Bristol

Bristol is a city in the West Country of England. Famous for its maritime history it also offers a great and diverse range of attractions, hotels, bars and events. Bristol is one of England’s top visitor destinations, and the best time to visit is in the summer when major festivals are held in the city.

Although cursed by some horrible post-war buildings and disfigured by a chaotic road system, Bristol is nevertheless an amiable, grooved, laid-back city whose mellow vibe is reflected in the music of Massive Attack, Portishead and Tricky that perfectly captures the sultry, lean burn atmosphere of a warm summer's evening in this historic and cultured city.

Bristol is the United Kingdom’s eighth most populous city (approximately 421,000) and the most populated city in South West England, making it a core city in England. It received a Royal Charter in 1155 and was granted county status in 1373. From the 13th century, for half a millennium, it ranked among the top three English cities after London, alongside York and Norwich, until the rapid rise of Liverpool, Birmingham and Manchester during the Industrial Revolution in the latter part of the 18th century. Bristol borders the counties of Somerset and Gloucestershire and is also near the historic cities of Bath to the southeast, Gloucester to the north and Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, to the northwest. The city is built around the River Avon, and has a short coastline on the estuary of the River Severn where it flows into the Bristol Channel.

Although often overlooked as a tourist destination, Bristol has a lot to offer of its own and is an excellent base for exploring the West Country, with relatively inexpensive accommodation compared to some of the main ‘tourist traps’ and a huge choice of bars, restaurants and shops. It is one of the most culturally vibrant cities in England, hosting a wide variety of visual arts, theatre, speciality shopping and live music.

Young people have flocked to Bristol thanks to the city's stunning and brilliant music scene - the likes of Massive Attack, Portishead, Tricky and Roni Size have contributed some of the most outstanding back catalogue of albums in the history of British music - not bad for a city which even in the early 1980s was considered a backwater of the British music scene. Indeed, in 2010 Bristol was voted Britain's most musical city. The success of the Bristol music scene goes back to 1991 when Massive Attack released their magnificent opus Blue Lines which included the soaring "Unfinished Sympathy" and social critques such as "Safe From Harm" and "Daydreaming". Blue Lines was partly recorded in Bristol, at the Coach House studios in Clifton (now sadly defunct). Never has any album in British music captured the atmosphere and vibe of a specific city such as "Blue Lines" - particularly the track "Lately". This track, with vocals by Shara Nelson and a bass groove sample from "Mellow mellow right on" by Lowrell so perfectly captures the atmosphere of a summer's evening in Bristol - particularly on the Clifton Downs - that with its warm, laid back vibe is practically a signature song for the whole city.

Bristol is a large city with various areas in its centre; a map is helpful to get to know the layout. The free map given away at the Tourist Information Centre at the Harbourside is excellent for this. At Bristol's core is the Floating Harbour - a stretch of water that snakes along the city-centre which looks like a river in places but which is actually a dock. For centuries the Floating Harbour was where ships docked, bringing trade and prosperity to the city. It was created by diverting the River Avon in the early 19th century to the New Cut to the south, and by using various locks to create a non-tidal dock. Today, the industrial shipping has mostly gone and the Floating Harbour is a home for leisure, pleasure craft, upmarket waterfront apartments, and the occasional visiting sailing ship.

It's easiest to think about city locations as where they are relative to The Centre, or Central Promenade. (It's called "The Centre" as it used to be the "Trams Centre", until Bristol's tram system was scrapped in the 1940s after bomb damage. Now it's more of a bus centre.) The Centre is a broad avenue running north-south with fountains and trees and shops, and traffic, reaching the Floating Harbour at its southern end. The Centre is a major interchange for most city bus routes - you can ask a bus driver for a ticket to "The Centre" from anywhere in the city and you'll get back there.

To the east of The Centre is the core of historic Bristol - the Old City. Here major streets include Queen Square, King Street, Baldwin Street, and Corn Street. It has wonderful Victorian and Georgian buildings, historic and charming pubs, and many places to shop, drink and eat. To the north-east of the Old City is Bristol's main shopping area - Broadmead, centred on the Broadmead itself and related streets such as the Horsefair, Union Street and Penn Street as well as The Galleries shopping centre. At the east end of the Broadmead is the major new shopping centre at Cabot Circus and a related development of more boutique shops at Quakers Friars. If you go east of Cabot Circus and across the dual carriageway you get to the less affluent area of Old Market, while if you go north of it you get to the St. Paul's area, which is a hotbed of culture but is best visited during the day.

To the north of The Centre are areas occupied by the city's hospitals, the bus station at Marlborough Street, and the University of Bristol.

To the west of The Centre is the Harbourside area, much of which has been a scene of heavy urban regeneration since 2000 and includes parts of what used to be called Canon's Reach. Here you'll find eateries in converted warehouses, Millennium Square with its attractions such as At-Bristol, and offices and smart apartments in new developments. It's a great place to spend time by the water. It continues to the south of the Floating Harbour at the M Shed museum of Bristol life, along to the SS Great Britain.

To the north-west of The Centre, and up Park Street, you head for the West End with its smart independent shops, the City Museum and other attractions, and if you keep going along Queen's Road you get to the upmarket Clifton area, known for its suspension bridge and elegant Georgian architecture.

The Tourist Information Centre can be found in the Watershed, a converted warehouse just off The Centre, just on the west side of the inlet of the Floating Harbour (St. Augustine's Reach). Walking south down The Centre, where the dock begins head to your right and under the colonnade. The Tourist Info Centre is a little way along.

Bristol is a very diverse city. From the historic Old City and Harbourside to Georgian Clifton, there is something to be found for everyone. Every neighbourhood has its own attractions and sights.

• Street Art, across town. everyday. Street artist Banksy is from Bristol and some of his works can be seen around the city. free.

• Bristol Blue Glass, 357 Bath Road, BS4 3EW (take bus X39 direction Bath and get off at. Glass workshop producing traditional blue glass, a local specialty since the late 18th century. Cobalt oxide and lead oxide are mixed into the molten glass, giving it its characteristic deep blue colour. The glass workshop can be visited on request with a tour along the furnaces. It also includes a shop where glassware can be purchased.
• Whitchurch Airport, Hengrove Park. 24/7. Former airport of Bristol, operating from 1930 until 1957. It played an important role during the Second World War as air bridge between the UK and neutral Portugal, and other territories such as Gibraltar. From the early 1950s the airport became too small to accommodate scheduled services, and expansion was limited by surrounding housing estates. It remained in use for some years for short flights to the Channel Islands, Isle of Wight and the Isle of Man, but flying ceased from 1957 onward. It was reopened in 1959 as a racing circuit, but most of the former airport grounds have been redeveloped since. The main runway still exists and can be visited. Free.

The floating harbour is the jewel in Bristol's crown, and many of its attractions are on or close to the harbour:

• Brunel's SS Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Rd, +44 117 926-0680. Open daily from 10AM (except Dec 24 and 25 and Jan 10 2011) Closing times: 4:30PM (to Mar 26) 5:30PM (Mar 26 to Oct 31). Last entry one hour before closing. The world's first iron hulled, screw propeller-driven, steam-powered passenger liner, built by Brunel in 1843 and now preserved in a dry-dock alongside the floating harbour. Winner of the Gulbenkian Prize for Museum of the Year 2006 - the biggest arts prize in the U.K. The "Being Brunel" exhibition alongside opened in 2018 and is included in the ticket price. Adult £16.50; concession £14.50; child (16 and under) £9.50; child (4 and under) free.

• We The Curious, Anchor Road, Harbourside, +44 845 345 1235. M-F 10AM-5PM; Sa Su 10AM-6PM. Science themed interactive museum opened in 2017, with as stated goal to make science accessible to all. It features numerous labs for engineering (including robotics) and life sciences, a makerspace with 3D printers, and a planetarium. £15.95 (16+); £10.50 (3-15); free entry for the youngest.
• Bristol Aquarium, Anchor road, Harbourside, BS1 5TT (In The City Centre, +44 117 929-8929. Daily 10AM-5PM. From the hidden world of UK waters, this amazing new aquarium transports visitors to the spectacular 'underwater gardens' of the Mediterranean and stunning beauty of tropical waters - home to everything from seahorses and puffer fish to living corals and tropical sharks. Adult £15.30; child 3 - 12 years £10 (must be accompanied by an adult); seniors & students £13.50; family of 4 £49.50 (2 adults and 2 children), all tickets 10% off if booked online but there is a £1.25 charge per transaction.
• M Shed Museum, Princes Wharf, BS1 4RN. Tu-Su 10AM-5PM. History of Bristol Free entrance.
• Arnolfini Gallery, 16 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA. Tu-Su 11AM-6PM (open to 8PM on W). A modern art gallery, shortlisted for Museum of the Year 2016. free.
• Pero's Bridge. 24/7. Bridge over the Harbour, known for the iconic counter weights of the lifting section which resemble the shape of movie character Shrek, hence its popular name with the locals. Its formal name Pero's Bridge is a reference to Pero Jones, a Caribbean slave who arrived in Bristol through the harbour channel below the bridge in the 18th. Although the bridges hydraulic mechanism allows it to open and close swiftly, it only does so rarely because the ferry was designed explicitly to pass under the bridge without it needing to be lifted. Free.

Within walking distance from the bustling shopping district of Broadmead, is old town Bristol where the town originated from. You'll discover old buildings and hidden alleys whilst walking along cobbled streets. Highlights include:

• Corn Exchange & The Nails, Corn St. Exterior always open. The Palladian Corn Exchange, built in 1743, boasts a clock on its frontage that ingeniously tells time both in the new-fangled GMT and the old Bristol time. In front are nails (in reality Bronze pillars) over which the local merchants did business; from these come the expression 'cash on the nail'. Free.
• St. Nicholas Market, Corn St. M-Sa 9:30AM-5PM. All under a glass arcade and is a great place to grab some deliciously different and cheap food. Choices include, local cheeses, The Bristol Sausage shop, famous Pie Minister Pies, and food from around the world such as Portuguese, Italian, Moroccan or Caribbean and Turkish.
• Castle Park & St Peters Church. St Peters Church is closed to the public; the park is freely accessible. It is difficult to imagine now, but this large harbour-side park was a network of busy streets and shops until it was bombed out during the second world war. Within the park are the excavated ruins of Bristol Castle, and the ruined St Peter's Church preserved as it stood after the bombing as a memorial to those killed. Free.
• King Street. King Street is now the heart of Bristol's theatre-land (see 'Old Vic' below) but it once lead down to the docks at Welsh Back, where the old sailing trows (a type of sailing barge) used to dock after their journeys from South Wales. The street has changed little since those days, and the Llandoger Trow pub dates back to 1663. It is rumoured to have been patronised by pirates of old, and by Robert Louis Stevenson whilst writing Treasure Island.

Corn Exchange & The Nails, Corn St. Exterior always open. The Palladian Corn Exchange, built in 1743, boasts a clock on its frontage that ingeniously tells time both in the new-fangled GMT and the old Bristol time. In front are nails (in reality Bronze pillars) over which the local merchants did business; from these come the expression 'cash on the nail'. Free.

St. Nicholas Market, Corn St. M-Sa 9:30AM-5PM. All under a glass arcade and is a great place to grab some deliciously different and cheap food. Choices include, local cheeses, The Bristol Sausage shop, famous Pie Minister Pies, and food from around the world such as Portuguese, Italian, Moroccan or Caribbean and Turkish.

Castle Park & St Peters Church. St Peters Church is closed to the public; the park is freely accessible. It is difficult to imagine now, but this large harbour-side park was a network of busy streets and shops until it was bombed out during the second world war. Within the park are the excavated ruins of Bristol Castle, and the ruined St Peter's Church preserved as it stood after the bombing as a memorial to those killed. Free.

King Street. King Street is now the heart of Bristol's theatre-land (see 'Old Vic' below) but it once lead down to the docks at Welsh Back, where the old sailing trows (a type of sailing barge) used to dock after their journeys from South Wales. The street has changed little since those days, and the Llandoger Trow pub dates back to 1663. It is rumoured to have been patronised by pirates of old, and by Robert Louis Stevenson whilst writing Treasure Island.

• Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Queens Road, West End, BS8 1RL, +44 117 922-3571. Daily 10AM–5PM. Bristol's major museum and art gallery houses an outstanding and diverse range of objects, from sea dinosaurs to magnificent art. A visit to the region's largest museum and art gallery is guaranteed to inspire! A range of subjects can be found. From Archaeology to History and Art. It also has a cafe. free.
• The Georgian House, 7 Great George St, BS1 5RR, +44 117 921-1362. Apr-Dec Sa-Tu 11AM–4PM. Built for merchant and plantation owner John Pinney in 1790, also the former home of Pero Jones, a slave brought to Bristol from Nevis, by Pinney. It is displayed as it might have looked in the 18th century and provides an insight into life above and below stairs. Free. The book Pero, the Life of a Slave in Eighteenth-Century Bristol (C Eickelmann and D Small) is for sale at the museum. free.
• Red Lodge, Park Row, BS1 5LJ (behind the Colston Hall and next to Trenchard car park, off Lodge Street (look for the red door), +44 117 921-1360. Sa-Tu 11AM–5PM. The house was built in 1590 and then altered in 1730. It has fine oak panelling and carved stone chimney pieces and is furnished in the style of both periods. The garden has now been laid out in Elizabethan style. Free.

