There are so many wonderful tourist attractions to see in Bristol that there is sure to be something for everyone. Whether you are looking for thrills and excitement, Bristol history and exhibitions or animals and more exotic attractions, tourists and visitors will not have to look far in Bristol, one of England’s most important cities. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Bristol.

Bristol Guided Bus Tours

Open-top hop on / off Bristol sightseeing guided bus tours operate throughout the day at regular intervals in central Bristol. These Bristol bus tours provide an easy way of sightseeing in Bristol and with daily hop on / off tickets, they are also a very useful way to travel around Bristol, since you can leave the bus to explore and get back on when you are ready. The Bristol bus tours connect all of the major points of interest in Bristol, including numerous tourist attractions, landmarks and monuments in Bristol.

Walking Tours of Bristol - The Annexe, Wildscreen Walk, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB, England

There are a number of walking tours around Bristol and these provide tourists with a real insight into some of Bristol’s most interesting and historic attractions, landmarks and streets, including walks across Bristol’s Clifton suspension bridge. Tours are available at the Tourist Information Centre, Harbourside by At-Bristol. Walking tours should usually be booked in advance to ensure your place.

Champagne Balloon Flights - Winterstoke Road, Bristol, BS3 2NP, England

Champagne Balloon Flights are available from Bristol’s Ashton Gate Park throughout the summer on fine days. The balloons mainly take off early in the morning and again in the evening, and provide one of the most spectacular ways to view the city of Bristol. Balloon flights last around one hour and need to be booked in advance. Most Bristol balloon pilots provide champagne and souvenir photographs.

Bristol Boat Trips - Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, BS1 6UN, England

Bristol boat trips are one of the most exciting and memorable ways to enjoy the many sights and sounds of Bristol’s vibrant harbourside area and the River Avon. There are a number of boat options available, including Bristol’s yellow and blue ferries, which often travel under the famous Clifton suspension bridge. Nearby are numerous tourist attractions, bars, cafes, restaurants and shops, all of which are easily accessible from the landing stages.

Bristol Hippodrome - St. Augustine’s Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UZ, England

The Bristol Hippodrome is Bristol’s main theatre and is a historic building, with many period features. Attractions include major West-End productions, musicals, children’s shows, pantomimes and spectacular theatrical productions.

Bristol Colston Hall - Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR, England

The Bristol Colston Hall is Bristol’s largest concert venue and many famous pop and rock artists regularly perform here. Other attractions at the Bristol Colston Hall include comedy events and classical music extravaganzas.

Bristol Old Vic - King Street, Bristol, BS1 4ED, England

The Bristol Old Vic is home to one of the country’s best known and most successful theatre companies, producing an enormous range of modern classic, Shakespeare plays, musicals, children’s shows and much more besides.

Best known for attracting many famous and exceptional actors, other attractions at the Bristol Old Vic include interesting guided tours of the backstage areas.

Bristol Blue Glass - 5 Three Queens Lane, Redcliffe, Bristol, BS1 6LG, England

Bristol Blue Glass has been made since the 17th century and today, the glass is still free-blown and handmade at this popular tourist attraction. The historic glass factory has a number of attractions, including glass making displays, a viewing gallery, a visitor centre and a factory shop, selling vases, jugs, glasses and bowls. As well as the famous blue glass, the factory also produces Bath Aqua and Exmoor Cranberry glass.

Attraction open: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00

Bristol Clifton Observatory and Caves - Clifton Down, Bristol, BS8 3LT, England

Situated next to Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Bristol Clifton Observatory was actually converted from an old windmill in 1829 and houses the only surviving example of a ‘camera obscura’ in England - a Victorian group of lenses that project and reflect images of the surrounding land on to the interior of the tower. Other attractions for tourists and visitors at the Bristol Clifton Observatory include the nearby Giant’s Cave, which can be reached through a small tunnel and features a viewing platform, with spectacular views across the Avon Gorge.

Attraction open: Summer, Monday to Friday - 11:30 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:30 to 17:00, Winter, daily - 12:00 to 16:00
Attraction admission: charge

Bristol Karting Centre - 214-224 Broomhill Road, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 5RG, England

The Bristol Karting Centre is one of Bristol’s most popular sporting attractions and opened in 1992. Situated in the Brislington area of Bristol, the Bristol Karting Centre features a large racing circuit and race karts, which are both easy to steer and race. Other attractions at the Bristol Karting Centre include a bar / cafe area with views of the racing track, team photographs and champagne for the winner.

Attraction open: daily - 11:00 to 23:00

Attraction admission: charge

Avon Valley Steam Railway - Longwell Green, Bristol, BS30 9YZ, England

The Avon Valley Steam Railway is located in Bitton, close to Bristol, and is a popular attraction for train lovers and steam enthusiasts in the Bristol area. Attractions for tourists and visitors to the Avon Valley Steam Railway include steam-powered locomotives travelling 6 km / 4 mile round trips every Sunday, a gift shop and cafe area. There are also special train events throughout the year, including the Friends of Thomas the Tank Engine Day and a Santa Claus train service at Christmas time. Nearby, the Steam Centre is home to a large collection of steam and diesel trains.
Attraction open: May to September, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Attraction admission: charge, discounts available for children and families

Bristol Architecture Centre - Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4DA, England

Located in the Harbourside area of Bristol, the Bristol Architecture Centre opened in 1996 is housed in a grand 18th-century building. Attractions include many different exhibitions, visits to some of Bristol’s most outstanding buildings and tourist attractions, workshops, children’s activities, lectures, evening classes, guided tours and a gift shop.

Attraction open: Tuesday to Friday - 11:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00

Attraction admission: free

Create Environment Centre - Smeaton Road, Spike Island, Bristol, BS1 6XN, England

Bristol’s unique Create Environment Centre is large complex, situated next to the River Avon, in the Hotwells area of Bristol. The centre has a number of exhibitions about waste and recycling, including some educational exhibits.

Other attractions at the Bristol Create Environment Centre include an art gallery, a demonstration area, open days, lectures, an auditorium, meeting rooms and an excellent cafe, with scenic views of the river.

Attraction open: Monday to Thursday - 08:30 to 17:00