in London is the largest such store in the world). Maps of Bristol with all the city centre street names and destinations marked sell from £1.50. Stanfords can be found at 29 Corn Street, and the staff double as local travel experts.

Most locations in central Bristol (the Harbourside and Old City areas) are reasonably easily walkable, and there are plenty of attractive walking routes along the quaysides and in the pedestrianised central streets. The main rail station (Bristol Temple Meads) is a little further (about 15 min walk) but still accessible by harbourside walkways or by bus.

The city has an e-scooter hire scheme operated by Dott. To use a Dott e-scooter, a smartphone with mobile phone number and internet access is needed, and riders must be at least 18 years old and hold a provisional or full drivers licence. This will need to be confined in the app.

Scooters are parked in ‘virtual bays’ across the city. The unlock fee is £0.99 and the cost per minute is £0.16. Daily passes are available. You must park your scooter in the designated areas which can be found on the app, otherwise you’ll continue to be charged by the minute. It’s not uncommon for parking bays to be full, so be prepared to travel further than planned.

Bristol has plenty of bike paths and routes and is at the centre of the National Cycle Network. Sustrans, which manages the network, is based in the city, and has a shop and information centre on College Green, next to the Marriott Hotel. The staff can provide information on cycle routes throughout the UK. Free cycling maps for the Avon Cycleway, Bristol and surrounding council regions (South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Bath and North-East Somerset) can be obtained from the four councils' cycling website, BetterByBike.info.

Dott operate an app based e-bike hire scheme. Bikes are parked in ‘virtual bays’ across the city. The unlock fee is £0.99 and the cost per minute is £0.16. Daily passes are available. You must park your bike in the designated areas which can be found on the app, otherwise you’ll continue to be charged by the minute. A smartphone with internet connection is required to use it.

Bristol is a very cyclable city, but unless you're limiting your stay to the Floating Harbour and the Avon valley, hills are never far away. A mountain bike is highly recommended over a city bike, even if you don't plan to go off-road. Mountain bikes can also cope easier with the numerous potholes and generally deplorable state of a large part of the Bristolian road network. Litter, most annoyingly broken glass bottles, are a threat to inner tubes so the choice for a mountain bike with thicker tyres will reduce the chance of running flat as well. Especially in the inner city (Park Street, Baldwin Street) glass shards often plague cycle paths and crossings.

Bicycle theft is unfortunately relatively common in Bristol, so if you're hiring a bicycle, check that a decent D-lock or U-lock is included.

Several bicycle rental services are available in the city:

• 51.452137-2.5980671 Cycle The City, No.1 Harbourside, 1 Canon’s Road, ☏ +44 7873 387167, [email protected]. closed Mondays. Bicycle rental service near the waterfront, they provide a bicycle, helmet and lock. ID card required for rental. £16/day. (updated May 2018)
• 51.439091-2.5896862 Bristol Tandem Hire, 3 Holmesdale Road, ☏ +44 7470 311592, [email protected]. Rental service for tandems and bicycles, with pick up and drop-off points in around Queen Square, Victoria Park, and Temple Meads. (updated May 2018)
• 51.45134-2.577363 Cycle Shack, 25 Oxford Street, Temple Quay, BS2 0QT, ☏ +44 117 955-1017. Bike repair and rental under the railway passage behind the Temple Meads train station. Bike rental costs £40 for 3 days. 

If you run flat, almost all bicycle shops in Bristol can fix your tyre for £8-15, although some will do it while you wait.

• 51.44019-2.551454 Briscycle, 151 Wick Rd, BS4 4HH, ☏ +44 7716 394633. M 6:30-8PM; Tu Th-F 9:30AM-3PM, 6:30-8PM; F 9:30AM-4PM, 6:30-8PM; Sa 10AM-4PM. Bicycle repair shop in Brislington. Getting a flat tyre fixed will set you back £15. 
• 51.45728-2.591855 Halfords, Eastgate Centre, Eastgate Road, BS5 6XX, ☏ +44 117 935-4041. M-F 8AM-8PM, Sa 8AM-6PM, Su 10AM-5PM. One of the largest bicycle shops in Bristol, with many spare parts for self service and repair kits in stock. They also have a repair service while you wait. (updated Dec 2020)

51.449-2.586 Bristol Temple Meads station offers direct trains to many UK cities including London (Paddington). Local train services include the Severn Beach Line, and stopping services which serve Bedminster, Parson Street and Filton Abbey Wood.

