Book a Flight to Bristol

Brunel’s SS Great Britain: Known as “the ship that changed the world”, the engineering feat of the famous Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel was built in Bristol in 1843. It was the world’s first steam-powered passenger ocean liner to cross the Atlantic (in 1845) and the longest ship (98 m) of that time. Today, the iconic vessel has been restored to its Victorian glory and converted into an award-winning interactive museum, moored in dry dock. The tour of the ship’s compartments recreates the atmosphere of its 65-day voyage to Australia in 1853 through sounds, smells, objects and costumes, from the luxurious First Class dining room to the humble bunks of the Third Class. The adventurous can climb the ropes of the main mast, at a height of 26 meters, for a panoramic view of the harbor and Bristol.
Right next to the ship and housed in Brunel’s original working office is the fantastic Brunel Institute. Thousands of books, drawings and documents as well as a collection of 150 rare personal items outline the life, achievements and creative mind of England's greatest engineer and inventor.
Address: Great Western Dockyard, Gasferry Road, Bristol, www.ssgreatbritain.org 

Clifton Suspension Bridge: A Bristol landmark and the iconic work of Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, this engineering design masterpiece made of wrought iron has towered over the gorge of the River Avon since 1846. The impressive bridge, which connects Clifton Village (Bristol) with Leigh Woods (North Somerset), is 412 meters long and crossed by 12,000 cars on a daily basis. On the Leigh Woods side there is a small museum where one can get to know the secrets of its construction. For anyone who decides to cross the bridge (either on foot or by bike), the dizzying view of the gorge and the surrounding countryside will take your breath away with the beauty of the landscape. For a panoramic view, all roads lead to the verdant hill of the Clifton Observatory.
Address: Bridge Road, Leigh Woods, Bristol BS8 3PA, www.cliftonbridge.org.uk/ 

Μ-Shed: Housed in an old warehouse on the harbor docks, this fascinating museum is a tribute to the history of Bristol and its people. Through 3,000 exhibits, 150 digitized films, rich photographic material and rare archive collections, the portrait and memory of the region come to life in an unconventional way, from its beginnings to the present day.
Particular emphasis is placed on Bristol’s leading role in the transatlantic slave trade of the 17th century, a dark page in its history that prompts the visitor to think and reflect. The legendary “The Matthew” (1497) is docked on the quay outside the museum, a modern replica of the sailing ship in which the explorer John Cabot set sail from Bristol to Newfoundland, North America.
Address: Princes Wharf,Wapping Road, Bristol BS1 4RN, www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/ 

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery: Housed in an imposing Edwardian building, the city’s largest museum will take you on a unique journey through the history of the world and human civilization. The building’s 19 rooms host world-class collections related to archaeology, geology, natural history and art, with free admission for the public. Amongst them you will find European painting masterpieces (Botticelli, Murillo, Pissarro, Cranach the Elder, Bellini, Constable, Gainsborough, Renoir) and an impressive collection of ceramics and glass from ancient China and Japan.
Address: Queens Road, West End, Bristol, BS8 1RL, www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery/ 

Banksy & Street Art: Bristol is said to be the birthplace of the world’s most famous street art artist, the groundbreaking Banksy. While the global art community tries to solve the riddle of his identity, the city takes pride in 13 famous murals with his signature and the local street art scene becomes a hotbed for new talents. There are many ways to discover the 13 Banksy spots in the city, from guided tours to self-guided smartphone apps. To discover new blood in the graffiti and wall art scene, explore the Southville district and Bedminster (especially around North Street), the heart of Upfest, with works that change every year. Beautiful murals can also be found on Nelson Street in central Bristol.

