Bristol walking tour & city guide
A creative harbor city of street art, colorful houses and a famous bridge.
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Bristol, in the southwest of England, grew wealthy as a port city and is now one of Britain's most creative and liveliest cities. It is known for its harborside, hillside rows of colorful houses, an engineering masterpiece of a bridge and the street art of Banksy, who began his career here.
Harbourside
The Floating Harbour, once the city's busy docks, is now lined with museums, restaurants and bars. Here you can board the SS Great Britain, Isambard Kingdom Brunel's revolutionary iron steamship launched in 1843, now restored in the dry dock where she was built. M Shed tells the story of the city and its people.
Across the water, the colorful terraced houses of Cliftonwood climb the hillside, one of the city's most photographed views.
Clifton and street art
The Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Brunel and completed in 1864, spans the dramatic Avon Gorge 75 meters above the river. The elegant Georgian neighborhood of Clifton, with its village shops and cafés, is nearby.
Bristol is a capital of street art. Look for Banksy works such as 'Well Hung Lover' on Park Street, and explore Stokes Croft and Nelson Street, covered in murals. The Upfest street art festival brings artists from around the world.
Visiting tips
Bristol is about 1 hour 40 minutes from London by train, and close to Bath and the Cotswolds. In August, the International Balloon Fiesta fills the sky with hot air balloons. The city is hilly, so wear comfortable shoes.
Top sights in Bristol
- 1
Clifton Suspension Bridge
Brunel's iconic bridge over the Avon Gorge.
- 2
SS Great Britain
A pioneering iron steamship you can explore.
- 3
Harbourside
The old docks, now full of museums and bars.
- 4
Banksy street art
Works by the famous anonymous artist.
- 5
Cliftonwood's colorful houses
Hillside terraces painted in bright colors.
- 6
Bristol Cathedral
A historic cathedral on College Green.
Food markets & where to eat in Bristol
St Nicholas Market
A historic covered market with street food stalls.
Wapping Wharf
Independent restaurants in shipping containers by the harbor.
Clifton Village cafés
Elegant cafés near the bridge.
Stokes Croft
Quirky bars and eateries among the street art.
Food to try in Bristol
West Country cider
Strong local cider from Somerset orchards.
Street food
Global flavors at St Nicholas Market.
Cream tea
Scones with clotted cream and jam.
Sunday roast
A British classic in a harbor pub.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Bristol
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in BristolCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Bristol.
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