Is Bristol nice for a weekend?

[Santacruz123]

Thinking of a random trip to Bristol with a friend
What are the best things to do there? Thanks

Used to live in Bristol but hated it. Bath is so much nicer.

Ive visited Bristol several times for holidays.
As has been mentioned Ashton Court is lovely to walk around, not just the house but there's deer in the park.
Cabot Tower at Brandon Hill gives views across the city.
St Werburgh city farm has a pub nearby, The Yards houses with their quirky designs and theres a walkway along Boiling Wells past a couple of fields, allotments and a " campsite" .
River Frome walkway starts near Cabot Circus , along the river( look over the wall to see various ducks, fish, occasional kingfisher, fox ...) up to Eastville Park and along to Snuff Mills and beyond.
Arnos Vale , interesting cemetery, woodlands.
Blaise Castle estate and museum, theres a lovely waterside walk or up the hill to the " castle"

Which are the best waterfront areas in the centre?

(for interesting shops and restaurants)

It pays to research places to eat and drink unless you are a really wander and don’t care kind of person I think. I like Bristol a lot but barb is an easier weekend away... more tourist friendly. But I like Bristol more!

Bath not barb,...

One thing you need to know about Bristol is that the centre is not the centre, it's just where cross city busses meet. A number of people have recommended the Bag O Nails which is a great pub but it's tiny, no food and does great beer.

It's worth taking a ferry ride around the waterfront, or just stroll round for a couple of hours. There are lots of pubs and restaurants along the waterfront, but for shopping, you're better off heading to Cabot Circus (about half a mile away) for posh chains, or Clifton or Gloucester Road for independent shops (easily accessible by bus). The "Visit Bristol" website will be able to give you all the background information you need. Is there anything in particular you're interested in, and I may be able to advise further?

Bristol is an amazing city with a laid back vibe and loads to do and see. Bars and restaurants are fab. Lots of different shopping areas. Bohemian and wealthy. Definitely not run down and covered in graffiti unless you just go to the rough bits which you find everywhere!

I’ve lived in Bristol my whole life and I’ve never really thought about it that way before goose but you’re right the centre isn’t really the centre. Very odd.

If I have visitors, we often go down to the centre, walk along the water front. Maybe go to MShed, see The Matthew, Under fall yard or SS Great Britain, do the river walk and finish with a pint in the Cottage Inn (yes it’s called that).

Or, a walk around Clifton village, a look in the quirky independent shops, over the suspension bridge and a look in the visitor centre, in to the observatory and to the view point in the cliffs of the gorge and a nice lunch in one of the many eateries in the village. There’s a nice park for kids.

Or, a wander up and down Gloucester Road to look in the interesting shops and have some food.

Or, shopping at Cabot Circus.

Or, a country walk at Ashton Court, Blaise or Tyntesfield (NT).

I love Bristol!

If you are without children, there are some really lovely restaurants.

Casa Mia - expensive and Michelin Star
Paco Tapas - xmas people as CM and serve Michelin star tapas
Bravas - tapas
Bull rush- now has a star. Tasty local restaurant
No Mans Grace and Adelina Yard are also two of my favourites.

Down by the water there are lots of chains - Pizza Express, The Stable etc. There’s a good steak restaurant - Steak of the Art.

Casa Mia and Paco are by the water.

Spa treatment at the Lido, and a swim if you’re brave - it’s heated!

If you are looking for something sporty, try the Bristol climbing centre. It's a converted church, so fantastic if you're not scared of heights!!

I love Bristol! Me and my DP have had three weekends away there and we have thouroughly enjoyed it. There's so much to do as PP have said. Definitely worth the trip 😊

We went for the weekend before Christmas and really liked it.
Cabot circus shops were good
We the curious was enjoyable....making giant bubbles was fun
The aquarium is small but good for a couple of hours.
A walk along the docks

Steak of the art ...the food was really good

Bristol is ace. Clifton is a lovely place to wander around and while the day away.

There is a fab deli called The Mall. Delicious for lunch. The shops are quirky and the buildings are beautiful.

There is a great restuarant on Corn St in Bristol called The Ox. They do a great early evening offer...steak, chips and a glass of wine/beer/posh pop for £15. It's underground in a vault.

Deffo go there!

There's also several theatres. The Hippodrome, the Old Vic, The Tobacco Factory and the Redgrave all spring to mind.

I love Bristol and used to live there, the traffic is shit but as a poster said it wouldn't effect you for a weekend break there.

Thanks again so far
We will prob have one long relaxed meal there
Since maybe only one full day I’m thinking boat ride and suspension bridge to see?
We will maybe avoid mainstream shops as we can do that anytime
It would be interesting to know what tourist sites are recommended for only one full day...

Is the lido right in the centre?

Lido is in Clifton.
Where would you be staying?
I would probably to a mooch along the water front and a boat ride then up to Clifton village.

We are thinking of either the Mercure or Marriott
So basically a wander along the waterfront and then boat up to Clifton village Or bus if the boat doesn’t go there ?

We did a day in the city centre (waterfront, cathedral, M-Shed, Matthew) then went to Clifton for the morning/lunch on our way home, which was a Saturday. It was lovely but we had to park about a mile from the centre and all the cafes were packed, it was nice though.

I’ve stayed at both the Marriott and mercure and both are good. Two restaurants stand out for me, Under The Stars (on a boat) at the waterfront and Cathay Rendezvous for Chinese about five mins from the waterfront. Would like to go to Bristol next when they have the balloon festival (think it’s August).