{"id":1182595,"date":"2025-09-07T18:47:46","date_gmt":"2025-09-07T18:47:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onabreak.co.uk\/?p=1182595"},"modified":"2025-11-27T16:16:52","modified_gmt":"2025-11-27T16:16:52","slug":"10-best-things-to-do-in-bristol-a-complete-guide-for-first-time-visitors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onabreak.co.uk\/?p=1182595","title":{"rendered":"10 Best Things to Do in Bristol: A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u2019s most iconic pieces, sampling the best brisket in town and walking through some of the most vibrant hoods on the outskirts!<\/p>\n

TOP TIP<\/strong>: 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<\/a><\/strong> is a very good option to avoid charges and parking. For a \u00a37 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.<\/p>\n

1. Banksy’s Hanging Man<\/h1>\n

Start your Bristol walking tour at Frogmore Street<\/a><\/strong>, where you will find one of Banksy\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. Park Street<\/h1>\n

Walk up the hill on Park Street<\/a><\/strong>, one of Bristol\u2019s numerous high streets. Among the many independent boutiques and restaurants, one Scandinavian inspired coffee shop stood high above the rest: Gather<\/a><\/strong>. This small, vibrant and chilled caf\u00e9 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.<\/p>\n

The Outside<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure>
The Inside<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure>
The Flat Whites<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n

3. Bristol Museum & Art Gallery<\/h1>\n

Pop your head into the main foyer of this beautiful museum to admire another one of Banksy\u2019s pieces: Paint Pot Angel<\/strong><\/a>. In 2009, the Museum was taken over by an exhibition of Banksy\u2019s work called Banksy Versus Bristol Museum. <\/em><\/strong>The museum was transformed overnight to display an array of unnatural history, such as fishfingers swimming in a gold fish bowl. Paint Pot Angel is what remained of the over 100 works on display by the artist.<\/p>\n

Bristol Boxkite<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure>
Paint Pot Angel<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n

4. Christmas Steps & St. Laurence Steps<\/h1>\n

Make your way through Park Row to the iconic Christmas Steps<\/a><\/strong>, one of Bristol\u2019s oldest streets. The historic pub at the bottom of the steps adds great charm to this walkway. Check out the Chance & Counters<\/a><\/strong> board game caf\u00e9 for a fun break mid-morning or afternoon.<\/p>\n

Top of the Steps<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure>
Bottom of the Steps<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure>
Somewhere in the middle<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Head over towards Broad Street and walk under the archways of St John\u2019s Church<\/a><\/strong> to marvel at the street art of St Laurence Steps<\/a><\/strong>. You\u2019ll love the contrast between the gothic architecture of the church and the modern murals in the surrounding buildings, which is what makes Bristol the unique place that it is.<\/p>\n

St John on the Wall Church<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure>
St Laurence Steps<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure>
Cool Art<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure>
Cool Arches<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure>
Cool Art<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n

5. St. Nicholas Market<\/h1>\n

Every great city needs a lively market and that is exactly what you will find at St. Nicholas Market<\/a><\/strong>. Wander through the indoor booths right through to the outdoors food alley where your senses will be awakened by the incredible aromas of contrasting cuisines!<\/p>\n

St Nicholas Market Entrance<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure>
Inside the Market<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure>
The Side Streets<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n

We loved the Ultimate Combo Box at Low and Slow<\/strong><\/a>, a barbeque heaven of brisket with a delicious side of beans and chips.<\/p>\n

The Menu<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure>
The Experts<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure>
The Ultimate Combo Box<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n

One box is enough for two especially if accompanied by a cheeky little starter of momo dumplings from MoMo Bar<\/a><\/strong>. Opt for the steamed mix of chicken and beef for the perfect blend of Tibet cuisine.<\/p>\n

Momos!<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure>
The Menu<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n

