When you think of the United Kingdom and particularly England, London is the first city that comes to mind.
However, the country is full of wonderful places that are less touristy than the capital. Let me introduce you to Bristol, the perfect destination for a weekend getaway!
Bristol is a lively city with just under 600,000 inhabitants, boasting an impressive campus and a very diverse culture. It has a port and historic buildings as well as numerous graffiti pieces, including some by Banksy, who was born in Bristol in 1974.
Getting to Bristol:
We decided to take the bus with National Express. The round-trip ticket costs £10, and the journey takes 2 hours and 40 minutes from Victoria Coach Station. The bus station in Bristol is just a few minutes’ walk from the city center. You can also get to Bristol by train or by plane.
Accommodation
We chose to book an Airbnb located in the center. A double room with a shared bathroom cost us £40. The average price for accommodation is £60.
Moving Around:
A bus ticket costs £2.50, so don’t stay too far from the places you want to visit. From the center, we were able to reach all the attractions on our list on foot, which made a big difference to our budget! So don’t hesitate to book a slightly more expensive but well-located room and avoid wasting time and money on public transport. This will also save you from being dependent on bus schedules.
Day 1 - St Nicholas Market and Brunel’s SS Great Britain:
Once you arrive in Bristol, drop off your luggage and head to St Nicholas Market in the old town for lunch. Stroll along the quays for a digestive walk and don’t miss the visit to Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the largest ship in the world when it was launched in 1843.
To reach the archipelago, you can take the Cross-Harbour Ferry for £1, which saves you from walking around to reach the bridge.
Walk back to the city center on foot to enjoy the Christmas market or various events in the city center, depending on the season.
Clifton and Clifton Suspension Bridge:
Stroll around Clifton and have lunch in the neighborhood. You will have a choice of many cuisines (Indian, Japanese, Greek, English…). We couldn’t try them all, but the reviews we read about the restaurants in the area are very positive.
Take the bus or continue on foot if you’re feeling adventurous and head to Clifton Observatory to admire the sunset over the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Day 2 Exploring Banksy Graffiti and Bristol Cathedral:
If the sun is shining, start with a walk in the center in search of Banksy’s graffiti, then discover Bristol Cathedral. Continue your tour of the city by heading to a large park dominated by Cabot Tower (photo below). Climb to the top of this tower for a panoramic view of the city.
Dinner at Zaza Bazaar:
Don’t know where to have dinner before heading back? Can’t agree on the type of cuisine? No worries, I have the solution for you. Head to Zaza Bazaar, an all-you-can-eat buffet offering the most popular cuisines (Indian, Italian, English, Mexican, Asian…).
It was a short but magical weekend, and we didn’t expect to fall in love with Bristol. We highly recommend this city. Bristol is also known for its cider production, so don’t hesitate to add a tasting session to your itinerary, especially if it rains!
This was a short but magical weekend, and I didn’t expect to fall in love with Bristol. The city’s unique blend of historic charm and vibrant street life makes it a must-visit destination. Whether you’re exploring the fascinating graffiti art, walking through lush parks, or enjoying diverse cuisines, Bristol has something for everyone. I highly recommend adding a visit to this dynamic city to your travel plans. Plus, Bristol is renowned for its cider production, so don’t miss out on a tasting session, especially if it rains!
Have you visited any of these places? Share your stories and experiences with me on Instagram @the_freedom_traveler—I’d love to hear about your adventures in this enchanting city!
