Bristol Guide
With small-town charm, international flair, and thought-provoking street art, the UK’s most southern city is a thriving cultural destination. Bristol Guide attractions and history at world-class museums and galleries. Or, stroll along the harbor to watch boats float by. And, enjoy delicious food and drink in the many cafés, bars, and restaurants.
Bristol by the Water: Discovering the Harbourside and Beyond
The smoky port once served as England’s gateway to the world. Today, cruises on the harbor give you a chance to see how tidal shifts influenced shipping and helped make Bristol into an international trading metropolis.
You’ll find plenty of history, too, at the M Shed museum located in a dockside transit shed. It’s home to 3,000 exhibits that follow the city’s 2,000 year history including its role in the slave trade. Plus, the SS Great Britain—Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s innovative steamship—is also housed here.
Throughout the central city, you can get a feel for Bristol’s past at historic sites like the city cathedral and College Green. Or, take a guided walking tour with a local or visit one of the city’s top museums such as M Shed or the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery.
And, don’t miss a visit to the city’s lively streets where you can see some of the best examples of Banksy’s wry urban artworks. You can join a street art and Bristol history tour or use my free self-guided Banksy Tour Guide to discover them on your own.