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Queens Road, West End, BS8 1RL, +44 117 922-3571. Daily 10AM–5PM. Bristol's major museum and art gallery houses an outstanding and diverse range of objects, from sea dinosaurs to magnificent art. A visit to the region's largest museum and art gallery is guaranteed to inspire! A range of subjects can be found. From Archaeology to History and Art. It also has a cafe. free.

The Georgian House, 7 Great George St, BS1 5RR, +44 117 921-1362. Apr-Dec Sa-Tu 11AM–4PM. Built for merchant and plantation owner John Pinney in 1790, also the former home of Pero Jones, a slave brought to Bristol from Nevis, by Pinney. It is displayed as it might have looked in the 18th century and provides an insight into life above and below stairs. Free. The book Pero, the Life of a Slave in Eighteenth-Century Bristol (C Eickelmann and D Small) is for sale at the museum. free.

Red Lodge, Park Row, BS1 5LJ (behind the Colston Hall and next to Trenchard car park, off Lodge Street (look for the red door), +44 117 921-1360. Sa-Tu 11AM–5PM. The house was built in 1590 and then altered in 1730. It has fine oak panelling and carved stone chimney pieces and is furnished in the style of both periods. The garden has now been laid out in Elizabethan style. Free.

The old and up-market suburb of Clifton contains several more places of interest, and much of the city's student population:

• Bristol Zoo Gardens, Guthry Road, Clifton, +44 117 974-7399. Summer 9AM-5:30PM; winter 9AM-5PM; closed Dec 25. It is the 5th oldest zoo in the world and the oldest outside of a capital city. It was awarded ‘Zoo of the Year 2004’ by the Good Britain Guide. £13 (adults); £11.50 (students & senior citizens); £8 (children 3-14).
• Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bridge Rd, Leigh Woods, BS8 3PA, +44 117 974-4664. Bridge: 24 hr, Visitor centre: 10AM-5PM. Possibly the city's most famous landmark, Brunel's 19th-century suspension bridge spans the spectacular Avon Gorge at a height of 75 m. A visitor centre is on the other side of bridge. There are free tours from the Clifton toll booth at 3PM every Saturday/Sunday from Easter Sunday until October. To walk across: free, to drive over: £0.50, visitor centre: free.
• Clifton Downs and Observatory, BS8, +44 117 974-1242. The Downs provide a huge open space within Bristol, with great views over the Avon Gorge and the suspension bridge. On top of the downs, right by the bridge is the Observatory, housing a camera obscura and a cave leading down towards an observation point within the 250-foot sheer cliff face of the gorge.
• Clifton Lido, Oakfield Place, Clifton, +44 117 933-9530. A Grade II* listed building. The Lido and pub are separately managed, the historic Lido having closed in 1989, completely refurbished and reopened in 2008. The Victoria freehouse pub stands in one corner of the site; it was created in 1851 to provide the funds to rescue the Lido the first time, and was saved from closure in 2006.

Bristol Zoo Gardens, Guthry Road, Clifton, +44 117 974-7399. Summer 9AM-5:30PM; winter 9AM-5PM; closed Dec 25. It is the 5th oldest zoo in the world and the oldest outside of a capital city. It was awarded ‘Zoo of the Year 2004’ by the Good Britain Guide. £13 (adults); £11.50 (students & senior citizens); £8 (children 3-14).

Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bridge Rd, Leigh Woods, BS8 3PA, +44 117 974-4664. Bridge: 24 hr, Visitor centre: 10AM-5PM. Possibly the city's most famous landmark, Brunel's 19th-century suspension bridge spans the spectacular Avon Gorge at a height of 75 m. A visitor centre is on the other side of bridge. There are free tours from the Clifton toll booth at 3PM every Saturday/Sunday from Easter Sunday until October. To walk across: free, to drive over: £0.50, visitor centre: free.

Clifton Downs and Observatory, BS8, +44 117 974-1242. The Downs provide a huge open space within Bristol, with great views over the Avon Gorge and the suspension bridge. On top of the downs, right by the bridge is the Observatory, housing a camera obscura and a cave leading down towards an observation point within the 250-foot sheer cliff face of the gorge.

Clifton Lido, Oakfield Place, Clifton, +44 117 933-9530. A Grade II* listed building. The Lido and pub are separately managed, the historic Lido having closed in 1989, completely refurbished and reopened in 2008. The Victoria freehouse pub stands in one corner of the site; it was created in 1851 to provide the funds to rescue the Lido the first time, and was saved from closure in 2006.

Bristol's Eastside is the multicultural centre of Bristol and offers visitors a refreshing alternative side of the city, made up of a colourful collection of neighbourhoods that boast independent retailers from all around the globe. The wonderful thing about this side of town is simply walking around it - and most of the good things to do and see are free!

Easton is possibly the most multicultural area in Bristol where people of all nationalities rub shoulders. Here you can find anything from anywhere in the world - black hair and beauty, saris, Moroccan and Somalian cafes. You name it, you'll find it in Easton! This area is quite rightly home to the World On Your Doorstep festival held every June on Stapleton Road. For fantastic cafes and specialist shops (including the locally-famed Bristol Sweet Mart selling a large range of south-Asian foods and ingredients) head to St Marks Road.

Stokes Croft/Montpelier, (pronounced Mont-pelly-err, rather than the French-accented Mon-pell-ee-ay!), the bohemian heart of Bristol and home to artists and musicians of all descriptions. The streets are often canvases themselves and you'll find work by famous graffiti artists around every corner. Great music, cafes, an independent cinema, and a treasure trove of vintage clothing.

• St Pauls. The Afro-Caribbean centre of Bristol and home to the world famous St Pauls Carnival. It still suffers from the negative reputation of having been home of the St Pauls riots over 25 years ago but visitors today will find it a colourful, friendly area with fantastic reggae pubs and clubs and a great street art scene. Host to an Asian supermarket on Ashley Road next door to Teoh's pan-Asian cafe.
• St Werburghs. The alternative quarter and a green oasis in the heart of the city. Filled with allotments, a city farm, eco-housing and lively pubs including the award-winning The Duke of York in Jubilee Road and The Miner's Arms in Mina Road. The most recent addition to the area is the multi-million pound Eastgate Oriental City complex which features a large Chinese supermarket and Chinese restaurant.

St Pauls. The Afro-Caribbean centre of Bristol and home to the world famous St Pauls Carnival. It still suffers from the negative reputation of having been home of the St Pauls riots over 25 years ago but visitors today will find it a colourful, friendly area with fantastic reggae pubs and clubs and a great street art scene. Host to an Asian supermarket on Ashley Road next door to Teoh's pan-Asian cafe.

St Werburghs. The alternative quarter and a green oasis in the heart of the city. Filled with allotments, a city farm, eco-housing and lively pubs including the award-winning The Duke of York in Jubilee Road and The Miner's Arms in Mina Road. The most recent addition to the area is the multi-million pound Eastgate Oriental City complex which features a large Chinese supermarket and Chinese restaurant.

Avonmouth used to be a small village on the outskirts of Bristol. Today, it is dominated by the massive Avonmouth Industrial Estate and large wholesale and retail superstores catering for the greater Bristol area. Activity at the port, which first opened in 1877, is now focused on the import of fruit, vegetables, coal, animal feeds, grain and cars.

Brunel's SS Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Rd, +44 117 926-0680. Open daily from 10AM (except Dec 24 and 25 and Jan 10 2011) Closing times: 4:30PM (to Mar 26) 5:30PM (Mar 26 to Oct 31). Last entry one hour before closing. The world's first iron hulled, screw propeller-driven, steam-powered passenger liner, built by Brunel in 1843 and now preserved in a dry-dock alongside the floating harbour. Winner of the Gulbenkian Prize for Museum of the Year 2006 - the biggest arts prize in the U.K. The "Being Brunel" exhibition alongside opened in 2018 and is included in the ticket price. Adult £16.50; concession £14.50; child (16 and under) £9.50; child (4 and under) free.

We The Curious, Anchor Road, Harbourside, +44 845 345 1235. M-F 10AM-5PM; Sa Su 10AM-6PM. Science themed interactive museum opened in 2017, with as stated goal to make science accessible to all. It features numerous labs for engineering (including robotics) and life sciences, a [[Hacker tourism|makerspace]] with 3D printers, and a planetarium. £15.95 (16+); £10.50 (3-15); free entry for the youngest.

Bristol Aquarium, Anchor road, Harbourside, BS1 5TT (In The City Centre, +44 117 929-8929. Daily 10AM-5PM. From the hidden world of UK waters, this amazing new aquarium transports visitors to the spectacular 'underwater gardens' of the Mediterranean and stunning beauty of tropical waters - home to everything from seahorses and puffer fish to living corals and tropical sharks. Adult £15.30; child 3 - 12 years £10 (must be accompanied by an adult); seniors & students £13.50; family of 4 £49.50 (2 adults and 2 children), all tickets 10% off if booked online but there is a £1.25 charge per transaction.

M Shed Museum, Princes Wharf, BS1 4RN. Tu-Su 10AM-5PM. History of Bristol Free entrance.

Arnolfini Gallery, 16 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA. Tu-Su 11AM-6PM (open to 8PM on W). A modern art gallery, shortlisted for Museum of the Year 2016. free.

Pero's Bridge. 24/7. Bridge over the Harbour, known for the iconic counter weights of the lifting section which resemble the shape of movie character Shrek, hence its popular name with the locals. Its formal name Pero's Bridge is a reference to Pero Jones, a [[Caribbean]] slave who arrived in Bristol through the harbour channel below the bridge in the 18th. Although the bridges hydraulic mechanism allows it to open and close swiftly, it only does so rarely because the ferry was designed explicitly to pass under the bridge without it needing to be lifted. Free.

• St Mary Redcliffe Church, Redcliffe Way, +44 117 929-1487. M-F 9AM-5PM; Su 8AM-7:30PM. A short walk from Bathurst Basin. Described by Queen Elizabeth I, as "the goodliest, fairest and most famous parish church in England." Free.
• Bristol Cathedral (Church of England/Anglican), College Green, +44 117 926-4879. Daily. Built as the abbey of St Augustine founded in the Norman era, and extensively rebuilt in the 16th and 19th centuries. The seat of the diocese of Bristol. Free, donations are welcome.
• Clifton Cathedral (Roman Catholic), Clifton Park, Clifton (Consult a map to find it as it's on the suburban streets of Clifton, +44 117 973-8411. Open Daily. A striking modernist design completed in 1973, with an equally modern interior and spire. It is constructed of reinforced concrete faced with granite. Worth a look. Free, donations are welcome.

St Mary Redcliffe Church, Redcliffe Way, +44 117 929-1487. M-F 9AM-5PM; Su 8AM-7:30PM. A short walk from Bathurst Basin. Described by Queen Elizabeth I, as "the goodliest, fairest and most famous parish church in England." Free.

Bristol Cathedral (Church of England/Anglican), College Green, +44 117 926-4879. Daily. Built as the abbey of St Augustine founded in the Norman era, and extensively rebuilt in the 16th and 19th centuries. The seat of the diocese of Bristol. Free, donations are welcome.

Clifton Cathedral (Roman Catholic), Clifton Park, Clifton (Consult a map to find it as it's on the suburban streets of Clifton, +44 117 973-8411. Open Daily. A striking modernist design completed in 1973, with an equally modern interior and spire. It is constructed of reinforced concrete faced with granite. Worth a look. Free, donations are welcome.

Bristol has many open spaces reasonably accessible from the city centre. The more notable include:

• Clifton and Durdham Downs. Adjacent to the Avon Gorge, the Suspension Bridge and Bristol Zoo, 400 acres of grassland, with views towards the Severn Estuary and the Mendip Hills.
• Brandon Hill & The Cabot Tower, Off Park Street (about 10 minutes walk up a steep hill from the centre of Bristol, +44 117 922-3719. This attractive and hilly park is worth visiting, if only for the views over Bristol from the hill-top. Even better views can be gained by climbing the narrow spiral staircase within the Cabot Tower atop the hill. Open every day from 8AM to 30 min before dusk. The tower is now open again after being closed for significant structural maintenance.
• Cabot Tower, +44 117 974-4664. Daytime. This dramatic Victorian tower occupies a prominent hilltop in Brandon Hill park, seen from much of the city. If you climb up the spiral staircase, you get a great view of the whole city from the top. There are signs which show you what you are looking at. It's a great way to get acquainted with the city and oriented to where you are. Free.
• Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, BS41 9JN (2 miles from the city centre to the west, +44 117 963-9174. city park, less than from the city centre, with a mix of meadow, woodland, deer park, golf course, site of the Balloon Fiesta, the KIte Festival and the former Ashton Court Festival.
• Leigh Woods, +44 117 973-1645. A wilderness of beauty and tranquility set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Avon Gorge and Brunel's world famous suspension bridge (National Trust).
• Blaise Castle Estate. of park and woodland on the northern fringes, with a folly, the gorge of the River Trym and a small museum in Blaise House.
• Oldbury Court. Woodland and riverside paths alongside the Frome, with historic parkland and children's play facilities, approx north east of city centre.

