Guidebook for Bristol
Food Scene
This is a great burger place on a boat right next to the flat - their burgers are some of the best in Bristol and if you get there early you can score a burger for a few £ on their lunch menu (usually runs between 12 and 5pm).
17 locals recommend
Three Brothers Burgers
Welsh BackThis is a great burger place on a boat right next to the flat - their burgers are some of the best in Bristol and if you get there early you can score a burger for a few £ on their lunch menu (usually runs between 12 and 5pm).
This is an amazing authentic Italian and a bit of a hidden gem, most people don't realise it's even there as the entrance is tucked in a staircase leading from Baldwin Street to St Nicholas Street. It's very reasonably priced (similar to if not lower than Bella Italia and other chain-y places). The food is amazing and the wines are very good. Feels like a mini-trip to Italy.
Giuseppe's
59 Baldwin StThis is an amazing authentic Italian and a bit of a hidden gem, most people don't realise it's even there as the entrance is tucked in a staircase leading from Baldwin Street to St Nicholas Street. It's very reasonably priced (similar to if not lower than Bella Italia and other chain-y places). The food is amazing and the wines are very good. Feels like a mini-trip to Italy.
If you're looking for something fancy. The Ivy does amazing cocktails and tasty brasserie-style food which is a bit more pricey than some of the other places on this list (but still not eye-watering). It is in the heart of Clifton Village and it is in a gorgeous old bank building. The interior is very impressive and it's worth going in for a drink just to take in the grandeur. We also highly recommend the 'Apple Tart Fine' - a heavenly baked apple tart with a Calvados flambé... it's out of this world.
65 locals recommend
The Ivy Clifton Brasserie
42-44 Caledonia PlIf you're looking for something fancy. The Ivy does amazing cocktails and tasty brasserie-style food which is a bit more pricey than some of the other places on this list (but still not eye-watering). It is in the heart of Clifton Village and it is in a gorgeous old bank building. The interior is very impressive and it's worth going in for a drink just to take in the grandeur. We also highly recommend the 'Apple Tart Fine' - a heavenly baked apple tart with a Calvados flambé... it's out of this world.
Iconic Bristol bakery, tucked in the old railway arches near Temple Meads. Locals love it for a reason, their food and sweet treats are amazing and they serve amazing coffee too. It can be a bit tricky to find so we recommend Google mapping your way there.
27 locals recommend
Hart's Bakery
Arch 35 Lower Approach RdIconic Bristol bakery, tucked in the old railway arches near Temple Meads. Locals love it for a reason, their food and sweet treats are amazing and they serve amazing coffee too. It can be a bit tricky to find so we recommend Google mapping your way there.
This is a fantastic steak grill near St Nick's market. They offer a relatively limited menu and you basically gotta love steak to enjoy it but if you do it's worth a visit. It's suprisingly big all in all but feels like an intimate restaurant because of how it is laid out. They won 'Best Steak' in the Bristol Good Food Awards this year so it's not just us who love it!
7 locals recommend
Chomp
10 St Nicholas StThis is a fantastic steak grill near St Nick's market. They offer a relatively limited menu and you basically gotta love steak to enjoy it but if you do it's worth a visit. It's suprisingly big all in all but feels like an intimate restaurant because of how it is laid out. They won 'Best Steak' in the Bristol Good Food Awards this year so it's not just us who love it!
Amazing Indian restaurant in Clifton Village and another Bristol Good Food Awards winner. The owner, Raja, is a lovely guy with a big vision and he's modernising the indian cuisine on offer in Bristol. Look for the hand-painted mural on the wall as you enter the restaurant. The à la carte covers all 29 states of India, while the tasting menu rotates through the regions. The cooking is vibrant, spices are ground daily and the breads are delicious.
15 locals recommend
Nutmeg
10 The MallAmazing Indian restaurant in Clifton Village and another Bristol Good Food Awards winner. The owner, Raja, is a lovely guy with a big vision and he's modernising the indian cuisine on offer in Bristol. Look for the hand-painted mural on the wall as you enter the restaurant. The à la carte covers all 29 states of India, while the tasting menu rotates through the regions. The cooking is vibrant, spices are ground daily and the breads are delicious.
