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Nomad Travel Clinic, Bristol is located on Park Street. As one of the leading providers of travel health services in the UK since 1990, Nomad have assisted thousands of people to ensure they leave prepared for their trip. As well as general advice about your destination, medical kits , travel vaccinations and malaria tablets, you will also be able to discuss any health issues you might be worried about when travelling abroad. At Nomad travel clinic, Bristol, we offer a complete occupational health service; vaccines and tests as required by some employers to start or continue work.

Kindly note that Nomad Bristol has clinic rooms situated on ground level, and accessible to all.

Nomad Travel Clinic, Bristol

Covid-19 coronavirus testing in bristol, we offer vaccinations for the following travel diseases:.

Yellow Fever ,  Diphtheria / Tetanus / Polio ,  Typhoid , Hepatitis A & Typhoid Combined,  Hepatitis A , Hepatitis A (Junior),  Hepatitis B , Hepatitis B (Junior), Hepatitis A & B combined,  Cholera ,  Rabies , Meningitis ACWY, Japanese Encephalitis ,  Tick Borne Encephalitis , Flu Vaccination (Seasonal), MMR, Varicella, Shingles.

If you are experiencing issues or are trying to book on an  Apple iOS  device  or  Safari browser , please call  01341 555 061  and we will arrange your booking over the phone.

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Website Maintenance in Progress

Just a quick update: Our website is currently undergoing maintenance, and as a result, our online booking service will be temporarily disabled until Tuesday, 2nd April.

To schedule appointments during this period, please contact our Customer Service team on 01341 555 061. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

Thank you for your patience!

Looking for a travel clinic in Bristol?  Nomad are experts in the field of travel health.

• Last minute travel health advice
• Complicated itineraries
• Complex health and existing medical conditions
• Helping travellers stay healthy for over 25 years

Please Note Before Booking:

• Our nurses will advise on the scheduling of your vaccinations at your first appointment. We recommend starting your course of vaccinations 6-8 weeks prior to departure, but we can cater for last-minute travellers
• If you are able to obtain them before your appointment, please bring records of your vaccination history to your appointment. This will assist your Travel Nurse in determining the best course of treatment for you
• Some of our vaccinations are given orally. If you require Typhoid or Cholera, please ensure that you do not eat or drink for one hour before or after your appointment
• We offer vaccination and anti-malarials to children aged 9 months and over. Please call 01341555061 if you have further questions about your child’s vaccinations
• If the person attending the appointment does not speak English fluently, please arrange to bring a friend or family member who can interpret. Alternatively you can arrange your own interpreter to attend the appointment with you. Unfortunately the nurse may not be able to undertake a consultation if this has not been arranged

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What is a Travelwest Travelcard?

First West of England are teaming up with Travelwest (West of England local authorities) to offer one Travelcard across the First West of England for all your travelling needs. You can buy and store First Bus tickets on the Travelcard instead of using a paper ticket. Once you've got your card you can keep topping it up with your favourite products.     

Where can I get a Travelwest Travelcard?

Travelwest Travelcards are available from the Travelwest website at  https://buytickets.travelwest.info/  (all cards available), from an iPoint at metrobus stops when purchasing multi-journey or multi-day tickets, or from the First Bristol and Bath travel shops (adult cards only).

What products can I load onto my Travelwest Travelcard?

The following First Bus products in Adult, Student, Young Person (16-21)  and Child can be loaded onto the Travelwest Travelcard:

Bath Zone - 5 trip Single tickets, Day, Week & Month 

Bristol Zone - 5 trip Single tickets, Day, Week & Month

West of England Zone - Day, Week & Month

Where can I purchase a ticket?

Day, week, month and single trip tickets can be added to an existing Travelcard on bus from the driver (except metrobus services) and from our Bristol travel shop. On metrobus routes, you can purchase tickets from the iPoint at each bus stop.

You can also add tickets to an existing Travelcard at Payzone outlets, and products are available to purchase online at https://buytickets.travelwest.info/ to be then be collected from an iPoint.  

Alternatively, all our products are available via mTickets on the First Bus App. The app allows you to buy and load bus tickets on your phone. You then just scan your mTicket against the ticket machine when you board the bus.

Travel Alerts

Union street, broadmead - closure - (various services).

Union Street between Wine Street and Nelson Street will be closed to various services between 08:00 and 13:00 (five hours) on Sunday 30th June to facilitate carriageway works

The only bus stop that will be missed is the Union Street bus stop outside of KFC and passengers for service 3 and 4 are advised to board at the Lower Union Street bus stop outside of Poundland.

All other services will drop passengers off at the top of Wine Street then be diverted.

For more information please contact our Customer Services Department

Telephone: 0345 646 0707 (Calls cost 12p per minute plus network charges)

Customer service  contact us

Postal address: First Bus, Enterprise House, Easton Road, Bristol, BS5 0DZ

EXTRA NIGHTS - Long Beach Road, Longwell Green - CLOSURE - (45)

UPDATE - 11:30 Thursday 27th June.

Please note the extra nights. We understand that the road was also closed last night but we had no notification of this happening. Apologies for any inconvenience this no doubt caused.

Long Beach Road in Longwell Green will be closed overnight to service 45 between 19:00 and 06:00 on Thursday 27th and Friday 28th June (two nights) to facilitate carriageway works.

Services will be diverted along the Bath Road in both directions and regretfully the bus stops between and including Shellards Road and Palmdale Close on Long Beach Road will not be served and passengers are advised to board or alight at The Crown bus stops on Bath Road which are normally served by the service 17 for either direction.

DIVERSION UPDATE - South Road, Weston-super-Mare - CLOSURE - (5)

UPDATE - 14:30 Friday 17th May.

Service 5 can now operate the diversion route along Highbury Road.

South Road in Weston-super-Mare is currently closed to service 5 and will remain fully closed until 17:00 Friday 9th August (estimated) to facilitate carriageway works.

Service 5 will be diverted from the end of St Josephs Road via Upper Church Road, Lower Church Road, Knightstone Road and Highbury Road to resume normal route at Atlantic Road.