Harbourside: Bristol’s old port on the River Avon has been a living witness to the city’s maritime and social history for centuries. It was the heart of the maritime trade with the New World, as well as the transatlantic slave trade that “built” Bristol. Also known as the “Floating Harbor” due to the 1809 anti-tidal works to divert the river and stabilize the water level, the charming 283-acre site has undergone modern redevelopment since the ‘80s for commercial and residential use. Today, the old docks are home to world-class museums (MShed, We the curious, Bristol Acquarium), cultural multi-purpose ventures (Watershed, Spike Island) and art galleries (Arnolfini), restaurants, bars, Sunday street markets, as well as rowing or paddle boarding sports clubs. By bike or ferry, with a view of the sunset or the impressive sailboats in the marinas, a tour of the old port is a must for every traveler.

Cabot Tower: Built in 1897 in a prominent position on a hill in Brandon Hill Park (the city’s oldest), this elegant lookout tower is a historic Bristol landmark and a tribute to the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s legendary voyage to Newfoundland (1497). Funded by citizen contributions, the structure is made of red sandstone covered with cream Bath stone and it stands 32 meters tall. Climb the steep interior spiral staircase and enjoy the best view of Bristol and the Harbourside from the platform at the top.
Address: Brandon Hill Park, Just off Park Street, West End, Bristol. 

Bristol Cathedral: The Cathedral, one of England’s finest preserved medieval buildings, was founded in 1140 as an Augustinian Monastery and it gained Episcopal status in the 16th century. The imposing building we see today was completed over a period of 8 centuries and it is based on an eclectic mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Neo-Gothic architecture, with exquisite stained glass windows, high vaulted ceilings and elaborate stone decorations. It is an outstanding example of a hall church in Great Britain and the world, with chapels and monuments dedicated to prominent Bristol residents. You can admire it from the meadows of the College Green Park right in front of the church or you can watch a concert from the church’s program. Admission is free.
Address: College Green, West End, Bristol, BS1 5TJ, www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk 

Ashton Court House & Estate: This historic 850-hectare park opposite Clifton Bridge is just 10 minutes away from central Bristol, offering an unforgettable escape to the countryside. The vast grounds contain lush forests with oak and linden trees, two fantastic deer parks, gardens, marked trails for mountain biking and orienteering, golf courses, a miniature railway, café and more. A magnificent 15th-century mansion is located in the center of the grounds, owned by various English noblemen over time. From the hill you can enjoy a panoramic view of Bristol and its colorful houses.
Address: Ashton Court, Long Ashton, BRISTOL, Avon, BS41 9JN, www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/museums-parks-sports-and-culture/parks-and-open-spaces/parks-and-estates/ashton-court-estate 

We The Curious: This state-of-the-art museum – science and arts center at the harbor is one of Bristol’s most exciting attractions for children and adults alike. Visitors have the opportunity to experiment with ideas and explore the unseen mechanisms of the world around us through 300 interactive exhibits. The permanent exhibition is constantly accompanied by imaginative special events covering everything, from the world of food and anatomy to robots and flight. Be sure to visit England’s first 3D Planetarium for a Live Science show and an experiential audiovisual flight to the edge of the universe.
Address: Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB, www.wethecurious.org

Bristol is a paradise of independent trade and specialist shops, without lacking the all-inclusive shopping center experience. For fans of the activity, there is the Bristol Shopping Quarter in the heart of the historic center. A huge shopping district with popular malls and department stores for premium shopping. Browse the shopping streets of Broadmead, where you can find all international and British chains, as well as the famous Arcade (beautiful Victorian arcade with independent boutiques). Visit Galleries (a three-story indoor mall with 80 stores, from home design to cosmetics). Stop at Quakers Friars (with independent boutiques as well as popular design brands) around an open piazza with fountains, surrounded by restaurants for alfresco dining. Don’t miss out on the impressive Cabot Circus, a modern independent department store with 100 boutiques, a cinema, golf hall, VR Gaming and 25 restaurants. Ideal for a family outing, a quick latte or lunch, as well as afternoon tea under a giant transparent vaulted roof.