Now-iconic independent coffee shop. Bristol's big on supporting local businesses and this place stands its ground proudly among the big chains in the city centre. The coffee's great and it's the perfect spot to people-watch as it's tucked away in the Arcade right next to the main shopping street.
The Crazy Fox
34-36 The ArcadeNow-iconic independent coffee shop. Bristol's big on supporting local businesses and this place stands its ground proudly among the big chains in the city centre. The coffee's great and it's the perfect spot to people-watch as it's tucked away in the Arcade right next to the main shopping street.
Lovely steak restaurant & art gallery (really) near the waterfront. They feature local artists' works on the walls and everything is up for purchase. The steaks are good too.
8 locals recommend
Steak of the Art Ltd
Canons WayLovely steak restaurant & art gallery (really) near the waterfront. They feature local artists' works on the walls and everything is up for purchase. The steaks are good too.
This is a great little place on the Floating Harbour serving tapas and pintxo style foods and a good brunch. The floating harbour is a lovely little place to pass through on your way around the Harbourside and has a great atmosphere epecially in the summer.
16 locals recommend
Spoke & Stringer
Unit 1 Lime Kiln RdThis is a great little place on the Floating Harbour serving tapas and pintxo style foods and a good brunch. The floating harbour is a lovely little place to pass through on your way around the Harbourside and has a great atmosphere epecially in the summer.
Drinks & Nightlife
This place is our #1 recommendation for a unique cocktail experience. It's owned by twin brothers Ben and Joe and they use liquid nitrogen to create frozen cocktails. It's fun to see the cocktails being mixed because the liquid nitrogen creates a lot of steam and the cocktails are delicious. We recommend their Passion on Ice or frozen Gin & Tonic.
Brozen Bar
43 St Nicholas StThis place is our #1 recommendation for a unique cocktail experience. It's owned by twin brothers Ben and Joe and they use liquid nitrogen to create frozen cocktails. It's fun to see the cocktails being mixed because the liquid nitrogen creates a lot of steam and the cocktails are delicious. We recommend their Passion on Ice or frozen Gin & Tonic.
Another cool cocktail bar to try if you want a visual experience (they play with flames and dry ice) and a strong drink.
7 locals recommend
Aluna
4 Broad QuayAnother cool cocktail bar to try if you want a visual experience (they play with flames and dry ice) and a strong drink.
One of Bristol's iconic bars, Kongs is a relaxed spot with ping pong tables, table football and lots of retro arcade games.
14 locals recommend
Kongs of King Street
13-15 King StOne of Bristol's iconic bars, Kongs is a relaxed spot with ping pong tables, table football and lots of retro arcade games.
Almost a must-visit if you're in Bristol but only if you like cider. They have tons of different ciders on tap and on the weekends they have a pop up pizza shop right outside serving delicious pizza cooked in a real pizza oven!
28 locals recommend
The Apple
Welsh BackAlmost a must-visit if you're in Bristol but only if you like cider. They have tons of different ciders on tap and on the weekends they have a pop up pizza shop right outside serving delicious pizza cooked in a real pizza oven!
This is a very cool cocktail bar, one of Bristol's 'secret bars'. There are no signs on the door, you just have to find your way the right door and ring the bell. Inside you'll find a prohibition-style cocktail bar serving delicious drinks. We recommend trying a whiskey classic like a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned. Or tell the bartender what base you would like and let them surprise you. We recommend booking in advance, they will turn you away at the door if you haven't booked and there are no tables left.
49 locals recommend
The Milk Thistle
Colston AvenueThis is a very cool cocktail bar, one of Bristol's 'secret bars'. There are no signs on the door, you just have to find your way the right door and ring the bell. Inside you'll find a prohibition-style cocktail bar serving delicious drinks. We recommend trying a whiskey classic like a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned. Or tell the bartender what base you would like and let them surprise you. We recommend booking in advance, they will turn you away at the door if you haven't booked and there are no tables left.
The original 'secret bar' and a Bristol classic. Google map your way there and look for a sign above the door with a picture of a bowler hat. If they have tables free you'll be in for a treat, they do amazing classic cocktails and it's a really cosy dimly-lit place with a quirky decor. If they are busy they operate a waiting list so you can have a drink nearby first and come back.
