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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Entertainment
Aaliyah Miller

25 places in Bristol everyone needs to visit at least once

Whether you've moved to the city recently or are a lifelong Bristolian - you'll be aware of the certain charms the city has. Bristol is truly a city like no other and it's impossible to be bored here.

The independent food scene boasts a range of cuisines from all over the world and the music scene is bustling and authentic. If you're a nature lover - the cities greenery is gorgeous and there are countless picturesque picnic spots.

READ MORE: Bristol's 40 best restaurants and places to eat

Bristol is also home to icons, such as Banksy, and his iconic art is displayed throughout the city for everyone's viewing pleasure.

There are countless things you can do to fill your days, but here are 25 of the top things that you absolutely have to do in Bristol.

Clifton Observatory

Litfield Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LT

Clifton Observatory's new rooftop cafe is now open (Ian Johnson)

A historic windmill that offers 260 views of the Clifton suspension bridge, the perfect setting for an evening catch up with friends or a lunchtime coffee stop.

Their hot chocolates are unbeatable and the view is breathtaking.

The beautiful building is not only home to a museum but also hosts a range of events all year round.

Motion

74-78 Avon St, Bristol BS2 0PX

Motion is regarded as one of the world's best nightclubs (©Alastair Brookes / KoLAB Studios)

Motion may just look like any old warehouse space, but it's has been voted as DJ Mag's 11th best club in the world. Motion is always hosting the most popular events and it's certainly worth a visit.

White Lion

Avon Gorge Hotel, Sion Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4LD

The White Lion overlooks the Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge (BristolLive)

The White Lion pub located in the Avon Gorge Hotel serves up a range of delicious food and drinks but it is most loved for the views it offers.

Having undergone extensive renovations in 2017, the incredible terrace is fit for all occasions with its perfect backdrop that shows off the entire suspension bridge.

Banksy walking tour

Bristol is well known as the home of mysterious artist Banksy and his art is all over the city.

You can take a self-guided tour to see the iconic murals and we have a guide to help you locate them all.

Ashton Court Estate

Long Ashton, Bristol BS41 9JN

The Ashton Court Estate, Bristol (PA)

Ashton Court Estate is home to the Ashton mansion and is the perfect place for any nature lover to spend a sunny day with a picnic.

The 850-acre country grounds boast a deer park, play areas and golf courses.

Whapping Wharf

Whapping Wharf is a new quarter in Bristol City Centre and it's home to some of the cities finest food.

My personal favourite is Squeezed, which serves up some of the best dirty burgers with fresh lemonade to wash it down.

Arnolfini

16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA

The Arnolfini is an international art centre and gallery in Bristol which hosts contemporary art exhibitions, performances, music and dance events, poetry and book readings as well as talks, lectures and cinema.

There is plenty to see and you can finish your day enjoying a delicious cake in their cafe.

Veeno

1 Glass Wharf, Bristol BS2 0EL

Veeno, Bristol (James Beck)

Bristol is known for its impressive food scene, and Veeno is one of the most-loved; the Italian wine bar and restaurant is one of Bristol's top-ranked food spots on Trip Advisor.

Enjoying their bottomless pizza and fizz offer is one of my favourite ways to spend an afternoon. For 90 minutes you can enjoy unlimited pizza and bubbles to match - how can you beat that?

Beehive Cafe

14 Badminton Rd, Bristol BS16 6BQ

The Merryteaser Freakshake is topped with a Maltesers reindeer (The Beehive Coffee House)

The home of the Freakshake is a must-visit on any trip to visit.

They boast some of the cities most extravagant and equally delicious milkshakes as well cakes and other savoury dishes.

The Beehive also pulls off incredible seasonal creations, making them a great place to take kids during the school holidays; particularly for Easter or Christmas.

Bristol Lido

Oakfield Pl, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2BJ

Clifton Lido (© SWNS Group)

The restored, historic Lido is more than just a swimming pool.

You can enjoy a day of relaxation, with the range of massage and facial packages on offer, followed by an incredible meal at the poolside restaurant. What better?

Cabot Tower

Brandon Hill Park, Park St, Bristol BS1 5RR

Cabot Tower offers beautiful views across the city (Dave Betts)

Cabot Tower is a grade II listed building that sits in Brandon Hill, near the City Centre.

You can climb the 105ft tower and enjoy views from the highest point in Bristol!

Frome valley walkway

What better than a long walk to enjoy the fresh air and sound of the birds? Bristol has plenty of spots that allow you to feel as though you have left the city and the Frome Valley walkway is one.

The 18-mile footpath spans from the River Avon in the centre of Bristol to the Cotswold Hills in South Gloucestershire, with incredible views along the way.