The Severn Beach Line passes through Lawrence Hill and Stapleton Road in the East of the inner city, and then, Montpelier, Redland and Clifton Down in the north before heading north-west to Avonmouth and Severn Beach. The line has been voted one of the most scenic in the world by Thomas Cook. The line has two fare zones: Temple Meads to Clifton Down, and Clifton Down to Severn Beach. Trains run M-Sa at approximately 40-minute intervals from 6AM to 10PM, with a reduced Sunday service. Normally only one train in three goes to St Andrews Road (which is a request stop) and Severn Beach, with most terminating at Avonmouth. See council website on train services for more info.

Clifton Down railway station is close to the Clifton shopping district, including Whiteladies Road and Clifton Down Shopping Centre. Beyond here, the line runs in a tunnel under Durdham Down, emerging in the Avon Gorge. You can see one of the tunnel's chimneys on Durdham Down. The station at Sea Mills is next to the River Trym and the remains of a Roman harbour, and is also a good place to start walks. The line later runs through Avonmouth Docks, and beyond that alongside the River Severn Estuary. At Severn Beach, you can walk along the banks of the Severn and see the picturesque suspension bridges - the Severn Bridge and the Second Severn Crossing. All other stations along the line are in primarily residential or industrial areas.

CitySightseeing^{[dead link]} offer open top bus tours with commentary during the summer months. 24-hr and 3-day passes are available. The circular route takes in most of the major visitor destinations including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol Zoo, City Docks, Temple Meads, old city and city centre.

Most bus services in Bristol are operated by First Bristol. By and large the buses are unreliable, so if possible check the bus times on the First website as the times on bus stops may be dated and incorrect. As most of Bristol's hotels and places to visit are near the city centre or are in the upmarket suburb of Clifton, First Bristol's number 8 is probably the most useful for visitors. It follows a route from Temple Meads station to Clifton, passing through the main shopping area (Broadmead), the city centre (also handy for the harbourside) and the West End on the way.

Almost all single adult tickets are £2. These can be bought on the bus with cash or card. Alternatively you can buy an ‘m-ticket’ on the First Bus app. This will give you a QR code that you must scan when you board. Concessionary fares are available for students, young people (16-21) and children. Another option is a day ticket - this may be more economical depending on your plans.

First buses also offer payment via a “Tap on, Tap off” system. Simply tap your contactless card (or phone with Apple or Google Pay) on the reader when you board and tap off on the exit reader when you alight. If you take a single trip you’ll be charged the usual £2. More trips will increase the cost, but this is capped at a daily rate of £6. Concessionary fares are unavailable for the “Tap on, Tap off” system, as of Dec 2023.

Other bus operators include Buglers and Abus.

Because of the way the city centre is intimately interwoven with the old 'floating harbour', a boat is a good way of getting around and of seeing a lot of interesting sites. Bristol Ferry Boat runs several ferry services around the harbour, stopping at various quays on route, and providing a commuter service between the city centre and the main rail station. Tickets must be purchased from the skipper directly and cost £2.50.

The Bristol Packet offer city docks tours with commentaries daily during school holidays and at weekends throughout the year. They also run regular excursions to riverside tea gardens on the Avon towards Bath and Avon Gorge cruises under the Clifton Suspension Bridge to Avonmouth and back.

Number Seven Boat Trips also offer a ferry service during the summer months.

Bristol is quite a hilly city, but if you don't mind walking up hills the walk can be pleasant on a fine day.

Driving is probably the best way of seeing the surrounding region. A couple of the routes into Bristol during peak hours operate a car pool lane for cars with more than one occupant.

The centre of Bristol follows a one way city system, which can be frustrating and confusing for those not used to it. However, with patience and practice and a lot of circling around the same areas numerous times, it does become easier.

