As you overlook the glistening Avon River and buzzing with youthful energy, Bristol will beckon you to explore its colourful contrast of historic charm and modern flair.
From the cobbled stones of its medieval Old Town to the technicolour street art, this forward-thinking city is a fantastic place to live.
Part of our guide on living in the South West.
Best places to visit in Bristol
Here are some of the top spots and activities for visitors to enjoy:
Clifton Suspension Bridge
One of Bristol’s most iconic landmarks is the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Spanning the Avon Gorge, this bridge was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and completed in 1864. Take a walk across for panoramic views over the city and the Avon Gorge below. It’s particularly stunning lit up at night.
SS Great Britain
Step aboard the SS Great Britain, one of Bristol’s top attractions. This historic passenger ship was the first iron steamer to cross the Atlantic in 1845. Now fully restored and located in Bristol Harbour, you can explore the ship’s decks and passenger quarters to get a glimpse into Victorian era travel.
Bristol Zoo
For family fun, visit Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton. See gorillas, lions, seals, penguins and more up close in the zoo’s natural habitats. Check out the schedule for daily talks, feeding times and special events. The zoo also has play areas, train and carousel rides for kids to enjoy.
Clifton Village
Meander through upmarket Clifton Village, known for its boutique shops, art galleries, and cosy cafes. Check out the Clifton Observatory for breathtaking views from the camera obscura and telescopes. Or take a peaceful stroll through the verdant Clifton Downs nearby.
Street Art Tour
Bristol is famed for its street art, so take a guided tour to discover spectacular murals and graffiti artworks around the city centre and harbourside. Some of the world’s best street artists like Banksy have left their mark here.
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
You can also Learn about Bristol’s history and explore world cultures at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery near the University of Bristol. Highlights include Egyptian mummies, dinosaurs, and an impressive collection of art from the 14th century to today. Don’t miss the aviation hall with iconic Bristol Biplanes dangling from the ceiling!
Popular Neighbourhoods in Bristol
Bristol is a city of distinct and vibrant neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character and appeal. From upscale suburban areas to trendy inner-city districts, there is something to suit every taste and lifestyle.
Clifton
Clifton is one of Bristol’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. Situated to the west of the city centre, it offers a refined atmosphere with boutique shops and restaurants along The Triangle and Whiteladies Road. The area has a village feel, cantered around the restored Georgian architecture of Clifton Village. Here you’ll find intimate cafes, wine bars, and specialty shops housed in charming period buildings.
Clifton’s leafy parks also add to its allure, including the grassy expanses of The Downs and the woods and trails of Ashton Court Estate. The neighbourhood also provides easy access across the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge to picturesque Leigh Woods.
Redland
Adjacent to refined Clifton lies the energetic neighbourhood of Redland. While it shares a similar aesthetic of grand period houses and tree-lined streets, Redland has more of a lively, urban village vibe.
The charming high street caters to locals with indie cafes, pubs, boutiques, and essential shops. Redland is also home to Redland Green cricket ground where you can catch matches during summertime.
This neighbourhood strikes the perfect balance – close enough to enjoy all the perks of Clifton, while still retaining its own unique, community-driven atmosphere.
Stokes Croft
For those seeking an edgier, more alternative vibe, Stokes Croft is the place to be. This inner-city district embodies Bristol’s creative spirit with street art lining the walls, live music pulsing from local bars like The Croft and The Canteen, and indie boutiques showcasing up-and-coming designers.
Despite the grungier exterior, Stokes Croft has a strong community identity and an atmosphere of acceptance. It’s the perfect area for experiencing Bristol’s cultural side.
Southville
Just across the river from the city centre, Southville maintains a distinct village identity. The friendly local high street caters to residents with cafes, shops, and services.
Young families are drawn to Southville for its Outstanding-rated primary schools, wide green spaces like Victoria Park, and popular annual festivals like Upfest.
Most Prestigious Areas in Bristol
With its booming economy and popularity as a cosmopolitan hub, property prices in Bristol continue rising. For those seeking luxury living, here are some of the city’s most prestigious and expensive areas to call home:
Sion Hill
Perched on a hilltop in exclusive Clifton, Sion Hill offers breathtaking vistas across the Avon Gorge and Brunel’s iconic Suspension Bridge. Properties on this road are predominantly period homes ranging from imposing detached villas to elegant terraced housing.
Royal York Crescent
Also residing in prestigious Clifton is the majestic Royal York Crescent. This sweeping Georgian terrace provides a front row seat to Clifton Village’s beauty.
Properties here showcase Palladian architecture at its finest with soaring ceilings, large sash windows, iron railings and a warm honey-hued exterior.
Bridge Road
For sleek contemporary living, Bridge Road in Clifton offers chic apartments with vistas over Bristol Harbour. Interiors feature sumptuous fittings like marble surfaces, designer lighting and high-end technology. Sprawling outdoor terraces provide panoramic waterfront views.
Saville Road
Tucked just behind Royal York Crescent, Saville Road offers Clifton Village proximity with added tranquillity. Properties on this leafy street include beautiful Victorian villas showcasing ornate plasterwork, tall sash windows, wrought-iron details and charming home offices.
Secluded gardens provide space for relaxing amid flower beds and water features. As a peaceful hideaway just steps from Clifton’s action, Saville Road properties average around £1.5 million.
Sneyd Park
South of Clifton’s bustle, Sneyd Park provides a scenic retreat near the Downs. Grand period homes overlook Sneyd Park’s verdant cricket pitch and woodlands.
Properties range from imposing detached mansions to plush terraced housing. Interiors reflect the area’s pedigree with luxurious fixtures, expansive gardens and top-end amenities.
