Bristol

[Wingedharpy]

I know nothing about Bristol but would like to visit with a girl pal.
Where is the best area of the city to base ourselves for a shopping, wining and dining short stay?
Independent shops preferred rather than chain store types, though we aren't averse to a department store - or 2.
Would prefer to arrive, park then walk to places rather than catch buses, trams etc.
All recommendations gratefully received.
Looking for areas of the city rather than hotels, b and b's etc.

There are no trams in Bristol. (There were about 100 years ago). There's no underground rail network (I think it's a dream for the future ). Swathes of the city centre are resident parking zones but there's lots of multi storeys and parking meters. There's also plans for a clean air zone but I'm not sure when that's going ahead.
The harbourside has plenty of places to eat, the Arnofini art gallery and a couple of museums. Look at getting a hop on hop off ticket for one of the ferries (there's even a stop behind Temple Meads Station).
Shopping. The main shopping area is Cabot Circus and Broadmead with all the usual high street shops. There's also several out of town developments with Cribbs Causeway being the largest. For independent shops look at Gloucester Road and the Clifton village area.
Be prepared for steep hills. The damn things are everywhere!

Many thanks @MrsMoastyToasty.
Lots of helpful information there to get me started.

Park Street for independent posher but a bit studenty shops, Cabot Circus for city centre shopping with a nice feel. Is there still a Harvey Nicks there? The harbourside area is very popular for eating and drinking and there's a kind of pop up beach bar there at the moment I think. Bristol can get interesting at night, like most city centres.

Clifton/Whiteladies is probably the nicest central-ish area to stay.
Or Park Street area might be a good bet as then you can walk up the hill to Clifton or down the hill into the city centre/harbourside.

Gloucester Road/Montpelier area could be good too for a more independent/arty vibe, and still close enough to walk into the city centre.

I think they have just had the street art festival and they showed some amazing pieces on the tv. I don't know the locations but maybe there are some self guided tours if that's of interest to you.

Definitely stay in Clifton. I know you didn’t ask about specific hotels, but the Hotel du Vin right by the suspension bridge, overlooking the gorge, is great. Have drinks on their White Lion terrace even if you don’t stay.

It’s such a beautiful city that it’s a real pleasure to walk everywhere. But hilly: wear flat shoes!