Due to the heavy traffic, taxis in Bristol can be quite expensive – and don't forget to allow extra time on your journey when taking a cab. There are about 700 licensed taxis (Hackney Carriages) and these can be distinguished as they are all painted a distinctive blue. Meters charged at a rate set by the council. There are a similar number of private hire vehicles (without roof signs) that need to be pre-booked. All legitimate taxis and private hire vehicles should have a predominantly yellow council-issued plate at the front and back of the vehicle. More information on taxis and private hire vehicles and a cab rank map can be found at Taxis and Minicabs in Bristol ^{[dead link]}.

Other options include apps like Uber, Bolt, and Veezu.

The floating harbour is the jewel in Bristol's crown, and many of its attractions are on or close to the harbour:

• 51.44813-2.605786 Brunel's SS Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Rd, ☏ +44 117 926-0680, fax: +44 117 925-5788. Open daily from 10AM (except Dec 24 and 25 and Jan 10 2011) Closing times: 4:30PM (to Mar 26) 5:30PM (Mar 26 to Oct 31). Last entry one hour before closing. The world's first iron hulled, screw propeller-driven, steam-powered passenger liner, built by Brunel in 1843 and now preserved in a dry-dock alongside the floating harbour. Winner of the Gulbenkian Prize for Museum of the Year 2006 — the biggest arts prize in the UK. The "Being Brunel" exhibition alongside opened in 2018 and is included in the ticket price. Adult £19.50; Student £16.50; child (16 and under) £12,00; child (4 and under) free. Various family tickets available.. (updated Mar 2022)

• 51.45041-2.600247 We The Curious (formerly @Bristol), Anchor Road, Harbourside, ☏ +44 845 345-1235, fax: +44 117 915-7200. M-F 10AM-5PM; Sa Su 10AM-6PM. Science-themed interactive museum opened in 2017, with as stated goal to make science accessible to all. It features numerous labs for engineering (including robotics) and life sciences, a makerspace with 3D printers, and a planetarium. Adult (16+) £15.95; child (3-15) £10.50; free entry for the youngest. (updated Aug 2018)
• 51.45099-2.599048 Bristol Aquarium, Anchor road, Harbourside, BS1 5TT (In The City Centre), ☏ +44 117 929-8929. Daily 10AM-5PM. From the hidden world of UK waters, this amazing new aquarium transports visitors to the spectacular 'underwater gardens' of the Mediterranean and stunning beauty of tropical waters - home to everything from seahorses and puffer fish to living corals and tropical sharks. Adult £15.30; child 3-12 years £10 (must be accompanied by an adult); seniors & students £13.50; family of 4 £49.50 (2 adults and 2 children), all tickets 10% off if booked online but there is a £1.25 charge per transaction. (updated Jun 2018)
• 51.44754-2.598499 M Shed Museum, Princes Wharf, BS1 4RN. Tu-Su 10AM-5PM. History of Bristol Free entrance.  
• 51.44914-2.5971610 Arnolfini Gallery, 16 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA. Tu-Su 11AM-6PM (open to 8PM on W). A modern art gallery, shortlisted for Museum of the Year 2016. free. (updated Jul 2016)
• 51.45013-2.59811 Pero's Bridge (Shrek's Bridge). 24/7. Bridge over the Harbour, known for the iconic counter weights of the lifting section which resemble the shape of movie character Shrek, hence its popular name with the locals. Its formal name Pero's Bridge is a reference to Pero Jones, a Caribbean slave who arrived in Bristol through the harbour channel below the bridge in the 18th. Although the bridges hydraulic mechanism allows it to open and close swiftly, it only does so rarely because the ferry was designed explicitly to pass under the bridge without it needing to be lifted. Free. (updated Aug 2018)
• The Matthew, ☏ +44 117 927-6868. Dec-Apr: Sa Su 10AM – 4PM; Apr-Nov: Tu-Su 10AM – 4PM. The Matthew of Bristol is a replica of the 15th-century caravel that John Cabot sailed from Bristol to Newfoundland in 1497. In 1997 she sailed across the Atlantic to mark the 500th anniversary of the historic voyage. You can buy tickets for its occasional special voyages. Free. (updated May 2020)

Within walking distance from the bustling shopping district of Broadmead, is old town Bristol where the town originated from. You'll discover old buildings and hidden alleys whilst walking along cobbled streets. Highlights include:

