Can a city truly have it all? Yes, and its name is Bristol. Whether you love nature, food or street art, Bristol has something for everyone. Follow our two days journey chasing Banksy’s most iconic pieces, sampling the best brisket in town and walking through some of the vibrant hoods on the outskirts!
TOP TIP: Bristol is very easy to navigate. The city has a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) just like most UK cities, so check your vehicle is compliant before driving through. The Portway Park and Ride is a very good option to avoid charges and parking. For a £7 return ticket and a journey in and out of town that lasts no more than ten minutes, this might be a no brainer for you.
1. Banksy’s Hanging Man
Start your Bristol walking tour at Frogmore Street, where you will find one of Banksy’s earlier works. Painted in 2006, this is the first legal piece of street art in the UK. Although being later defaced with black and pink paint, this piece retains its charm.
2. Park Street
Walk up the hill on Park Street, one of Bristol’s numerous high streets. Among the many independent boutiques and restaurant, one Scandinavian inspired coffee shop stood high above the rest: Gather. This small, vibrant and chilled café takes pride in sourcing their coffee from Europe, mainly Paris and Denmark. Looking back, It was the best coffee we had in Bristol all weekend.
3. Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Pop your head into the main foyer of this beautiful museum to admire another one of Banksy’s piece: Paint Pot Angel. In 2009, the Museum was taken over by an exhibition of Banksy’s work called Banksy Versus Bristol Museum. The museum was transformed overnight to display an array of unnatural history, such as fishfingers swimming in a gold fish bowl. Angel Bust is what remained of the over 100 works on display by the artist.
4. Christmas Steps & St. Laurence Steps
Make your way through Park Row to the iconic Christmas Steps, one of Bristol’s oldest streets. The historic pub at the bottom of the steps adds great charm to this walkway. Check out the Chance & Counters board game café for a fun break mid-morning or afternoon.
Head over towards Broad Street and walk under the archways of St John’s Church to marvel at the street art of St Laurence Steps. You’ll love the contrast between the gothic architecture of the church and the modern murals in the surrounding building, which is what makes Bristol a truly vibrant and unique place.
5. St. Nicholas Market
Every great city needs a vibrant market and that is exactly what you will find at St. Nicholas Market. Wonder through the indoor booths right through to the outdoors food alley where your senses will be awakened and energised!
We loved the Ultimate Combo Box at Low and Slow, a barbeque heaven of brisket with a delicious side of beans and chips.
One box is enough for two especially if accompanied by a cheeky little starter of momo dumplings from MoMo Bar. Opt for the steamed mix of chicken and beef for the perfect blend of Tibet cuisine.
6. Shredenams
You won’t find this destination on many blogs, that’s why we thought this is a must-do if you really want to capture the culture of Bristol. A once beloved icon of every UK high street, Bristol’s Debenhams has been turned into the coolest underground skateboard park we have ever seen. Grab a drink at the bar, play a game of pool or practice your skateboarding skills while admiring some of the upcycled department store features with the addition of graffiti of course!
7. St Werburgh’s Tunnel
This spot is a bit of a walk from the city centre, through the calm neighbourhood of Montpellier. The street art in this Stoke Croft is vibrant and funky, and the area is a true melting pot of cultures.
Head towards Mina Road, following the signs to St Werburgh City Farm (well worth a visit, even for the grown-ups). The tunnel is often home to street artists and musicians, although we weren’t fortunate enough to catch any this time. That said, it was still worth every minute spent dodging cars (and possible death) to capture the best shots of the graffiti that cover every inch of the tunnel.
If you love unusual architecture, there are some pretty fun looking houses just across the tunnel with styles resembling something between Spanish and Swiss if there ever is such a thing! It’s worth a look!
8. Banksy’s The Girl with Pearl Earring
Now this will take you right back downtown to Spike Island, a beautiful and relaxing part of Bristol where locals stroll with their dogs or go for a run while enjoying colourful views of Cliftonwood Crescent.
Follow our pin to discover an amazing Banksy masterpiece: Girl with Pearl Earring, almost hidden among unassuming buildings. This was our favourite work by the artist — so iconic and well-known, yet still striking and a little awe-inspiring to see up close.
9. M Shed
This 1950s converted transit shed is now a free museum, and it’s home to another of Banksy’s masterpieces: Grim Reaper. Originally painted on the side of the Thekla ship, the work has now been safely preserved inside the museum. The story behind it is as witty as it is daring — pure Banksy. You can’t help but smile at his audacity and wonder about the man behind the mask. Who knows, maybe you’ve already walked right past him and never realised!
10. Cargo 1 and 2
Eating lunch in a shipping container, you say? Don’t mind if I do! You’ll have plenty of choice when it comes to flavours and styles at Cargo 1 and 2, no matter your craving. A favourite stop for locals and tourists alike, the atmosphere is infectious — a must-visit in Bristol!
There’s still so much more of Bristol left to explore! If you have a car, head over to Easton, an area renowned for one of Banksy’s earlier works: Cat and Dog. But that’s not all there is to Easton. Explore the neighbourhood’s busy lanes, local parks and vibrant food stores selling delicacies from all over the world.
But for now, thank you for joining us on our journey through one of the funkiest cities in Britain!
