Bristol is a city like no other. It boasts authenticity from its street art scene to the abundance of independent restaurants it plays host to.
Both lifelong Bristolians and newcomers to the South West city will advocate for the endless fun it can provide and the best part is that some of the best things to do and see won't break the bank.
Whether you're a nature lover, a foodie, or you like to spend a few hours obsessing in an art gallery, Bristol has something to offer to fill your days. The city is famed for iconic art and landmarks but is also brimming with hidden gems that only true explorers of the city will know about.
READ MORE: 9 incredible tourist attractions near Bristol few people have heard of
So we would like to share with you 20 of the many incredible things that you just have to do while living in or visiting Bristol, in no particular order:
1. Go Banksy spotting
What is Bristol without Banksy? If you're a fan of the artist's incredible work why not grab a friend and spend a day traipsing around the city trying to track them down. We've even got a map that will tell you exactly where to spot each of the beautiful works.
2. Marvel at the Suspension Bridge over a pint
Avon Gorge Hotel, Sion Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4LD
The Suspension Bridge is a beautiful sight and there's no better place to enjoy it than sitting on the terrace of the White Lion pub, inside the Avon Gorge Hotel, with a drink in hand. The views are like none other - you'll sit for hours without even realising how much time has gone by.
3. Take a boat trip around the harbour
Bristol Packet offers a range of different boat trips including a guided tour where you can learn about Bristol's history as well as a pub lunch or cream tea tour. Boats can even be hired out for private events such as weddings and parties. Bristol Ferry Boats and Number Seven Boats are among the other operators running trips on the water.
4. Spend the day eating your way through Wapping Wharf
Wapping Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RW
If you're a food fanatic there's no better place to go than Wapping Wharf. You can start with one of Squeezed's iconic dirty burgers, before moving onto Choux Box's delicious desserts, and sip a few drinks at Wild Beer or Cider Box.
5. Enjoy some epic theatre
Bristol is home to a number of independent theatres that consistently put on incredible shows. Whether you want to visit Redgrave, The Tobacco Factory, The Improv Theatre or the Wardrobe Theatre, there's always something to see, and of course there's the Hippodrome and Old Vic.
6. Eat at a Michelin-starred meal
Box-E is one of Bristol's best restaurants and the Michelin-starred restaurant is certainly worth a try.
Food critic Mark Taylor said: "Husband-and-wife team Elliott and Tess Lidstone have created something special at Cargo"
7. Spend some time with some animals
Wild Place, Blackhorse Hill, Bristol BS10 7TP
The Wild Place is Bristol Zoo's sister site that is made to mimic "South Africa". Home to a host of different animals including bears and giraffes, it's the perfect place for a family day out. Bring along a picnic and experience nature up close.
8. See the city from above
The Balloon Fiesta is part of Bristol's legacy but did you know that you can also see the city from the sky? Bristol Balloons runs hot air balloon flights so you can experience Bristol from a new vantage point.
9. Watch some football
Bristol is home to two rival teams, Bristol City and Bristol Rovers FC. Take to Ashton Gate or Memorial Stadium to watch a game and soak up the atmosphere.
10. Go for an outdoor swim
Lido, Oakfield Place, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2BJ
Clifton Lido is loved by locals and you can too enjoy a swim in the outside pool. The Grade II listed building is one of the oldest in the UK and it's a great place to relax and unwind.
If you don't want to work up a sweat there's a spa so you can relax instead. They also serve an extensive menu so you can enjoy a bite to eat after swimming a few lengths.
11. Spot deer at Ashton Court
Long Ashton, Bristol BS41 9JN
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.
12. Party the night away
74-78 Avon St, Bristol BS2 0PX
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 always has a packed events calendar and it's certainly worth a visit if you love a night out.
13. Take on a 'freakshake' challenge
14 Badminton Rd, Bristol BS16 6BQ
If you're venturing out to Bristol's northeast fringe, it's worth stopping at the home of the 'freakshake'. Beehive Coffee House in Downend boasts some of the city's most extravagant and delicious milkshakes as well as cakes and other savoury dishes. It also loves a themed seasonal creation, making it a great place to take kids during the school holidays at Easter or Christmas.
14. Take a trip up Cabot Tower
Brandon Hill Park, Park St, Bristol BS1 5RR
Cabot Tower has been a landmark in the city since 1897 and it's as beautiful as ever, set among the greenery at Brandon Hill. You can usually take a trip to the top of the landmark before stopping in order to enjoy incredible views, although since the pandemic began it's been listed as 'temporarily closed' on Google.
The Grade II listed building was built to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the journey of John Cabot from Bristol to land that later became Canada.
15. Learn about Bristol at the M Shed
M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol, BS1 4RN
From prehistoric times to the present day, M Shed tells the unique story of Bristol and its place in the world. See amazing film and photographs, listen to moving personal stories, encounter rare and quirky objects and add your own memories of Bristol.
Kids will love boarding the famous green Lodeka bus, finding their home on the satellite floor map and getting hands-on with the interactive displays.
16. Stop off at a local farm
Philip St, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4EA
Hidden away in Bedminster is the little agricultural oasis that is Windmill Hill City Farm. Complete with a wide range of petting animals and farm trails, as well as sculptures and a play area and even a gift shop and cafe, all members of the family will enjoy this wholesome trip.
17. Enjoy incredible public artwork
Royal Fort Gardens, Tyndall Avenue, BS8 1TH UK
Hollow is a permanent public artwork that surrounds you by millions of years of evolution and human history. Inside Hollow, you will discover over 10,000 unique tree species, which have been gathered by artists from almost every country on the planet.
Under your feet lie fossils, which span 390 million years, and above you, thousands of unique tree samples connect across time and space, each with their own story to tell. Fascinating stuff.
18. Eat some of the best plant-based food
203B Cheltenham Road, BS6 5QX
Bristol's vegan scene is epic and there are plenty of plant-based food spots to choose from.
Koocha Mezze Bar was founded in 2018 as Bristol’s first totally vegan restaurant and has been helping locals to enjoy the Persian inspired goodness ever since.
The staff always make sure you feel right at home and leave with an empty plate and a full stomach.
19. Hop on your bike
The Bristol and Bath Railway Path is perfectly picturesque so why not grab your bike and go for a cycle. You can go all the way to enjoy a walk around Bath before returning, or stop short along the way at Saltford Marina where there is a waterfront pub.
20. Visit the SS Great Britain
Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Rd, Bristol BS1 6TY
The SS Great Britain is a former passenger steamship-turned museum that showcases some incredible history. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the boat was the longest passenger ship in the world from 1845 to 1854.
There are always a range of exhibitions to enjoy, like the global traveller trail that aims to help kids learn the stories of the lesser-known ship members.
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