Stoke Bishop
For family-sized luxury in a peaceful setting, Stoke Bishop appeals to affluent buyers. Homes here include substantial detached houses surrounded by greenery.
Proximity to top schools like Bristol Grammar School, large private gardens and excellent transport links enhance Stoke Bishop’s prestige.
Best Restaurants in Bristol
Casamia
Casamia brings Michelin-starred flair to the Bristol food scene thanks to acclaimed chefs Peter Sanchez-Iglesias. Dining at Casamia promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
Paco Tapas
For incredible Spanish cuisine, Paco Tapas is a must-visit. Their authentic tapas is overloaded with flavour range from patatas bravas to delicious fish. Enjoy these small plates with sangria in Paco Tapas’ lively yet casual ambiance.
The Ox
Carnivores are in heaven at The Ox, which serves up phenomenal steaks and seafood in a sleek contemporary setting. Their dry-aged steaks, from chimichurri sirloin to peppered fillet, achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Extensive wine and cocktail lists complement the top-notch food.
Bulrush
For inventive contemporary cuisine, make a beeline for Bulrush. Dishes showcase unusual flavour and texture combinations, allowing you to fully experience the creativity of head chef George Livesey across multiple artistic courses.
Education in Bristol
Bristol provides high-quality education at all levels.
Outstanding Primary Schools
Many neighbourhoods boast excellent Ofsted-rated primary schools like St Bonaventure’s Catholic Primary School and Elmlea Junior School. These schools offer nurturing environments and dedicated teachers to give children a strong start to their education.
Leading State Secondary Schools
For secondary education, Bristol has several exceptional state schools, including Bristol Grammar School, Clifton High School and Redland Green School. Renowned for balanced curriculums, strong pastoral support and high academic achievement, these schools equip students for future success.
World-Class University of Bristol
Those seeking higher education are well-served by the University of Bristol, ranked in the UK’s top 10. This Russell Group university provides a wide array of programs and excellent research and industry connections for impactful learning.
Practical College Options
For vocational pathways, City of Bristol College offers academic and professional qualifications with strong links to employers. Students develop practical skills for careers in engineering, accounting, construction and creative fields.
Major Employers in Bristol
Bristol has a thriving job market with major employers in diverse industries offering abundant career opportunities.
Airbus
The aerospace leader Airbus has a substantial presence in Bristol, headquartered in Filton. The company employs many people locally across areas like engineering, manufacturing, IT and project management.
Burges Salmon LLP
For legal opportunities, the prominent law firm Burges Salmon LLP is a key employer. Headquartered in Bristol, Burges Salmon is a leading UK commercial law firm specializing in real estate, corporate finance and disputes.
Aardman Animations
Bristol’s media industry is powered by innovative companies like Aardman Animations. Famed for beloved characters like Wallace and Gromit and Morph, Aardman employs hundreds of creative professionals locally in roles like animators, model makers, illustrators and directors.
They can offer unique opportunities to work on imaginative projects.
Top Events in Bristol
From food festivals to arts celebrations, Bristol hosts an exciting calendar of events year-round.
Bristol Balloon Fiesta
One of Bristol’s most iconic events is the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Taking place each August at Ashton Court Estate, this spectacular fiesta sees over 100 hot air balloons from across the globe launch into the skies above the city. The vibrant Nightglows, when balloons light up to music, are a highlight. Watching the rainbow-colored balloons soar and float gracefully is an unforgettable experience.
Bristol Food Connections Festival
Foodies flock to Bristol Food Connections held each May. The week-long festival celebrates the city’s diverse food scene through tastings, demonstrations, especial dining events and street food stalls.
It’s a chance to sample global cuisine and discover Bristol’s culinary creativity.
The highlight is the Grand Tasting Event, where restaurants across Bristol offer special dish samples.
Bristol Pride
In June/July each year, Bristol celebrates diversity and equality in the LGBT+ with the colourful Bristol Pride. This vibrant street festival features singing, dancing and performances on stages across the city.
The parade sees thousands march joyfully through Bristol’s streets in dazzling costumes. An atmosphere of acceptance and community spirit makes Bristol Pride a must-attend.
Upfest
Bristol street art takes centre stage at Europe’s largest live street art festival, Upfest, held in July. This vibrant event transforms the streets of South Bristol into an outdoor art gallery as artists from across the globe create stunning murals on houses, shops and walls. With workshops, walking tours and live music, Upfest has an electric atmosphere.
From food and pride celebrations to hot air balloons and kites dancing overhead, Bristol’s diverse calendar of events provides unique entertainment all year.
Getting Around Bristol
Bristol offers convenient transportation through an integrated network of road, rail, bus and active transit options.
By Car
Driving in Bristol is straightforward thanks to clearly signposted roads and highways like the M32 providing links to central areas. However, traffic can get congested during rush hours. Major roads like the A4 and A38 connect Bristol to surrounding towns.
The M4 and M5 motorways enable quick access to other cities like Bath, Cardiff and London. Various parking garages in the city centre provide covered options.
By Bus
Bristol’s reliable bus network makes getting around easy. The Bristol Bus Company operates central routes as well as night buses and airport links.
Fares like day tickets allow unlimited travel.
By Train
Bristol Temple Meads station is a major railway hub with quick connections to London, Birmingham, Cardiff and other cities. Commuter rail services like the Severn Beach Line provide access to suburbs like Avonmouth.
Trains also go to Weston-Super-Mare another fantastic place to live (see our review on Weston-Super-Mare).
Final Thoughts
With its beautiful waterfront, vibrant cultural scene, and diversity of attractions, Bristol offers an appealing lifestyle. The city provides high-quality education options, abundant employment opportunities, and efficient transportation links.
For those seeking a progressive, youthful city with a thriving economy and thriving arts, Bristol ticks all the boxes.