• 51.4544-2.593512 Corn Exchange & The Nails, Corn St. Exterior always open. The Palladian Corn Exchange, built in 1743, boasts a clock on its frontage that ingeniously tells time both in the new-fangled GMT and the old Bristol time. In front are nails (in reality Bronze pillars) over which the local merchants did business; from these come the expression 'cash on the nail'. Free.  
• 51.4544-2.59351 St. Nicholas Market, Corn St. M-Sa 9:30AM-5PM. All under a glass arcade and is a great place to grab some deliciously different and cheap food. Choices include, local cheeses, The Bristol Sausage shop, famous Pie Minister Pies, and food from around the world such as Portuguese, Italian, Moroccan or Caribbean and Turkish.  
• 51.4553-2.589713 Castle Park & St Peters Church. St Peters Church is closed to the public; the park is freely accessible. It is difficult to imagine now, but this large harbour-side park was a network of busy streets and shops until it was bombed out during the second world war. Within the park are the excavated ruins of Bristol Castle, and the ruined St Peter's Church preserved as it stood after the bombing as a memorial to those killed. Free.  
• 51.4518-2.594614 King Street. King Street is now the heart of Bristol's theatre-land (see 'Old Vic' below) but it once lead down to the docks at Welsh Back, where the old sailing trows (a type of sailing barge) used to dock after their journeys from South Wales. The street has changed little since those days.  

• 51.4519-2.593215 The Llandoger Trow, King Street. Supposedly the meeting place of Daniel Defoe and 'Robinson Crusoe', Alexander Selkirk. It is also rumoured to be Robert Louis' Stevenson's inspiration for the Admiral Benbow pub in his work Treasure Island. The pub is a 17th-century Grade II listed building. (updated Nov 2023)

• 51.4561-2.605316 Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Queens Road, West End, BS8 1RL, ☏ +44 117 922-3571. Daily 10AM–5PM. Bristol's major museum and art gallery houses an outstanding and diverse range of objects, from sea dinosaurs to magnificent art. A visit to the region's largest museum and art gallery is guaranteed to inspire! A range of subjects can be found. From Archaeology to History and Art. It also has a cafe. free.  
• 51.4526-2.604417 The Georgian House, 7 Great George St, BS1 5RR, ☏ +44 117 921-1362. Apr-Dec: Sa-Tu 11AM–4PM. Built for merchant and plantation owner John Pinney in 1790, also the former home of Pero Jones, a slave brought to Bristol from Nevis, by Pinney. It is displayed as it might have looked in the 18th century and provides an insight into life above and below stairs. Free. The book Pero, the Life of a Slave in Eighteenth-Century Bristol (C Eickelmann and D Small) is for sale at the museum. free.  
• 51.455556-2.59958318 Red Lodge, Park Row, BS1 5LJ (behind the Bristol Beacon (former Colston Hall) and next to Trenchard car park, off Lodge Street (look for the red door)), ☏ +44 117 921-1360. Sa-Tu 11AM–5PM. The house was built in 1590 and then altered in 1730. It has fine oak panelling and carved stone chimney pieces and is furnished in the style of both periods. The garden has now been laid out in Elizabethan style. Free. (updated Mar 2022)

The old and up-market suburb of Clifton contains several more places of interest, and much of the city's student population:

• 51.45504-2.627919 Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bridge Rd, Leigh Woods, BS8 3PA, ☏ +44 117 974-4664, [email protected]. Bridge: 24 hr, Visitor centre: 10AM-5PM. Possibly the city's most famous landmark, Brunel's 19th-century suspension bridge spans the spectacular Avon Gorge at a height of 75 m. A visitor centre is on the other side of bridge. There are free tours from the Clifton toll booth at 3PM every Saturday/Sunday from Easter Sunday until October. To walk across: free, to drive over: £1, visitor centre: free, donations accepted.  
• 51.45663-2.626420 Clifton Downs and Observatory, BS8, ☏ +44 117 974-1242. The Downs provide a huge open space within Bristol, with great views over the Avon Gorge and the suspension bridge. On top of the downs, right by the bridge is the Observatory, housing a camera obscura and a cave leading down towards an observation point within the 250-foot sheer cliff face of the gorge.  
• 51.4589-2.611721 Clifton Lido, Oakfield Place, Clifton, ☏ +44 117 933-9530. A Grade II* listed building. The Lido and pub are separately managed, the historic Lido having closed in 1989, completely refurbished and reopened in 2008. The Victoria freehouse pub stands in one corner of the site; it was created in 1851 to provide the funds to rescue the Lido the first time, and was saved from closure in 2006.  

