About
Bristol is a port city in southwest England, set on the rivers Avon and Frome not far from the Severn estuary. It is a place where a long maritime past sits comfortably beside a lively creative present, and for many visitors that mix is the main reason to go.
Street art and creative life
Bristol is well known for its street art, most famously the work of Banksy, whose pieces appear on walls across the city. Spotting them is part of the pleasure of walking around, since they turn up in unexpected corners rather than in one place. The city's arts scene extends well beyond the streets, with a number of galleries and music venues that give it a steady, independent character.
The harbourside
The historic harbourside is the heart of the city's maritime heritage. Here visitors can explore museums that tell the story of the port, eat at waterfront restaurants and cafés, and watch the colourful floating houses that are moored along the water. It is an easy area to spend an unhurried afternoon, moving between the museums, the water and a meal.
What to expect
- Street art spread across the city, including work by Banksy
- Galleries and music venues for an evening or a rainy day
- Maritime museums and the historic harbourside
- Waterfront dining and the floating houses
Bristol suits a visit of a day or several, whether you come for the art, the history of the port, or simply the feel of a city with its own creative energy. Its harbourside and its streets reward walking, so comfortable shoes are a good idea.