33 locals recommend
Hyde & Co
2 Upper Byron PlThe original 'secret bar' and a Bristol classic. Google map your way there and look for a sign above the door with a picture of a bowler hat. If they have tables free you'll be in for a treat, they do amazing classic cocktails and it's a really cosy dimly-lit place with a quirky decor. If they are busy they operate a waiting list so you can have a drink nearby first and come back.
Another secret cocktail bar with a hidden entrance. To get in you have to lift the phone receiver by the door to call the restaurant and someone will come let you in. It's underground and has a really cool vibe, and the drinks are very nice.
29 locals recommend
Red Light
1 Unity StAnother secret cocktail bar with a hidden entrance. To get in you have to lift the phone receiver by the door to call the restaurant and someone will come let you in. It's underground and has a really cool vibe, and the drinks are very nice.
This is a relatively new place located on Park Street, one of the most 'famous' streets in Bristol (if a street can be famous). It lives up to its name and the flower decorations are quite impressive. They do lovely cocktails and an amazing brunch. If you're lucky you might be able to join their rooftop brunch which runs about once a month but the tickets usually go fast so I recommend booking early.
8 locals recommend
The Florist Bristol
69 Park StThis is a relatively new place located on Park Street, one of the most 'famous' streets in Bristol (if a street can be famous). It lives up to its name and the flower decorations are quite impressive. They do lovely cocktails and an amazing brunch. If you're lucky you might be able to join their rooftop brunch which runs about once a month but the tickets usually go fast so I recommend booking early.
This is a great little pub on King Street a few minutes from the flat. They have live music nights almost every night of the week. Bring cash with you as the minimum spend on a card is £10.
11 locals recommend
61 Queen Charlotte Street
45 King StreetThis is a great little pub on King Street a few minutes from the flat. They have live music nights almost every night of the week. Bring cash with you as the minimum spend on a card is £10.
Sightseeing
The Mall and the surrounding Clifton Village area are worth a day trip. You can find cute independent shops and restaurants and you can visit the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge while you're there.
38 locals recommend
The Mall
66 The MallThe Mall and the surrounding Clifton Village area are worth a day trip. You can find cute independent shops and restaurants and you can visit the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge while you're there.
This is the iconic suspension bridge that's one of the main attractions in Bristol. Take a stroll over the bridge for iconic views over River Avon.
540 locals recommend
Clifton Suspension Bridge
Bridge RoadThis is the iconic suspension bridge that's one of the main attractions in Bristol. Take a stroll over the bridge for iconic views over River Avon.
The famous SS Great Britain is docked in Bristol near Bristol Marina and is one of the main attractions in Bristol. The museum on board the ship is interesting but even if you don't fancy paying for entry it's worth checking the ship out even if it's from across the river on the Harbourside walk.
331 locals recommend
Brunel's SS Great Britain
Gas Ferry RoadThe famous SS Great Britain is docked in Bristol near Bristol Marina and is one of the main attractions in Bristol. The museum on board the ship is interesting but even if you don't fancy paying for entry it's worth checking the ship out even if it's from across the river on the Harbourside walk.
Arts & Culture
Located in an old dockside transit shed, the M Shed is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about Bristol. The whole museum is dedicated to telling the story of the history of the city of Bristol from prehistoric times to the present day and you can see lovely panoramic views over the Bristol Harbourside from the top floor. Head to Wapping Wharf for lunch while you're on that side of the river - it's Bristol's trendy new restaurant quarter built in shipping containers.
219 locals recommend
M Shed
Wapping RoadLocated in an old dockside transit shed, the M Shed is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about Bristol. The whole museum is dedicated to telling the story of the history of the city of Bristol from prehistoric times to the present day and you can see lovely panoramic views over the Bristol Harbourside from the top floor. Head to Wapping Wharf for lunch while you're on that side of the river - it's Bristol's trendy new restaurant quarter built in shipping containers.
Both a history museum and art gallery, this is one of our favourite places to visit when we have friends and family over. The building itself is lovely and the exhibitions are good for a day out.