For a distinctive kind of shopping and if you are in a mood for discoveries, Bristol can provide unique delights. To the north, Stokes Croft and Gloucester Rd (Europe’s longest street with independent shops) are home to alternative fashion for lovers of the retro and vintage style, as well as many bargain charity shops.

Head up “Pingsty Hill” for gift shops, handmade jewelry, chocolates and books from the Gloucester Rd. Βookshop. Park Street & the Triangle is a student favorite, for trendy fashion in old-school Americana style or an all American “preppy look” college style, but it is also ideal for culture fanatics with many record stores and bookstores.

In the upscale Clifton Village, elegant Georgian and Regency buildings house high-end boutiques and exclusive West Country-inspired footwear, jewelry, antique stores and gift shops. Follow the route rom The Mall to Princess Victoria Street and Boyces Avenue for dazzling displays of independent exclusive brands in ceramics, jewelry and home design. Take a break in the cafés of the Victorian Clifton Arcade and admire vintage fashion, art galleries, furniture and home decor.

For eco-ethical shopping, browse the new Wapping Wharf district near the harbor and the Sunday Tobacco Factory Market in the Southville area.

If you find yourselves in the Old Town, don’t miss out on the artistic Christmas Steps Arts Quarter, a shopping area around an old uphill path (1669) with antique stores and souvenir boutiques. You will find artist and creatives studios, art galleries and ceramics workshops, fashion designers, musical instruments, silversmiths, booksellers and design.

Before that, pass through the historic covered St. Nicholas Market. A place of trade since 1743, the market is housed in the iconic former Corn Exchange building and it was voted the “Britain's Best Small Indoor Market” in 2016. In addition to food stalls and street food from all over the world, you will find clothes, art, jewelry, sweets and chocolates, leather goods, florists and drapers.

Around the market, you will be able admire the unique architecture of the buildings, as well as emblematic shops of the city, such as the Stanfords travel bookshop on Corn Street and Guilbert’s Chocolates. On Corn St. and Wine St., different outdoor markets rotate on a daily basis, including the award-winning Farmers’ and Producers’ Market (Wednesday), the Street Food Market (Tuesdays and Fridays), the Saturday Flea Market with antiques, retro and vintage items, the Book Market (Sundays) and more.

While in the city, it is worth buying items made of the historic “Bristol Blue Glass”, as well as gifts inspired by West Country culture. You can also find some Banksy memorabilia, from original prints to books, like Banksy’s Bristol: Home Sweet Home. For foodies, a bottle of original cider from the Bristol Cider Shop, chocolates and tea are the usual choices.

Bristolians are passionate about good food, even more so when it's based on seasonal organic West Country products or when it embraces the contemporary ethicurean culture. The city is considered the European Mecca of creative street food, as well as a hub for fine dining in Michelin restaurants. From the conventional to the eccentric, from vegetarian to vegan and from themed brunches to secret supper clubs, gastronomy in the city is a matter of experimentation and imagination, but it is also very serious business.

Head to St. Marks Road in Easton for Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine, to St. Paul’s for Caribbean soul food, to the upscale Clifton suburb for classic and modern British cuisine and seafood, to Park Street and the Triangle for some of the best burgers in the country, and stop at Swoon for the best ice cream.

For lunch, stop by the historic St. Nicholas Market in the Old Town, where 60 permanent street food stalls with cuisines from all over the world bustle with life under the Glass Arcade. Experience an incredible range of flavors: from spicy Chinese noodles and amazing tacos to huge Persian wraps, tempting falafel and Japanese yakitori (chicken skewers), Italian pasta and steamy tagine. Be sure to try the famous pie & mash of the local chain “Pieminister”, a favorite British comfort food. For more artisan street food, stop by the trendy Wapping Wharf district near the harbor, where you can find everything, from fish and chips to sourdough pizza and artisan ice cream.

Also note the Street Food Market (Tuesdays and Thursdays) outside the Corn Exchange building, the Harbourside Street Market (Wednesdays - Thursdays) on Broad Quay and the Temple Quay Market (Thursdays), which has been voted as one of the top 10 street food markets in Europe.