Regretfully the bus stops between and including Upper Church Road and Court Apartments on South Road will not be served and passengers are advised to board or alight at either the All Saints Church bus stop on St Josephs Road or the Highbury Road bus stop on Atlantic Road.

** UPDATED ** - Hutton Village - EMERGENCY CLOSURE - (126)

Hutton Hill in the village of Hutton is currently closed to service 126 until further notice due to a landslide. The closure is for unknown duration and when details of re-opening have been confirmed the web page will be updated.

Service 126 heading towards Wells will divert via Moor Lane, Moor Croft Road and Vereland Road, resuming normal route at Hutton Hill (Part unaffected). The only bus stop missed out fully will be the Primary School stop, however for customers travelling towards Wells, at the bus stops along the diversion route you will need to wait for the bus on the opposite side of the road to normal.

Service 126 heading towards Weston is unaffected and will follow normal route.

For more information, please contact our Customer Services Department

Long Mead (part), Stoke Gifford - CLOSURE - (70 ,72 & 74)

Long Mead between Wallshut Wood and the UWE in Stoke Gifford will be closed to service 70 and 72 between 07:00 on Monday 24th June and will remain fully closed until 17:00 on Friday 30th August to facilitate carriageway works.

Services 70, 72 & 74 will divert via Long Down Avenue in both directions.

Regretfully the service 70 & 74 will be unable to serve the Platts Wood bus stop and passengers are advised to board or alight at either the Wallshut Wood bus stop on Long Mead or the UWE.

Service 72 will be unable to serve The Square or Platts Wood bus stops and passengers are advised to board or alight at Hogarth Walk bus stop in Romney Avenue or the UWE.

Avonmouth Way & Station Road (part), Henbury - CLOSURE - (1, 2, 3, 4 & 76)

FIRST CLOSURE - Avonmouth Way

Avonmouth Way in Henbury will be closed to services 3 and 4 between 08:00 and 11:00 (three hours) on Saturday 29th January to facilitate carriageway works.

Services 3 and 4 heading from the City Centre towards Cribbs Causeway will be diverted via Kings Weston Road, Canford Lane and Henbury Road and service 3 and 4 will be unable to serve the Blaise Castle and Hallen Road bus stops. Service 4 will also be unable to serve the Avonmouth Way bus stop on Station Road. Passengers are advised to board or alight at either De Clifford Road bus stop or Marissal Road bus stop in Station Road.

Services 3 and 4 heading towards the Centre will operate normal route.

SECOND CLOSURE - Station Road (part).

Station Road from Avonmouth Way to A4018 junction in Henbury will be closed to services 1, 2, 3 and 76  between 11:00 and 18:00 on Saturday 29th June to facilitate carriageway works.

Services 1, 2 and 76 heading towards Cribbs Causeway when reaching Crow Lane lay-by, will use the lay-by to turn around and go back up to Old Crow roundabout then left into Passage Road (A4018) and resume normal route at the next roundabout.

Services 1, 2 and 76 heading towards Broomhill, Stockwood and Hengrove will operate the reverse of the above. 

Regretfully the bus stops between and including The Salutation and Tormarton Crescent will not be served. Passengers are advised to board or alight at either Crow Lane or the Rugby Club on Cribbs Causeway.

Service 3 heading towards Cribbs Causeway when reaching the end of Avonmouth Way will turn right into Station Road  then left into Henbury Road then next left into Crow Lane to Old Crow roundabout then left into Passage Road (A4018) and resume normal route at the next roundabout. 

Service 3 heading towards Broadmead are to operate the reverse of the above and when reaching the mini roundabout on Henbury Road resume normal route. 

Regretfully the Marissal Road and Tormarton Crescent bus stops in both directions  will be closed and passengers are advised to wait on the Station Road bus stop opposite the the hotel for for travel towards Cribbs Causeway or The Salutation bus stop in Crow Lane for travel towards Broadmead.

A432 Badminton Road M4 bridge - CLOSURE - (Y1)

The A432 Badminton Road will be closed from the Willy Wicket roundabout to the junction of Church Road in Frampton Cotterell from 19:00 on Wednesday 12th July to service Y1 until further notice, until at least 2025.

The A432 Badminton Road is still open between Church Road and Cuckoo Lane for vehicles and the bridge will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists until the bridge over the M4 is demolished.

Please note as a result of this closure the service Y1 will suffer inevitable delays and passengers are advised to allow extra time on their journeys. This will also cause delays to all other services in the area due to the high volume of dispersed traffic finding alternative routes.

The Bristol Zone boundary bus stop will be the Quarry Barton bus stop on Bristol Road by Whiteshill Common.

Service Y1 heading towards Yate & Chipping Sodbury will operate as normal as far as the traffic lights at Hambrook junction but instead of going straight across, will divert left onto the B4058 Bristol Road (serving 'The Stream' bus stop), through Winterbourne village, then turn right into Church Road to its end and left onto Badminton Road (part unaffected) to resume normal route. Service Y1 heading towards Bristol will operate the reverse of the above.

Regretfully the following bus stops will not be served during this closure in both directions:

Hambrook - Cuckoo Lane - Down Road - Park Lane - Station Road - St Saviours Church - Heathcote Drive 

Heading towards Bristol the Church Road bus stop on Badminton Road will also not be served.

All bus stops on the diversion route will be observed in both directions including the bus stop outside of the Co-op in Winterbourne village heading towards Bristol.

Cromwell Road, St Andrews - CLOSURE - (70)

Cromwell Road in St Andrews will be closed to service 70 between 07:00 and 13:00 on Sunday 30th June to facilitate  carriageway works.

Services will be unable to serve the following bus stops in both directions.

-Nine Tree Hill

-Montpellier High School

-Cromwell Road Arches

-Belvoir Road

-Balmoral Road

-Ashley Park

Instead, between Stokes Croft and Sefton Park Road stops, buses will divert via City Road, Ashley Road, Sussex Place and Ashley Hill. Buses will observe stops on diversion on request.

POSTPONED - A370, Cleeve - CLOSURE - (X1 & A3)

UPDATE - 10:15 Friday 28th June - The closure scheduled to take place tomorrow night has now been postponed until further notice and services X1 and A3 will be operating their normal route.

