I only spent one day in Bristol, and I wish I had more time to further explore this vibrant city.

There’s so much to see and do in Bristol that one day is way too short. Like neighboring Bath, it’s worth visiting Bristol on a two or three days short break, although many people only come on a day trip from London.

Even if you have limited time, don’t give up. You can still enjoy some of the main Bristol activities. 

Discover the best of Bristol Street Art

Should you have time for only one thing, let it be Street Art. Some consider Bristol the European Street Art Capital, and while I maybe wouldn’t go that far (there are other cities like Berlin, London, or Brighton, just to name a few, boasting amazing wall paintings), street art certainly is one of the main highlights – if not THE one – of the city.

Banksy may well be the most famous street artist in Bristol, and likely the most celebrated worldwide (you might have read about his most recent stunt, with the self-destruction of his canvas od Girl With Balloon right after a £1m sale auction), but there’s a vast number of beautiful wall paintings across the city. 

You’ll easily spot some of the large-scale paintings in Central Bristol, but if you want to learn a little more about the artists and their techniques, it’s worth taking a Street Art tour with Where The Wall. 

If you love Street Art, like me, have a look at these other articles.

Banksy – Hanging Lover

Bristol Street Art – El Mac

Stroll in the heart of Bristol Old Town

Walk along Corn Street and Small Street, and have a look at the elegant buildings. They made me think of my city, Milan, and the beautiful constructions around the Duomo, most of which built and owned by banks and insurance companies. 

If you happen to be in Bristol on a Saturday, have a look at St Nicholas Market and the stalls selling quirky local handicrafts and food under the pretty glass arcade. 

Bristol – Corn Street

St Nicholas Market

Bristol – Council House

Bristol Council House

Before heading to the docks, have a stroll in Castle Park where you can see the ruins of St. Peter’s Church (Bristol experienced massive bombings during WWII) and don’t miss the magnificent Queens Square.

Queens Square

Bristol Docks and the M Shed

From the 12th century, Bristol became one of the most important ports in England, allowing the city to develop as an important center of trade. 

Its privileged geographical position made Bristol the starting place for important explorations to the New World. Everyone knows about Columbus, but only a few might remember another important Italian explorer. I’m talking about John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto), who left out of Bristol in 1497 and landed in North America, on the mainland. 

Bristol Floating Harbor

By the 16th century, Bristol had become the second largest port in England. Sadly, the trade was not limited to plantations and manufacturing goods. Bristol was an important center for the slave trade and between the 17th and 18th-century slave ships carried about half a million people from Africa to the Americas. 

The Docks Area (also called Floating Harbor) underwent a significant redevelopment at the end of the 20th century. It’s the place to go for cool cafes and restaurants, see the iconic old cranes and enjoy a walk on the riverside. 

Pop-in at the M-Shed, the free museum where you’ll discover a lot about Bristol history. Don’t miss to visit the terrace, from where you have beautiful views of the docks. 

SS Great Britain Steamship: An engineering masterpiece and unusual Museum

Back in 1843, the SS Great Britain was one of the largest ships ever built. What made it unique, though, is the exceptional work of engineering by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who designed the most technologically advanced ship of his time. 

Measuring 98m from stern to tip, the SS Great Britain operated as a passenger line, crossing the Atlantic from Bristol to New York in only 14 days. However, the glorious history of the ship came to a halt due to enormous running costs. The SS Great Britain was sold and used to transport emigrants, coal and even as a quarantine ship until she got sunk in the Falklands in the 1930s. 

SS Great Britain Steam Engine

Brought back to Bristol in 1970, a 30-years careful restoration brought the SS Great Britain back to her glory. The iconic ship is now an exciting attraction for adults and children, and during the visit, you’ll go through the story of an exceptionally innovative boat and get a taste of life on board.

Clifton Bridge and Clifton Village: beautiful Bristol Georgian architecture

Approaching Clifton, only minutes away from Bristol’s docks, the sudden change of scenery came to me as a surprise: wide patches of greenery, steep hills, and the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge towering above the deep Avon gorge. The bridge, whose construction started in 1836, is an architectural masterpiece designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the engineer of the SS Great Britain. 

Clifton suspension bridge, Photo LeesDesign on Pixabay

A little further, you reach Clifton Village and its beautiful Georgian architecture. Bristol’s poshest neighborhood also speaks of the city’s history: an important harbor and center of trade. Wealthy merchants built grand Georgian mansions during the 18th and 19th century, transforming the hilltop suburb into an exclusive area of Bristol. Clifton Village’s name perfectly reflects the atmosphere: fancy shops, trendy cafes and restaurants, and the impression of a town, far from the hustle bustle of the city.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time for a proper visit of Clifton Village, one of the reasons I’d like to go back to Bristol and spend at least a couple of days in this fascinating city. 

Discover the secrets of Cider

Like wine and beer, cider’s roots date back millennia. This alcoholic beverage stands to Great Britain like wine to France and Italy. 

While strolling in the Docks area, you’ll easily find the Bristol Cider Shop, selling a wide selection of ciders from 100% fresh-pressed juice and lovingly made by local producers within 50 miles of the shop. 

On Friday nights you can experience Cider tasting.  You’ll discover the secrets of this unique beverage while savoring different tastes. Book in advance, since Cider tasting nights are very popular.  

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I was invited by Visit Britain, Visit Bath, and Visit Bristol to discover the beauty of Bath and Bristol. All opinions, as always, are my own.

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