Bristol is the kingdom of scrumpy (strong handmade cider) and perry (pear cider), which you can also try in floating cider bars, such as those on the Welsh Back pier next to the harbor. For craft beer fans, the city’s 20+ microbreweries have open doors, offering fantastic taprooms. The King Street in the Old Town is home to some of the best breweries, along with historic pubs and legendary jazz bars.

NIGHTLIFE

Bristol nights belong to clubbing. The city is famous internationally for its dance music scene and a hub for die-hard clubbers in South West England. For their night out, students choose the countless bars and clubs of Park Street and the Triangle (junction of Park Street and Queen Road), partying until early in the morning.

For an alternative music scene, visit the bohemian neighborhood haunts of Stokes Croft & Gloucester Road. Bristol also has a strong cocktail culture and talented mixologists waiting to be discovered in secret speakeasies with original decor and a sophisticated atmosphere, such as Hyde & Co and Milk Thistle. Before you do that, however, don’t forget to check out the theatrical performances of the day. The legendary Hippodrome for opera or the latest West End blockbuster musical and the iconic Bristol Old Vic for repertory theater provide guaranteed quality. The city loves the theater in all its forms, from slapstick comedy clubs to magic boutique bars. 

Bristol Harbour Festival: A unique spectacle with music, dancing and art at the Harbourside, a tribute to Bristol’s maritime heritage. For one weekend (at the end of July), a 1.2 mile route from Underfall Yard to Queen Square is transformed into a giant stage with live music, comedy street theatre, circus, acrobatics, poetry readings, flea markets and street food stalls. The arrival of boats in the harbour is impressive: you can find anything, from sailboats and Royal Navy ships to lifeboats.

Upfest: The largest graffiti and street art festival in Europe, with top artists participating from all over the world, transforms the streets of Bedminster into a unique visual spectacle full of color and imagination. The creation of the fantastic murals takes three weeks (in May) and it culminates with a weekend of live painting, music and creative workshops for children in iconic locations across the city, such as the Tobacco Factory, the Ashton Gate Stadium and the Greville Smyth Park.

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta: The largest annual meeting of hot air balloons in Europe. More than 150 hot air balloons from every corner of the earth, in an incredible variety of shapes, colors and designs, take to the skies above the verdant Ashton Court Estate, offering a four-day spectacle (10-13 August 2023) for the young and old alike. It is definitely worth noting the night flights of illuminated balloons in sync with the music, accompanied by a simultaneous choreography with fireworks. Admission is free to the public. 

Love saves the day: Bristol’s biggest music festival is an epic two-day party, which will be hosted on the vast lawns of Ashton Court in 2023. 10 concert stages and an impressive line-up (over 170 artists) from the global music industry are expected to attract 40,000 spectators. The program also includes various activities, from amusement parks and roller discos to street food and an inflatable church, where symbolic "weddings" between friends are performed.

Transport from the airport

Bristol Airport is approximately 8 km south of the Bristol city center. The easiest way to get to the city center is to take the A1 Bristol Airport Flyer Express bus service that connects the airport daily with the Bristol Bus Station on Malborough St. The A1 line (Bristol Airport - Bristol Bus Station) makes intermediate stops at West Street / Chessel Street, Bedminster Parade and the Bristol Temple Meads Railway Station. The journey takes 35 minutes and the ticket costs 8 pounds (single journey). The bus service runs daily from 02.46 am until 01:52 am, every 12-15 mins. You can book your tickets at https://flyer.bristolairport.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Arrow Cars, an authorized airport partner, which provides all-inclusive taxi and minibus services (5-8 persons) parked right in front of arrivals. The fare includes all individual charges of the services offered (no hidden charges).

You can make a booking at the company’s desk inside the airport or online at https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/to-and-from-the-airport/taxis, where you can get a quote, and find out the distance and the duration of the journey.