Details of other city parks can be found on the city council website.

• Queen Square. A 2.4 ha garden square in the center, originally laid out outside Bristol's city walls in an area known as the Town Marsh. Its planning started in 1699 and construction finished in 1727, being named after Queen Anne. It has seen a turbulent history, with much of the north and west side buildings being destroyed during the riots of 1831 and subsequently rebuilt. From 1937 to 1992 the square was scarred by a dual carriageway road crossing it diagonally, which created a lot of traffic to flow through the area. After this became unbearable by the 90s, the road was closed and demolished by the late 90s, and the garden restored to its pre 1937 glory. Although originally a residential neighborhood, the buildings surrounding the square are nowadays used as offices, and many are listed under heritage protection. The center of the square hosts the iconic statue of William III, a sculpture by John Michael Rysbrack who cast it in 1733 in brass and erected it in 1736 to signify the city's loyalty. Free.
• Quakers Burial Ground, Redcliffe Hill. 24/7. Original burial ground for the Society of Friends, better known today as the Quakers. They were a religious society, split away from the Church of England, and formed a closed community with a complex social and economic structure spanning from Europe to North America and the Caribbean in the 18th century. Many Quakers lived and worked in Bristol. They became the first group to oppose slave trade in 1760, a remarkable point of view considering many Quakers owed their wealth directly or indirectly to the slave trade in Bristol. Free.

Clifton and Durdham Downs. Adjacent to the Avon Gorge, the Suspension Bridge and Bristol Zoo, 400 acres of grassland, with views towards the Severn Estuary and the Mendip Hills.

Brandon Hill & The Cabot Tower, Off Park Street (about 10 minutes walk up a steep hill from the centre of Bristol, +44 117 922-3719. This attractive and hilly park is worth visiting, if only for the views over Bristol from the hill-top. Even better views can be gained by climbing the narrow spiral staircase within the Cabot Tower atop the hill. Open every day from 8AM to 30 min before dusk. The tower is now open again after being closed for significant structural maintenance.

Cabot Tower, +44 117 974-4664. Daytime. This dramatic Victorian tower occupies a prominent hilltop in Brandon Hill park, seen from much of the city. If you climb up the spiral staircase, you get a great view of the whole city from the top. There are signs which show you what you are looking at. It's a great way to get acquainted with the city and oriented to where you are. Free.

Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, BS41 9JN (2 miles from the city centre to the west, +44 117 963-9174. city park, less than from the city centre, with a mix of meadow, woodland, deer park, golf course, site of the Balloon Fiesta, the KIte Festival and the former Ashton Court Festival.

Leigh Woods, +44 117 973-1645. A wilderness of beauty and tranquility set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Avon Gorge and Brunel's world famous suspension bridge (National Trust).

Blaise Castle Estate. of park and woodland on the northern fringes, with a folly, the gorge of the River Trym and a small museum in Blaise House.

Oldbury Court. Woodland and riverside paths alongside the Frome, with historic parkland and children's play facilities, approx north east of city centre.

Queen Square. A 2.4 ha garden square in the center, originally laid out outside Bristol's city walls in an area known as the Town Marsh. Its planning started in 1699 and construction finished in 1727, being named after Queen Anne. It has seen a turbulent history, with much of the north and west side buildings being destroyed during the riots of 1831 and subsequently rebuilt. From 1937 to 1992 the square was scarred by a dual carriageway road crossing it diagonally, which created a lot of traffic to flow through the area. After this became unbearable by the 90s, the road was closed and demolished by the late 90s, and the garden restored to its pre 1937 glory. Although originally a residential neighborhood, the buildings surrounding the square are nowadays used as offices, and many are listed under heritage protection. The center of the square hosts the iconic statue of William III, a sculpture by John Michael Rysbrack who cast it in 1733 in brass and erected it in 1736 to signify the city's loyalty. Free.

Quakers Burial Ground, Redcliffe Hill. 24/7. Original burial ground for the Society of Friends, better known today as the Quakers. They were a religious society, split away from the Church of England, and formed a closed community with a complex social and economic structure spanning from Europe to [[North America]] and the [[Caribbean]] in the 18th century. Many Quakers lived and worked in Bristol. They became the first group to oppose slave trade in 1760, a remarkable point of view considering many Quakers owed their wealth directly or indirectly to the slave trade in Bristol. Free.

• Tyntesfield, Wraxall, BS48 1NX (7 miles west of Bristol, +44 844 800 4966. A Victorian Gothic Revival house named after the Tynte baronets.

Tyntesfield, Wraxall, BS48 1NX (7 miles west of Bristol, +44 844 800 4966. A Victorian Gothic Revival house named after the Tynte baronets.

Street Art, across town. everyday. Street artist Banksy is from Bristol and some of his works can be seen around the city. free.

Bristol Blue Glass, 357 Bath Road, BS4 3EW (take bus X39 direction Bath and get off at. Glass workshop producing traditional blue glass, a local specialty since the late 18th century. Cobalt oxide and lead oxide are mixed into the molten glass, giving it its characteristic deep blue colour. The glass workshop can be visited on request with a tour along the furnaces. It also includes a shop where glassware can be purchased.

Whitchurch Airport, Hengrove Park. 24/7. Former airport of Bristol, operating from 1930 until 1957. It played an important role during the [[Second World War]] as air bridge between the UK and neutral [[Portugal]], and other territories such as [[Gibraltar]]. From the early 1950s the airport became too small to accommodate scheduled services, and expansion was limited by surrounding housing estates. It remained in use for some years for short flights to the [[Channel Islands]], [[Isle of Wight]] and the [[Isle of Man]], but flying ceased from 1957 onward. It was reopened in 1959 as a racing circuit, but most of the former airport grounds have been redeveloped since. The main runway still exists and can be visited. Free.

• Ferry Boat Co., Welsh Back (Ferry stops all around the city), +44 117 927-3416. Throughout the day. Catch a ferry and enjoy the exciting world of Bristol's Historic Harbour - for a round trip tour, hop-on and hop-off, or getting from A to B; and to many of the harbourside attractions. Timetables are available online and at many places in the city.
• Pirate Walks, Meet at Millennium or Anchor Square., +44 7950 566483. Join Pirate Pete for a 1-hour guided walking tour of Bristol's historic harbourside. Walking tours of Bristol's 16th-, 17th- and 18th-century Maritime History of discovery, trade, slavery and piracy (always call before visiting). Adults £6.00, children £3.50.
• Jump, 22 Concorde Road, Cribbs Causeway, BS34 5TB, +44 117 931-2733. Daily 10AM-6:30PM; school holidays 9:30AM-6PM. Bristol Jump has enormous adventure play-frames: a space zone, a galleon and an enchanted castle. At 22,000 sq feet it is the largest dedicated indoor soft play centre in England and it is tucked away in the back of Cribbs Causeway! There are also huge inflatables, an indoor football pitch, ten-pin bowling and an enormous zone just for toddlers. They also offer themed party rooms, a café and different activities every day. Babies: £1.00; 1 to 3 years: £5.50; 4+ years: £6.50; adults: £1.75; OAPS: £1.00 (on production of a bus pass).
• Undercover Rock, Mina Road, BS2 9YT St. Werburgh's (St.Werburgh's Church, look out for the tower, +44 1179 413 489. M-F 9:30AM-10PM, Sa Su 9:30AM-6PM. Climbing centre housed in the former church of St. Werburgh's, with numerous climbing walls of varying difficulty levels. Training for beginners is available as well. It's not possible to climb the tower, but the interior of this historic building will definitely leave you speechless while dangling on a rope! £7-9.
• Watch football, i.e. soccer. Two mens teams are based here. Bristol City play in the Championship, the second tier of English football. Their home ground (capacity 27,000) is Ashton Gate BS3 2EJ on the southwest edge of the city. Their women's team play in the Women's Super League. Bristol Rovers (men) play in League One, the third tier. Their home ground (capacity 12,000) is Memorial Stadium, Filton Ave, Horfield BS7 0BF, in the north of the city off A38.
• Watch cricket at Gloucestershire CCC, Nevil Rd B37 9EJ (A mile north of centre. Gloucestershire CCC were promoted in 2019 and now play in Division One of the County Championship.

Bristol has a widespread range of festivals throughout the year. The most significant include:

• St Paul's Carnival. July (only some years). African and Caribbean arts festival.
• Bristol Balloon Fiesta, Ashton Court Estate,. One weekend in August.
• Bristol Open Doors Day. weekend in early September. See a variety of buildings open on this weekend, including places which are not normally open to the public. You can just turn up for most of the more than 100 buildings, but a few require advance bookings. free.
• Venn Festival.
• Mayfest.
• Festival of Ideas.
• Bristol Harbour Festival. 3 days in mid-July. Festival of music, dance and maritime events. free.
• Bristol International Kite Festival.
• Slapstick Silent Film Festival. a few days in January. A festival of vintage films.
• Encounters Short Film Festival.
• Wildscreen Film Festival.
• Bristol Vegfest.

St Paul's Carnival. July (only some years). African and Caribbean arts festival.

Bristol Balloon Fiesta, Ashton Court Estate,. One weekend in August.

Bristol Open Doors Day. weekend in early September. See a variety of buildings open on this weekend, including places which are not normally open to the public. You can just turn up for most of the more than 100 buildings, but a few require advance bookings. free.

Venn Festival.

Mayfest.

Festival of Ideas.

Bristol Harbour Festival. 3 days in mid-July. Festival of music, dance and maritime events. free.

Bristol International Kite Festival.

Slapstick Silent Film Festival. a few days in January. A festival of vintage films.

Encounters Short Film Festival.

Wildscreen Film Festival.

Bristol Vegfest.

There are various websites publicising these events, but probably the best thing is to pick up a copy of Venue Magazine (analogous to London's Time Out) from a stockist. Venue is no longer weekly and paid, but has been merged with the Folio free monthly lifestyle magazine, and new editions are usually available on the last Friday of the month.

Saturday's edition of the Bristol Evening Post has a free pull-out supplement called Seven that lists much of what is on offer in the city during the following seven days. Alternatively you can check out Bristol Music & Theatre listings online on Bristol Music which also has contact details for all local venues and music contacts and reviews.

Headfirst is a local website and mobile app that offers detailed listings of what's going on in many of the bars and late night venues around the city, with an emphasis on live music.

• Watershed, Canons’s Rd, +44 117 927-5100. The primary hub for art-house film in the city centre with a lovely (WiFi enabled) cafe too.
• Cube Microplex, Dove Street South. Hidden away not far from the bus station, this small non-profit making co-operative venue is housed in a beautifully shabby 1960s theatre. It's run entirely by volunteers and specialises in experimental film, music and performance. A unique experience.
• Odeon Cinema, Union St, +44 117 929-0884. Three-screen mainstream cinema located in the centre of Bristol
• Vue Cinemas. There are two of these Warner Village cinemas in Bristol, one near the Mall out-of-town shopping centre at Cribbs Causeway (near the M5/M4 junction) and the other in Longwell Green, off the A4174 Ring Road. Both are modern multiplex type cinemas with approx 10 screens.
• Showcase Cinema, Avonmeads, St Philips Causeway, BS2 0SP (Avonmeads Retail Park. Bristol's first multiplex cinema, the Showcase has been open since at least the mid-1990s. Rarely busy, so you always have plenty of seating choice. £7.95.
• Cineworld, Hengrove Leisure Park, Hengrove Way (off the A4174 Ring Road in the outskirts of the south of the city. Notable for showing at least one Bollywood film per week.
• Arnolfini. Right on the water's edge at Narrow Quay, this contemporary arts centre includes a cinema showing alternative and arthouse films. And the quayside is a great place to soak up the sun with a beer from the cafe!
• Showcase De Lux, Glass House Ln (Cabot Circus, +44 871 220 1000. Newest multiplex in the Cabot Circus shopping centre next to the Broadmead commercial district.

Watershed, Canons’s Rd, +44 117 927-5100. The primary hub for art-house film in the city centre with a lovely (WiFi enabled) cafe too.

Cube Microplex, Dove Street South. Hidden away not far from the bus station, this small non-profit making co-operative venue is housed in a beautifully shabby 1960s theatre. It's run entirely by volunteers and specialises in experimental film, music and performance. A unique experience.

Odeon Cinema, Union St, +44 117 929-0884. Three-screen mainstream cinema located in the centre of Bristol

Vue Cinemas. There are two of these Warner Village cinemas in Bristol, one near the Mall out-of-town shopping centre at Cribbs Causeway (near the M5/M4 junction) and the other in Longwell Green, off the A4174 Ring Road. Both are modern multiplex type cinemas with approx 10 screens.

Showcase Cinema, Avonmeads, St Philips Causeway, BS2 0SP (Avonmeads Retail Park. Bristol's first multiplex cinema, the Showcase has been open since at least the mid-1990s. Rarely busy, so you always have plenty of seating choice. £7.95.

