What to do in Bristol

Activities, attractions and tours

A city street at night with a historic building in the background.
A river with a bridge and buildings along the riverbank.
A museum interior with a large mural, red railings, and various labeled exhibits.
A suspension bridge over a river, surrounded by buildings and greenery.
A row of bicycles parked outside a building with the sign "SLAND".

Bristol Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Bristol has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Bristol is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Bristol to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Bristol Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Bristol.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Bristol attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

Best of Bath Walking Tours - Georgian Tour

Best of Bath Walking Tours - Georgian Tour

CA $45
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Best of Bath Walking Tours - Georgian Tour
Fully Guided Bath Ghost Tours

Fully Guided Bath Ghost Tours

CA $34
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Fully Guided Bath Ghost Tours
St Mary Redcliffe Church Bristol: Guided Tour

St Mary Redcliffe Church Bristol: Guided Tour

CA $11
per adult
St Mary Redcliffe Church Bristol: Guided Tour
Bath: Private 2-Hour Bridgerton Experience Walking Tour

Bath: Private Bridgerton Walking Tour for upto 20 people

CA $471
per traveller
Bath: Private Bridgerton Walking Tour for upto 20 people
From Birmingham: Stonehenge & Bath Day Tour

From Birmingham: Stonehenge & Bath Day Tour

CA $151
per adult
From Birmingham: Stonehenge & Bath Day Tour
Picture 1 for Activity Bristol: Brunel's SS Great Britain Experience Entry Ticket

Bristol: Brunel's SS Great Britain Experience Entry Ticket

CA $42
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Bristol: Brunel's SS Great Britain Experience Entry Ticket
Bath: Luggage Storage

Bath: Luggage Storage

CA $14
per adult
Bath: Luggage Storage
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Top places to visit

1. Cabot Circus Shopping Centre

At Cabot Circus Shopping Centre you can shop at popular brand-name stores, dine on contemporary cuisine and have fun at an adventure golf course. Cabot Circus Shopping Centre opened in 2008 and replaced a precinct of post-war retail buildings. It features three split-level shopping streets covered by a striking shell-shaped roof. The roof’s glass panels create the effect of an outdoor mall while protecting visitors from unfavorable weather conditions.
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A multi-level shopping mall with a glass ceiling, various stores, and a central walkway.

2. Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Suspension Bridge spans the River Avon and links Clifton, a shopping district in Bristol, to Leigh Woods in the county of Somerset. Opened in 1864, the bridge is the brainchild of renowned mechanical and civil engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It has become a major landmark of the area, and is worth visiting even if you don’t need to cross it.
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A suspension bridge with two towers, a river below, and a cityscape in the background.

3. Bristol Hippodrome Theatre

Visit the Bristol Hippodrome for a wide variety of performances and to see the domed ceiling that can be opened up to the night sky.
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A street with various shops, including a cinema and a pub.

4. Thornbury Castle

Set in an estate of lush parkland and glorious Tudor gardens is Thornbury Castle. Spend a day enjoying the regal elegance and sumptuousness of this one-time residence of British monarchs. Treat yourself to a night of romance in the castle’s ornate rooms. Dine on meals inspired by food grown in the castle gardens and indulge in therapeutic massage treatments.
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A luxurious bedroom with a four-poster bed, a stone fireplace, and a chandelier.

5. University of Bristol

Experience student life in and around an acclaimed institute of higher education at the University of Bristol. It is recognizable for its landmark buildings, museums and its proximity to a busy nightlife district. The origins of the University of Bristol date back to 1595 and it received a royal charter in 1909. It counts Nobel Laureates, such as Sir Winston Churchill, among its former chancellors, professors and students.
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A city street with a historic cathedral in the background.

6. SS Great Britain

The SS Great Britain, permanently docked in Bristol Harbour, is one of the city’s most visited attractions. Between 150,000-170,000 people come to look at this great vessel each year. For your visit, allow a couple of hours as there is a lot to see.
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A large industrial structure with a rusty exterior, surrounded by metal railings and walkways.

Recommended things to do in Bristol

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Bristol

Stay near popular Bristol attractions

A multi-level shopping mall with a glass ceiling, various stores, and a central walkway.

Cabot Circus Shopping Centre

8.8/10 (1,383 reviews)
Discover new fashion trends, watch the latest releases from Hollywood and play a round of miniature golf at this modern retail mall.
See properties

Where to stay in Bristol

Find the best Bristol areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Bristol
Learn more about Bristol
A suspension bridge over a river, surrounded by lush greenery and a cloudy sky.
Photo by Nic Trott
Open Photo by Nic Trott

Clifton

Clifton is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Clifton Observatory and All Saints Clifton while you're in town.
A river with boats, a cityscape, and hot air balloons in the sky.

Harbourside

Harbourside is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Wills Memorial Building or We The Curious.
A narrow indoor shopping corridor with glass-fronted shops on both sides.

Bristol Old City

Bristol Old City is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to St Nicholas Market or Baldwin Street.
A historic cathedral with intricate Gothic architecture, including pointed arches and a tall spire.

Redcliffe

Redcliffe is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Banksy Graffiti Thekla and Redcliffe Caves while you're in town.
A wall with colorful graffiti art.

Stokes Croft

When in Stokes Croft, you can plan a visit to Cabot Circus Shopping Centre and St Nicholas Market, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Bristol

A large Gothic cathedral with twin towers and intricate stonework.

Wells

A pier with a large building labeled "GRAND PIER" and two towers.

Weston-super-Mare

The ruins of a large, historic stone building with multiple arches and a tall, narrow tower.

Chepstow

A coastal landscape with a golf course, a lighthouse, and cliffs.

Newport

A historic stone building with a large arched entrance, surrounded by a grassy field and a gravel path leading to it.

Badminton

A cemetery with numerous gravestones and a church in the background.

Chipping Sodbury

A forest with tall trees and a carpet of purple flowers.
Photo by BarnabyKirsen (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0)

Portbury

A train on railway tracks curving through a wooded area.
Photo by Mattbuck (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

Filton

Frequently asked questions

Is Bristol worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Bristol is visit Bristol Cathedral. Check this leading sight off your itinerary, then experience more of the area's nature and dining.
How do I spend a day in Bristol?
SS Great Britain and We The Curious are two excellent places to begin your vacation adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and shopping options in Bristol while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bristol?
Don't go home without visiting Bristol Cathedral, rated the top tourist attraction in Bristol.
Is three days enough to stay in Bristol?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Bristol Cathedral, We The Curious and Clifton Downs and Observatory with a three-day getaway in Bristol. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stick around longer and head to Bath.
Is Bristol a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city centre, Bristol is a great destination to discover on foot. Have fun wandering between Bristol Cathedral and We The Curious. Then take a stroll through Bristol Floating Harbour, located 2 kilometres from the centre, and Redcliffe, which is roughly 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Bristol with kids?
If you are after activities and sights for all of your group, check out these excellent ideas for what to do in Bristol with kids.
What to do in Bristol for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there are loads of things to do in Bristol for adults including Baldwin Street and Arnos Vale Cemetery.
Are there free things to do in Bristol?
From visiting parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Bristol. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Bristol Cathedral is a must for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing adventures.

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