Top Things to Do in Bristol: Must-See Tourist Attractions and Downtown Highlights
Introduction
Bristol, a medieval city nestled along the banks of the River Avon, is a place bursting with creativity and exceptionally easy to navigate.
Where to Eat
The Old Fish Market is warm and inviting, with a combination of a cozy interior and stupendous service. It’s a fantastic place to relax, indulge in tasty food and beverages, and even sneak a peek at a live sporting event.
Attractions
Saint Nicholas Market
The heart of any city is its farmers' market, and Saint Nicks boasts an excellent reputation. However, Saint Nicks offers much more than just food. Here, you can find a variety of artisanal goods from local retailers, as well as numerous other odds and ends. Whatever you're in search of, rest assured, you will find it at Saint Nicks.
The Bristol Cathedral
A Gothic church built in the year 1220, the Bristol Cathedral can be visited for the modest price of free.99. The highlight of the cathedral experience is the charming secret garden tucked away along one of the unassuming corridors of the church.
Leonard Lane
At first glance, Leonard Lane appears to be a street where shady activities of the worst sort might take place. But on closer inspection, you’ll notice vibrant and, dare I say, beautiful street art. The street itself is a narrow corridor that winds its way to the adjacent street and is completely saturated with street art from top to bottom. Along the way, there’s a quaint and humble art studio called Centerspace, which is definitely worth popping into for a short visit.
Harborside
Bristol was once a maritime city that thrived on its relationship with and proximity to the sea. Today, the harbor is still the bustling heartbeat of the city, offering numerous activities, places to eat, and curious oddities to behold. Take a stroll along the harbor and lose yourself in exploring the many shops and sights.
The Big Ship
As you walk along the harbor, you can't help but notice Brunel’s SS Great Britain standing out as a beacon of Bristol's prominent history. Hailed as Britain's first great ocean liner, it is available for tours both above and below deck. Transport yourself back to the year 1843 and experience what it was like to be a sailor aboard one of Britain's most famous ships.
M Shed
If you want a detailed and comprehensive history of Bristol, look no further than M Shed. Admission is free, so you don’t need to worry about putting a dent in your wallet. The museum covers all things Bristol, from prehistoric times to the present day. One object I remember most vividly is a book composed entirely of human flesh. Apparently, the author of the book murdered a person and used their epidermis as the outer cover of the book. But don't worry, the museum itself is PG and well worth the visit.
Conclusion
Bristol is the perfect little day trip. I believe it is the ideal base for exploring the wider southwestern part of England.
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Bristol, a medieval city nestled along the banks of the River Avon, is a place bursting with creativity and exceptionally easy to navigate.