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

Should you visit Nottingham 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 Nottingham 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.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a authentic, dynamic, and livable city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Bristol

Bristol is a historic, diverse, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nottingham and Bristol: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nottingham or Bristol?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Nottingham than Bristol. While Bristol is larger than Nottingham, Nottingham has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nottingham is better known for its music, while Bristol is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Nottingham is well known for its authenticity and local cuisine. Also, Nottingham is famous for Old Market Square. Bristol is well known for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies.

How is Nottingham different from Bristol?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bristol is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Nottingham 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.

Nottingham offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find history and culture around town. Some of the notable landmarks include Wollaton Hall, the National Justice Museum, Nottingham Castle, and Old Market Square.

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

Both Nottingham and Bristol offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

Nottingham offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a diversity of restaurants around town that range from local fish and chips shops to international options. Pubs, cafes, and fine dining are all available in town.

Bristol has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Nottingham or Bristol Better for Nightlife?

Bristol is well known for nightlife. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Bristol is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Nottingham has a few options to choose from. Head to the oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, for a pint or check out one of the trendy clubs around town. The city is also a big sports town, so see if there are any sporting events going on while you're visiting.

Is Nottingham or Bristol Better for Music?

Nottingham is a city with good options for its music scene. However, Bristol is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Nottingham. Many of the best music concerts in the UK make there way to Nottingham. Check out Rock City, which hosts all kinds of concerts.

Bristol is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Bristol?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bristol and Nottingham.

Nottingham is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to the Lace Market, which is a popular shopping area. You can also wander around the center of town on foot and head to the pedestrian streets that are often lined with independent shops or international chains.

Bristol is well-known for its shopping. 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 Nottingham or Bristol Better for Families?

Both Nottingham and Bristol are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nottingham. There are a number of parks and play areas that younger kids will enjoy. You can check out Wheelgate Park, White Post Farm, Rufford Abbey, or Sherwood Pines. Sundown Adventureland is a small theme park that's designed for younger kids under 10. If your kids are into museums, head to the Newark Air Museum.

Bristol offers lots of family activities. 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 Nottingham or Bristol Better for Couples?

Both Nottingham and Bristol are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nottingham is a nice destination for couples. You'll find the typical date night activities around town like arcades, minigolf, and some interesting restaurants. There are also parks where you can enjoy a stroll in nature.

Bristol makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

Is Nottingham or Bristol Better for Students?

Bristol is a city with good options for students. However, Nottingham is not popular with students.

Bristol is popular with students. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

Nottingham is not popular with students.

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

Nottingham is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The public transit in Nottingham can get you to most places easily. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

Bristol has a few public transit options. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

Is Nottingham or Bristol a more walkable city?

Nottingham and Bristol both are great when exploring on foot.

Nottingham is very walkable. It is trying to transform itself into a pedestrian-friendly city, and you'll find some areas that are particularly walkable. The city center is very compact and generally walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bristol or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Bristol?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nottingham and Bristol. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bristol than in Nottingham. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Nottingham, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bristol.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bristol than Nottingham 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 Bristol.

One day in Nottingham or Bristol?

In Nottingham, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With museums and nightlife around the authentic city of Bristol, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bristol, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Nottingham or Bristol?

In Nottingham, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nottingham has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bristol, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Nottingham or Bristol?

Nottingham 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.

Bristol, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Nottingham or Bristol?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nottingham. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Nottingham. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Bristol is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nottingham and Bristol, we can see that Nottingham 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 Nottingham would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nottingham 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 Nottingham Expensive? and Is Bristol Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Bristol?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Nottingham. When comparing the sizes of Nottingham 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 Nottingham 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 Nottingham or Bristol in the Summer?

Both Bristol and Nottingham during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Nottingham because of the city activities, 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 July, Nottingham is generally around the same temperature as Bristol. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 16°C (62°F), and Bristol fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Nottingham usually gets more rain in July than Bristol. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nottingham or Bristol in the Autumn?

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

Nottingham is cooler than Bristol in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Bristol fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In October, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Bristol. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nottingham or Bristol in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nottingham. In the winter, Nottingham is much colder than Bristol. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nottingham in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Bristol averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Nottingham usually gets less rain in January than Bristol. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nottingham or Bristol in the Spring?

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

In April, Nottingham is generally cooler than Bristol. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 8°C (46°F), and Bristol fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In April, Nottingham usually receives more rain than Bristol. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bristol and Nottingham