Once an industrial city, Bristol now boasts a vibrant culture and art scene and is dotted with colourful street art, offbeat galleries and community-run cafes. Spend your time exploring the revamped harbourside district, dining out at excellent restaurants and soaking up the city's maritime history.

Things to do

Stroll around Bristol to admire its beautiful street art. Keep an eye out for installations from Banksy, an anonymous British graffiti artist known for his tongue-in-cheek, politically motivated works. Self-guided walking tours are a great way to check out works like the “Grim Reaper” and “Masked Gorilla”.

Bristol's showpiece is the mighty Brunel's SS Great Britain. The next-generation steamship was engineered by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1843 and has been meticulously restored to its original condition. Stroll along the upper deck, peer into the galley and view the enormous hull and propeller through the transparent "sea glass" dock.

Kids will love We The Curious, an interactive science museum loaded with exhibits on space, technology and the human brain. You can walk through the eye of a tornado, get dizzy on a human gyroscope and stargaze in the 3D planetarium.

Bristol is one of Britain's top foodie destinations and offers a smorgasbord of top-tier restaurants. Make reservations at Riverstation, a luxe waterfront restaurant serving up European fusion cuisine. You can get a caffeine fix at Canteen, a community-run cafe championing slow food, artisan roasts and an upbeat vibe.

Getting around

Bristol is best explored on foot, especially around the harbourside district. The city is well-serviced by local buses and taxis. Bristol Temple Meads railway station is located in the heart of the city. Bristol International Airport is 15 kilometres away.