If you’re planning a weekend trip to Bristol, you’re in for such a treat.
This city has that perfect mix of history, art, good food, and personality.
The main area near the University of Bristol and the Cathedral is really easy to explore on foot, and there’s so much packed into that space that you can easily fill your day hopping from one spot to the next.
I spent three days in Bristol and did a ton – it’s one of those cities where every corner has something interesting going on.
Whether you’re into art, food, museums, or just wandering with a coffee in hand, Bristol’s got you covered.
Keep reading to check out popular things to do in Bristol, UK.
Things to Do in Bristol
Bristol Aquarium
This is such a cute aquarium – it’s small, local, and perfect if you’re looking for something low-key. It’s great for families with small kids, and one of my favorite parts is that you can re-enter all day. So you can pop in during the morning, grab lunch nearby, and come back later if you’d like. It’s also right next to some great restaurants, so it’s easy to make an afternoon of it.
Banksy Art Tour
You can’t come to Bristol without checking out the Banksy pieces around the city! The tour doesn’t take all day, which makes it perfect to mix in with other activities. Most of the artwork is within walking distance of each other, and you’ll only need to hop on a bus for a couple of the farther ones.
It’s a fun, creative way to see the city – and you’ll end up exploring areas you might not have found otherwise.
Thrifting in Bristol
Surprisingly, Bristol has a great thrifting scene. I ended up visiting four thrift shops in one afternoon while I was out grabbing coffee and wandering around looking for street art. You’ll find everything from vintage clothes to secondhand books and little trinkets. Definitely worth setting aside a few hours to browse.
Visit Bristol Cathedral
The Bristol Cathedral is absolutely stunning. I spent quite a bit of time inside learning about its history – it’s peaceful and beautifully detailed. They also have a small gift shop where I picked up a few souvenirs for my family.
You can give a small donation to tour the cathedral and even light a candle if you’d like. It’s simple, meaningful, and well worth visiting.
Foodie Tour of Bristol
Bristol has such a great mix of restaurants. You’ll find everything from cozy Italian spots to incredible Indian food – and everything in between.
Coffee Tour
If you love coffee as much as I do, you’ll be very happy here. There are coffee shops everywhere. Bristol definitely knows how to do cozy cafés and strong espresso. I tried to stop at as many as I could – grabbing a snack and a coffee at each one, and usually something extra to take with me for later. Every spot I visited was amazing.
Karaoke Nights
My friends went out for karaoke while we were in Bristol, and they had the best time. I couldn’t make it, but they said it was one of the most fun parts of the trip. So if you’re visiting with a group, add a karaoke night to your list.
M Shed
This museum is a must-visit. It’s walkable from both the Aquarium and the Cathedral, and you can actually spot two Banksy pieces inside the gallery. The exhibits are really well done.
There are also restaurants and coffee shops right nearby, so you can spend a relaxed afternoon here exploring, eating, and grabbing another caffeine fix.
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
I didn’t make it to the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery on this trip, but it’s definitely on my list for next time. I’ve heard so many good things about it – especially if you love art, culture, and historical exhibits.
Visiting Bristol, UK
Bristol is one of those cities that’s easy to love. It’s full of character, walkable, and packed with things to do no matter your interests.
Between the street art, museums, endless coffee, and local shops, you can fill a whole weekend and still feel like there’s more to discover.
If you’re looking for a fun and relaxed weekend getaway in the UK, Bristol should definitely be on your list.
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About the author: Hey there! I’m Julia, a passionate theme park and travel writer. My love for theme parks has fueled my obsession with sharing tips and adventures for years. Join me as I uncover the magic of Bristol, UK and beyond!
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