Cineworld, Hengrove Leisure Park, Hengrove Way (off the A4174 Ring Road in the outskirts of the south of the city. Notable for showing at least one Bollywood film per week.

Arnolfini. Right on the water's edge at Narrow Quay, this contemporary arts centre includes a cinema showing alternative and arthouse films. And the quayside is a great place to soak up the sun with a beer from the cafe!

Showcase De Lux, Glass House Ln (Cabot Circus, +44 871 220 1000. Newest multiplex in the Cabot Circus shopping centre next to the Broadmead commercial district.

• Tobacco Factory Theatre and Brewery Theatre, North St, +44 117 902-0345. A hidden gem outside the city centre, in the Southville area of town. Well known for being involved in some of the most cutting-edge theatre in the city.
• Bristol Old Vic, King St, +44 117 987-7877. Bristol's main repertory theatre, located in the city centre
• Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustines Parade, +44 870 607 7500. Showing large West End-style shows.
• Alma Tavern Theatre, 18-20 Alma Vale Rd, +44 117 973-5171, +44 117 946-7899 (reservations). Theatre on the first floor of the Alma Tavern & Theatre pub in Clifton, a short walk from Whiteladies Road. The theatre seats 50, with the bar on the ground floor.
• Redgrave Theatre, Perceval Road, Clifton, +44 117 315-7620. 320-seat theatre hosting amateur drama, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School productions and concerts.
• Wickham Theatre, Cantocks Close, +44 117 954-5481. University of Bristol's theatre, hosting student and professional performances.
• Kelvin Studios, 253b Gloucester Rd, +44 117 959-3636. Home to the Kelvin Players Theatre Company, an amateur theatre group on Gloucester Road.

Tobacco Factory Theatre and Brewery Theatre, North St, +44 117 902-0345. A hidden gem outside the city centre, in the Southville area of town. Well known for being involved in some of the most cutting-edge theatre in the city.

Bristol Old Vic, King St, +44 117 987-7877. Bristol's main repertory theatre, located in the city centre

Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustines Parade, +44 870 607 7500. Showing large West End-style shows.

Alma Tavern Theatre, 18-20 Alma Vale Rd, +44 117 973-5171, +44 117 946-7899 (reservations). Theatre on the first floor of the Alma Tavern & Theatre pub in Clifton, a short walk from Whiteladies Road. The theatre seats 50, with the bar on the ground floor.

Redgrave Theatre, Perceval Road, Clifton, +44 117 315-7620. 320-seat theatre hosting amateur drama, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School productions and concerts.

Wickham Theatre, Cantocks Close, +44 117 954-5481. University of Bristol's theatre, hosting student and professional performances.

Kelvin Studios, 253b Gloucester Rd, +44 117 959-3636. Home to the Kelvin Players Theatre Company, an amateur theatre group on Gloucester Road.

• Victoria Rooms, Whiteladies Rd, +44 117 331-4044. The University of Bristol's Department of Music. A wide range of music is presented in their free Wednesday lunchtime concert series, often given by established professional performers. Other [evening] concerts include the universities' symphony and chamber orchestras. Times and prices vary, contact the department for more information.
• Colston Hall, Colston St, +44 117 922-3682. Wide variety of concerts, gigs and performances.
• St George's, Great George St (off Park Street, +44 845 402 4001. Wide variety of acoustic music including classical, world and jazz.
• Bristol (O2) Academy, Frogmore St. Large gigs and club nights
• SWX, Nelson St. Club nights, often with famous guest DJs.
• Anson Rooms, Queens Rd. From comedians to live music, many renowned artists and the universities' students often perform here.
• The Fleece, St Thomas St. Free on Monday and Tuesdays.
• The Trinity Centre, Trinity Rd, +44 117 935-1200.
• Thekla, East Mud Dock. The famous club on a boat, sporting a Banksy graffiti work and prime location by Queens Square.
• Bristol Bierkeller, All Saints St.. Rock, Metal, Punk, Goth, Alternative.
• Full Moon & Eclipse, North St./Stokes Croft. Formerly an important Metal and Punk venue but has now become a backpacker hostel with some music events targeted at their guests.
• The Croft, Stokes Croft. The croft has a policy of supporting new music of every style and scheduling mainly homegrown talent. Free M-W before 10PM, and then a charge on Th-Su.
• The Louisiana, Wapping Road/Bathurst Terrace. Bands that have played here include Coldplay, the Whitestripes, Kings of Leon, and Keane.
• The Old Duke, King St. Jazz, Blues
• Black Swan, 438 Stapleton Rd, Eastville, +44 117 939-3334. A pub that regularly hosts alternative liberal, electronic dance, rave music events.

Pubs offering live music of some sort are extremely numerous in most areas of the city.

Victoria Rooms, Whiteladies Rd, +44 117 331-4044. The University of Bristol's Department of Music. A wide range of music is presented in their free Wednesday lunchtime concert series, often given by established professional performers. Other [evening] concerts include the universities' symphony and chamber orchestras. Times and prices vary, contact the department for more information.

Colston Hall, Colston St, +44 117 922-3682. Wide variety of concerts, gigs and performances.

St George's, Great George St (off Park Street, +44 845 402 4001. Wide variety of acoustic music including classical, world and jazz.

Bristol (O2) Academy, Frogmore St. Large gigs and club nights

SWX, Nelson St. Club nights, often with famous guest DJs.

Anson Rooms, Queens Rd. From comedians to live music, many renowned artists and the universities' students often perform here.

The Fleece, St Thomas St. Free on Monday and Tuesdays.

The Trinity Centre, Trinity Rd, +44 117 935-1200.

Thekla, East Mud Dock. The famous club on a boat, sporting a Banksy graffiti work and prime location by Queens Square.

Bristol Bierkeller, All Saints St.. Rock, Metal, Punk, Goth, Alternative.

Full Moon & Eclipse, North St./Stokes Croft. Formerly an important Metal and Punk venue but has now become a backpacker hostel with some music events targeted at their guests.

The Croft, Stokes Croft. The croft has a policy of supporting new music of every style and scheduling mainly homegrown talent. Free M-W before 10PM, and then a charge on Th-Su.

The Louisiana, Wapping Road/Bathurst Terrace. Bands that have played here include Coldplay, the Whitestripes, Kings of Leon, and Keane.

The Old Duke, King St. Jazz, Blues

Black Swan, 438 Stapleton Rd, Eastville, +44 117 939-3334. A pub that regularly hosts alternative liberal, electronic dance, rave music events.

• The Comedy Box. Usually hosted above the Hen and Chicken pub on North Street, Southville but sometimes at the nearby Tobacco Factory (especially for more popular acts). Has hosted a number of major stand-up acts, including Mark Thomas, Sue Perkins, Ed Byrne and Marcus Brigstocke.
• The Lanes, 22 Nelson Street, +44 117 325-1979. Live stand-up every Friday and Saturday night.
• Oppo Comedy, Channings Hotel, Pembroke Rd. Su from 8:30PM, hosted by Mark Olver £2+.
• Thunderbolt Pub, Bath Rd. Occasional events
• Bristol Improv, 31-35 Cotham Hill, BS6 6JY. Bristol University's only improv troupe put on free and paid shows each month, with a regular show at The Hill

The Comedy Box. Usually hosted above the Hen and Chicken pub on North Street, Southville but sometimes at the nearby Tobacco Factory (especially for more popular acts). Has hosted a number of major stand-up acts, including Mark Thomas, Sue Perkins, Ed Byrne and Marcus Brigstocke.

The Lanes, 22 Nelson Street, +44 117 325-1979. Live stand-up every Friday and Saturday night.

Oppo Comedy, Channings Hotel, Pembroke Rd. Su from 8:30PM, hosted by Mark Olver £2+.

Thunderbolt Pub, Bath Rd. Occasional events

Bristol Improv, 31-35 Cotham Hill, BS6 6JY. Bristol University's only improv troupe put on free and paid shows each month, with a regular show at The Hill

This showcase cycle path runs on a disused railway line from central Bristol to Bath. With its traffic free tarmac, gentle gradients, and only two minor road crossings on its 22 km stretch, it is ideal for cycling. At a leisurely pace the journey to Bath takes a good 2 hr through green suburbs and some attractive countryside. If you are too tired to cycle back, you can take your bicycle free of charge on one of the frequent trains from Bath Spa to Bristol temple meads station. The journey takes 10-15 min.

From Bath, you can continue cycling along the towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal all the way to Bradford on Avon, taking another hour or so. Though not paved and somewhat narrower than the Bristol to Bath cycle path, the towpath is still traffic free and the scenery even more beautiful. There are two or three places to stop and eat or drink on the way. The aqueduct at Avoncliff is worth seeing. From Bradford too there are direct trains back to Bristol that carry bicycles.

• Hengrove Park Leisure Centre, Hengrove Promenade, BS14 0DE, +44 117 937 0200. M Tu Th 5:30AM-8:30PM, W 5:30AM-10PM, Sa Su 06AM-7:30PM. Gym, olympic swimming pool, 4 court sports hall, dance studio, health suite, and an 8-m climbing wall to the south of Bristol. Swimming: £4.60 for adults, £3 for kids; Gym £6.70 for adults and £3.50 for kids.
• Diamonds, 363 Bath Rd, 3EW (next to Bristol Blue Glass, +44 117 977 4659. M-F 10AM-8PM, Sa Su 11AM-8PM. Massages in a friendly atmosphere, ideal for days with miserable weather. Reservation well in advance required. £60.

Hengrove Park Leisure Centre, Hengrove Promenade, BS14 0DE, +44 117 937 0200. M Tu Th 5:30AM-8:30PM, W 5:30AM-10PM, Sa Su 06AM-7:30PM. Gym, olympic swimming pool, 4 court sports hall, dance studio, health suite, and an 8-m climbing wall to the south of Bristol. Swimming: £4.60 for adults, £3 for kids; Gym £6.70 for adults and £3.50 for kids.

Diamonds, 363 Bath Rd, 3EW (next to Bristol Blue Glass, +44 117 977 4659. M-F 10AM-8PM, Sa Su 11AM-8PM. Massages in a friendly atmosphere, ideal for days with miserable weather. Reservation well in advance required. £60.

Ferry Boat Co., Welsh Back (Ferry stops all around the city), +44 117 927-3416. Throughout the day. Catch a ferry and enjoy the exciting world of Bristol's Historic Harbour - for a round trip tour, hop-on and hop-off, or getting from A to B; and to many of the harbourside attractions. Timetables are available online and at many places in the city.

Pirate Walks, Meet at Millennium or Anchor Square., +44 7950 566483. Join Pirate Pete for a 1-hour guided walking tour of Bristol's historic harbourside. Walking tours of Bristol's 16th-, 17th- and 18th-century Maritime History of discovery, trade, slavery and piracy (always call before visiting). Adults £6.00, children £3.50.

Jump, 22 Concorde Road, Cribbs Causeway, BS34 5TB, +44 117 931-2733. Daily 10AM-6:30PM; school holidays 9:30AM-6PM. Bristol Jump has enormous adventure play-frames: a space zone, a galleon and an enchanted castle. At 22,000 sq feet it is the largest dedicated indoor soft play centre in England and it is tucked away in the back of Cribbs Causeway! There are also huge inflatables, an indoor football pitch, ten-pin bowling and an enormous zone just for toddlers. They also offer themed party rooms, a café and different activities every day. Babies: £1.00; 1 to 3 years: £5.50; 4+ years: £6.50; adults: £1.75; OAPS: £1.00 (on production of a bus pass).

Undercover Rock, Mina Road, BS2 9YT St. Werburgh's (St.Werburgh's Church, look out for the tower, +44 1179 413 489. M-F 9:30AM-10PM, Sa Su 9:30AM-6PM. Climbing centre housed in the former church of St. Werburgh's, with numerous climbing walls of varying difficulty levels. Training for beginners is available as well. It's not possible to climb the tower, but the interior of this historic building will definitely leave you speechless while dangling on a rope! £7-9.

Watch football, i.e. soccer. Two mens teams are based here. Bristol City play in the Championship, the second tier of English football. Their home ground (capacity 27,000) is Ashton Gate BS3 2EJ on the southwest edge of the city. Their women's team play in the Women's Super League. Bristol Rovers (men) play in League One, the third tier. Their home ground (capacity 12,000) is Memorial Stadium, Filton Ave, Horfield BS7 0BF, in the north of the city off A38.

Watch cricket at Gloucestershire CCC, Nevil Rd B37 9EJ (A mile north of centre. Gloucestershire CCC were promoted in 2019 and now play in Division One of the County Championship.

Broadmead and Cabot Circus are the two major precincts in the city's central shopping district.

Cabot Circus, Central, +44 117 952-9360. A large and architecturally impressive shopping centre in central Bristol, opened in 2008. The name was chosen by public vote after it was decided that the name 'Merchants Quarter' brought with it too many connotations to Bristol's slave trade past. It is a large, and mostly under-cover shopping centre, containing over 120 shops including House of Fraser, Harvey Nichols, Apple, Hollister, Boss, Ted Baker, Fred Perry, and a Cinema Du Lux.

