How to plan a trip to Bristol?

This vibrant city in the south west of England is famous for its arts scene, cultural festivals and lively nightlife. After visiting the more famous destinations, Bristol is the ideal city to escape from mass tourism and immerse yourself in an authentic, alternative atmosphere. But if you’re reading this post you probably already know that, and what you’re really interested in is finding out how best to plan a trip to Bristol.

In this post we’ve set out to make your experience unforgettable, so we’ll walk you through the organisation of your trip with lots of tips and advice we learned during our stay. We are sure you will love the city, and even more so after reading this article where we tell you how to get the most out of it.

1. Prepare your travel documents for Bristol

As you may know, after Brexit a lot of things changed in the country, including entry permits. Even so, today it is still quite easy for European citizens, who can cross the border simply with a passport for tourist travel. This method guarantees a stay of up to 180 days, but remember that it must not be out of date or you will not be able to board the plane. If you are travelling for study or work purposes, you will need to apply for a different visa or permit.

In addition to EU countries, there are other countries that can also enter the country without a visa, including Commonwealth countries and nations such as Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the United States and Uruguay.

All other countries must apply for a tourist visa through the online form or at the embassy or consulate of their country of origin. This visa is valid for 180 days and must be applied for at least three months in advance. It costs £115. The process involves filling out a form, submitting documents such as a valid passport, evidence of financial means, accommodation booking or letter of invitation, travel plan and travel insurance.

Whether you are travelling with a visa or just your passport, it is recommended that you carry a copy of your travel documents in case you lose them. With the Passporter App you can keep a copy of all your travel documents in an organised way in case you need them.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Bristol

Spring and summer, specifically from May to September, offer ideal conditions for visiting Bristol. During these months, the city unfolds in all its splendour; parks are green, people are out and about and the atmosphere in the harbour is lively. This is the perfect time to enjoy river walks and spend the day out and about. But don’t forget to always take an umbrella, your best friend in England.

However, these months also coincide with the tourist season, which could mean higher prices and more crowded places. However, if you shop around in advance, you’ll be able to compare and find cheap prices for whatever time of year you’re travelling.

We were lucky enough to travel in August, during the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. This hot air balloon show is one of the biggest in Europe and offers a breathtaking view of the city.

3. Find out how to get to Bristol

Bristol is very well connected both with other cities in the UK and with major European cities. When we visited the city we went by car because we were travelling around the country and we were able to park just outside the city and get around the city centre by public transport. However, there are plenty of other options:

• By car: you can get to Bristol via the M5 motorway from the north or south, and the M4 from London or Wales. You can hire a car on arrival at the airport or take your own via the Eurotunnel for around €30/100. Just remember to drive backwards 😉
• By train: Bristol has two main stations, Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway. Trains are operated by Great Western Railway (GWR) with services from London, South Wales, and the rest of the UK.
• By bus: National Express and Megabus offer bus services to Bristol from all major UK cities. It’s an economical option, although depending on where you’re travelling from, it may not be worth the number of hours you’ll spend on the bus.
• By plane: Bristol International Airport is served by many domestic and international destinations. Airlines such as EasyJet, Ryanair and British Airways operate amongst many other airlines. It’s definitely the quickest option, although not all European countries offer direct flights and in some cases you may have to make a stopover in London.

Whichever option you choose, we recommend booking your tickets in advance. You can also do this with the Passporter App via Skyscanner, and always have your flight information and tickets at hand.

Bristol International Airport

Bristol International Airport is located around 13km from the city and offers several options for getting into the city centre. You can catch the Airport Flyer Express Link (A1) which operates 24 hours a day with fares of approximately GBP7 each way. Alternatively, a taxi to the city centre can cost between GBP 25-30 and the journey takes around 20 minutes.

And for getting around the city, Bristol offers several options including buses with tickets costing GBP2 for a single journey, city trains which connect various parts of the city and the surrounding area and the Bristol Ferry Boats with tickets from GBP1.20 per journey.

4. Find accommodation that meets your expectations to enjoy Bristol

In Bristol you will find a wide range of accommodation, from modern flats on the harbour to cosy B&Bs in historic neighbourhoods. Here’s a list of the best places to stay and their characteristics:

• City Centre: the heart of Bristol, ideal for being close to major attractions such as St Nicholas Market and the harbour. Can be expensive due to its central location.
• Clifton: known for its Georgian elegance and iconic suspension bridge. Perfect for families and those seeking a quiet atmosphere. Expensive for its exclusivity and architectural beauty.
• Harbourside: revives Bristol’s maritime history, ideal for culture lovers with its variety of museums and restaurants. Moderately priced with many luxury options.
• Stokes Croft: the bohemian and artistic quarter, full of street art and vibrant nightlife. More affordable and youthful.
• Southville: up-and-coming and artsy, close to the Tobacco Factory theatre.
• Redcliffe: historic and quiet, close to the impressive St Mary Redcliffe Church. Variety of prices, good for tight budgets.
• Cotham: residential and serene, close to the university and green spaces. Ideal for a quiet stay.

