An insider's guide to Bristol: the UK's most underrated city

By Imogen Cox, Marketing & Partnerships Executive

Bristol is a fun, vibrant and beautiful city that somehow swerves the spotlight. Having grown up here, I’d consider myself a local expert on this underrated urban gem, so allow me to show you why my home town should be your next city break.

JUMP TO: WHAT TO DO | WHERE TO EAT | WHERE TO STAY

Why Bristol?

Not to seem biased, but Bristol might just be the best city in the country. Since its inception, i-escape has been based here, and most of the team have called the city home for years. I’m a born and raised Bristolian, so I’d say I know the place pretty well. But even I’m constantly finding new things to fall in love with.

It’s a small, walkable city packed full of personality. From quaint, sophisticated Clifton to the colourful, art-adorned streets of Bedminster, the edgy student hub of Stokes Croft to the historic harbour, no two neighbourhoods are the same. Bristol is a melting pot of cultures, steeped in history, the home of street art and raving, and has a food scene that easily rivals the big cities. We couldn’t be more proud of it.

It’s well connected by train, only 1hr30min from London and Birmingham, and close to areas of natural beauty like the Wye Valley, Somerset and the Cotswolds. With something for everyone, it’s no wonder why those who come here struggle to leave.

When to go

Bristol is beautiful in all seasons, from springtime when the magnolia trees are in bloom, to crisp autumnal days perfect for long walks and cosy pubs. Summer is a great time for festivals and outdoor activities. Though you can never count on the sunshine here, when it does show its face, the city springs to life. There’s the street art festival, Upfest, usually in May/early June, Bristol Sounds in June, and the Bristol Balloon Fiesta every August. While it can get crowded during this time, and balloon launches are weather-dependent, a cloud of hot air balloons floating over the city is a sight to see.

What to do in Bristol

Visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge

You can’t visit Bristol and miss a trip to the world-famous suspension bridge that spans the Avon Gorge. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the construction of this bridge marked a turning point in the history of engineering. You can admire his masterpiece from the viewpoint opposite or descend into the cliffside to get a closer view from Giant’s Cave. We recommend enjoying it with a coffee from the Clifton Observatory’s rooftop cafe.

Walk up Brandon Hill to Cabot Tower

Brandon Hill is only small, but it’s the oldest park in Bristol and, we think, one of the prettiest. As you make your way up, there are perfect spots for a picnic and benches with lovely views. But the best vantage point is all the way at the top of Cabot Tower. This serene spot feels miles away from the city’s hubbub, yet it looks out over it all.

Explore the city’s history

Bristol’s history is impossible to miss, it’s down every Georgian street and cobbled lane. Simply passing through Bristol Temple Meads station (also designed by Brunel) ticks off a historical landmark. If you’d like to learn more about it all, we recommend a visit to M Shed in Wapping Wharf, where colourful exhibits detail the stories and milestones of the city’s past and people. Also on the harbourside, take a fascinating wander through the SS Great Britain (which was also designed by – you guessed it – Isambard Kingdom Brunel). And further north, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery houses a spectacular range of archaeology, geology and artwork from all around the world.

Take in the art scene

Art is at the beating heart of Bristol, and it shows on almost every street corner. It’s home to some of Banksy’s earliest work, as well as striking street art from other local artists, and a community of creatives young and old. A Banksy tour is always a fun way to get acquainted with the city, but if you don’t have time, a wander through Stokes Croft or Bedminster will give you an idea. Then there’s the Arnolfini, Bristol’s centre for contemporary art, with bold and immersive exhibitions as well as workshops and a public learning centre. Admission is free, and they have a great cafe with local craft beers on tap if you want to rub shoulders with the local artists. Spike Island is another great spot for contemporary art (and just around the corner from M Shed and Banksy’s ‘The Girl With Pearl Earring’). It was founded in the mid-1970s by a group of painters, sculptors and printmakers, and supports emerging artists in Bristol with free exhibitions and subsidised studios to this day. For those looking to get involved, there are art, writing and pottery workshops scattered across the city.

See some live music

There are so many amazing venues for live music in Bristol from larger shows at Bristol Beacon to more intimate gigs at The Fleece, The Louisiana and Rough Trade. For a casual drink and a free show, The Old Duke is a lively traditional pub that hosts some great local musicians – mostly blues and jazz – but come early because it can fill up.

Go on a brewery-crawl

Like many cities across the UK, Bristol’s craft beer scene has flourished over the past few years, with over 20 breweries big and small, scattered across its many neighbourhoods. You could easily spend the whole day hopping between them, or pick a couple to break up your tour of the city. Left Handed Giant is probably the most well-known, and for good reason, with a community-funded brewpub looking over the river in Finzel’s Reach. Wiper and True Brewery & Taproom in Old Market is our favourite for a delicious range of ales in a beautiful, open space and a large outdoor area. Then there’s Bristol Beer Factory on the south side of the harbour. But with plenty more to stumble upon, you won’t be left wanting.

For the whole family

One of the great things about Bristol is how welcoming and accessible it is for all ages. Little ones will love activities like visiting the Clifton Suspension Bridge (especially for the great playground nearby) or pretending to be pirates on the SS Great Britain. For little science-lovers, there’s We The Curious and Bristol Aquarium. And for outdoorsy kids, you can feed animals and learn about urban farming at St Werburghs City Farm or Windmill Hill City Farm. If you’re looking for something for the whole family, check out Wake The Tiger, the UK’s largest immersive art experience.

