The north has Liverpool. Scotland has Glasgow. And the south has Bristol. They’re major British cities that don’t fully consider themselves British. They share an inherent sense of independence that makes them hubs of creativity, and incredibly exciting places to visit. In recent years, Bristol has been voted the UK’s best place to live by The Sunday Times (for the third time in four years). It’s also been named the best place to study, one of the top five most inspiring cities, and one of the top 10 cities in the world. It’s the birthplace of Banksy, Damien Hirst, and Massive Attack. And it’s been shaped by pioneers like Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Frank Matcham, thanks to riches reaped from the tobacco industry, and checkered past with the slave trade. Bristol is up there with the very best in the UK when it comes to eating, drinking, and nightlife, thanks to its proclivity for daring independents and the fact that it has one of the best underground scenes around. In fact, there’s so much to the city, we could have written a guide on what to do in Bristol several times over. But, we’ve been selective, to give you a chance of ticking off as much as possible during your stay at one of our Bristol hotels.
Things to do in Bristol
Shopping
Explore Bristol’s shopping areas and you’ll see just how diverse a single city can be. Our guide shows you around the commercial hub of Cabot Circus, the graffiti-covered independent nucleus of Stokes Croft, the hubbub of St. Nicholas Market, the historic Christmas Steps and the boutiques of Clifton Village.
Attractions
Put names on the silhouettes of Bristol’s skyline and learn all about the city’s most iconic attractions. On our tour of sightseeing hotspots, we’ll take in Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge, both of Bristol’s cathedrals, the masterpiece of the university campus, and much, much more.
Activities
It doesn’t matter how long you’re staying in Bristol, it never feels like enough when there are so many great things to see and do. Try and choose from our selection of the city’s best outdoor and indoor activities, including a truly terrifying escape room, an aquarium, go-karting, scenic walks and a luxury spa.
Premier Inn video guide to Bristol
Entertainment
Bristol boasts an entertainment scene that’s the envy of the south-west. Our guide rounds up the city’s best live music venues, which have hosted The Beatles, Bowie, Bob Marley and basically every other band you’ve ever dreamed of seeing. What’s more, the city can offer magic, comedy and some sublime theatres too.
Culture
If you find yourself craving culture, our guide to Bristol’s best museums, galleries and calendar events shows you where to go. You can delve into the history of the city, learn about the life and masterworks of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, explore one of the country’s top science centres and appreciate art exhibits from every era.
Places to eat
With a café culture that rivals the best of continental Europe and a collection of restaurants that have elevated Bristol’s food scene to one of the best in the UK, the only reason for you to go hungry during your stay is from indecision at where to eat first.
Getting around
Whether you’re coming to Bristol by plane, train or automobile, read our guide to getting around the city before you set off. It tells you the best way to transfer from Bristol Airport, where to find the ticket office of Bristol Temple Meads railway station, how to navigate the bays of Bristol bus and coach station, and more.
Our Bristol map