The A370 in Cleeve will be closed overnight  to services X1 and A3 between 20:00 and 06:00 on Saturday 28th June to facilitate carriageway works.

The service X1 will be diverted from Congresbury via Langford, A38 and Colliters Way in both directions. 

Regretfully all bus stops between and including Congresbury Bridge (towards Weston) and Tesco (towards Bristol) and the Jubilee Inn will not be served and passengers are advised to board or alight at either the Station Road bus stop in Congresbury heading towards Bristol or wait on the opposite side of the road outside of the convenience store heading towards Weston, or the Blackmoors Lane bus stop in Ashton heading towards Bristol or the Winterstoke Road bus stop in Ashton heading towards Weston.

The A3 will be diverted from Congresbury via Langford and A38 in both directions.

Regretfully the Millier Road bus stop heading towards Bristol Airport and the Millier Road Congresbury Bridge bus stops heading towards Weston will not be served and passengers are advised to board or alight at either the Station Road bus stop in Congresbury heading towards Bristol Airport or wait on the opposite side of the road outside of the convenience store heading towards Weston.

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Rode Hill (part), Rode - CLOSURE - (D2)

Rode Hill between the High Street and Woolverton in Rode will be closed to service D2 from first bus on Monday 1st and will remain fully closed until last bus on Friday 5th July to facilitate carriageway works.

Service D2 heading towards Frome will operate normal route to the end of Frome Road then divert via the A36, A362, Bradford Road and Rode Hill (part unaffected) to resume normal route at the High Street.

Service D2 heading towards Bath will operate normal route to the end of the High Street, then divert the reverse of the above.

Regretfully the Red Lion (on Rode Hill) and East Terrace bus stops in Woolverton will not be served and passengers are advised to board or alight at the Memorial Hall bus stops in the High Street or the Red Lion bus stops on the A36.

A Local’s Guide To Bristol: Insider Tips + Things To Do

As we’ve had the fortune to call Bristol our home for the past eight years, we’ve written a whole heap of Bristol travel blogs . 

But we also wanted to create a one-off Bristol city guide that pulls all our top tips, must-sees and things to know about Bristol into one place for you.

A “one-stop-shop” Bristol travel guide if you will.

This is our local’s guide to Bristol and we hope it’s full of tips, inspiration and must-knows for your visit – and how best to experience Bristol like a local!

Jump To The Content You Want To Read:

• Facts About Bristol
• Bristol Bucket List
• Must-See Festivals & Events
• Itineraries
• Where To Stay

10 Incredible Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Bristol

As with a lot of UK cities, Bristol is home to so many weird and wonderful secrets and stories to tell . 

Here are a few of our favourite facts about Bristol that you probably didn’t know:

• Bristol has its own currency: the Bristol Pound
• A Bristol-based firm (Fry’s Chocolate) was the first company in the world to produce solid chocolate bars and the first company to make chocolate Easter eggs
• North America was discovered by John Cabot who set sail from Bristol on The Matthew in 1497
• Guerrilla street artist Banksy was born in Bristol in the 1970s and spent some of his childhood here
• The first-ever bungee jump took place from the Clifton Suspension Bridge in 1979
• The popular blackcurrant squash drink Ribena was invented in Bristol in 1933 as part of a scientific experiment
• Bristol is the world’s largest manufacturer of hot air balloons
• Bristol is the home of the fun cartoon series Wallace and Gromit
• The infamous pirate Captain Blackbeard was born and raised in Bristol and once had a hideaway cave under St. Mary Redcliffe Church
• Before the introduction of train travel in 1840, Bristol had its own timezone, which ran ten minutes behind London time

Discover more interesting facts about Bristol here >>

Bristol Bucket List For First Time Visitors

Although there are a ton of things to do in Bristol that you’ll love, here are our top must-sees for any first timer’s Bristol bucket list:

1. Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Bristol so shouldn’t be missed! 

It dates back to 1864 and costs £1 to cross it by car or you can walk across it for free.

2. SS Great Britain

Brunel also designed the SS Great Britain, which was launched in 1843. 

In its heyday, it regularly transported Victorian passengers to far-off lands including Australia! 

Climb aboard this infamous ship for a unique and historic day out in Bristol.

3. The Matthew

The Matthew is another of Bristol’s most famous ships. 

In 1497, John Cabot set sail from Bristol on it and discovered Newfoundland (aka America). 

The ship you can hop on board today is a replica but still deserves its place on your Bristol bucket list.

4. Banksy Street Art Walking Tour

As Bristol is Banksy’s birthplace and where he grew up, it should come as no surprise that you’ll find some of his earliest and unknown works of art here as well as more famous pieces. 

And you can see them all on your own self-guided Banksy walking tour – check it out!

5. Gloucester Road

Gloucester Road once boasted the longest road of independent shops in all of Europe and is still a fantastic place for a “mooch”. 

From quirky clothing to unique gifts and delicious patisseries, there’s so much amazing shopping on offer along this stretch of road, which is very popular with locals.

6. Cabot Tower

Who doesn’t love perfect city views ?

Cabot Tower in Brandon Hill Park offers some of the best views of the city, whilst also offering a perfect picnic spot in the accompanying park.

And at sunset, a climb to the top of Cabot Tower is a very romantic thing to do in Bristol !

7. Watersports at the harbourside

As can be expected from a city that prides itself on its youthful fun vibe, you can take part in many watersports activities at the harbourside.

These can include paddle boarding, sailing, windsurfing and on some occasions, even dragon boat racing!

8. International Balloon Fiesta

Bristol is home to some of the best free festivals including the International Balloon Fiesta held every August.

Tourists come from far and wide to see this spectacle, which rivals even that of Cappadocia in Turkey.

Watch hundreds of hot air balloons sail overhead, see the famous balloon night glow and hang out on roller coasters with your friends… all for free !

It’s one of the most awesome Bristol bucket list activities ever!

• 75 Best Things To Do in Bristol for First Time Visitors
• 30 Free Things To Do in Bristol
• 16 Epic Date Ideas & Romantic Things To Do in Bristol
• 7 of the Best Dog Walks in Bristol You’ll Both Love

Must-See Bristol Festivals & Events

Ask anyone in love with Bristol and they’ll tell you that fun is the city’s middle name. 

