A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Liverpool vs. Bristol for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Food

Should you visit Liverpool or Bristol?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Liverpool and Bristol can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a diverse, historic, and fun-filled port city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Bristol

Bristol is a historic, diverse, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Liverpool and Bristol: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Liverpool or Bristol?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bristol. Although Liverpool and Bristol are both popular with visitors, Bristol has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bristol is more popular for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Liverpool is known for its theatre productions and music. Liverpool is popular for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles." Bristol is popular for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. It is also home to The Bristol Harbour.

How is Liverpool different from Bristol?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bristol and Liverpool. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Liverpool or Bristol?

Bristol is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bristol. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Liverpool. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.

Is Liverpool or Bristol Better for Theater?

Liverpool is great for its shows and theatre. However, Bristol is not a theatre destination.

Liverpool attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

Bristol is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Liverpool or Bristol? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bristol is a city with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Liverpool is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bristol. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Liverpool may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a diversity of flavors that are influenced by the city's international population. There are also several famous local dishes including scouse (a meat stew), toad in the hole (a giant yorkie stuffed with British sausages) and wet nelly (a dessert).

Is Liverpool or Bristol Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Liverpool and Bristol.

Liverpool is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife is fun and diverse Head to the waterfront for comedy clubs or the Ropewalks and Seel Street if you want a swanky experience. Cavern Quarter is the place to go for an all night party.

Many people head to Bristol for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

Is Liverpool or Bristol Better for Music?

Liverpool is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Bristol is not a live music destination.

Liverpool has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

Bristol is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Liverpool or Bristol?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bristol and Liverpool.

Liverpool is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Liverpool ONE for the area's best shopping. This is the largest open-air shopping center in the UK and it's filled with a mix of name brands and independent vendors.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bristol. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

Is Liverpool or Bristol Better for Families?

Liverpool is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Liverpool. One of the most popular activities for families is Pleasureland, an amuseument park with rides that are fun for young kids. The city also has many museums and play spaces that are great for families.

Bristol is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Is Liverpool or Bristol Better for Couples?

Both Liverpool and Bristol are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Liverpool makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is fun, and the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is to find a fun or unique activity that you can enjoy together. Going dancing, dining out, or seeing a show are all fun activities in the area.

Bristol is a good port city for couples to visit. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

Is Liverpool or Bristol Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Liverpool is a port city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Liverpool is a good port city to visit for backpackers. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and meet other travelers.

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Liverpool or Bristol Better for Students?

Liverpool is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Liverpool. The city is diverse, affordable, and offers an excellent academic environment. International students will fill welcomed and enjoy a fun city with a lot to offer.

Bristol is a good port city to visit for students. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

Is Liverpool or Bristol Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Liverpool and Bristol.

You'll find some public transit in Liverpool, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.

While Bristol offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

Is Liverpool or Bristol a more walkable city?

Liverpool and Bristol both are great when exploring on foot.

Liverpool is a very walkable port city.

Bristol is a very walkable destination. The city center is well designed for walking.

For even more information, also check out Is Liverpool Worth Visiting? and Is Bristol Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bristol or Liverpool?

How long in Liverpool or Bristol?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Liverpool and Bristol. In our opinion, Liverpool has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Liverpool than Bristol. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Liverpool, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bristol.

Families should spend more time in Liverpool than Bristol. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Liverpool, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Liverpool than Bristol if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Liverpool.

One day in Liverpool or Bristol?

In Liverpool, you'll find museums and theater. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bristol. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bristol has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Liverpool or Bristol?

In Liverpool, you'll find theater and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Liverpool has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Bristol. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Liverpool or Bristol?

Liverpool is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Bristol. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Liverpool or Bristol?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Liverpool. Many people enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting Liverpool. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Bristol is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, and The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Liverpool and Bristol, we can see that Liverpool is more expensive. And not only is Bristol much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bristol would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bristol and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Liverpool would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Liverpool than you might in Bristol.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Liverpool Expensive? and Is Bristol Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Liverpool or Bristol?

Liverpool has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Bristol. When comparing the sizes of Liverpool and Bristol, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Liverpool or Bristol?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Liverpool or Bristol in the Summer?

Both Bristol and Liverpool during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Liverpool because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bristol this time of year.

In the summer, Liverpool is cooler than Bristol. Typically, the summer temperatures in Liverpool in July average around 15°C (60°F), and Bristol averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Liverpool usually gets more rain in July than Bristol. Liverpool gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Liverpool or Bristol in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Liverpool and Bristol. The shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to Liverpool this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bristol for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Liverpool is generally cooler than Bristol. Daily temperatures in Liverpool average around 12°C (53°F), and Bristol fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In October, Liverpool usually receives less rain than Bristol. Liverpool gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Liverpool or Bristol in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Liverpool as well as Bristol. Many travelers come to Liverpool for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bristol in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Liverpool is cooler than Bristol in the winter. The daily temperature in Liverpool averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Bristol fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Liverpool usually gets less rain in January than Bristol. Liverpool gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Liverpool or Bristol in the Spring?

Both Bristol and Liverpool are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Bristol for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Liverpool is cooler than Bristol. Typically, the spring temperatures in Liverpool in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Bristol averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In April, Liverpool usually receives more rain than Bristol. Liverpool gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bristol and Liverpool