Official language: English
Time zone: UTC+1
(summer),
UTC+0
(winter)
Currency: Pound sterling (GBP)
Each summer, the four-day Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, takes place. You can see then hundreds of colorful balloons flying in the air.
One of the most famous street artists, anonymous Banksy, comes from Bristol. Look around carefully, and you might find his works, such as Mild, Mild West, Well or Hung Lover.
If you’re a fan of marine adventures, check out the oldest Bristol tavern, the Llandoger Trow. The legend says that Edward Teach, known as Blackbeard, was visiting the place himself.
Are you fond of marine tales, especially those about pirates? Do you want to feel the atmosphere of a typical English pub? Or maybe you prefer sightseeing? You need to go to Bristol – this port city has many faces!
In the past, Bristol was the most important English port from which not only ships under the British flag were set to sail, but also… the pirate ships. Currently, on site of old docks by River Avon, the Bristol Harbor was built. It’s the great relax zone with a countless number of pubs located on the moored, climatic barges. You should go there for your evening stroll and give a visit to one of the taverns – where beer comes with fun for free!
King Street, running through the center, is also an interesting place where you’ll find the city’s oldest traditional English pubs. The towers of the 12th-century Bristol Cathedral dominating over the city (free admission) are really impressive together with Wills Memorial Building, currently occupied by the University. Despite the crowd of students in front and inside, we advise you to climb the tower and enjoy the beautiful panorama of the city. Great views are also awaiting those who come to see the biggest attraction of Bristol – the monumental Clifton Suspension Bridge.
By the river, you’ll see the world’s largest passenger steamer, the SS Great Britain from the first half of the 19th century that sailed to the United States. At present, there is a museum in its perfectly reconstructed interiors. The art and nature lovers will undoubtedly be pleased by watching the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery exhibitions (free admission), while fans of science will enjoy exploring At-Bristol Museum. If you are fascinated by the Gregorian period, check out the Gregorian House Museum with its rooms faithfully reconstructed according to the spirit of the epoch.
If, instead of touring the city with a guide and a map in your hand (or on your smartphone), you prefer absorbing the local atmosphere and observing the inhabitants, go to one of the parks. On warm days – and these are the most probable in Bristol – all the social life takes place here. Bristolians spend their evenings and weekends in city parks, enjoying their fast meals and sometimes drinking beer on lawns, benches, and walls.