So it should come as no surprise that Bristol is home to various events and festivals throughout the year that are NOT to be missed.

1. International Balloon Fiesta

When: Early August Where: Ashton Court Estate Why visit: The International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest meeting of hot air balloons, seeing over 130 balloons take to the skies every year. It’s been running for over 40 years and is completely free! Even if large crowds aren’t really your thing, you can always find a quiet spot in most areas of the city to watch the balloons sail overhead. Cost: FREE Don’t miss: The night glow… which sees hot air balloons light up in time to music and cheers from the crowds! More info: www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk

2. Bristol Harbour Festival

When: Mid-July Where: The Harbourside Why visit: Bristol’s Harbour Festival is a celebration of the city’s thriving harbour, port and maritime history. During the festival, various events and demonstrations happen, such as those of lifesaving swimming dogs, flyboarding and boat races. It’s great fun (especially if the sun is shining)… Cost: FREE Don’t miss: The annual cardboard box boat race… you’ll likely find yourself cheering on a bunch of people swimming and pulling along their cardboard behind them! More info: www.bristolharbourfestival.co.uk

3. St Paul’s Carnival

When: Early July Where: St Paul’s Why visit: St Paul’s Carnival is a celebration of everything Afro-Caribbean related including food, music and the carnival atmosphere, emphasising Bristol’s multicultural diversity and acceptance. Cost: FREE Don’t miss: The carnival itself… despite the various acts and performances available throughout the day, the carnival really does steal the show! More info: www.stpaulscarnival.net

4. Bristol Open Doors Festival

When: Mid-September Where: Multiple locations across the city Why visit: For one weekend every year, Bristol unlocks over 100 doors that are normally closed to the public, thanks to the Bristol Open Doors Festival. From old houses and decrepit bank vaults to historic museums and sacred churches, this is your one chance every year to see something in Bristol that you wouldn’t ordinarily see. Cost: FREE Don’t miss: The Redcliffe Caves… head out on a self-guided tour of Bristol’s old mine complex, which was used to help excavate red sandstone from the 15th century to the 18th century. Heads up: there are no lights so make sure you bring your torch! More info: www.bristolopendoors.org.uk

5. Love Saves The Day

When: Late May Where: Eastville Park Why visit: Love Saves The Day is one of Bristol’s most popular festivals, which often markets itself as the city’s Glastonbury. Home to various locally and internationally renowned live music acts, DJs and performances to suit multiple music tastes, this festival also sees its fair share of high-profile acts as well. Cost: From £38.50 per adult More info: www.lovesavestheday.org

6. Bristol Pride Festival

When: Early July Where: Millennium Square and Castle Park Why visit: Bristol is – without a doubt – one of the most diverse and inclusive cities throughout the UK, which means it should come as no surprise that the Bristol Pride Festival is world-class! Cost: FREE Don’t miss: The parade… last year, over 12,000 people took part in the parade. It’s big. It’s bold. And it’s going to knock your socks off! More info: www.bristolpride.co.uk

7. Bristol Shakespeare Festival

When: Throughout July Where: Multiple locations across the city Why visit: The Bristol Shakespeare Festival sees various performances and events inspired by the Bard himself take place throughout indoor and outdoor spaces across Bristol for the whole month of July. Whether you enjoy theatre, poetry readings, musicals or informative lectures, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy if you’re into culture and/or literature. Cost: Price varies per show Don’t miss: The Bard Buskers… who bring Shakespeare to life in the form of street music! More info: www.bristolshakespearefestival.org.uk

8. DogFest Bristol

When: Late June Where: Ashton Court Estate Why visit: DogFest is fairly new to Bristol, but is a must for dog owners and lovers alike. Run by Noel Fitzpatrick (aka The Supervet), this event showcases the latest and greatest dog food, accessories and gadgets via market stalls, as well as various expert talks and doggy demonstrations that you’ll enjoy and learn from. It’s also great for socialisation (for both you and your dog!) Cost: From £17.66 per adult Don’t miss: The police dog demonstration… they’re so skilled they even put Lassie to shame! More info: www.dog-fest.co.uk/bristol

Best of Bristol Itineraries

One day in bristol.

If you’ve got just one day in Bristol to spare then here’s what you should see and do:

• Morning: Harbourside walk and Clifton Suspension Bridge
• Afternoon: Gloucester Road and Banksy street art walking tour
• Evening: Cabot Tower sunset visit and back to the harbourside for dinner and drinks

See this Bristol itinerary in full here >>

One Weekend in Bristol

If you have a full weekend to spend in Bristol then we recommend you do everything above on one of the days, while the other day includes a visit to the SS Great Britain or a festival if you’re lucky enough to be in the city while there’s one going on!

Best of Bristol Food Guide

Bristol is one of the trendiest cities in the UK and is awash with local, trendy, bustling restaurants. 

Tourists might come to Bristol for the cool street art , hipster vibe and fabulous free festivals, but they stay for the quirky, trendy, exciting foods on offer here. 

Whether you’re after a slap-up posh affair, a sizzling pizza or the most fabulous of afternoon teas , Bristol caters for the foodie in us all in any way possible.

Here’s our best of Bristol food guide…

Beese’s Riverside Bar

Only open during the spring and summer months, and requiring a boat to get to it, Beese’s Riverside Bar is such a unique restaurant experience in Bristol.

The food itself is pretty good, serving the usual bar snacks and ‘pub grub’ such as burgers, sandwiches, salads and chips.

And their beer garden is large and sitting right on the riverbank – that’s why it’s only open during the nicer parts of the year as their garden floods during the winter.

But on a sunny day, hopping onto their boat (for 50p return per person), and ordering some drinks and a few snacks can be a really great way of spending your day. You can even follow all of this up with a riverside walk in nearby Conham River Park .

Côte Brasserie

Located within one of the poshest areas of Bristol, Clifton Village, Côte Brasserie is everything you should expect from a fancy French restaurant.

Their chicken dishes are made from corn-fed chickens reared in the heart of rural Brittany, they have fish dishes to suit most seafood lover’s tastes and oh, their desserts are to die for! From gooey chocolate fondants to praline crêpes, you’d be hard pushed not to try them all.