Getting around

Bristol is a very walkable city, but it also benefits from a local train that runs from Bristol Temple Meads through several neighbourhoods on either side of the river, including Bedminster, Montpelier and Clifton. Buses are also very easy and reliable. And if you’re staying in the centre, there’s always the Bristol Ferry for a nautical adventure along the harbourside. Of course, there is always Uber for getting around quickly, and taxis are readily available at Bristol Temple Meads Station.

Where to eat in Bristol

Now, my favourite subject! Bristol is known for its diverse culinary scene, from Michelin-starred restaurants to laid-back local gems and street food. Unlike some cities, these eateries aren’t concentrated in the centre, but scattered across Bristol’s many characterful neighbourhoods on either side of the harbour.

If you’re staying in charming Clifton Village, you’ll be well placed for quaint cafes and delis. East Village Cafe, tucked into an archway, is ideal for a healthy breakfast and some people-watching. Bristol Lido offers tapas with a view of their Victorian outdoor pool (you could even pair your meal with a swim or massage). For dinner, you may want to roam a little further afield, but there is Nutmeg, an elevated Indian restaurant, or Milk Bun for delicious burgers. For a drink with an iconic view, make sure to stop in for a pint at The White Lion pub, which looks out over the suspension bridge and is bustling on a sunny day.

On nearby Whiteladies Road, you’ll find Spiny Lobster, a white tablecloth restaurant where fresh fish and seafood dishes are prepared over a charcoal grill. A short walk from the main road, there’s Lavender, our favourite Italian deli and cafe serving up the freshest Italian sandwiches, pastries and salads. Beyond that, Little French is perfect for date night.

You’ll find some of our favourite restaurants in the city on Chandos Road (just around the corner from i-escape HQ), in the leafy suburb of Redland. Wilson’s, one of Bristol’s two Michelin-starred restaurants, has a great value lunch menu full of produce sourced locally from their farmstead. A couple of doors down, their Bread Shop serves up a heavenly bacon sandwich and a Bloody Mary to wash it down. Down the road, you can’t miss the pasta being shaped by hand in the window of Little Hollows Pasta, or achingly cool Dongnae offering delicious, authentic Korean fare. Opposite, you’ve got lovely little wine bar & Italian bistro Snobby’s, or round the corner there’s The Kensington Arms, a friendly local pub. You could easily spend a day eating and drinking your way through this little gastronomic enclave.

Nearby, Cotham Hill is bustling with students and young professionals. We love Mangosteen for Thai small plates, and Panunzio’s for the best gelato outside of Italy. There are two tapas places within a metres of each other, and you can’t go wrong with either. For a traditional Spanish taverna vibe, try Bravas. If you’re looking for a seasonal twist on the classics, we love Muino.

If you’re exploring Gloucester Road, one of the longest streets of independent shops in Europe, the options are endless. Some of our favourites are FED for a laid-back brunch, and Pizzucci for delicious pizzas, soft-serve ice cream and frozen cocktails. The Grace is one of our favourite pubs in the city, with a fab beer garden. For crafty cocktails, Filthy XIII is an intimate and vibrant scene.

Montpelier, just next door, is another neighbourhood filled with little treasures. Wangs is a Chinese with deep flavours, big energy and friendly staff. Another favourite is Caper & Cure, a chic restaurant with adventurous dishes, and their sister wine bar, Carmen. Kingsdown, a lovely residential area between the centre of town and Clifton, is home to Bristol’s other Michelin star holder, Bulrush, and a bunch of great local pubs, including The Kingsdown Vaults and Highbury Vaults.

Further down Gloucester Road, Stokes Croft is a gritty, bohemian enclave with a couple of hole-in-the-wall gems. The Crafty Egg is a popular brunch spot that often has a line snaking out the door; Bokman is a buzzing Korean joint down a side street; Rice and Things is an authentic Caribbean hangout and neighbourhood staple.

In Bristol’s buzzing city centre, you’ll mostly find chain restaurants and lively bars, but there are a couple of culinary treats tucked into the fray, like Cotto Wine Bar & Kitchen, a cosy Italian spot, and Marmo, with a concise menu of small plates and wines. On the harbourside, The Apple, Bristol’s iconic cider pub on 2 floors of a moored boat, is an obligatory stop. Or if you’re after a more sophisticated tipple, Milk Thistle serves up creative and tasty cocktails behind velvet curtains in an upscale, speakeasy setting. If it’s a sunny day, head over to King Street, a pedestrianised road with some of the oldest pubs in Bristol.

Foodies can’t miss a trip to Wapping Wharf, a collection of shipping containers on the other side of the harbour offering a condensed collection of some of Bristol’s best eateries. Our favourite options here are Magari, a cheap and cheerful little Italian serving up a handful of homemade pasta dishes; Lapin, an intimate restaurant serving up seasonal French cooking with a modern twist; Root, which specialises in dishes where vegetables are the focus; and for special occasions, we treat ourselves to the superb tasting menu at Box-E.

Over in Old Market, try Gigi’s Pizza, where they serve 12″ and 18″ pizzas by the slice, or Chido Wey, our favourite Mexican restaurant in the city. There’s also a great selection of pubs and bars in this area.

If you want to head south of the river, we love Cor in Bedminster – a small plates restaurant with an amazing lunch offer, serving up creative, fresh and vibrant dishes. In Southville, there’s Sonny Stores, with seasonal Italian dishes in a laid-back, local vibe, and Souk Kitchen, a beautiful restaurant serving Middle Eastern market food.