Bristol, oh Bristol, where do we start? This vibrant city in the southwest of England is known for its graffiti-covered streets, its historic harbour, and its diverse population of hippies, hipsters, and hardworking locals.
In Bristol, you can find everything from trendy bars and restaurants to indie music venues and vintage shops. You can wander through the bustling St Nicholas Market, take in the views from the Clifton Suspension Bridge, or explore the winding streets of Stokes Croft.
And let’s not forget about the street art – Banksy himself got his start here, and you can still spot his iconic stencils around town. Plus, Bristol boasts some seriously impressive murals and graffiti pieces that are sure to make your Instagram followers jealous.
But don’t be fooled by Bristol’s laid-back vibe – this city knows how to get things done. It’s home to a thriving tech scene, a bustling port, and some seriously talented artists and musicians. Plus, with two major universities in town, Bristol is a hub of innovation and creativity.
So come to Bristol, and experience the best of the West Country. Just be prepared for some serious hipster vibes, a few rain showers, and more than a few questionable accents. Cheers, drive!
Postcode Map of Bristol
Top things to do in Bristol
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- Visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge and pretend you’re a Victorian engineer who just invented this incredible feat of engineering. Bonus points if you bring a monocle and top hat.
- Check out the street art scene, and try to convince yourself that you totally “get” what Banksy is trying to say with that one stencil of a rat holding a paintbrush.
- Take a stroll through the picturesque streets of Clifton, and try to resist the urge to burst into a spontaneous round of “Land Down Under” by Men at Work.
- Explore the vibrant St. Nicholas Market, and sample all of the delicious food on offer. Don’t be afraid to embrace your inner foodie and Instagram everything you eat – we won’t judge.
- Hop on a boat and cruise down the harbour, pretending you’re a swashbuckling pirate on the high seas. Bonus points if you can convince your friends to join in and sing “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)”.
- Visit the SS Great Britain and imagine yourself as a 19th-century passenger, marveling at this incredible ship that could travel all the way to Australia in just a few weeks. Just don’t try to climb on board – they tend to frown on that.
- Take in a show at the Hippodrome, and pretend you’re a Broadway star performing in front of thousands of adoring fans. Bonus points if you can hit that high note in “Defying Gravity”.
- Wander through the quirky neighbourhood of Stokes Croft, and marvel at the eclectic mix of vintage shops, street art, and independent cafes. Just be prepared to explain to your parents what a “hipster” is.
- Go on a brewery tour and learn all about the history of beer in Bristol. Just don’t try to drink everything in sight – you’re not a frat boy anymore.
- Finally, just take a moment to sit back and soak up the atmosphere of this amazing city. Bristol is a place that celebrates creativity, diversity, and a healthy dose of quirkiness, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
- Places of interest by postcode
BS1:
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- Take a stroll down Park Street and imagine yourself as a wealthy merchant in the 18th century, buying and selling all sorts of exotic goods. Just don’t forget to tip your top hat to passersby.
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- Visit the Harbourside and pretend you’re a sailor on a grand adventure, navigating the treacherous waters of the Avon. Bonus points if you can yell “Aye, aye captain!” without feeling too silly.
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- Check out the Bristol Hippodrome and pretend you’re a West End star performing in front of a packed house. Just don’t try to hop on stage and steal the show – the ushers tend to frown on that.
BS2:
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- Explore the vibrant neighbourhood of Stokes Croft and marvel at the eclectic mix of vintage shops, street art, and independent cafes. Just be prepared to explain to your parents what a “hipster” is.
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- Go on a brewery tour and learn all about the history of beer in Bristol. Just don’t try to drink everything in sight – you’re not a frat boy anymore.
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- Visit the iconic Bristol Bearpit and try to decipher the hidden meanings behind all the street art. Bonus points if you can convince yourself that you’re an art critic with a keen eye for the avant-garde.
BS3:
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- Take a stroll along the Harbourside Trail and enjoy the scenic views of the Avon. Pretend you’re on a nature hike and regale your friends with your vast knowledge of local flora and fauna (even if you have to make it up as you go).
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- Visit the Ashton Gate Stadium and imagine you’re a professional footballer scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final. Just don’t try to jump the fence and join the game – the security guards tend to frown on that.
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- Explore the quirky neighbourhood of Southville and sample all of the delicious food on offer. Don’t be afraid to embrace your inner foodie and Instagram everything you eat – we won’t judge.
BS4:
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- Take a trip to the beautiful Arnos Vale Cemetery and imagine yourself as a gothic poet, wandering through the hallowed grounds and composing verses of melancholy beauty. Just don’t try to stage a séance with the resident spirits – they tend to be a bit touchy.
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- Visit the Paintworks and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Bristol’s creative industries. Pretend you’re a cutting-edge artist or designer, crafting masterpieces that will change the world. Bonus points if you can convince yourself that your coffee-stained napkin is actually a work of genius.
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- Go for a hike in the beautiful countryside of the Chew Valley, and pretend you’re a rugged outdoorsman surviving in the wilderness with nothing but your wits and a packet of pork scratchings. Just don’t get lost – the locals tend to frown on tourists wandering into their fields.
Food Scene in Bristol
Ah, the food scene in Bristol – a veritable feast for the senses! From artisanal cheeses to vegan junk food, there’s something to tickle every fancy (and probably a few fancies you never knew you had).
- BS1 (City Centre): The heart of Bristol’s food scene, BS1 is a melting pot of different cuisines and trendy eateries. Whether you’re after a fancy cocktail or a greasy kebab, you’ll find it here – just be prepared to pay a premium for the prime location.
- BS2 (Easton and St. Paul’s): The place to go if you want to discover the diverse flavours of the world. From Caribbean jerk chicken to Ethiopian injera, BS2 is a feast for the senses – just watch out for the occasional dodgy takeaway
- BS3 (Bedminster and Southville): For a taste of the local community, head to BS3 and explore the independent cafes and bakeries. Just don’t be surprised if you end up spending more time chatting with the friendly locals than actually eating.
- BS4 (Totterdown and Brislington): With a mix of family-run cafes and chain restaurants, BS4 has something for everyone. Just make sure you don’t end up at the McDonald’s drive-thru when you meant to visit the local fish and chip shop.
- BS5 (St. George and Redfield): From classic pub grub to vegan junk food, BS5 is a quirky mix of old-school and new-school cuisine. Just be prepared to wait in line for the latest street food sensation.
- BS8 (Clifton and Cliftonwood): With its quaint cafes and trendy bistros, BS8 is the place to go for a posh brunch or a fancy dinner. Just don’t forget to bring your wallet – this is one of the pricier areas of Bristol’s food scene.