No. 51 Stokes Croft

Primarily a bar with a decent beer garden, you may be surprised to find that you can get some fantastic stonebaked pizzas at No.51 as well.

They have so much choice on offer, from cheesy to meaty to vegetarian-friendly, each with that classic smoky stonebaked flavour.

And as they’re not technically a restaurant, their prices are very pocket friendly! Our advice? Come for a cider, stay for the pizza.

The Bristol Flyer

A trip to the UK should most definitely involve eating some proper ‘pub grub’, and The Bristol Flyer , located along Gloucester Road is one of the best pub food offerings in Bristol.

We recommend checking out their roasts, swiftly followed by some refreshing cider or wine. Although they do have a beer garden, it’s quite small out the back, so you’d be best sitting inside their very roomy bar and restaurant.

Something else we love about The Flyer is how relaxed and chilled it is. Locals come here not just for food, but for some post-work drinks, so you can happily head out to dinner in your jeans if you want to.

Za Za Bazaar

There are just a couple of Za Za Bazaar restaurants around the UK. One of the best restaurants near the Bristol harbourside, and looking out over the harbour itself, you may be lucky to secure a table by the window for great views.

So you’ve heard of all-you-can-eat buffets. But have you heard of somewhere that offers food from across the globe? Yep, that’s right! You could be eating cheesy Italian pizza one minute, helping yourself to onion bhajis the next and then working your way around the dessert island. Yes, a whole island for desserts!

It’s probably a good thing that they have a 1 hour 45 minute time limit for each table, or you could leave several kilos heavier if you’re not careful. But when the food’s this good, who really cares?

Insider Tip: Come during the lunch slot and your meal will be a few quid cheaper than during the evening. They don’t have every single food item out during this time, but with so much choice on offer, you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything to be honest!

Italian has to be one of our most favourite cuisines, and thankfully, Bristol has a few great options in and around the city.

Our top choice of Italian restaurants in Bristol is Ciao found near The Hippodrome.

It’s a small, family-run restaurant, offering a really authentic Italian restaurant experience. And the best bit? Tourists don’t know about this one!

Patisserie Valerie

Although Patisserie Valerie is a large chain and can be found throughout the UK, their hot drinks, cakes and afternoon teas are sublime!

If you happen to be combining a visit to Patisserie Valerie with some Christmas shopping at Cribbs Causeway in Bristol, then go in search of their Festive Afternoon Tea, which comes complete with a free box of mince pies to take home with you.

Pieminister

With a couple of pie shops in Bristol as well as others in Nottingham and Leeds, Pieminister is still a local chain selling traditional (yet trendy) British pie and mash .

We Brits are really pleased with our pie and mash combinations so it’s always a firm favourite. From the traditional steak and kidney pie to marvellous meaty ones (and everything in between), Pieminister has several different types of pie to suit your trendy taste buds.

Oh and their mash is buttery, creamy and smooth. Are you drooling yet?

The Beehive Coffee House

The Beehive Coffee House in Downend is a small, independently run café which specialises in fantastic freakshakes!

The Beehive top their shakes with all manner of things like doughnuts, sauce, sprinkles, marshmallows, chocolate bars, you name it. They even have a “Freak of the Week”, which is a totally special, limited edition shake, varying with each week.

They also sell homemade cakes, decent sandwiches and the usual hot drinks – with ingredients all locally sourced from around the city.

Again, primarily a local drinking hole, The Social is a firm favourite for a Somerset cider or a gin and tonic. But grab a table in the back and choose from some exquisite meals as well!

Their menus change with each season as they always prefer to use local produce, so they work with what is being farmed and grown at that particular point in the year.

If it’s on offer at the time, we’d recommend their pan-roasted duck breast, which is utterly delicious. 

They also like to cater to those who have special dietary requirements, so for the gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian among you, no need to worry. And if you have any other special requirements? Just let them know as they’re more than happy to help.

At busy times you may struggle to find a table  so get in there quick!

St Nick’s Market

Found within the centre of Bristol, St Nicholas Market (St Nick’s to the locals) is a hidden little secret. This is a typical street food market but with a difference.

Being trendy Bristol, you have the delight of knowing this is the place to come for falafel (huge portions of it), super energy boosting smoothies and posh locally sourced sausages (big ones and full of flavour)!

If you fancy some street food with a bang, then head to St Nick’s market in the centre. Your only problem will be choosing which stall to buy food from!

Dog Friendly – Café Grounded

Truly dog friendly food and drinks places don’t come easy although companies are coming around to the idea of it. One of the best Bristol cafés and a true dog friendly one is Café Grounded .

Although you’d expect to only come here for tea and cake, they actually serve decent dinners in the late afternoons and evenings. Their pizzas are particularly good!

And as they’re so well known in Bristol, they have a number of locations dotted throughout the city including Horfield, Redfield, Fishponds and Keynsham. We ’d suggest browsing their website to find out about each of their branches.

As we mentioned before, there are a number of really good Italian restaurants in Bristol – with Italb in Downend also joining the mix.

Similarly to Ciao in the centre, their restaurant is also very authentic and off the beaten track.

Although the Italb restaurant is small, their service and food both pack a punch. We just love it when you get asked if you want grated Parmesan on your food (when is the answer ever “No”?)

But Italb’s prices are also really good! Scott and I came here for a three-course meal accompanied with several alcoholic drinks and we only paid £30 including a voluntary 10% service charge.

How amazing is that? And we honestly cannot rave about their food enough – especially at that price!

Atomic Burger

After a burger and chips in Bristol? Look no further than Atomic Burger , which has over 20 different types of burger to choose from.

And the best bit? They’re named after famous TV, film and superhero characters.

Fancy a bit of Forrest Gump? This one is classic and simple. Drooling over Daisy Duke? Cheese, crispy bacon and BBQ sauce adorns this burger. Salivating about Scott Pilgrim? Pineapple, mushrooms and jerk sauce will have you on this one.

We could go on. But don’t just take our word for it, check out their burgers yourself!

In their own words, Atomic Burger want to “take you back to that time as a child when burgers could be as big as your head, summers lasted forever and simple things made you smile.”

