Bristol is a wonderful city and I love showing friends round. I’ve compiled my favourite places to show those who are new to the city and want to get a good feel of the place. To make this doable in one day I’ve kept things fairly central – luckily Bristol is a very walkable city!

Arriving at Bristol Temple Meads train station, walk along Redcliffe way, past St Mary Redcliffe Church and across the bridge, where you will get your first glimpse of Bristol’s many colourful houses and the harbourside. Continue on to Queen’s Square and delight in the Georgian facades. Head north and pass through King’s Street, which turns into a hive of activity in the evenings, especially in the summer months when the outdoor tables are packed.

Continue north towards the Old City and explore St Nicholas Indoor Market. On Saturdays there are outdoor stalls too including a thriving flea market, I particularly like Life of Si’s vintage prints. Delve into some street food for lunch, try Eatchu’s delicious gyoza or Low’n’Slow’s barbecue offerings.

Eatchu

After lunch wander up Park Street, past College Green where you’ll spot the cathedral. There are plenty of lovely shops to pop into such as The Last Bookshop and Mrs. Potts Chocolate House, and you’ll likely spot a Banksy too!  Branch off to Brandon Hill and climb up Cabot Tower for a view of the city and to get your bearings. If you’re feeling adventurous continue up to Clifton to admire Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge, one of Bristol’s most iconic sites.

College Green

Wander back towards the harbourside, and pop into MShed where you can learn about Bristol’s history for free. The harbourside is definitely one of my favourite parts of Bristol, it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll and there’s always something going on.

For dinner head to Wapping Wharf by the harbourside, where you’ll find a huge range of eateries and shops built within shipping containers – there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone. Grab Squeezed’s burger and fresh lemonade deal and sit by the water, pop into Seven Lucky Gods for Asian small plates, or have some delicious sourdough pizza at Bertha’s.

If you wish to round off the day with some drinks, head to Left Handed Giant, a stylish microbrewery also serving pizza. Or if you want to really feel like you’re in the West Country head to the Apple, a cider boat located right by King’s Street. From any of these spots it’s a short walk back to the train station.

Left Handed Giant

So that’s Bristol in a nutshell – what do you think?

Alexa

P.S. You may like to read my Bath Visitor’s Guide next!