Bristol's Eastside is the multicultural centre of Bristol and offers visitors a refreshing alternative side of the city, made up of a colourful collection of neighbourhoods that boast independent retailers from all around the globe. The wonderful thing about this side of town is simply walking around it - and most of the good things to do and see are free!

Easton is possibly the most multicultural area in Bristol where people of all nationalities rub shoulders. Here you can find anything from anywhere in the world - black hair and beauty, saris, Moroccan and Somalian cafes. You name it, you'll find it in Easton! This area is quite rightly home to the World On Your Doorstep festival held every June on Stapleton Road. For fantastic cafes and specialist shops (including the locally-famed Bristol Sweet Mart selling a large range of south-Asian foods and ingredients) head to St Marks Road.

Stokes Croft/Montpelier, (pronounced Mont-pelly-err, rather than the French-accented Mon-pell-ee-ay!), the bohemian heart of Bristol and home to artists and musicians of all descriptions. The streets are often canvases themselves and you'll find work by famous graffiti artists around every corner. Great music, cafes, an independent cinema, and a treasure trove of vintage clothing.

• 51.4656-2.58222 St Pauls. The Afro-Caribbean centre of Bristol and home to the world famous St Pauls Carnival. It still suffers from the negative reputation of having been home of the St Pauls riots in 1980 but visitors today will find it a colourful, friendly area with fantastic reggae pubs and clubs and a great street art scene. Host to an Asian supermarket on Ashley Road next door to Teoh's pan-Asian cafe.  
• 51.47-2.57623 St Werburghs. The alternative quarter and a green oasis in the heart of the city. Filled with allotments, a city farm, eco-housing and lively pubs including the award-winning The Duke of York in Jubilee Road and The Miner's Arms in Mina Road. The most recent addition to the area is the multi-million pound Eastgate Oriental City complex which features a large Chinese supermarket and Chinese restaurant.  

Avonmouth used to be a small village on the outskirts of Bristol. Today, it is dominated by the massive Avonmouth Industrial Estate and large wholesale and retail superstores catering for the greater Bristol area. Activity at the port, which first opened in 1877, is now focused on the import of fruit, vegetables, coal, animal feeds, grain and cars.

• 51.4482-2.589924 St Mary Redcliffe Church, Redcliffe Way, ☏ +44 117 929-1487. M-F 9AM-5PM; Su 8AM-7:30PM. A short walk from Bathurst Basin. Described by Queen Elizabeth I, as "the goodliest, fairest and most famous parish church in England." Free.  
• 51.4517-2.600725 Bristol Cathedral (Church of England/Anglican), College Green, ☏ +44 117 926-4879. Daily. Built as the abbey of St Augustine founded in the Norman era, and extensively rebuilt in the 16th and 19th centuries. The seat of the diocese of Bristol. Free, donations are welcome.  
• 51.4597-2.616326 Clifton Cathedral (Roman Catholic), Clifton Park, Clifton (Consult a map to find it as it's on the suburban streets of Clifton), ☏ +44 117 973-8411. Open Daily. A striking modernist design completed in 1973, with an equally modern interior and spire. It was constructed of reinforced concrete faced with granite. Worth a look. Free, donations are welcome.  

