Is Bristol worth visiting?
Yes, Bristol is worth visiting for a number of reasons. This is a city that everyone should explore, and we loved our time here.
Whether you're a traveling as a family or a couple, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the terrific museums and attractions and great nightlife.
Bristol is located in the southwestern part of England and it's a cultural city with a longstanding maritime history. You'll find many museums, cultural programs, festivals, markets, and more around town. The restaurant scene continues to grow and thrive as well.
Bristol, England
5 Reasons to Visit Bristol
1. Museums and Attractions
The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.
2. Nightlife
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.
3. 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.
4. Food
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.
5. Authenticity
Bristol has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Bristol worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Bristol, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is fairly touristy, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 18°C (64°F).
You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to browse through museums, discover the big city activities, and enjoy the evening activities.
Summer Weather in Bristol
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 18°C (64°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| August | 18°C (64°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| September | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
Is Bristol worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Bristol. Even though Bristol is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 13°C (55°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums and the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Bristol
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| November | 8°C (46°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| December | 7°C (45°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
Is Bristol worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Bristol can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 6°C (43°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The low season for travel in Bristol is during the winter. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
This is a great time of year to browse the museums, taste delicious cuisine, and enjoy an evening out. Also, you can check out the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Bristol
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 6°C (43°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| February | 5°C (41°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| March | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
Is Bristol worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Bristol. Even though Bristol is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
The weather in Bristol can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 10°C (50°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and grab some drinks at a bar.
Spring Weather in Bristol
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| June | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Bristol
Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Bristol might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Bristol here or see if Bristol is expensive here.
Related
What is Bristol most famous for?
Bristol is most famous for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. People visit this impressive city for its great museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Also, it's known for food. It is often described as historic, diverse, cultural, friendly, and authentic.
What is the most famous sight in Bristol?
The most popular sight in Bristol is The Bristol Harbour. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Bristol on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Bristol Harbour and other attractions here.
How touristy is Bristol? Is it a popular city to visit?
Bristol is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- The Best of Bristol Bike Tour: $37
- Food & drink Tour: Bristol Hotspots & Hidden Treasures: $87
- Afternoon Bath City Tour - Private tour from Bristol with a local guide: $273
- Bristol private pub hopping and sightseeing with local guide: $116
- Brunel Guided Tour in Bristol: $22
- Avon Gorge Rock Climbing Experiences: $62
- Self-Guided Walking Tour of Bristol's Harbourside History: $7.99
- Bristol's Brilliant Pubs: A Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour of the Old City: $7.99
How long should I spend in Bristol?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Bristol is one to three days. Since Bristol has activities such as museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping, many visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Bristol? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Bristol?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.