Broadmead remains a pretty dire indictment of post war planning and architecture; it contains The Galleries, Bristol's city centre mall. It is large and has a good range of shops, although many chains have moved their premises to Cabot Circus. Most of the major department stores can be found in the streets outside. Department stores in Broadmead include Primark and Debenhams. Other high street stores include Lush, Next, New Look, River Island, Marks and Spencers, Waterstones, HMV, Currys, H&M, Miss Selfridge.

• The Mall Cribbs Causeway, Kessels Rd, Patchway, BS34 5DG. An out of town mall off junction 17 of the M5. This has a large John Lewis and Marks and Spencer as well as lots of other fashionable shops. The surrounding area of Cribbs Causeway is also home to large stores such as TK Maxx and furniture stores, with The Venue – including the Vue cinema complex, and chain restaurants such as Frankie & Benny's, Chiquitos and TGIF's.
• Avonmeads. Between St Philips and Brislington, Avonmeads has a few out of town shops, restaurants, Showcase cinema and bowling. Shops include Boots, Mothercare, Currys, Brantano, Outfit, The Range, and M&S Simply Food. A short distance away is Sainsburys.
• ASDA, East St, Bristol BS3 4JY, +44 117 923 1563. Large supermarket in Bedminster, south of the Bristol city centre. One of the cheapest supermarkets in Bristol, ASDA is the best choice for travellers to restock on food and drinks. They also carry SIM card top-ups for the major UK carriers and necessary tools to make repairs to equipment (duct tape, etc.)
• Sainsbury's, St Philips Causeway, Bristol BS4 3BD, +44 117 977 4887. M-Sa 7AM-10PM, Su 10AM-4PM. Large supermarket close to Bedminster, a bit more expensive than ASDA in Southville, but offers a variety of prepared take-away foods such as salads and prepared noodle dishes that can be eaten cold. Don't forget to pick up a pack of plastic spoons or forks if you don't have any along, you'll find them in aisle 31.

Cabot Circus, Central, +44 117 952-9360. A large and architecturally impressive shopping centre in central Bristol, opened in 2008. The name was chosen by public vote after it was decided that the name 'Merchants Quarter' brought with it too many connotations to Bristol's slave trade past. It is a large, and mostly under-cover shopping centre, containing over 120 shops including House of Fraser, Harvey Nichols, Apple, Hollister, Boss, Ted Baker, Fred Perry, and a Cinema Du Lux.

The Mall Cribbs Causeway, Kessels Rd, Patchway, BS34 5DG. An out of town mall off junction 17 of the M5. This has a large John Lewis and Marks and Spencer as well as lots of other fashionable shops. The surrounding area of Cribbs Causeway is also home to large stores such as TK Maxx and furniture stores, with The Venue – including the Vue cinema complex, and chain restaurants such as Frankie & Benny's, Chiquitos and TGIF's.

Avonmeads. Between St Philips and Brislington, Avonmeads has a few out of town shops, restaurants, Showcase cinema and bowling. Shops include Boots, Mothercare, Currys, Brantano, Outfit, The Range, and M&S Simply Food. A short distance away is Sainsburys.

ASDA, East St, Bristol BS3 4JY, +44 117 923 1563. Large supermarket in Bedminster, south of the Bristol city centre. One of the cheapest supermarkets in Bristol, ASDA is the best choice for travellers to restock on food and drinks. They also carry SIM card top-ups for the major UK carriers and necessary tools to make repairs to equipment (duct tape, etc.)

Sainsbury's, St Philips Causeway, Bristol BS4 3BD, +44 117 977 4887. M-Sa 7AM-10PM, Su 10AM-4PM. Large supermarket close to Bedminster, a bit more expensive than ASDA in Southville, but offers a variety of prepared take-away foods such as salads and prepared noodle dishes that can be eaten cold. Don't forget to pick up a pack of plastic spoons or forks if you don't have any along, you'll find them in aisle 31.

• Park Street, Queens Road and The Triangle (marketed by the local traders as Bristol's West End) has a good range of fashionable clothes shops, book shops, restaurants, takeaways, record shops.
• Clifton Village contains a wide variety of smaller, more expensive boutique style shops, as well as some nice cafes and restaurants.
• Whiteladies Road has some small department stores, takeaways, restaurants, bars, Clifton Down shopping centre, electrical stores, bookshops, gift shops.
• Old Market Street/West Street is home to several of Bristol's massage parlours, along with a few adult shops several gay bars and a gay club called Flamingos. Nearby on Midland Road is The Club, and on Alfred Street, The Elite Retreat; both good massage parlours, although Central Massage on Old Market Street is the cheapest, and Adam & Eve on West Street is open 24/7.

Bristol also has quite vibrant district shopping centres. The best of these are probably:

• Christmas Steps area, mainly independent shops including many boutique type shops, including bookshops, hairdressers, vintage clothing stores and some bars.
• North St and East St, in Bedminster in the south of the city. A wide range of independent shops, also supermarkets, greengrocers, butchers, bars, cafes, delicatessens, charity shops.
• Gloucester Rd/Cheltenham Rd in the North, which offer a lot of cafes and restaurants, a number of instrument shops, many hardware stores and a good selection of independent butchers, bakers and greengrocers. At night, the restaurants and pubs attract lively nightlife.
• Fishponds Rd and Staple Hill in the East. Asian restaurants, thrift shops, bakers and independent stores.
• St Mark's Rd in Easton, in the east of the inner city, which is particularly noted for its mainly South Asian food shops and restaurants. It is also home to a modern vegetarian/vegan restaurant (Café Maitreya) that has won national acclaim.

There are also a number of markets in and around the city. St Nicholas Market in the centre, near Corn St. is a permanent fixture and has stalls selling jewellery, books, CDs and fresh food. It also hosts the 'Nails' market on Fridays and Saturdays, a Flea Market on Fridays, and various special markets around the end of the year. There are a number of farmers markets (and similar events) held at different venues around the city. These include:

• Corn St.. Bristol Farmers Market on Wednesday mornings 9:30AM-2:30PM. Local producers from a 40-mile radius sell a massive range of food from cheese, fish, honey, cakes, vegetables to meat, game and poultry at this award-winning market. All the produce is grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked or smoked by the stallholders.
• St Nicholas Market, Corn Street. Covered market M-Sa 9:30AM-5PM. Historic covered market, established in 1743, with about 50 stalls. Outdoors there is a Nails Market on Fri, Sat; Farmers Market on Wed; Food Market on Fri.
• Straits Parade, Fishponds. Straits Parade is a grassy open space right alongside the busy Fishponds Road. Here the Market has come to its customers. Held on the Second Thursday morning each month it is gaining a strong local following. Good bus links to Emersons Green and Downend.
• Sunday Market at theTobacco Factory, Southville. 10AM-2:30PM. It has around 30 stalls and leans strongly towards eco-friendly, fair trade and local products.
• Slow Food Market. 10AM-3PM. Corn St. on the first Sunday, hrs. It is the largest food market in Bristol, with the widest choice. Although it is the largest food market, Slow Food Bristol and Bristol City Council are committed to increasing its size and range further. They are aiming by next year to see the market going international with visits from food producers from France, Germany, Portugal, Spain and, of course, Italy.
• Whiteladies Rd.. Due to its popularity with both stallholders and shoppers it is now fortnightly, alternating Fridays 8:30AM till 1PM, and Saturdays, 9AM till 2PM, at the corner of Whiteladies Road and Apsley Road.

Corn St.. Bristol Farmers Market on Wednesday mornings 9:30AM-2:30PM. Local producers from a 40-mile radius sell a massive range of food from cheese, fish, honey, cakes, vegetables to meat, game and poultry at this award-winning market. All the produce is grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked or smoked by the stallholders.

St Nicholas Market, Corn Street. Covered market M-Sa 9:30AM-5PM. Historic covered market, established in 1743, with about 50 stalls. Outdoors there is a Nails Market on Fri, Sat; Farmers Market on Wed; Food Market on Fri.

Straits Parade, Fishponds. Straits Parade is a grassy open space right alongside the busy Fishponds Road. Here the Market has come to its customers. Held on the Second Thursday morning each month it is gaining a strong local following. Good bus links to Emersons Green and Downend.

Sunday Market at theTobacco Factory, Southville. 10AM-2:30PM. It has around 30 stalls and leans strongly towards eco-friendly, fair trade and local products.

Slow Food Market. 10AM-3PM. Corn St. on the first Sunday, hrs. It is the largest food market in Bristol, with the widest choice. Although it is the largest food market, Slow Food Bristol and Bristol City Council are committed to increasing its size and range further. They are aiming by next year to see the market going international with visits from food producers from France, Germany, Portugal, Spain and, of course, Italy.

Whiteladies Rd.. Due to its popularity with both stallholders and shoppers it is now fortnightly, alternating Fridays 8:30AM till 1PM, and Saturdays, 9AM till 2PM, at the corner of Whiteladies Road and Apsley Road.

Bristol has a huge choice of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. There are many around the Harbourside and the West End's Park Street and Whiteladies Road, but do not be dissuaded from trying those outside the centre as many are superior to those that attract passing trade due to their location. After a night out, or if your hotel allows food delivery, you will also be able to find many takeaways in Bristol, with different varieties of food.

• There is a food aisle within the glass arcade at St Nicholas Market, near Corn Street. Many international cuisines are represented, including Italian, Indian, West Indian/Caribbean, Moroccan and Portuguese. Can be a bit chilly, depending on the weather, so keep your coat on!
• One Stop Thali Cafe, +44 117 942-6687. York Road, Montpelier, and also in Easton, Clifton, Totterdown, and North Street in Southville. The Thali specialises in vegetarian Indian food and in terms of volume of food, must be one of the best bargains in the city! Loads of courses for very little outlay. On Sundays there is normally live music and bargain thalis on a first-come-first-served basis (no reservations taken).
• Las Iguanas, Whiteladies Road, Clifton (opposite Clifton Down Shopping Centre. Delicious South American food with the fresh flavours of lime, salsa and chilli. Two-course lunch is a bargain at £8.
• Arch House Deli, Clifton Village, +44 117 974-1166. Gourmet food including cheeses, charcuterie, cakes, hampers, wine, corporate gifts, antipasti, picnics hampers, breads, luxury chocolates and amazing sandwiches. Set in a beautiful historical building with hand painted ceilings. Arch House Deli also has an onsite café and provides a range of outside catering services (no reservations taken). Credit and debit cards are accepted. Freshly cooked dish of the day is £7.50.
• Wagamama, Queen's Road. A professionally run, good-value Asian noodle bar. Main courses are filling, of consistent quality and cost £5-8. Walkable from the centre, or take a bus from St. Augustines Parade/College Green up Park Street.
• Tripitakas, 80 Colston Street, BS1 5BB. Provides Thai soups and curry, sushi and baguettes from £2 - vegetarian option.
• IKEA Restaurant, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Eastgate Rd, Bristol BS5 6XX, +44 20 3645 0000. M-Sa 9:30AM-8:30PM, Su 10AM-4:30PM. Bristol's IKEA restaurant serves a mix of UK, Swedish and international food at low cost, starting at £4.50 for a main dish, £1.50 for soup and £1.75 for a dessert. Don't expect culinary excellence or large portions here, but if you're on a tight budget, the IKEA restaurant is the place to be to fill your belly with minimal impact on your wallet. There are only a few dishes to choose from (among which usually a vegetarian one), but don't expect too many vegan or gluten-free options. Self-service restaurant, well suited for families with kids. £4.50.
• Falafel King, 6 Cotham Hill, Bristol BS6 6LF, +44 117 329 4476. M-Sa 10:30AM-10:30PM, Su 10:45AM-7:30PM. Middle-Eastern food with an emphasis on couscous and falafels, the Falafel King offers a wide range of salads and prepared dishes for budget travellers. Perfect place to explore new flavour combinations with mint, cumin, etc., without plundering your wallet. Portions are larger than you'd expect for the money you're paying. Limited seating available, so reservation is recommendable on busy days.
• Golden Spiced, 88 Mina Rd, Bristol, BS2, +44 1179 552 419. Daily 5:30PM-11:30PM. Take-away Indian restaurant with an extensive menu. Tikka Lamb starting at £7.50, but also many entries and vegetarian options available. Wait time usually around 10 minutes. Take-away only, no seating. £2.50.
• Fresh Takeaway, 124 Saint Michael's Hill, +44 117 926 5959. 10:30AM-10PM. Small Chinese takeaway restaurant, serving traditional Cantonese food. There is no indoor seating available. Try their fried pork rice for £5.30! They have a daily lunch offer for £4.80. £4.80.
• Lodekka, Tramway Rd, BS4 3DS Brislington (on the corner of Bath Rd and Tramway Rd, +44 117 971 2975. Daily 10AM-11PM. Grill restaurant aiming to provide the best value, translating in large portions of average quality grilled meat. The mixed grill for £11.49 is very good for its price. A great place for families or dinners with friends, not such a great choice for vegetarians. Indoor and outdoor seating available, and a playground for kids. You need to order food at the bar with mention of your table number and pay up front to the bartender, food is then delivered to your table. £5-11.50.
• Pizza Factory, 200 Bloomfield Road, BS4 3QU Brislington, +44 1179774307. Tu-Th 17:00-11PM, F-Su noon-11PM. A small privately owned fast food restaurant run by a family of highly motivated Indians. If you expect a wood-fired pizza oven here you'll be disappointed, but it will be hard to find better tasting pizzas for the price anywhere else in Bristol. Huge selection of toppings to choose from, the best opportunity to compose your own pizza. They also have a selection of drinks and desserts. Stay away from the chips, they're nothing special. £7-£9.
• Parsons, 35 Sandy Park Rd, BS4 3PH, +44 117 977 2744. M-F 7:30AM-4PM, Sa 8AM-3:30PM. Family run bakery in the Sandy Park commercial district of Brislington. Sells a wide range of baked goods, sandwiches, donuts, and assorted snacks.
• Falafel King City Centre, at the Centre Promenade. M-Sa 11AM-7PM, Su 11AM-5PM. Snack stands in the centre, conveniently next to the bus stops! Excellent falafel customized to just about any preference. £6.
• The Square Kitchen, 15 Berkeley Square, BS8 1HB, +44 117 921-0455. Fine dining, serving fresh and innovative dishes using organic and locally sourced produce. £5 lunches & à la carte dining.
• Taka Taka, Queens Row, 1 Queens Rd, BS8 1QE, +44 117 929 1785. M-Sa 11AM-4PM, Su noon-midnight. Greek comfort food restaurant, with seating inside or takeaway. Decent sized portions of kebabs, souvlaki etc. served with Greek bread and/or chips, tzatziki, and a vegetable mix. £8.50.
• Mezze Palace, 13A Small St., BS1 1DE, +44 1179277937. M-Sa noon-11PM, Su noon-10PM. Lebanese restaurant serving authentic food in sizeable portions. Their £5 meal deal features 6 different specialities including hummus, grilled chicken, and minced lamb. £5.