Bristol has many open spaces reasonably accessible from the city centre. The more notable include:

• 51.469-2.62127 Clifton and Durdham Downs. Adjacent to the Avon Gorge, the Suspension Bridge and Bristol Zoo, 400 acres of grassland, with views towards the Severn Estuary and the Mendip Hills. 
• 51.452911-2.606828 Brandon Hill & The Cabot Tower, Off Park Street (about 10 minutes walk up a steep hill from the centre of Bristol), ☏ +44 117 922-3719. This attractive and hilly park is worth visiting, if only for the views over Bristol from the hill-top. Even better views can be gained by climbing the narrow spiral staircase within the Cabot Tower atop the hill. Open every day from 8AM to 30 min before dusk. The tower is now open again after being closed for significant structural maintenance.  
• 51.45405-2.6068129 Cabot Tower (Turn off Park Street at Great George St or Charlotte Street, and walk through Brandon Hill park. You can't miss the tower.), ☏ +44 117 974-4664. Daytime. This dramatic Victorian tower occupies a prominent hilltop in Brandon Hill park, seen from much of the city. If you climb up the spiral staircase, you get a great view of the whole city from the top. There are signs which show you what you are looking at. It's a great way to get acquainted with the city and oriented to where you are. Free.  
• 51.4479-2.644630 Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, BS41 9JN (2 miles from the city centre to the west), ☏ +44 117 963-9174. 850 acres (340 hectares) city park, less than 2 mi (3.2 km) from the city centre, with a mix of meadow, woodland, deer park, golf course, site of the Balloon Fiesta, the KIte Festival and the former Ashton Court Festival.  
• 51.454221-2.64182631 Leigh Woods (near Bristol), ☏ +44 117 973-1645, [email protected]. A wilderness of beauty and tranquility set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Avon Gorge and Brunel's world famous suspension bridge (National Trust).  
• 51.504-2.63232 Blaise Castle Estate. 650 acres (260 hectares) of park and woodland on the northern fringes, with a folly, the gorge of the River Trym and a small museum in Blaise House.  
• 51.4883-2.525533 Oldbury Court. Woodland and riverside paths alongside the Frome, with historic parkland and children's play facilities, approx 3 mi (4.8 km) north east of city centre.  

Details of other city parks can be found on the city council website.

• 51.4505-2.59534 Queen Square. A 2.4 ha garden square in the centre, originally laid out outside Bristol's city walls in an area known as the Town Marsh. Its planning started in 1699 and construction finished in 1727, being named after Queen Anne. It has seen a turbulent history, with much of the north and west side buildings being destroyed during the riots of 1831 and subsequently rebuilt. From 1937 to 1992 the square was scarred by a dual carriageway road crossing it diagonally, which created a lot of traffic to flow through the area. After this became unbearable by the 1990s, the road was closed and demolished by the late 1990s, and the garden restored to its pre 1937 glory. Although originally a residential neighbourhood, the buildings surrounding the square are nowadays used as offices, and many are listed under heritage protection. The centre of the square hosts the iconic statue of William III, a sculpture by John Michael Rysbrack who cast it in 1733 in brass and erected it in 1736 to signify the city's loyalty. Free. (updated May 2018)
• 51.44867-2.5908235 Quakers Burial Ground, Redcliffe Hill. 24/7. Original burial ground for the Society of Friends, better known today as the Quakers. They were a religious society, split away from the Church of England, and formed a closed community with a complex social and economic structure spanning from Europe to North America and the Caribbean in the 18th century. Many Quakers lived and worked in Bristol. They became the first group to oppose slave trade in 1760, a remarkable point of view considering many Quakers owed their wealth directly or indirectly to the slave trade in Bristol. Free. (updated Nov 2018)

• 51.439899-2.7119936 Tyntesfield, Wraxall, BS48 1NX (7 miles west of Bristol. (Bus X6 stops at end of driveway, 1.3 km walk to house)), ☏ +44 844 800 4966, [email protected]. A Victorian Gothic Revival house named after the Tynte baronets. Large spectacular private chapel. (updated Mar 2022)

• Bristol City, Ashton Gate BS3 2EJ (southwest edge of the city). "The Robins" play soccer in the Championship, the second tier. Their home ground Ashton Gate has a 27,000 capacity. The women's team were relegated in 2024 and now play in the Women's Championship, at Robins High Performance Centre five miles west of the city. (updated May 2024)
• Bristol Rovers, Memorial Stadium, Filton Ave, Horfield, BS7 0BF (in the north of the city off A38). Rovers play in League One, the third tier. Their stadium has a 12,000 capacity. (updated May 2022)
• Bristol Bears play Rugby Union in the Premiership, the game's top tier. Their home ground is Ashton Gate, shared with Bristol City.
• Women's Rugby Union World Cup is held 22 Aug - 27 Sept 2025, with games at Ashton Gate and in seven other English cities.
• Cricket: 51.477-2.5844 Gloucestershire CCC, Nevil Rd B37 9EJ (A mile north of centre). The county team were relegated in 2022 and now play cricket in Division Two of the County Championship. (updated Oct 2022)
• Planet Ice is a public skating rink on Cribbs Causeway, north edge of the city. Bristol Pitbulls play ice hockey here Sept-Match in the National League, England's second tier.

