Bristol is known for its maritime and engineering heritage, from Brunel's Clifton Suspension Bridge to the SS Great Britain, as well as being the hometown of the street artist Banksy. It's also celebrated for its independent food scene, harbourside culture and strong creative, music and arts communities.
Discover Authentic Bristol: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
The team at Mercure Bristol North The Grange Hotel is only a short hop from a city that has always done things its own way — equal parts maritime history, engineering ambition and rebellious street art. Bristol doesn't shout about itself, it just quietly gets on with being brilliant, from Brunel's bridges to Banksy's stencils. Here's how we point our guests toward the real thing.
Our map pins local favourites such as Bristol Harbour, the Clifton Camera Obscura and Stokes Croft.
Top 5 Things to Do in Bristol
Where it all began: Bristol Harbour
Bristol's Floating Harbour is where the city's maritime story started, now lined with museums, bars and the M Shed telling its industrial past.
Browse gifts on Christmas Steps
This atmospheric 17th-century stepped lane is lined with independent shops selling gifts, crafts and curiosities found nowhere else in the city.
See Bristol through the Camera Obscura
A rare working camera obscura on Clifton's Observatory Hill projects a live, moving image of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and gorge below.
Feel the culture of Stokes Croft
Bristol's most rebellious neighbourhood is packed with street art, independent cafés and a fiercely creative, alternative spirit.
Follow Bristol's street art trail
As Banksy's hometown, Bristol's walls double as an open-air gallery, with new pieces appearing across the city all the time.
Explore Bristol's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Bristol
We've mapped local spots in Bristol, from the harbour to craft breweries.
Harbour & views
Bristol Harbour
Once home to pirates and sugar traders, Bristol's floating harbour now buzzes with Sunday markets and waterside restaurants. Fancy a paddleboard or a row?
Harbourside · Waterfront · Perfect for local life
Camera Obscura, Clifton Observatory
Installed in 1828, this Victorian camera projects a 360-degree live image of Bristol and the gorge – one of only three still working in the UK.
Clifton · Observatory · Made for an unusual view
Bristol Lido
Built in 1850 and reopened in 2008: a heated 24-metre outdoor pool, sauna, steam room and restaurant. Swim first, lunch after.
Clifton · Outdoor pool and spa · Ideal for relaxing
Creative Bristol
Christmas Steps
Built in 1669, this steep stepped street is now an arts quarter of galleries, studios and independent shops.
City centre · Arts quarter · Great for gifts
Stokes Croft
North of the centre, Bristol's creative hub: street art, cafés, quirky pubs, vintage shops and live music.
Stokes Croft · Neighbourhood · Perfect for street art
Bristol craft breweries
Bristol has around twenty breweries, including Bristol Beer Factory, Moor Beer and Wiper and True, plus brewpubs such as King Street Brewhouse. Cheers.
Across Bristol · Breweries · Made for craft beer
Bristol street art
Banksy's hometown is covered in murals. Explore Bedminster and beyond on your own, or join a free tour.
Bedminster · Street art · Great for a walk
FAQ
Central Bristol, including the Harbourside and old town, is very walkable. For longer journeys the First Bus network covers the wider city, and the Bristol Ferry Boat service is a scenic way to travel along the Floating Harbour between key sights.
Late spring to early autumn (May to September) brings the best weather for exploring the harbourside and gorge on foot. Late July also brings the world-famous Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, one of Europe's largest hot air balloon events.
A Victorian camera installed in 1828 at Clifton Observatory that projects a live panoramic image of the city.
At Bristol Lido in Clifton, with a heated 24-metre outdoor pool.
Stokes Croft, north of the city centre, is Bristol's creative hub.
Where to Sleep in Bristol
See Mercure hotels in Bristol, all within reach of these picks.