From thought-provoking street art to historic attractions, vibrant marketplaces and award-winning speakeasy dens, Bristol offers a little bit of everything. This small-town vibe with a global twist and rich heritage has produced everything from Hollywood screen legend Cary Grant to the enigmatic Banksy. It’s a city with much to explore, from the cobbled streets of medieval Bristol to the modern high-tech innovations of M Shed and beyond.
Bristol Beyond the Basics: Unique Experiences Await
At the heart of it all is Bristol’s Floating Harbour, which looks like a river in some places but is actually a dock that drew in merchant ships for centuries thanks to its various locks and tidal variations. Explore its history at the M Shed museum, formerly a dockside transit shed, which is home to some of Banksy’s works you can visit using my self-guided Banksy tour guide, as well as the city’s 2,000-year story including its role in the slave trade.
See the ingenuity of master engineer Brunel at Queen’s Square, his pioneering passenger ship the SS Great Britain and the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge. The Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is also an impressive showcase of the region’s long and diverse history, with over 3,000 objects on display.
You can sample a variety of dishes in the many restaurants in the city centre, including two that have one Michelin star, Paco Tapas and Bulrush. Or try Bristol’s burgeoning craft beer scene at The Pipeworks or the Brewshed brewery in Southville. You’ll also find a range of independent eateries and bars in the city centre, especially along Park Street, Whiteladies Road and Gloucester Road. Ask locals for their recommendations.
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