Bristol has a widespread range of festivals throughout the year. The most significant include:

• St Paul's Carnival. July (only some years). African and Caribbean arts festival. 
• Bristol Balloon Fiesta is held on Ashton Court Estate (see above) in August, with mass ascents, night glows and a funfair. The next is 10-13 Aug 2023.
• Bristol Open Doors Day. weekend in early September, next 15 - 17 Sept 2023. See a variety of buildings open on this weekend, including places which are not normally open to the public. You can just turn up for some of the more than 100 buildings, but many require advance bookings. (updated Aug 2023)
• Upfest. Europe's largest free street art festival, 17 days in late May, early June. Worth exploring the murals visible all year. Maps of murals available on webpage. Also has a gallery at 198 North Street, BS3 1JF, open Tu-Sa 10AM-5.30PM Su 10AM-3PM. (updated Jun 2024)

• Bristol Comedy Garden Held over several days in June in a large seated tent on Queens Square garden.
• Mayfest. 
• Festival of Ideas. 
• Bristol Harbour Festival has music, dance and maritime events. The next is 19-21 July 2024.
• Bristol International Kite Festival. 
• Slapstick Silent Film Festival. a few days in January. A festival of vintage films. (updated Aug 2017)
• Encounters Short Film Festival.  
• Wildscreen Film Festival.  
• Bristol Vegfest. 
• Great Bristol Run has 10K and half marathon races passing many city landmarks including the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The next is probably Su 12 May 2024.
• Bristol Film Festival. Established in 2015, this festival celebrates the film heritage of Bristol with a screening of vintage and family films. 

There are various websites publicising these events, but probably the best thing is to pick up a copy of Venue Magazine (analogous to London's Time Out) from a stockist. Venue is no longer weekly and paid, but has been merged with the Folio free monthly lifestyle magazine, and new editions are usually available on the last Friday of the month.

Saturday's edition of the Bristol Evening Post has a free pull-out supplement called Seven that lists much of what is on offer in the city during the following seven days. Alternatively you can check out Bristol Music & Theatre listings online on Bristol Music^{[dead link]} which also has contact details for all local venues and music contacts and reviews.

Headfirst is a local website and mobile app that offers detailed listings of what's going on in many of the bars and late night venues around the city, with an emphasis on live music.

• Watershed, Canons’s Rd, ☏ +44 117 927-5100. The primary hub for art-house film in the city centre with a lovely (WiFi enabled) cafe too. 
• Cube Microplex, Dove Street South. Hidden away not far from the bus station, this small non-profit making co-operative venue is housed in a beautifully shabby 1960s theatre. It's run entirely by volunteers and specialises in experimental film, music and performance. A unique experience. 
• Odeon Cinema, Union St, ☏ +44 117 929-0884. Three-screen mainstream cinema located in the centre of Bristol 
• Vue Cinemas. There are two of these Warner Village cinemas in Bristol, one near the Mall out-of-town shopping centre at Cribbs Causeway (near the M5/M4 junction) and the other in Longwell Green, off the A4174 Ring Road. Both are modern multiplex type cinemas with approx 10 screens. 
• 51.44937-2.561185 Showcase Cinema, Avonmeads, St Philips Causeway, BS2 0SP (Avonmeads Retail Park). Bristol's first multiplex cinema, the Showcase has been open since at least the mid-1990s. Rarely busy, so you always have plenty of seating choice. £7.95. (updated Oct 2018)
• Arnolfini. Right on the water's edge at Narrow Quay, this contemporary arts centre includes a cinema showing alternative and arthouse films. And the quayside is a great place to soak up the sun with a beer from the cafe! 