There is a food aisle within the glass arcade at St Nicholas Market, near Corn Street. Many international cuisines are represented, including Italian, Indian, West Indian/Caribbean, Moroccan and Portuguese. Can be a bit chilly, depending on the weather, so keep your coat on!

One Stop Thali Cafe, +44 117 942-6687. York Road, Montpelier, and also in Easton, Clifton, Totterdown, and North Street in Southville. The Thali specialises in vegetarian Indian food and in terms of volume of food, must be one of the best bargains in the city! Loads of courses for very little outlay. On Sundays there is normally live music and bargain thalis on a first-come-first-served basis (no reservations taken).

Las Iguanas, Whiteladies Road, Clifton (opposite Clifton Down Shopping Centre. Delicious South American food with the fresh flavours of lime, salsa and chilli. Two-course lunch is a bargain at £8.

Arch House Deli, Clifton Village, +44 117 974-1166. Gourmet food including cheeses, charcuterie, cakes, hampers, wine, corporate gifts, antipasti, picnics hampers, breads, luxury chocolates and amazing sandwiches. Set in a beautiful historical building with hand painted ceilings. Arch House Deli also has an onsite café and provides a range of outside catering services (no reservations taken). Credit and debit cards are accepted. Freshly cooked dish of the day is £7.50.

Wagamama, Queen's Road. A professionally run, good-value Asian noodle bar. Main courses are filling, of consistent quality and cost £5-8. Walkable from the centre, or take a bus from St. Augustines Parade/College Green up Park Street.

Tripitakas, 80 Colston Street, BS1 5BB. Provides Thai soups and curry, sushi and baguettes from £2 - vegetarian option.

IKEA Restaurant, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Eastgate Rd, Bristol BS5 6XX, +44 20 3645 0000. M-Sa 9:30AM-8:30PM, Su 10AM-4:30PM. Bristol's IKEA restaurant serves a mix of UK, Swedish and international food at low cost, starting at £4.50 for a main dish, £1.50 for soup and £1.75 for a dessert. Don't expect culinary excellence or large portions here, but if you're on a tight budget, the IKEA restaurant is the place to be to fill your belly with minimal impact on your wallet. There are only a few dishes to choose from (among which usually a vegetarian one), but don't expect too many vegan or gluten-free options. Self-service restaurant, well suited for families with kids. £4.50.

Falafel King, 6 Cotham Hill, Bristol BS6 6LF, +44 117 329 4476. M-Sa 10:30AM-10:30PM, Su 10:45AM-7:30PM. Middle-Eastern food with an emphasis on couscous and falafels, the Falafel King offers a wide range of salads and prepared dishes for budget travellers. Perfect place to explore new flavour combinations with mint, cumin, etc., without plundering your wallet. Portions are larger than you'd expect for the money you're paying. Limited seating available, so reservation is recommendable on busy days.

Golden Spiced, 88 Mina Rd, Bristol, BS2, +44 1179 552 419. Daily 5:30PM-11:30PM. Take-away Indian restaurant with an extensive menu. Tikka Lamb starting at £7.50, but also many entries and vegetarian options available. Wait time usually around 10 minutes. Take-away only, no seating. £2.50.

Fresh Takeaway, 124 Saint Michael's Hill, +44 117 926 5959. 10:30AM-10PM. Small Chinese takeaway restaurant, serving traditional Cantonese food. There is no indoor seating available. Try their fried pork rice for £5.30! They have a daily lunch offer for £4.80. £4.80.

Lodekka, Tramway Rd, BS4 3DS Brislington (on the corner of Bath Rd and Tramway Rd, +44 117 971 2975. Daily 10AM-11PM. Grill restaurant aiming to provide the best value, translating in large portions of average quality grilled meat. The mixed grill for £11.49 is very good for its price. A great place for families or dinners with friends, not such a great choice for vegetarians. Indoor and outdoor seating available, and a playground for kids. You need to order food at the bar with mention of your table number and pay up front to the bartender, food is then delivered to your table. £5-11.50.

Pizza Factory, 200 Bloomfield Road, BS4 3QU Brislington, +44 1179774307. Tu-Th 17:00-11PM, F-Su noon-11PM. A small privately owned fast food restaurant run by a family of highly motivated Indians. If you expect a wood-fired pizza oven here you'll be disappointed, but it will be hard to find better tasting pizzas for the price anywhere else in Bristol. Huge selection of toppings to choose from, the best opportunity to compose your own pizza. They also have a selection of drinks and desserts. Stay away from the chips, they're nothing special. £7-£9.

Parsons, 35 Sandy Park Rd, BS4 3PH, +44 117 977 2744. M-F 7:30AM-4PM, Sa 8AM-3:30PM. Family run bakery in the Sandy Park commercial district of Brislington. Sells a wide range of baked goods, sandwiches, donuts, and assorted snacks.

Falafel King City Centre, at the Centre Promenade. M-Sa 11AM-7PM, Su 11AM-5PM. Snack stands in the centre, conveniently next to the bus stops! Excellent falafel customized to just about any preference. £6.

The Square Kitchen, 15 Berkeley Square, BS8 1HB, +44 117 921-0455. Fine dining, serving fresh and innovative dishes using organic and locally sourced produce. £5 lunches & à la carte dining.

Taka Taka, Queens Row, 1 Queens Rd, BS8 1QE, +44 117 929 1785. M-Sa 11AM-4PM, Su noon-midnight. Greek comfort food restaurant, with seating inside or takeaway. Decent sized portions of kebabs, souvlaki etc. served with Greek bread and/or chips, tzatziki, and a vegetable mix. £8.50.

Mezze Palace, 13A Small St., BS1 1DE, +44 1179277937. M-Sa noon-11PM, Su noon-10PM. Lebanese restaurant serving authentic food in sizeable portions. Their £5 meal deal features 6 different specialities including hummus, grilled chicken, and minced lamb. £5.

• Bell's Diner, 1-3 York Rd, +44 117 924-0357. Open Tu-F noon-3PM; M-Sa 7PM-10:30PM. Montpelier. A very well respected Bristol institution for those who know, Bell's serves up some of the most unique menus in the city, including their 'taster' menu where you get to work your way around everything. £18-35.
• Hotel du Vin, The Sugar House, Narrow Lewins Mead, +44 117 925-5577. This hotel has a wonderful Bistro with a great atmosphere. Food and service is of excellent quality. Starters about £7, main course £15 and dessert around £7. Walkable from the centre.
• Cafe Maitreya, St. Marks Road, Easton, +44 117 951-0100. Tu-Sa 6:45–9:45PM. Nationally acclaimed vegan/vegetarian restaurant. So good, even many omnivores enjoy it too! £16-20, excluding drinks.
• Bordeaux Quay, V-Shed Canons Way, +44 117 943-1200. Bordeaux Quay is a harbourside venue with an upmarket restaurant upstairs, a casual brasserie, bar, deli downstairs, with a bakery and cookery school - all under one roof. They aim to offer the very best in regionally sourced organic food and drink, while it tries to maintain environmental sustainability, energy consumption, minimalism waste and reducing food miles. Grab a coffee and freshly baked pain au chocolat for breakfast, or indulge in succulent mussels for dinner.
• River Station, The Grove, +44 117 914-4434. The restaurant aims to be carbon neutral with naturally generated air-conditioning. Great location on the harbourside looking towards Redcliffe. Fresh locally sourced menu with a lean towards Mediterranean seafood.
• Casamia, The General, Lower Guinea Street, +44 117 959-2884. W-Sa 6:30PM-8:15PM, F Sa 12:15PM-1:30PM; book 1-3 months ahead. This Italian restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in 2009, and has moved to a more central location. from £98.
• Glassboat, +44 117 929-0704. On a converted river barge next to Bristol Bridge, this up-market restaurant was furnished with reclaimed materials from the surrounding city, and has been under the same ownership since the end of the 1970s. Mains range from £15-25, with an early bird menu before 7PM allowing for 3 courses for £20.
• Wilks Restaurant, 1B Chandos Road. W–Su 6:30PM–9PM, Th–Su noon–2PM; book a couple weeks ahead. Michelin star restaurant. £25 - £78.
• Bullrush, 21 Cotham Rd S, Bristol BS6 5TZ. Michelin star restaurant.
• Swoon Gelato, 31a College Green, BS1 5TB (accross from the Cathedral, +44 117 929 0093. 10AM-10:30PM daily. Regarded as the best ice cream in the city, although not cheap. Fairly posh interior, with indoor seating or take away. £4.5 for 2 scoops in a cone.

Bell's Diner, 1-3 York Rd, +44 117 924-0357. Open Tu-F noon-3PM; M-Sa 7PM-10:30PM. Montpelier. A very well respected Bristol institution for those who know, Bell's serves up some of the most unique menus in the city, including their 'taster' menu where you get to work your way around everything. £18-35.

Hotel du Vin, The Sugar House, Narrow Lewins Mead, +44 117 925-5577. This hotel has a wonderful Bistro with a great atmosphere. Food and service is of excellent quality. Starters about £7, main course £15 and dessert around £7. Walkable from the centre.

Cafe Maitreya, St. Marks Road, Easton, +44 117 951-0100. Tu-Sa 6:45–9:45PM. Nationally acclaimed vegan/vegetarian restaurant. So good, even many omnivores enjoy it too! £16-20, excluding drinks.

Bordeaux Quay, V-Shed Canons Way, +44 117 943-1200. Bordeaux Quay is a harbourside venue with an upmarket restaurant upstairs, a casual brasserie, bar, deli downstairs, with a bakery and cookery school - all under one roof. They aim to offer the very best in regionally sourced organic food and drink, while it tries to maintain environmental sustainability, energy consumption, minimalism waste and reducing food miles. Grab a coffee and freshly baked pain au chocolat for breakfast, or indulge in succulent mussels for dinner.

River Station, The Grove, +44 117 914-4434. The restaurant aims to be carbon neutral with naturally generated air-conditioning. Great location on the harbourside looking towards Redcliffe. Fresh locally sourced menu with a lean towards Mediterranean seafood.

Casamia, The General, Lower Guinea Street, +44 117 959-2884. W-Sa 6:30PM-8:15PM, F Sa 12:15PM-1:30PM; book 1-3 months ahead. This Italian restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in 2009, and has moved to a more central location. from £98.

Glassboat, +44 117 929-0704. On a converted river barge next to Bristol Bridge, this up-market restaurant was furnished with reclaimed materials from the surrounding city, and has been under the same ownership since the end of the 1970s. Mains range from £15-25, with an early bird menu before 7PM allowing for 3 courses for £20.

Wilks Restaurant, 1B Chandos Road. W–Su 6:30PM–9PM, Th–Su noon–2PM; book a couple weeks ahead. Michelin star restaurant. £25 - £78.

Bullrush, 21 Cotham Rd S, Bristol BS6 5TZ. Michelin star restaurant.