There are so many places to choose from, it’s best to spend some time comparing. Download the Passporter App and compare and book directly through Booking. You can also read about accommodation in the travel itineraries of other travellers.

5. Choose the activities you want to do in Bristol

Bristol, known for its street art, is also a city with a rich maritime history and thriving cultural scene that requires at least two or three days to explore. Here are the must-sees so you can start creating your travel route with Passporter today, and here you can read about the city in more detail: Things to do in Bristol

• SS Great Britain: the revolutionary Brunel-designed ship, now a museum. Approximate price: £18.
• Bristol Museum & Art Gallery: features a variety of artefacts, from Egyptian to contemporary art. Free admission.
• Clifton Suspension Bridge: Iconic suspension bridge with spectacular views of the Avon Gorge. Free entry, but there is a parking fee.
• M Shed: museum dedicated to the history of the city, located on the old docks. Free admission.
• Bristol Cathedral: impressive cathedral in the heart of the city. Free admission.
• Banksy Walking Tour: tour of Banksy’s famous street art in the city.
• Arnolfini: contemporary art centre located on Bristol’s waterfront. Free admission.
• Cabot Tower: historic tower with panoramic views of the city, located in Brandon Hill Park. Free admission.
• Bristol Zoo Gardens: one of the oldest zoos in the world, with a diverse collection of species. Price approx. £17.
• St Nicholas Market: market with a mix of food, art and local produce.

6. Where and what to eat in Bristol?

Bristol’s cuisine reflects its harbour history with a notable influence of diverse seafood and a wide availability of fresh local produce. Typical ingredients include fish, seafood, local cheese and cider. The city is known for its focus on sustainability and organic food, with many restaurants and markets promoting local and seasonal produce.

You’ll find you’ll eat in luxury in the local pubs and restaurants, accompanied by a pint or cider. Here are a few of the city’s most typical dishes:

1. Fish and Chips: battered and deep-fried fish and chips, a British classic popular in coastal areas and port cities such as Bristol.
2. Pie and Mash: a pie served with mashed potatoes, traditionally accompanied by pea or onion gravy. It is a much-loved comfort dish in pubs and restaurants.
3. Ploughman’s Lunch: a light lunch that typically includes cheese wedges, bread, pickles, and sometimes ham or a salad, ideal for a picnic or informal meal.
4. Sunday Roast: a Sunday dish consisting of roast beef, usually accompanied by roast potatoes, vegetables and gravy. It is a staple of the British Sunday lunch.
5. Cider-braised Pork: pork slow-cooked in cider, which gives it a sweet taste and tender texture. Cider, a popular local product in Bristol, adds a distinctive touch to this dish.

7. Organise a trip with friends to Bristol

Travelling with friends offers many advantages such as enjoying cultural events together, sharing transport and expenses, and always having someone to chat to and discuss the trip with.

However, disagreements about what to do can arise due to differing interests. The Passporter app offers an ideal solution by allowing you to plan and organise your trip to Bristol as a group, facilitating coordination and ensuring that everyone is involved in the process. In addition, the platform becomes an album of shared memories thanks to the possibility of uploading photos, making your experience truly unforgettable. We tell you how to do it in this post: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Bristol

• The currency in the United Kingdom is the pound sterling (£).
• It is advisable to carry some cash, although most shops accept card payments.
• The UK uses plug type G, with a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Be sure to bring an adapter if your devices have different specifications.
• If you are travelling from the European Union, you will need a passport to enter the country; a national ID card is no longer sufficient.
• The official language is English.
• Water in the UK is safe to drink, so you can refill your water bottle to reduce plastic use.
• Bristol is a relatively safe city, but as in any big city, it’s wise to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places.
• Book flights and accommodation in advance to get better prices, especially during peak tourist season.
• Find out about events or festivals during your visit.
• Remember that in the UK you drive on the left, unlike in the rest of Europe.
• Be prepared for the UK’s changeable weather by always carrying an umbrella or mackintosh, even on sunny days.
• Using apps such as Passporter to plan your trip to the UK is free and helps you draw inspiration from other travellers, as well as organising your itinerary efficiently.
• Protect yourself against medical emergencies: travel insured.

9. How do you prepare what to see on your trip to Bristol?

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you want to visit each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums.
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documents.
• Make any changes you need to make and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to Bristol.

If you have any doubts about how to create your itinerary, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary on Passporter.

10. Frequently asked questions about travelling to Bristol