233 locals recommend
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Queens RoadBoth a history museum and art gallery, this is one of our favourite places to visit when we have friends and family over. The building itself is lovely and the exhibitions are good for a day out.
We chose 'everything else' because the Wills Memorial Building ticks a few boxes. It houses the University’s School of Law and the School of Earth Sciences, in addition to hosting graduation ceremonies twice a year and a whole host of public events. We recommend a guided tour which takes you through the Great Hall, Council Chamber and ornate libraries and to the top of Wills Tower and the view from the top, some 68 metres above Park Street, is unparalleled. Tours take place weekly on Saturdays, and on the first Wednesday of the month and are well worth the admission fee (around £5).
26 locals recommend
Wills Memorial Building
We chose 'everything else' because the Wills Memorial Building ticks a few boxes. It houses the University’s School of Law and the School of Earth Sciences, in addition to hosting graduation ceremonies twice a year and a whole host of public events. We recommend a guided tour which takes you through the Great Hall, Council Chamber and ornate libraries and to the top of Wills Tower and the view from the top, some 68 metres above Park Street, is unparalleled. Tours take place weekly on Saturdays, and on the first Wednesday of the month and are well worth the admission fee (around £5).
Arnolfini is one of Europe's leading centres for the contemporary arts and is located close to the flat on the Bristol Harbourside. Arnolfini is dedicated to producing and presenting visual arts, performance, dance, film, music and events and entry to the galleries is free.
154 locals recommend
Arnolfini
16 Narrow QuayArnolfini is one of Europe's leading centres for the contemporary arts and is located close to the flat on the Bristol Harbourside. Arnolfini is dedicated to producing and presenting visual arts, performance, dance, film, music and events and entry to the galleries is free.
Shopping
The main shopping centre in Bristol, the Cabot Circus has a good selection of shops and restaurants and a cinema. The design is cool and the centre is mostly an outdoor space with a huge glass dome covering it so you don't have to worry about getting rained on if the weather isn't too good.
323 locals recommend
Cabot Circus
Bond Street SouthThe main shopping centre in Bristol, the Cabot Circus has a good selection of shops and restaurants and a cinema. The design is cool and the centre is mostly an outdoor space with a huge glass dome covering it so you don't have to worry about getting rained on if the weather isn't too good.
Essentials
A smaller Tesco close to the flat. It is reasonably well stocked but it is considerably smaller than the Tesco Metro on Broadmead.
89 locals recommend
Tesco Express
32 And 34 Regent StA smaller Tesco close to the flat. It is reasonably well stocked but it is considerably smaller than the Tesco Metro on Broadmead.
This is a good shop to go to if you want a bigger selection of food and drink. The food section includes some more specialist items and the wine and spirits aisle is surprisingly good for a local shop. It is about a 10 minute walk from the flat, too.
7 locals recommend
Tesco Metro
90-98 BroadmeadThis is a good shop to go to if you want a bigger selection of food and drink. The food section includes some more specialist items and the wine and spirits aisle is surprisingly good for a local shop. It is about a 10 minute walk from the flat, too.
Entertainment & Activities
If you're looking for a gym in the area The Gym is a good option. It is quite big and has high-quality equipment and free weights spread across three floors. They offer a day pass for around £7 or a multi-day pass for less than £20.
The Gym Bristol City Centre
LS4BIf you're looking for a gym in the area The Gym is a good option. It is quite big and has high-quality equipment and free weights spread across three floors. They offer a day pass for around £7 or a multi-day pass for less than £20.
If you fancy a swim on a budget, this is a great little place to visit. You can visit the spa and gym for £15 before 5pm or £7.50 after 5pm during the week, and we recommend checking 'PayAsYouGym' because they sometimes offer discounted day passes to this and other gym-spa combos. The gym here is a little dated but the pool and sauna are nice enough and good for the price, especially if you score a deal.
Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel
Broad StreetIf you fancy a swim on a budget, this is a great little place to visit. You can visit the spa and gym for £15 before 5pm or £7.50 after 5pm during the week, and we recommend checking 'PayAsYouGym' because they sometimes offer discounted day passes to this and other gym-spa combos. The gym here is a little dated but the pool and sauna are nice enough and good for the price, especially if you score a deal.