Swoon Gelato, 31a College Green, BS1 5TB (accross from the Cathedral, +44 117 929 0093. 10AM-10:30PM daily. Regarded as the best ice cream in the city, although not cheap. Fairly posh interior, with indoor seating or take away. £4.5 for 2 scoops in a cone.

The fact that it's the home to around 44,000 students probably says a lot for the quality of the city's nightlife. Surprisingly, though, it's relatively expensive, with prices similar to those in London. Mainstream nightlife centres around 3 main areas - Corn Street in the 'old city', Park Street/Whiteladies Road, and the Harbourside. These areas get extremely busy, if not rowdy, at weekends, however there are plenty of places in Bristol where you can have a good time without mixing with more student type crowds. Venue magazine is a good source of information. The eastern end of King Street in the old city provides a slightly more relaxed, but popular, outdoor drinking area on sunny summer evenings, surrounded by historic pubs such as the 17th-century Llandoger Trow (reputed to have been the haunt of pirates and the model for the Admiral Benbow in Robert Louis Stevenson's novel "Treasure Island").

Amongst the hundreds of brilliant venues in the city, there are four outstanding areas:

• St Nicholas' Market, including Baldwin Street: on and around Corn Street, you'll find several chain bars, including Wetherspoons' the Commercial Rooms on Corn Street which was once a meeting place for Merchant Ventures. Other reliable venues include the Slug & Lettuce and Vodka Revolution on St Nicholas Street, All Bar One and Walkabout on Corn Street and O'Neill's and Reflex on Baldwin Street. However, those looking to get away from the familiar will definitely enjoy Start The Bus at the bottom of Corn Street, an established indie pub-come-club; also, Mr Wolf's on St Stephen's Street offers noodles and live music.
• Harbourside area: the regenerated waterside is a great place to drink, especially on summer afternoons. On Welsh Back, there's the famous Old Duke jazz pub and, opposite it, the famous Lladngoer Trow - plus, the Apple, a floating cider bar. Bristol's famous bar on a boat, the Thekla, is around the corner, and there are plenty of big chain and independent bars on Canon Road. Millennium Square has lots of chain restaurants and bars centered on the impressive mirrored 'Imaginarium' and fountains. The Waterfront by the hippodrome can be rowdy of a weekend and is best avoided.
• Park Street, Park Row, Clifton Triangle and Whiteladies Road: Whiteladies Road runs from the Downs on top of Blackboy Hill, past Clifton on one side and Cotham and Redland on the other; at the Triangle, traffic runs around the eponymous island of shops and bars before pushing down Park Street to the centre of Bristol. There are hundreds of bars and clubs along this busy thoroughfare: popular venues include the Tube, the Woods, Embargo, Brown's, The Jersey Lily and the Black Bear.
• Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road: the anarchic area of Stokes Croft is home to Bristol's big independent clubs, Blue Mountain, Lakota and Clockwork. Whilst not in Stokes Croft, Club Motion, hidden behind Temple Meads station is a relatively new addition to the Bristol scene, hosting similar nights and acts as these venues. A skate park by day, this huge (by any standards) club has become one of Bristol's most popular, is internationally known, and is well worth a visit for seasoned clubbers; after these monoliths, there are live music venues, pubs and bars to please the alternative crowd. Highlights include the Pipe and Slippers, the Croft, the Bell, the Flyer and the Prince of Wales.

If you're a tourist in Bristol, you may enjoy visiting one of the city's pubs and bars with historic and literary connections.

• The Llandoger Trow, King Street. Supposedly the meeting place of Daniel Defoe and 'Robinson Crusoe', Alexander Selkirk. It is also rumoured to be Robert Louis' Stevenson's inspiration for the Admiral Benbow pub in his work, Treasure Island. The pub is a 17th-century Grade II listed building.
• Abolitionist the Reverend Thomas Clarkson stayed in the Seven Stars in Redcliffe while he researched the British slave trade in 1787.
• Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey used to meet in the Rummer Tavern to talk about emigrating. An earlier pub on the same premises, known as the Greene Lattis, was the first pub in Bristol to get a license, back in 1241.
• Actor Cary Grant often stayed in the Avon Gorge Hotel, which has a terrace bar opening out onto Clifton's best view of Brunel's suspension bridge.
• Pioneers of the Bristol sound, Massive Attack, established the Tube, a bar/club at the foot of Park Street.

City Centre pubs

• The Hatchet, 27 Frogmore Street, BS1 5NA, +44 117 929-4118. Bristol's oldest pub is favourite of many various 'alternative' sub-cultures and is sometimes the venue for related club- and live-music events in upper room. Due to its proximity to the Bristol Academy venue, it's convenient for pre-gig drinks. Open until 2AM on weekends.
• Goldbrick House, 69 Park Street, BS1 5PB, +44 117 945-1950. The bar is laid out over the top floor of a traditional Georgian building and spans four interconnecting rooms. It has a great intimate vibe as it creates the feeling that you are drinking, not in a bar but in someone’s house. The décor reflects this mood as there are contemporary yet comfy armchairs and sofas dotted around.
• The Apple, Welsh Back, BS1 4SB, +44 117 925-3500. A floating cider bar. A converted old Dutch Barge where the decks have been transformed into seating areas where you can sit and lull with the water whilst enjoying some of the West Country’s finest ciders. A really unique place to grab a drink. Just be wary of what cider you are drinking as some are rather lethal and could lead to a man-overboard situation.

Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road pubs

• The Hillgrove Porter Stores, 53 Hillgrove Street North, BS2 8LT, +44 117 924-8234. Winner of the CAMRA Bristol pub of the year in 2007, a freehouse with ten real ales and cider, perry. A wide mix of customers, good food and heated beer garden, open Su-Th 'til midnight, F & Sa 'til 1AM.
• The Miner's Arms, 136 Mina Road, St Werburghs, BS2 9YQ, +44 117 907-9874. This pub is the type of large, multi-roomed community local that is increasingly rare. Declared the Best Pub in Bristol by Venue Magazine in 2005, it has mirrored the resurgence of this vibrant community.
• Duke of York, 2 Jubilee Road, St Werburghs, BS2 9RS, +44 117 941-3677. Winner of CAMRA's Best Pub in Bristol 2008, has a friendly atmosphere and quirky décor.
• The Green Man, 21 Alfred Place, Kingsdown, BS2 8HD, +44 117 930-4824. Opened in September 2008 as the first 'organic' pub in the city. The pub used to be the Georgian-built 'The Bell'. Notably, all the alcoholic drinks are organic and the freshly-prepared food is all organic or free range. Two of the six real ales are served on gravity from the barrel.
• The Highbury Vaults, 164 St Michael's Hill, St Michael's Hill, BS2 8DE, +44 117 973-3203. Winner of the CAMRA Bristol pub of the year in 2003, the Highbury Vaults is a classic traditional pub with 8 real ales available on cask. Popular with students and older customers alike, and with a large heated garden. Open until midnight.
• Cosies, 34 Portland Square, +44 117 942-4110. Don’t let the location (St. Pauls) of this amazing place put you off. The best way to describe it, is an underground cave. You walk down some steps on the street and enter through one small door straight up to the bar. The first half of the bar is relatively open, by this there are a few windows, but as you turn the corner you enter the ‘cave’ . A low ceiling, arched brick room with a DJ booth in the corner. On weekends it gets rammed as the beer is cheap, the music is pumping and the wide range of people from the students and middle aged couples to the Rastas in the corner, are all bumping and grinding with one another, leading to one hell of a night.

Clifton pubs

• The Portcullis, 3 Wellington Terrace, Sion Hill, Clifton, BS8 4LE, +44 117 908-5536. Freehouse near Brunel's Suspension Bridge. A Grade II listed Georgian building, it has been a pub since the 1850s. On two levels, the bottom bar and main entrance is one of the smallest pubs in Bristol.
• The Victoria, 2 Southleigh Road, Clifton, BS8 2BH, +44 117 974-5675. Freehouse is part of the Grade II* listed Clifton Lido site.
• The Coronation Tap, 8 Sion Place, Clifton, BS8 4AX, +44 117 973-9617. A small West-Country cider house in Clifton, famous for its Exhibition cider - sweet, innocent looking but lethal. Gets rammed at weekends.

Hotwells pubs

There are a number of traditional pubs located around the City Docks, such as The Cottage at the Hotwells end of the Floating Harbour, Grain Barge and the Nova Scota. These pubs can be accessed by foot or by harbour ferry.

Surrounding area

• Dundry Inn, Dundry, BS41 8LH (less than a mile from the city boundary, +44 117 964-1722. A small, friendly pub with cask ales opposite the church. Also 2 en-suite double rooms. Ambitious, home-cooked menu £5-15.50.

Bars with live music;

• Mr Wolfs, St Nicholas St. 6PM-3AM. Live music venue and noodle bar which has live music every night of the week from local bristol artists.

Bristol's a gay-friendly city, on the whole, with a rounded and rich gay scene. Flamingo's on West Street is probably Bristol's biggest gay club with a 900-person capacity. The Pineapple on St George's Road is a sociable and well-established pink pub, and just down the road, the QueenShilling on Frogmore Street is a long-standing club that holds the Bristol heats of Mr Gay UK. And Club Wonky, held at Warehouse on Prince Street on the last Friday of the month where sleazy electro hits are cut with pop classics.

Non-alcoholic venues

• The Big Banana Juice Bar. Great juice bar in the centre of town at St Nicholas's Market on Corn Street. Fruit juices and organic wheatgrass. Into health and wellbeing. Juice promotions and promotional events.
• Blue Juice, 39 Cotham Hill, Cotham. Also serves wraps and salads.
• Shakeaway, The Arcade, Broadmead. Will make a milkshake out of pretty much anything, including Haribo, Mars Bars and Oreos.
• Racks Bar & Kitchen, St.Paul's Road, BS8 1LX, +44 117 974-1626. M-Th 7AM-11PM; F Sa 8AM-midnight; Su 8AM-10:30PM. In an old wine cellar (hence the name), Racks has been established as a go-to bar in Clifton for over 30 years.
• Boswell's, Broadmead (The Galleries, +44 117 929 9964. A café in The Galleries, similar to Starbucks, offering a large variety of coffee, tea and hot chocolate flavors. Comfortable seating with power sockets and internet access, this is the ideal venue for travellers to recharge laptop and phone batteries.
• You & Meow, 22 Denmark Street. Noon-7:15PM. Pub filled with friendly people and free-roaming cats. A true heaven for cat-lovers!
• Brace & Browns, 43 Whiteladies Road, BS8 2LS, +44 117 973 7800. Trendy bar and restaurant next to the BBC building. Selection of decent food in good portion sizes, fairly priced. Not suitable for kids. Reservation in advance is recommended if you want to be sure of indoor seating.
• Mocha Mocha, 139 Saint Michaels Hill, BS2 8BS, +44 1173 763363. M-F 07.45 - 17.00. Small coffee shop specialized in hot beverages, snacks and breakfast. Their Cinnamon Latte for £3.40 is delicious!
• Doms Coffee House, 23-25 St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UL, +44 117 312 1040. M-F 7:30AM-7:30PM, Sa 9:30AM-7:30PM, Su 10AM-4PM. Cold and hot beverages, and a selection of cakes, sandwiches and other snacks. Alcohol only sold together with food items. The ground floor is pretty small, but there is huge indoor seating on the first floor with a great view over the Centre in a Victorian setting. The globe in the far corner opens up and reveals a chess set!

St Nicholas' Market, including Baldwin Street: on and around Corn Street, you'll find several chain bars, including Wetherspoons' the Commercial Rooms on Corn Street which was once a meeting place for Merchant Ventures. Other reliable venues include the Slug & Lettuce and Vodka Revolution on St Nicholas Street, All Bar One and Walkabout on Corn Street and O'Neill's and Reflex on Baldwin Street. However, those looking to get away from the familiar will definitely enjoy Start The Bus at the bottom of Corn Street, an established indie pub-come-club; also, Mr Wolf's on St Stephen's Street offers noodles and live music.

Harbourside area: the regenerated waterside is a great place to drink, especially on summer afternoons. On Welsh Back, there's the famous Old Duke jazz pub and, opposite it, the famous Lladngoer Trow - plus, the Apple, a floating cider bar. Bristol's famous bar on a boat, the Thekla, is around the corner, and there are plenty of big chain and independent bars on Canon Road. Millennium Square has lots of chain restaurants and bars centered on the impressive mirrored 'Imaginarium' and fountains. The Waterfront by the hippodrome can be rowdy of a weekend and is best avoided.

Park Street, Park Row, Clifton Triangle and Whiteladies Road: Whiteladies Road runs from the Downs on top of Blackboy Hill, past Clifton on one side and Cotham and Redland on the other; at the Triangle, traffic runs around the eponymous island of shops and bars before pushing down Park Street to the centre of Bristol. There are hundreds of bars and clubs along this busy thoroughfare: popular venues include the Tube, the Woods, Embargo, Brown's, The Jersey Lily and the Black Bear.

Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road: the anarchic area of Stokes Croft is home to Bristol's big independent clubs, Blue Mountain, Lakota and Clockwork. Whilst not in Stokes Croft, Club Motion, hidden behind Temple Meads station is a relatively new addition to the Bristol scene, hosting similar nights and acts as these venues. A skate park by day, this huge (by any standards) club has become one of Bristol's most popular, is internationally known, and is well worth a visit for seasoned clubbers; after these monoliths, there are live music venues, pubs and bars to please the alternative crowd. Highlights include the Pipe and Slippers, the Croft, the Bell, the Flyer and the Prince of Wales.

The Llandoger Trow, King Street. Supposedly the meeting place of Daniel Defoe and 'Robinson Crusoe', Alexander Selkirk. It is also rumoured to be Robert Louis' Stevenson's inspiration for the Admiral Benbow pub in his work, Treasure Island. The pub is a 17th-century Grade II listed building.

Abolitionist the Reverend Thomas Clarkson stayed in the Seven Stars in Redcliffe while he researched the British slave trade in 1787.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey used to meet in the Rummer Tavern to talk about emigrating. An earlier pub on the same premises, known as the Greene Lattis, was the first pub in Bristol to get a license, back in 1241.

Actor Cary Grant often stayed in the Avon Gorge Hotel, which has a terrace bar opening out onto Clifton's best view of Brunel's suspension bridge.

Pioneers of the Bristol sound, Massive Attack, established the Tube, a bar/club at the foot of Park Street.

The Hatchet, 27 Frogmore Street, BS1 5NA, +44 117 929-4118. Bristol's oldest pub is favourite of many various 'alternative' sub-cultures and is sometimes the venue for related club- and live-music events in upper room. Due to its proximity to the Bristol Academy venue, it's convenient for pre-gig drinks. Open until 2AM on weekends.

Goldbrick House, 69 Park Street, BS1 5PB, +44 117 945-1950. The bar is laid out over the top floor of a traditional Georgian building and spans four interconnecting rooms. It has a great intimate vibe as it creates the feeling that you are drinking, not in a bar but in someone’s house. The décor reflects this mood as there are contemporary yet comfy armchairs and sofas dotted around.

The Apple, Welsh Back, BS1 4SB, +44 117 925-3500. A floating cider bar. A converted old Dutch Barge where the decks have been transformed into seating areas where you can sit and lull with the water whilst enjoying some of the West Country’s finest ciders. A really unique place to grab a drink. Just be wary of what cider you are drinking as some are rather lethal and could lead to a man-overboard situation.

The Hillgrove Porter Stores, 53 Hillgrove Street North, BS2 8LT, +44 117 924-8234. Winner of the CAMRA Bristol pub of the year in 2007, a freehouse with ten real ales and cider, perry. A wide mix of customers, good food and heated beer garden, open Su-Th 'til midnight, F & Sa 'til 1AM.

The Miner's Arms, 136 Mina Road, St Werburghs, BS2 9YQ, +44 117 907-9874. This pub is the type of large, multi-roomed community local that is increasingly rare. Declared the Best Pub in Bristol by Venue Magazine in 2005, it has mirrored the resurgence of this vibrant community.

Duke of York, 2 Jubilee Road, St Werburghs, BS2 9RS, +44 117 941-3677. Winner of CAMRA's Best Pub in Bristol 2008, has a friendly atmosphere and quirky décor.

The Green Man, 21 Alfred Place, Kingsdown, BS2 8HD, +44 117 930-4824. Opened in September 2008 as the first 'organic' pub in the city. The pub used to be the Georgian-built 'The Bell'. Notably, all the alcoholic drinks are organic and the freshly-prepared food is all organic or free range. Two of the six real ales are served on gravity from the barrel.

The Highbury Vaults, 164 St Michael's Hill, St Michael's Hill, BS2 8DE, +44 117 973-3203. Winner of the CAMRA Bristol pub of the year in 2003, the Highbury Vaults is a classic traditional pub with 8 real ales available on cask. Popular with students and older customers alike, and with a large heated garden. Open until midnight.

Cosies, 34 Portland Square, +44 117 942-4110. Don’t let the location (St. Pauls) of this amazing place put you off. The best way to describe it, is an underground cave. You walk down some steps on the street and enter through one small door straight up to the bar. The first half of the bar is relatively open, by this there are a few windows, but as you turn the corner you enter the ‘cave’ . A low ceiling, arched brick room with a DJ booth in the corner. On weekends it gets rammed as the beer is cheap, the music is pumping and the wide range of people from the students and middle aged couples to the Rastas in the corner, are all bumping and grinding with one another, leading to one hell of a night.

The Portcullis, 3 Wellington Terrace, Sion Hill, Clifton, BS8 4LE, +44 117 908-5536. Freehouse near Brunel's Suspension Bridge. A Grade II listed Georgian building, it has been a pub since the 1850s. On two levels, the bottom bar and main entrance is one of the smallest pubs in Bristol.

The Victoria, 2 Southleigh Road, Clifton, BS8 2BH, +44 117 974-5675. Freehouse is part of the Grade II* listed Clifton Lido site.

The Coronation Tap, 8 Sion Place, Clifton, BS8 4AX, +44 117 973-9617. A small West-Country cider house in Clifton, famous for its Exhibition cider - sweet, innocent looking but lethal. Gets rammed at weekends.

Dundry Inn, Dundry, BS41 8LH (less than a mile from the city boundary, +44 117 964-1722. A small, friendly pub with cask ales opposite the church. Also 2 en-suite double rooms. Ambitious, home-cooked menu £5-15.50.

Mr Wolfs, St Nicholas St. 6PM-3AM. Live music venue and noodle bar which has live music every night of the week from local bristol artists.

The Big Banana Juice Bar. Great juice bar in the centre of town at St Nicholas's Market on Corn Street. Fruit juices and organic wheatgrass. Into health and wellbeing. Juice promotions and promotional events.

Blue Juice, 39 Cotham Hill, Cotham. Also serves wraps and salads.

Shakeaway, The Arcade, Broadmead. Will make a milkshake out of pretty much anything, including Haribo, Mars Bars and Oreos.

Racks Bar & Kitchen, St.Paul's Road, BS8 1LX, +44 117 974-1626. M-Th 7AM-11PM; F Sa 8AM-midnight; Su 8AM-10:30PM. In an old wine cellar (hence the name), Racks has been established as a go-to bar in Clifton for over 30 years.

Boswell's, Broadmead (The Galleries, +44 117 929 9964. A café in The Galleries, similar to Starbucks, offering a large variety of coffee, tea and hot chocolate flavors. Comfortable seating with power sockets and internet access, this is the ideal venue for travellers to recharge laptop and phone batteries.

You & Meow, 22 Denmark Street. Noon-7:15PM. Pub filled with friendly people and free-roaming cats. A true heaven for cat-lovers!

Brace & Browns, 43 Whiteladies Road, BS8 2LS, +44 117 973 7800. Trendy bar and restaurant next to the BBC building. Selection of decent food in good portion sizes, fairly priced. Not suitable for kids. Reservation in advance is recommended if you want to be sure of indoor seating.

Mocha Mocha, 139 Saint Michaels Hill, BS2 8BS, +44 1173 763363. M-F 07.45 - 17.00. Small coffee shop specialized in hot beverages, snacks and breakfast. Their Cinnamon Latte for £3.40 is delicious!

Doms Coffee House, 23-25 St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UL, +44 117 312 1040. M-F 7:30AM-7:30PM, Sa 9:30AM-7:30PM, Su 10AM-4PM. Cold and hot beverages, and a selection of cakes, sandwiches and other snacks. Alcohol only sold together with food items. The ground floor is pretty small, but there is huge indoor seating on the first floor with a great view over the Centre in a Victorian setting. The globe in the far corner opens up and reveals a chess set!

Like many other big cities in the UK, Bristol has its rough areas. Use common sense while getting around.

Isolated drunken brawls can occur in the centre of town on Friday and Saturday nights as pubs and clubs close, especially near the waterfront area, the Centre, taxi queues and fast food joints. This has been reduced somewhat by a heavy police presence and security guards monitoring the taxi queues.

Avoid Baldwin Street at the 11PM and 2AM kickout times. Go somewhere else to hail a cab from some of the smaller, less busy ranks.

There are also specific areas that have a reputation after dark. The inner city districts of St Pauls and Easton are said to be rife with drugs and gangs but should not pose any danger to people outside the narcotics trade. The areas are as safe as anywhere else during the day. Pay attention to what is around you, and you should encounter no difficulties.

Also, some outlying suburbs such as Southmead, Knowle West and Hartcliffe have a bad reputation, but it is unlikely that a visitor to the city would travel to these parts.

The main problem is beggars as many will approach you on the street to ask for money.

Also, you may find people offering to sell you drugs. Those people have no drugs and will instead give you a bogus parcel (such as balls of cellophane or matches wrapped in newspaper) and run off with your money. They often have knives so avoid the people in the first place.

Be careful on matchdays especially when the Bristol derby(Bristol City and Bristol Rovers) are playing. Unfortunately fights are very common between the two teams. If you are extremely concerned about your safety, stay away from the stadium they are playing, don't go to pubs or at best, stay out of the city. Don't wear a City shirt in North Bristol and don't wear a Rovers shirt in the southern suburbs and the city. At least, you will get dirty looks.

• NHS Direct, 0845 46 47 (non-geographic number).
• Bristol Royal Infirmary Queens Building, Marlborough Street provides treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, assessment by an experienced NHS nurse, advice on how to stay healthy, and information on out-of-hours GP and dental services, local pharmacy services and other local health services. There is also a NHS Walk-in Centre at Knowle West Health Park, In the southern part of the city, For Opening times contact NHS Direct.
• Southmead Hospital Emergency Department and Minor Injury Unit open 24 hours every day
• Bristol Eye Hospital is a specialist hospital for eye conditions and has an accident and emergency department with limited opening hours for eye conditions only.
• Bristol Dental Hospital provides the full range of Dental Specialties including Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine, Restorative, Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry.Emergency service for dental conditions only (opening hours 8AM-10AM).
• NHS 111 operate a 24-hour helpline available by phone on 111 (free call). For all serious and possibly-serious complaints, they will probably refer the caller to a local General Practitioner or Accident and Emergency department.

NHS Direct, 0845 46 47 (non-geographic number).

Bristol Royal Infirmary Queens Building, Marlborough Street provides treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, assessment by an experienced NHS nurse, advice on how to stay healthy, and information on out-of-hours GP and dental services, local pharmacy services and other local health services. There is also a NHS Walk-in Centre at Knowle West Health Park, In the southern part of the city, For Opening times contact NHS Direct.

Southmead Hospital Emergency Department and Minor Injury Unit open 24 hours every day

Bristol Eye Hospital is a specialist hospital for eye conditions and has an accident and emergency department with limited opening hours for eye conditions only.

Bristol Dental Hospital provides the full range of Dental Specialties including Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine, Restorative, Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry.Emergency service for dental conditions only (opening hours 8AM-10AM).

NHS 111 operate a 24-hour helpline available by phone on 111 (free call). For all serious and possibly-serious complaints, they will probably refer the caller to a local General Practitioner or Accident and Emergency department.

Bristol's landline area code is 117. Dial 0117 from within the UK or +44 117 from outside the UK.

Bristol has easy internet access like most cities, and as a city, has the advantage of broadband being easily accessible both to install and use.

The council has installed the internet in all the libraries in Bristol, but you must be a member of Bristol Libraries to make full use of it. Occasional 20 minute guest use is available to non-members who need to show a passport or other ID.

Bristol also has an abundance of internet cafes available for all to use. A network of free Wi-Fi hotspots called StreetNet is being deploying in central Bristol. It is available around the Watershed and along Queen's Road.

Many small "i" stations can be found in and around the centre, allowing you to surf certain approved sites such as job search pages, visitor information, transport links and entertainment guides for local clubs and venues. You can also send emails with media attachments: for example you are able to film a message for someone to send alongside your regular email.

Map of places with Wikivoyage articles nearby

• Bath, with its famous Regency terraces, Roman remains and spa facilities, is drive or 15 minutes train journey away, and makes an excellent day trip from Bristol.
• Wells, with its beautiful cathedral, is an hour's coach ride from Bristol.
• Weston-super-Mare, probably the nearest sea-side resort with a sandy beach and plenty of entertainment suitable for young families. An adult day return from Bristol Temple Meads is £6.30. If possible, take the train to Weston-super-mare as an adult day return from the bus station will cost upwards of £8.

[[Bath]], with its famous Regency terraces, Roman remains and spa facilities, is drive or 15 minutes train journey away, and makes an excellent day trip from Bristol.

[[Wells]], with its beautiful cathedral, is an hour's coach ride from Bristol.

[[Weston-super-Mare]], probably the nearest sea-side resort with a sandy beach and plenty of entertainment suitable for young families. An adult day return from Bristol Temple Meads is £6.30. If possible, take the train to Weston-super-mare as an adult day return from the bus station will cost upwards of £8.

Two popular rural tourist destinations that are both an hour from Bristol:

• The Cotswolds
• The Mendips

Further afield the following are possible day trips and worthy destinations:

• Exmoor
• Dorset, Devon
• Forest of Dean
• Brecon Beacons