• 51.4423-2.61356 Tobacco Factory Theatre and Brewery Theatre, North St, ☏ +44 117 902-0345. A hidden gem outside the city centre, in the Southville area of town. Well known for being involved in some of the most cutting-edge theatre in the city.  
• 51.452-2.5947 Bristol Old Vic, King St, ☏ +44 117 987-7877. Bristol's main repertory theatre, located in the city centre.  
• 51.4531-2.59818 Hippodrome, St Augustines Parade, ☏ +44 870 607 7500. Theatre hosting opera and musical events. Seats can get expensive so reserve early in advance, grab an afternoon ticket on a weekday if possible which are significantly cheaper than evening and weekend tickets (often half price or less). (updated Feb 2020)
• Alma Tavern Theatre, 18-20 Alma Vale Rd, ☏ +44 117 973-5171, +44 117 946-7899 (reservations). Theatre on the first floor of the Alma Tavern & Theatre pub in Clifton, a short walk from Whiteladies Road. The theatre seats 50, with the bar on the ground floor. 
• Redgrave Theatre, Percival Road, Clifton, ☏ +44 117 315-7620. 320-seat theatre hosting amateur drama, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School productions and concerts. (updated Dec 2024)
• 51.4554-2.600769 Wickham Theatre, Cantocks Close, ☏ +44 117 954-5481. University of Bristol's theatre, hosting student and professional performances.  
• Kelvin Studios, 253b Gloucester Rd, ☏ +44 117 959-3636. Home to the Kelvin Players Theatre Company, an amateur theatre group on Gloucester Road. 

• Victoria Rooms, Whiteladies Rd, ☏ +44 117 331-4044, [email protected]. The University of Bristol's Department of Music. A wide range of music is presented in their free Wednesday lunchtime concert series, often given by established professional performers. Other [evening] concerts include the universities' symphony and chamber orchestras. Times and prices vary, contact the department for more information. 
• Bristol Beacon (formerly Colston Hall), Trenchard St, ☏ +44 117 203-4040. Wide variety of concerts, gigs and performances. (updated Mar 2022)
• St George's, Great George St (off Park Street), ☏ +44 845 402 4001. Wide variety of acoustic music including classical, world and jazz. 
• Bristol (O2) Academy, Frogmore St. Large gigs and club nights 
• SWX, Nelson St. Club nights, often with famous guest DJs. 
• Anson Rooms (University Union), Queens Rd. From comedians to live music, many renowned artists and the universities' students often perform here. 
• The Fleece, St Thomas St. Free on Monday and Tuesdays. 
• The Trinity Centre, Trinity Rd, ☏ +44 117 935-1200. 
• 51.4492-2.5951810 Thekla, East Mud Dock. The famous club on a boat, sporting a Banksy graffiti work and prime location by Queens Square.  
• Bristol Bierkeller, All Saints St.. Rock, Metal, Punk, Goth, Alternative. 
• Full Moon & Eclipse, North St./Stokes Croft. Formerly an important Metal and Punk venue but has now become a backpacker hostel with some music events targeted at their guests. 
• The Croft, Stokes Croft. The croft has a policy of supporting new music of every style and scheduling mainly homegrown talent. Free M-W before 10PM, and then a charge on Th-Su. 
• The Louisiana, Wapping Road/Bathurst Terrace. Bands that have played here include Coldplay, the Whitestripes, Kings of Leon, and Keane. 
• The Old Duke, King St. Jazz, Blues 
• Black Swan, 438 Stapleton Rd, Eastville, ☏ +44 117 939-3334. A pub that regularly hosts alternative liberal, electronic dance, rave music events. 

Pubs offering live music of some sort are extremely numerous in most areas of the city.

• The Comedy Box. Usually hosted above the Hen and Chicken pub on North Street, Southville but sometimes at the nearby Tobacco Factory (especially for more popular acts). Has hosted a number of major stand-up acts, including Mark Thomas, Sue Perkins, Ed Byrne and Marcus Brigstocke. 
• The Lanes, 22 Nelson Street, ☏ +44 117 325-1979. Live stand-up every Friday and Saturday night. 
• Oppo Comedy, Channings Hotel, Pembroke Rd. Su from 8:30PM, hosted by Mark Olver £2+. 
• Thunderbolt Pub, Bath Rd. Occasional events 
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