Wild Place Project

Wild Place, Blackhorse Hill, Bristol BS10 7TP

Wild Place Project is the sister site of Bristol Zoo and the wildlife conservation park is home to a range of animals, from zebras to bears.

The family attraction is home to a whole host of creatures as well as play areas for little ones to enjoy.

Wild Place Project makes the perfect family day out, or for a lovely kid-free day for adult animal lovers!

Oowee Burger

202 North St, Southville, Bristol BS3 1JF

65 Baldwin St

54 Picton St, Montpelier, Bristol BS6 5QA

Whether you choose their location that is dedicated to treating vegans to delicious dirty burgers, or one of their meat-serving spots - you can't leave Bristol without experience Ooowee.

Verity Foss and Charlie Watson opened Oowee in Bristol in 2016 and it's been a hit ever since. Serving up some of the dirtiest burgers in Bristol they are much loved and all locals know why.

Pinkmans Bakery

85 Park St, Bristol BS1 5PJ

Inside Pinkmans Bakery on Park Street (Rachel Eames)

At Pinkmans bakery everything is made from scratch and it shows.

All the food is delicious, including the breakfast options, sandwiches and savouries but they're best known for their sour-doughnuts.

Made fresh daily, they serve various flavours including chocolate pecan brownie, honeycomb mousse and vanilla cream & raspberry jam. There's also a vegan doughnut on offer as well as various seasonal specials.

Tobacco Factory

Southville, Bristol BS3 1TF

Inside the Tobacco Factory Theatre (Tobacco Factory Theatre)

The Tobacco Factory is one of Bristol's many theatre spaces that host a range of shows and exhibitions.

There is also a cafe-bar serving up incredible food as well as a bustling Sunday market every week from 10 am - 2:30 pm.

Spike Island

Southville, Bristol BS3 1TF

Spike Island houses a community of more than 70 artists (James Beck/Freelance)

Spike Island sits on Bristol's docs as an international development centre for contemporary art.

It is a working space for artists, designers and creative businesses, as well as a gallery and cafe. There are often exciting exhibitions for the public to enjoy with their annual Open Studios attracting thousands of visitors to explore behind the scenes whilst the artists are at work showcasing their brilliance.

Vx Bristol

123 East St, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4ER

Vx is a much-loved spot amongst Bristol's vegan community, serving up completely vegan junk food and groceries.

With hotdogs, burritos and milkshakes and more on offer what's not to love?

Swoon

31 College Green, Bristol BS1 5TB

Vegan sorbetti at Swoon (TJ Waterfall)

Bristol's favourite gelato counter is always packed and there's a reason why - the flavours are unmatched.

Serving up delicious sorbet - swoon is especially a hit on a sunny day when you can enjoy their delicious offerings whilst sitting relaxing on college green.

Bag of Nails Pub

141 St George's Rd, Hotwells, Bristol BS1 5UW

Bag of Nails is not just any pub.

As well as being home to an array of drinks - they also home a huge family of friendly cats!

If you're looking for a fur friend, spend the day at Bag of Nails ready to cuddle up with a feline friend.

St Werburghs City Farm

Watercress Rd, Bristol BS2 9YJ

St Werburgh’s City Farm in Bristol (SWNS.com)

This farm in the heart of Bristol is the perfect place for a family day out.

You can see the adorable animals and enjoy the hearty food whilst supporting the community.

Congo Falls adventure golf

Stockwood Vale Golf Club, Stockwood Ln, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 2ER

There are many places to play mini-golf in Bristol but Congo Falls is easily one of the best.

It's the perfect place to spend an evening with friends as the course is surrounded by beautiful scenery. You can also grab a drink to bring around the course with you.

I can also personally promise that their pizza is some of the best!

The Milk Thistle

Quay Head House, Colston Ave, Bristol BS1 1EB

The Picnic at Hanging Rock cocktail at Milk Thistle (Kirstie Young)

The Milk Thistle may be one of Bristol's worst kept secrets but it's worth the visit all the same.

The cocktail bar is spread across four floors and offers the perfect location for a sophisticated evening sipping delicious drinks and catching up with friends.

Redcliffe Caves

Phoenix Wharf, Redcliffe Way, Bristol BS1 6SR

Redcliffe Caves are a series of man-made tunnels beneath the Redcliffe area. The historic landmarks, despite the name, are actually mines, with the entire system being carved by hand with the purpose of accessing the fine sand within the cliffs that were used to make glass.

They are certainly worth checking out for any history lovers.

University of Bristol Botanic Gardens

Stoke Park Rd, Stoke Bishop, Bristol BS9 1JG

The University of Bristol Botanic Gardens is home to an array of beautiful greenery.

There are often events, workshops and professional courses hosted there however on any day it is a beautiful spot to muse around.

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