Visiting Bristol for the first time and want to tick off all the tourist sights? Discover the best tourist things to see in Bristol whether you’re visiting for a weekend or on a day trip, this vibrant English city will have you wanting to come back for more.
1. Clifton Suspension Bridge
First up on the Bristol tourist list is the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Posed across the Avon Gorge and Avon River, you can admire this iconic structure of Bristol from the 360 Cafe at the Clifton Observatory. You can either choose to eat at the cafe or snap a picture from the front of it, with stunning views over the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Afterwards, don’t forget to walk across the bridge to tick it off your Bristol tourist list.
2. The Colourful Houses
Another iconic sight in Bristol is, of course, their colourful houses, which is one of the best tourist things to do in Bristol. One of the best places to find these colourful houses is in Hotwells – specifically on the streets Argyle Place, Cliftonwood Crescent and Ambrose Road. These streets are where you’ll find the Bristol colourful houses and they are all very close to each other – all sort of merging into one street, which provides great photo opportunities! You can find the Google Maps for these colourful houses here. It is important to note that these streets can be quite steep so be prepared for a bit of exercise when ticking off this Bristol tourist sight – but the colourful Bristol houses are worth it!
3. Redcliffe Bascule Bridge Houses
Another one to tick off your Bristol tourist list is seeing another set of colourful houses that overlook Bristol. A great spot to view them is on the Redcliffe Bascule Bridge (Google Maps location here) which is found only a 10 minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads station.
4. Banksy – Well Hung Lover
You can’t make a Bristol tourist list without including Banksy! Banksy is an unidentified street artist who’s work can be spotted around their original home town of Bristol. One of their famous piece’s the ‘Well Hung Lover’ can be found close to the centre of town on Frogmore Street, although it is best viewed from the Park Street overpass that crosses over Frogmore Street. Expect to see other people snapping a picture of this iconic Bristol tourist sight.
5. Banksy – Mild Mild West
There are a number of Banksy artworks on display on different Bristol buildings (find them here) but another famous Banksy to tick off your Bristol tourist list is, of course, the Mild, Mild West. You can find this iconic Bristol tourist sight on Stokes Croft street near the Jamaica Street intersection. There is currently a cafe underneath it now so the easiest way to find it is to go to Emmeline Cafe on the same street and look up.
6. Bristol street art
The Bristol tourist street art list doesn’t stop with Banksy though and as you explore Bristol city you’ll find a number of impressive and quirky street art pieces. Nelson Street is reported as a great spot for street art in the city; however, I found that the surrounding streets had more street art. You can spend a couple hours wandering around and ticking Bristol street art off your tourist list.
7. St Nicholas Markets
If all that searching for street art has given you an appetite, you’re in luck because St Nicholas Markets is only a 4 minute walk from Nelson Street and is teaming with delectable foodie options. Open from Monday to Saturday in the day (but check their official website for any changes) you can enjoy a wide range of food suitable for any Bristol tourist palate. See what is on offer here.
8. Wander around Bristol Old City
In between ticking off the major Bristol tourist sights, spend sometime exploring Bristol Old City. Characterised as the medieval heart of Bristol, you can find the Old City in the centre (Google Maps location here) and you can learn more about what is on offer (including a heritage trail) here.
9. Millennium Square
Located in the centre of Bristol, Millennium Square is a fun little spot to make a quick visit to as a Bristol tourist. Be sure to snap a picture at the massive mirror sphere situated in the square.
10. Day trip to Bath
Bath is only a 20-minute train ride from Bristol, so if you want to make the most of your tourist time exploring Bristol, be sure to include Bath into your itinerary. Wander around the cobbled streets, exploring the Roman Baths and discover the Instagrammable locations in Bath, England before heading back to Bristol!
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