The best things to do in Bristol for 2025

What is it? Much more than just a masterpiece of design and engineering. 

Why go? Widely considered to be Brunel’s greatest work, Clifton Suspension Bridge first opened in 1864, and the Grade I-listed structure is an internationally recognised icon of the city. No matter how many times you’ve climbed to Clifton Village to gawp at it, the giant wrought-iron structure never fails to inspire sheer vertiginous awe. 

Don’t miss: There’s a lesser-known subterranean angle from which you can admire this symbol of Bristol. Head on a tour from the official visitor centre to marvel at two of the bridge’s twelve hidden underground chambers, only rediscovered in 2002. Hard hat and high vis at the ready. 

Address: Bridge Road, Leigh Woods, Bristol, BS8 3PA

Opening hours: Bridge open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Visitor Centre open 10am-5pm daily

What is it: Bristol’s most colourful neighbourhood.

Why go: If you’ve seen photos of Bristol, chances are you’ve seen the rainbow rows of houses dotted above the harbourside, located in the quiet and tucked away district of Cliftonwood. Almost every house has been painted, making this one of Bristol’s most photogenic areas. Be prepared to do some serious stomping though, several of the streets are very steep!

Don’t miss: The secret viewpoint, located in a gap between two houses, is one of the best spots for a photo in the city, taking in most of Bristol's harbour below. See if you can find it!

Address: Various streets in BS8

What is it? Get your green fix in the lungs of the city. 

Why go? Stretching from the top of Whiteladies Road all the way to the Suspension Bridge is the huge open green space known as the Downs. This massive area has been helping Bristolians feel a million miles away from the hustle and hassle of the city centre for generations. There’s more than enough room for endless teams of sporty types and Sunday leaguers to kick a ball around without bothering each other. 

Don’t miss: One of the newest and most exciting additions to the city’s jam-packed festival calendar happens here on August bank holiday weekend, Forwards. The two-day event mixes rock, alternative and electronic music with political discussions from big thinkers. 

Address: Litfield Road, Clifton Down, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3LT

Opening hours: Daily, 24 hours

What is it: A 45-acre wildlife oasis in a Victorian garden cemetery.

Why go: Located on the edge of the city centre and just a 20-minute walk from Temple Meads station, Arnos Vale is the perfect spot to unwind, with numerous paths winding through the trees and overgrown landscape. Grab a cuppa from the onsite cafe and go for a good old ramble, forgetting about the bustling city just minutes away. 

Don’t miss: The guided tours run every Saturday at 1.30pm, sharing stories behind the most extravagant memorials and notable people buried at the cemetery. There are also regular tree identification and nature walks. 

Address: Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bath Road, Bristol, BS4 3EW

Opening hours: Daily 9am-5pm

What is it? Get hoppy on a tour of one of Bristol’s great craft breweries.

Why go? Bristol’s brewers are a friendly bunch, always keen to throw open their doors so you can get a taste of how they make such brilliant brews. From Bristol Beer Factory (on a floating barge on the water) to Moor Beer and Wiper and True, beer-makers across Bristol offer an inside look at how those tasty pints make it to a pub near you.

Don’t miss: Twice a year you can complete a beer lover’s dream quest: the East Bristol Brewery Trail. The event usually features six breweries and bookmarks the summer on the first May and August bank holiday weekends. Meet the brewers and enjoy special offers, street food and good vibes. 

Address: Various locations across Bristol

What is it? A beautiful outdoor swimming pool with a top-notch restaurant attached.

Why go? Clifton is undeniably the most genteel part of the city – so it’s no wonder the luxe Bristol Lido is quietly tucked away down a residential street here. Built in 1850 and reopened in 2008 after closing for almost 20 years, the Bristol Lido is now well-loved for its pool, spa facilities and very nice poolside restaurant, The Lido (pictured). You can lounge by the pool, have a massage, pop in the sauna, then grab some small plates to share.

Don’t miss: Eye for a bargain? Keep an eye on the website for spa packages that include a set dinner and a drink – they’re cheaper and just as lovely as an à la carte day out.

What is it? Two of Bristol’s best things to do with kids are handily placed together on Millennium Square, where you can also take a pic of yourself in the great shiny sphere that holds an observatory.

Why go? There’s plenty of things to do here that make it well worth a visit. Epic science centre We the Curious invites children and their grownups to experiment with ideas via colourful interactive installations once again. Just across the Square, Bristol Aquarium holds watery wonders like sharks in a sunken ship, a bay of rays and a learning lab.

Don’t miss: In summer, there’s a pop-up roller disco over the harbour. Brilliant for making some bum-bruising memories.

Address: Cannons Way, Anchor Road, Bristol, BS1 5DB

Opening hours: Daily, 24 hours

What is it? The world’s first ‘Amazement Park’, from the creators of Boomtown Fair – which is back and even better after a major refurbishment in 2024. 

Why go? Treat your senses to a trippy day out at Wake The Tiger, a walk-through immersive arts experience made up of 27 spaces (plus 15 new ones following the refurb). As you enter ‘Meridia’, actors reel you into a storyline about this dystopian world, before you’re left to maze your way through kaleidoscopic rooms themed around everything from mycelium to ice caves. It’s like stepping inside a whacky sci-fi film. 

Don’t miss: The all-new Outerverse, where every installation on the new floor is made entirely out of recycled materials. 

Address: 127 Albert Road, St Philips Marsh, Bristol, BS2 0YA

Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday 10am-6pm (last entry 4.30pm), closed Monday and Tuesday

What is it? The largest collection of independent retailers under one roof in Bristol.

Why go? While most of the surrounding area was destroyed during WWII, the eighteenth-century Exchange building at the heart of St Nick’s market was spared. Today it’s the last remaining building of its kind in the country. While the Exchange is packed with independent traders selling their wares, the adjoining Glass Arcade is home to a huge variety of food stalls offering treats from across the globe. From divine Kurdish naan wraps at Matina to delicious jerk pork at Caribbean Wrap, excellent pies at Pieminister and fabulous falafels from Eat A Pitta, it’s all here.

Don’t miss: On the first Friday of every month from 11am-2.30pm, you’ll find an excellent specialist street food market here. 

Address: St Nicholas Market, Corn Street, Bristol, BS1 1JQ

Opening hours: Indoor market daily 9.30am-5pm, Indies’ Market daily 10am-5pm. Both closed on Sundays

What is it? It might be a city break destination, but Bristol will serve you up plenty of outdoor adventures. 

Why go? Take to the city’s iconic harbour for activities like stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. There’s a big community of climbers in Bristol, with indoor bouldering centres like Redpoint and Flashpoint, but also the chance to climb outdoors in the scenic Avon Gorge. If it’s a real special occasion, take to the skies – hot air balloons floating over the city are a common sight and riding in one is a bucket-list Bristol adventure. 

Don’t miss: Back on solid ground, you can’t beat a wander in Leigh Woods or Ashton Court Estate for a proper good stretch of the legs. 

Address: Underfall Yard, Cumberland Road, Bristol, BS1 6XG

Opening hours: Various