6. Shredenams<\/h1>\n

You won\u2019t find this destination on many blogs if any, and that is 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\u2019s Debenhams<\/a><\/strong> 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!<\/p>\n

Shredenams<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure>
The Skate Park<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure>
The Game Room<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure>
The Bar<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n

7. St Werburgh’s Tunnel<\/h1>\n

This spot is a bit of a walk from the city centre, through the calm neighbourhood of Montpellier. The street art in Stoke Croft <\/b><\/a>is an explosion of colours, and the area is a true melting pot of cultures.<\/p>\n

Stoke Croft<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure>
Cool Art<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure>
Coolest Art<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n

To find the tunnel, head towards Mina Road<\/a><\/strong>, following the signs to St Werburgh City Farm<\/a><\/strong> (well worth a visit, even for the grown-ups). The tunnel<\/a><\/strong> is often home to street artists and musicians, although we weren\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

If you love unusual architecture, there are some pretty fun looking houses just across from the tunnel. The styles of these homes are all over the place, with some resembling something between Spanish and Swiss if there ever was such a thing! It\u2019s worth a look!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

8. Banksy’s The Girl with Pearl Earring<\/h1>\n

Now this will take you right back downtown to Spike Island<\/strong><\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

The Docks<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure>
A View of the Crescent<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Follow our pin to discover our very favourite Banksy masterpiece: Girl with Pearl Earring<\/strong><\/a>, almost hidden among the most unassuming buildings. This was a true ‘stop and take deep breath’ moment, with this piece being so iconic and well-known, yet still striking and a little awe-inspiring to see up close.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

9. M Shed<\/h1>\n

M Shed<\/a> is a 1950s converted transit shed (now a free museum) and it\u2019s home to another of Banksy\u2019s handiworks: Grim Reaper<\/strong>. Originally painted on the side of the Thekla ship, the stencil painting has now been safely preserved inside the museum. The story behind it is as witty as it is daring \u2014 pure Banksy. You can\u2019t help but smile at his audacity and wonder about the man behind the mask. Who knows, maybe you\u2019ve already walked right past him and never realised!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

10. Cargo 1 and 2<\/h1>\n

Eating lunch in a shipping container, you say? Don\u2019t mind if I do! You\u2019ll have plenty of choice when it comes to flavours and styles at Cargo 1 and 2<\/a><\/strong>, no matter your craving. A favourite stop for locals and tourists alike, the atmosphere is infectious.<\/p>\n

Cargo 2<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure>
From the Top<\/span>\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n

If you have a car, head over to Easton<\/a><\/strong>, an area renowned for one of Banksy\u2019s earlier works: Cat and Dog<\/a><\/strong>. But that’s not all there is to Easton. Explore the neighbourhood\u2019s busy lanes, local parks and vibrant food stores, selling delicacies from all over the world.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s still so much more of Bristol left to explore! But for now, thank you for joining us on our journey through one of the funkiest cities in Britain!<\/p>\n

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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\u2019s most iconic pieces, sampling the best brisket in town and walking through some of the most vibrant hoods on the outskirts! TOP […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1182632,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[170,194],"tags":[434,436,420,432,204,433,435,234,210,437,153,177,213,252,200],"class_list":["post-1182595","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","category-urban-safari","tag-art","tag-banksy","tag-bristol","tag-britain","tag-city-break","tag-english","tag-funky","tag-graffiti","tag-great-britain","tag-street-art","tag-travel","tag-uk","tag-urban","tag-vacation","tag-weekend"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/onabreak.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PXL_20250629_1102383002-scaled.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/onabreak.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1182595","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/onabreak.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/onabreak.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onabreak.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onabreak.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1182595"}],"version-history":[{"count":27,"href":"https:\/\/onabreak.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1182595\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1182817,"href":"https:\/\/onabreak.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1182595\/revisions\/1182817"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onabreak.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1182632"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/onabreak.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1182595"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onabreak.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1182595"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/onabreak.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1182595"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}