This is probably why their restaurant is also decked out with superhero wallpaper (even in the loo), barbie dolls above the windows and action man figures hanging from the ceiling.

Where To Stay in Bristol

When asked where to stay in Bristol, we always reply with the same three recommendations, which are:

1. The Bristol Hotel on Prince Street : It’s close to the harbourside, offers a generous 12pm check out time and even offers a romantic couple’s package of champagne, chocolate-dipped fruits and breakfast for two if you’re interested. Check Prices

2. Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa on Corn Street : Found within the historic part of Bristol’s city centre, this hotel used to be a bank and the bank vaults are now home to a beautiful spa. Check Prices

3. Berkeley Suites on Berkeley Crescent : Located within Bristol’s most sought-after neighbourhood: Clifton, these luxurious suites are fully equipped apartments and are individually decorated so you’ll never know what elegant and cool theme you’ll be getting no matter how many times you stay here. Check Prices

Find more Bristol hotels on Booking.com >>

Must-Do Day Trips From Bristol

One of the many things we love about living in Bristol is how you only need to drive for 45 minutes and technically be in a new country , or drive for just 90 minutes and be in stunning Devon.

This is because Bristol is handily located at motorway junctions for the M4 East, M4 West, M5 North and M5 South. 

So now there’s no reason at all why you can’t make the most of an epic day trip when you’re next in the city.

We’ve already written a detailed blog all about day trips from Bristol , but if you want to know which ones are our absolute favourites and most recommended, then here you go:

• Bath in Somerset: A must for Jane Austen fans and history lovers
• Cheddar Gorge & Caves in Somerset: To see where Cheddar cheese comes from
• The Cotswolds in Gloucestershire: For pretty bunting-filled villages and the infamous honey coloured stone
• Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales: For epic hikes , walks and escapes into nature
• Stourhead in Dorset: For a charming walk around beautiful National Trust gardens and an estate
• Lydford Gorge in Devon: For a fun walk past rivers, waterfalls and whirlpools that are steeped in legend
• Salisbury in Wiltshire: To see an original Magna Carta and 700+ year old buildings
• Cheltenham in Gloucestershire: For fans of original Regency architecture
• Exeter in Devon: A must for both Harry Potter fans and lovers of history

Discover even more day trips from Bristol here >>

We hope you’ve found our local’s guide to Bristol helpful! Is there anything else you want to know about our beautiful hometown? Just let us know in the comments below and we’ll reply asap…

Did you like this Bristol city guide? Pin it now, read it again later!

Justine Jenkins

Justine is one half of the married couple behind the Wanderers of the World travel blog. She lives in Bristol, UK and has travelled extensively within Europe and beyond since 2013. After her trips, she shares detailed travel itineraries, helpful travel guides and inspiring blog posts about the places she's been to. When she's not travelling overseas, you'll find her joining her husband, Scott on various day trips, weekend getaways and walks within the UK, which she also writes about on Wanderers of the World. Aside from travelling and writing, she also loves reading, crafting and learning about nature.

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This should be called A Grockle’s Guide to Bristol lol But anyway, it’s a good list of things for visitors. 👍

HA, LOL – you might be right 😉

Hi Justine,

I am visiting in Bristol in early May and found your Locals guide very helpful. I have lived in Northern California for 40+ years but was born in London The past 20+ years I have been visiting the UK and doing long distance walks the SWCoast Trail and Coast to Coast. Getting to the point that those long walks are getting a bit more difficult day after day. So I love walking cities and have never been to Bristol and want to also do the Kennet and Avon Canal walk from Bristol to Newbury. So perhaps i can buy a few weeks of coffee for some ideas about how to stay in Bristol a couple of days and then venture out on the canal and return to Bristol for another 5 days.

Hi John, Thanks so much for your comment – I’m so pleased you found my blog post helpful. And that’s awesome! You must’ve seen a fair bit of the UK over the years? 😀 My husband and I have walked parts of the Kennet & Avon Canal ourselves, so we can certainly help you with planning your trip. We’re currently away in Belgium right now, but when we’re back next week, I’ll send you an email to get the ball rolling 🙂 Speak soon, Justine

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Bristol Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 31, 2023

Bristol is an energetic and artsy city bursting with a robust restaurant scene, fascinating history, and lots of art. A college town with a youthful feeling, the city is full of great budget experiences, plenty of parks to relax in, interesting museums and historic homes, and a waterfront lined with art galleries and eateries.

Bristol is one of my favorite places to visit in England, and I’m not the only one who thinks so: in both 2014 and 2017, Bristol was named the best UK city. And that’s not the only award Bristol can claim — it won the European Green Capital Award in 2015, and in 2017 became a UNESCO City of Film.

In short, Bristol has a lot to offer. It’s an underrated city often overshadowed by England’s more international hubs but it’s definitely worth visiting for a day or two.

This travel guide to Bristol can help you plan a fun, affordable trip to this unappreciated gem!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Bristol

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Bristol

1. See the Clifton Suspension Bridge

Bristol’s most famous landmark is suspended 100 meters (330 feet) above the Avon River. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it is considered the mark of a turning point in the history of engineering, took 33 years to complete, and is now one of the oldest surviving iron suspension bridges in the world. The bridge provides sweeping views of the river and surrounding parks and buildings. The first modern bungee jump took place here in 1979 (though it was illegal at the time). It costs 1 GBP to cross the bridge in a car but is free for pedestrians and cyclists.

2. Visit Bristol Cathedral

Dating back to the 12th century, Bristol Cathedral was originally the abbey of St. Augustine. Parts of the Cathedral include Romanesque architecture and large vaulted ceilings in the nave, choir, and aisles, although the nave wasn’t built until 300 years after the rest of the cathedral. It’s open daily and admission is free. There aren’t currently any tours on offer but the welcome leaflet is useful to discover more about the building.

3. Learn nautical history aboard the SS Great Britain

Also designed by Brunel, the SS Great Britain was the world’s first steam-powered passenger liner. It was also the first screw-propelled, ocean-going, wrought iron ship. Built in 1843, it used both sail and steam power simultaneously, allowing it to travel across the Atlantic in half the time of other ships. You can visit the boat, its dockside museum, and even climb the rigging. Tickets are 19.50 GBP and you have to book an admission slot when you buy them. Tickets also permit free re-entry for one year from the date of first use in case you want to come back another day.

