About Bristol
There is so much going on in Bristol, and you should never get bored. In this article, let's see the top things to do to help you make the most of this amazing and dynamic city. Believe it or not, whether it is checking out world-famous street art, a fantastic night out, a Michelin dining experience at Casamia or getting a new perspective from the top of the Suspension Bridge, there are plenty to keep you busy in this great and friendly city.
Places to visit
There are plenty of unique places to visit in Bristol, a highlight being Cabot Tower! Head to Brandon Hill Park, just behind Park Street, and climb the tight spiral staircase to the top of Cabot Tower to view the entire city! You won’t regret it. Along narrow alleys, down side streets and through under-passages, across building walls and boldly displayed on the bridge, a piece of graffiti art soon jumps out depicting wry humour and subversive displays of pop culture.
You can scour the streets of Bristol and find cutting-edge pieces of graffiti art decorating the city’s walls. The waterways around which Bristol is built remain one of its greatest assets.
There are numerous ways for you to hop on a boat and see the city from the waterline. Bristol Ferry Boats operate waterbus services 364 a year for locals and tourists alike, letting you jump on and off as you choose, from Temple Meads to the SS Great Britain. Bristol Packet Boats also offer guided tours around the harbour and even out into the Avon Gorge.
Bristol offers vibrancy through all types of festivals and crazy celebrations. From Love Saves the Day right the way through to Tokyo World, via St Paul’s Carnival, Harbor Festival, Pride to the Balloon Fiesta and many more, locals are blessed with an excuse to party pretty much every weekend of the summer.
Clifton Suspension Bridge is much more than just a masterpiece of design and engineering; thanks to Brunel’s greatest work, the Suspension Bridge is an internationally recognised icon of the city. There is no more impressive site in this city, after crossing the bridge, you will be impressed and inspired.
Social Events
Bristol’s Harbourside is an attractive, modern development filled with restaurants, bars, shops and hotels. From pizza and steak to Asian street food, the Harbourside serves up a global platter of flavours. The modern River Grille restaurant at the Bristol Hotel offers fantastic views across the Harbourside, as does Britain’s biggest restaurant, Zaza Bazaar serves up a variety of buffet-style global cuisine inspired by the atmosphere and buzz of Asia’s night markets.
Motion is an enormous multi-room venue that is regularly polled as one of the very best clubs in the world whilst the Thekla is a nightclub and venue for live gigs, helping make the old boat a firm favourite of Bristol’s indie and dance crowds alike. Another clue is Lakota which was one of the most famous clubs in the UK. Regularly hosting superstars of house, techno and jungle from across the UK and the world to come play their music, Lakota is a great venue to let your hair down and have fun.
Food
If the sun is out, who would not want a beautiful outdoor swimming pool with a great restaurant attached, hidden away on they're sweet? Built back in 180, after closing for almost 20 years, Clifton Lido Spa and Restaurant re-opened in 2008, fully restored with spa facilities and a new restaurant and café. Lounge by the pool, regardless of treating yourself to a dinner with a view or a massage, the experience is unlike any other.
Establish in 1999, Casamia is a family-run restaurant serving a multi-course tasting menu within an intimate restaurant the setting of just 9 tables. Dishes are influenced by the individuality, multicultural and creative vibes of Bristol. The restaurant has some impressive accolades – a coveted Michelin star in 2009 and Peter was awarded Chef of the Year in the Good Food Guide 2018 in which Casamia was named number 10 restaurant. Situated at the General in the heart of the city, pre-book via their website for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday, and lunch on Friday and Saturday.
Shopping
Cabot Circus in Bristol is a uniquely designed, modern shopping centre based in the heart of Bristol Shopping Quarter. It’s easy to be wowed by the sheer size and design of the circus; the shape allows fresh air to circulate, giving a pleasant indoor/outdoor shopping experience. Here you will find all your high-street favourites such as Zara, Next, Monki and Victoria’s Secret. You can also find shops throughout Bristol including at its beautiful waterfront.
Transport
It’s easy to get around Bristol by bus, with plenty of fast and convenient services available from all key locations.
Another way to explore the city is through a guided tour on board a City Sightseeing Bus. Let the expert driver tell you all about the sights and scenery along the way and hop on and off as many times as you like.
Bristol is a hub for the rail network in England and by train it takes roughly an hour and a half to get to London and three hours to Manchester. The Bristol Coach Station is located at the heart of the city, allowing you to hop on a coach and travel to various destinations around the UK. Bristol also has its international airport!
Did you know?
You can progress from an NCUK qualification to study for a UK degree in Bristol. The University of Bristol accepts students
who have studied an NCUK qualification, so start your journey with NCUK today!
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