4. Visit St Nicholas Market

This bustling market has more shops than you could go through in an afternoon. Spend some time checking out the endless number of stalls offering seasonal local produce, second-hand books, vintage clothing, and more. It’s been trading since 1743 and now runs multiple different markets a week: St Nicholas Indoor market (Mon-Sat, 9.30am-5pm); Bristol Farmers’ and Producers’ market (every two weeks); Street Food Market (Tues and Fri, 11am-2.30pm) and Bristol Indies’ Market (Fri-Sat, 10am to 5pm).

5. Enjoy the street art

Other things to see and do in bristol, 1. take a pirate walks tour.

The Bristol Pirate Walks are short guided tours that take you to some of Bristol’s oldest neighborhoods. You’ll learn about Bristol’s early history in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries when slavery, maritime trading, and piracy were part of daily life. Tours cost 12.50 GBP and include visits to sites related to the legendary Long John Silver and Blackbeard’s Lair. Call ahead to check availability.

2. Hang out on King Street

King Street is a fascinating, historic part of Bristol dating to the 17th century. It used to be where the old sailing barges docked after their journeys from South Wales. Now the area is the heart of Bristol’s theater district and features numerous bars and restaurants too. The oldest continually operating theatre in England, Bristol Old Vic, is located on King Street. Tickets to a show start at 8 GBP.

3. Daytrip to Bath

The site of the ancient Roman baths is just a quick train ride away. The Romans used this area as their spa retreat up until the 5th century. Whether you’re interested in seeing the baths, cathedrals, or Jane Austen’s home (her family lived here in the early 19th century), Bath is an easy and enjoyable day trip from Bristol. Trains from Bristol to Bath run all day and it’s just a 16-minute ride for 8.80 GBP (return).

4. Explore the Wookey Hole Caves

This unique geological area, comprised of a series of limestone caves formed by an underground river, is another short day trip from Bristol. During your visit, you can take a 35-minute tour, stop in the historical museum, and view artifacts that archaeologists have uncovered in the caves. You can also take a boat ride through the murky cave waters and learn about spelunking. Don’t miss the famous Witch of Wookey Hole, a human-shaped stalagmite that legend says is a witch who was turned to stone. Most of the attractions are geared for children and families (other attractions at the site include animatronic dinosaurs). Admission is 19.95 GBP and you need to book a timeslot.

5. Take a stroll along the Bristol Harbour

The historic Bristol Harbour along the Avon River was traditionally known as the Floating Harbor because the water levels neither rise nor fall, keeping everything constant. Today, the harbor is home to most of Bristol’s busy street life and many of the city’s tourist attractions, including the Watershed Media Center and the M Shed Museum. In July, the free Bristol Harbour Festival features a weekend of activities on the waterfront including live music, dance performances, spoken word, food markets, circus acts, and more.

6. Tour the Bristol Aquarium

In a city with such close ties to the sea, it’s no wonder the Bristol Aquarium has several unique exhibitions on display. There’s an underwater tunnel that takes you through a recreated environment and even a sunken ship inside. The real attraction, though, is the Urban Jungle which features hundreds of exotic plants and trees, including mangroves. The jungle’s underwater environment is home to stingrays and freshwater fish from the Amazon rainforest. Tickets to the museum are 19.25 GBP, though you can also buy a 4-pack of adult tickets for a discount if traveling in a group. It’s a good place to visit if you’re traveling with kids.

7. Wander the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Bristol’s largest museum is home to an extensive collection of art and artifacts, including works from Bellini, Renoir, Hepworth, Sisley, and Bomberg. The ground floor has a collection of Egyptian mummies and other ancient artifacts, as well as displays dedicated to rare gems and crystals. Possibly the oddest yet most beloved part of the museum is Alfred the Gorilla, a mascot for the city. The gorilla originally lived in the Bristol Zoo, but since his death in 1948, he has been housed in a glass case on the second floor of the museum (he was even stolen for a few years in the 50s). Admission is free.

8. Visit M Shed

For a more in-depth look at the city of Bristol itself, visit this free museum. Over 3,000 artifacts comprise the museum’s exhibitions, which focus on the people and history of the city. The exhibition includes a collection of historic vessels, such as a fireboat and the oldest surviving steam tugboat (which is moored outside the museum). Admission is free.

9. Take a harbor tour

For an even closer look at the harbor, Bristol Ferry Boats offers daily harbor tours leaving from the city center. You float past all of Bristol’s maritime sights during the hour-long tour and learn more about the city. They also offer specialized cruises (such as a gin cruise) on certain days of the week. Tickets to the daily harbor tour are 9.75 GBP. There’s also an option to do a tour on The Matthew, a replica of John Cabot’s 1497 ship that he used to discover Newfoundland, or you can do a cruise of the Avon Gorge that goes under the Clifton Suspension Bridge (23 GBP).

10. Meander through Castle Park

Before being destroyed in World War II, Bristol’s main shopping district was located on the site of what is now this large harbor-side park. The park is home to several ruins: the 14th-century tower of St Mary-le-Port Church, the 12th-century St Peter’s Church (now a memorial to those who died in the Bristol Blitz), and vestiges of Bristol Castle itself. Stop in for a hot drink at the Vaulted Chambers Café, located within the last above-ground remnants of Bristol Castle.

11. Take a free walking tour

One of the first things I do in a new destination is to take a free walking tour. It’s the best budget-friendly way to see the main sights and connect with a local guide who can answer all your questions. Bristol Free Walking Tour hosts two-hour tours (they don’t run in winter) that can show you all the highlights. They meet in front of the Victoria Rooms, next to the fountains. There’s no need to book; just turn up a few minutes before it starts. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

For more information on other cities in England, check out these guides:

• Bath Travel Guide
• Brighton Travel Guide
• Cambridge Travel Guide
• Liverpool Travel Guide
• London Travel Guide
• Manchester Travel Guide
• Oxford Travel Guide

Bristol Travel Costs

Hostel prices – There aren’t too many hostel options in the city and some close in the off-season. A dorm with 4-8 beds costs 20 GBP. Several of the hostels are still currently only offering private rooms from 70 GBP and up per night due to COVID -19. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities.

There is only one campground in the immediate area (Ennywevers Campsite), but if you branch out from the city you can find others. Expect to pay around 10 GBP for a basic tent plot without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels cost 70 GBP per night (its closer to 80-90 GBP in high season). Free Wi-Fi is standard and breakfast is often included.

There are also lots of Airbnb options in Bristol. Private rooms start at 35 GBP per night (although 50 GBP is more realistic, particularly in peak season), while a full apartment averages 90-100 GBP per night.

Food – While British cuisine has evolved in leaps and bounds due to immigration (and colonialism), it’s still very much a meat and potatoes country. Fish and chips remain a popular staple for both lunch and dinner while roasted and stewed meats, sausages, meat pies, and the quintessential Yorkshire pudding are all common options as well. Curry (and other Indian dishes, such as tikka masala), are super popular too.

For falafel or sandwiches, prices start at around 6 GBP. A cheap pub meal of fish and chips costs around 10 GBP.

A meal at a casual pub or restaurant costs 12-16 GBP for a main course while a pint of beer costs 5-6 GBP. Dining on the waterfront or at a mid-range restaurant costs around 30 GBP for a multi-course meal with a drink.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 6 GBP for a combo meal while pizza starts at 9 GBP. Indian food starts at 10 GBP for a main dish.

Lattes/cappuccinos cost around 3.40 GBP while bottled water is around 1.20 GBP.

If you choose to cook your own meals, a week’s worth of groceries costs 40-50 GBP . This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Bristol Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Bristol, expect to spend 55 GBP per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, taking public transit, limiting your drinking, cooking your own meals, and doing mostly free activities like museum visits and seeing the suspension bridge. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 GBP per day to your budget.

A mid-range budget of 135 GBP per day covers staying in a private Airbnb room or private hostel, eating out for most of your meals, taking the occasional taxi, having a few drinks, and a few paid activities such as a harbor cruise or street art tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 220 GBP or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car or take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GBP.

Bristol Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

With cheap pubs, public parks, an accessible waterfront, and a few hostels, there are plenty of ways to save money in Bristol. Here are my top ways to save money when you visit:

• Chill in the park – It seems like Bristol is one giant park, with many great places to relax, play Frisbee, read, and picnic. It’s a low-cost way to spend an afternoon, hang out, and people-watch.
• Eat cheap – Bristol is a college town with lots of cheap sandwich shops and restaurants. Flock to where the students go to save money on your meals. Popular places for students include St. Nick’s Market, the Harbourside Market, and places along Wapping Wharf (Bertha’s for pizza is a great stop).
• Visit the museums – Learn about Bristol’s fascinating history by going to the museums, all of which are free.
• Take a free walking tour – If you’re there on a weekend, be sure to take a free walking tour. It lasts a couple of hours and is a nice way to get a sense of the city. Bristol Free Walking Tour offers free tours that cover the highlights. Visit Bristol also offers several free self-guided audio tours for download on their website.
• Stay with a local – If you’re on a budget, use Couchsurfing to stay with a local. It’s a great way to cut costs while getting insider tips and advice. Just note that many students are away during the summer so be sure to apply early.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Bristol

Bristol has a few hostels; however, most are not currently booking dorms due to COVID safety protocols. Nevertheless, here are my favorite places to stay in Bristol for when things open up again:

• The Full Moon Backpackers
• YHA Bristol
• Clift Guest House

How to Get Around Bristol

Public transportation – Public transit for Bristol and the surrounding area operates on a zone system, so bus prices depend on how far you go. A single fare in Zone A (Bristol and the immediate area) costs 3.50 GBP, with a daily cap of 6 GBP (the price of a Zone A day pass). The city center is easily walkable but to get to some of the outer parts of the city you need to take a bus.

Bicycle – Bristol is a bike-friendly city, ranking as the UK’s best city for cycling. Cycle the City and Bristol Cycle Shack both offer day rentals for 15-18 GBP. If you’re planning to cycle outside of the main city area to enjoy the riverside country trails, consider getting an electric bike or a mountain bike to make the trip easier. You can even cycle all the way to Bath (there’s a bike path and it’s just 13 miles). Electric bike rentals cost 35 GBP per day (8 hours).

Taxi – Taxis are readily available, with prices starting at 2.60 GBP and going up 2.13 GBP per mile. Given how expensive they are, I wouldn’t take one unless absolutely necessary.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Bristol but again walking or cycling are the easiest (and cheapest) ways to get around in the compact city.

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 20 GBP per day for a multi-day rental. Keep in mind that traffic flows on the left and that most cars have a manual transmission. You don’t need a car to explore the city, however, it might be helpful if you want to explore the region.

When to Go to Bristol

Bristol doesn’t get too cold, but like most English cities, it also doesn’t get too hot. Summer is peak tourism season and temperatures are the warmest during this time – but rarely are they ever above 22°C (72°F). People make the most of the warm weather and during July and August, there are tons of events and festivals happening along the Bristol harbor. One of the most famous is the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta when hundreds of hot air balloons fill the sky during the first two weeks of August.

Spring (late March-June) and autumn (September-November) are also fantastic times to visit, as temperatures are mild and the summer crowds have thinned out. You can still walk everywhere and hang out in the parks. Just bring a rain jacket.

Winter lasts from December to February and temperatures can dip below freezing (0°C/32°F). While prices are a bit lower, I wouldn’t visit during the winter as you’ll miss out on the parks and other outdoor activities.

How to Stay Safe in Bristol

Bristol is a safe city and the risk of violent crime here is low. Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Scams and pickpocketing can occur around high-traffic areas, especially on busy weekend nights in the city center when partygoers are a little less aware. Always keep your valuables secure and out of sight just to be safe.

If you’re partying in the student pubs, be aware of your surroundings and avoid dimly lit alleys and pathways when heading home. Pickpockets tend to work in teams, so stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Bristol Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Bristol Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling England and continue planning your trip:

The 14 Best Things to Do in Bristol

Where to Stay in London: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 8 Best Hostels in London

How to Spend a Week in London

The 9 Best Walking Tour Companies in London

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