How to spend a perfect weekend in Bristol

Bristol is one of the UK’s most vibrant and creative cities, where centuries of maritime history meet a melting pot of vibrant cultures. It is well known in particular for its street art, and a buzzing vegan food scene. Bristol’s mix of historic landmarks, creative neighbourhoods, and waterfront attractions makes it an ideal city break destination. See below for details on how to spend a perfect weekend in Bristol.

Day 1

Cafe Kino

Start the day right by heading for breakfast in Cafe Kino. This non-profit vegan cafe serves up classics such as pancakes and a full English. But I recommend trying the Middle Eastern breakfast for something healthy and even more flavourful.

Street art tour

Thanks to the anonymous artist Banksy, Bristol has become a sort of graffiti meccha. Murals, stencils, and large-scale graffiti transform streets into open air galleries. And colourful walls reflect social issues, local identity, and creative experimentation. You can join a guided tour such as this one, or do it yourself for free using this handy map. Don’t miss Banksy’s ‘Well Hung Lover’ on Frogmore Street and ‘Girl with a Pierced Eardrum’ at Albion Dockyard.

VX Bristol

If your street art tour ends at The Upfest Gallery in Southville, you can nip over to VX Bristol for lunch. It’s all about plant based junk food here. Think kebabs, hot dogs and burritos. There’s also a grocery store on site selling vegan cheeses and meat alternatives from all over the world.

M Shed

The M Shed sits right on the harbourside, and the outside still has old boats, trains and cranes which give you an idea of what life was like here once. Inside, the galleries tell the story of Bristol and its people through the ages. And you can catch another Bansky here too. ‘Grim Reaper’ was originally painted just above the waterline on the side of floating nightclub Thekla. But when the boat began to rust the artwork was removed and relocated. The museum is free to visit and takes a couple of hours to get around.

Matthew of Bristol

On your way back into the town centre make a stop to see The Matthew of Bristol. It’s a replica of John Cabot’s vessel which he sailed from Bristol to Canada back in 1497. It’s a gorgeous vessel and if you have time I really recommend booking a sailing. Keep an eye on their website for times and prices. If you just want to admire The Matthew from the harbour then make sure you pick up a vegan soft serve from The Happy Cow ice cream truck. I have missed Mr Whippy’s since giving up dairy and this ticked all the boxes.

Plantugese/Caribbean Croft

For dinner you really are spoilt for choice in Bristol and two spots I highly recommend can both be found on the super colourful Stokes Croft. Plantuguese is the UK’s first and only plant based Portugese restaurant. It serves dishes like francesinha and vegan octopus (yes, really!) and it’s worth trying just for the creativity that has gone into these dishes. Just a few doors down is Caribbean Croft. While this isn’t a vegan restaurant, they have a lot of amazing plant based options. Try the ackee and mushroom or pumpkin and yam stew. Fried festival and plantain are non-negotiable sides too.

Nightlife

Bristol has a very lively nightlife and there’s something for everyone here. Historical pubs include The Hatchet Inn, which reportedly has a front door made from human skin (!) and The Llandoger Trow. This pub dates back to 1664 and is said to have inspired ‘Treasure Island’. It’s also where Daniel Defoe reportedly met Alexander Silkirk, the real life inspiration behind ‘Robinson Crusoe’. Another favourite of ours in The Apple, a bar set on a barge and serving an array of local ciders. For live music try The Old Duke, or The Bootlegger; a 1920s inspired bar. And for something completely different, go to Kongs of Kings Street. Think retro arcade games, ping pong and table tennis to go along with your pint.

Day 2

Clifton Suspension Bridge

You can get a bus from the city centre to Clifton, but if you have time and are able, I recommend walking. You’ll pass Cabot Tower with some lovely views of the city, and then continue up through the Birdcage Walk – a famous pathway through St Andrew’s churchyard. You can stop for breakfast in East Village Vegan Cafe and mooch around the beautiful Clifton Arcade. Of course the real reason for coming all this way is to see the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge. Designed by famous engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1864, it spans the width of the Avon Gorge. If you have enough time, walk its length and then head to the Clifton Observatory for incredible views of the bridge.

Oowee Vegan

Once you are back in the city centre, pop into Oowee Vegan for the best plant based burger in town. These guys have been around since 2018 and really know what they’re doing. I recommend getting one of their dairy free milkshakes as well.

Bristol Cathedral

In the afternoon seek refuge from the crowds by visiting Bristol Cathedral. The cathedral dates back to the 12th century and has incredible Gothic architecture with tall arches, detailed stone carvings and colourful stained-glass windows. While we were there, there was an exhibition on the city’s and church’s link to slavery. It’s important to acknowledge the unsavoury side of an institution’s history and I thought this was handled well. It’s free to visit Bristol Cathedral but donations are always welcome.

Depending on how much of the afternoon you have left, you may want to explore some of the independent shopping areas such as St Nicholas’ Market and The Corn Exchange. Or for something completely different head out of the city to experience Wake the Tiger. We haven’t been yet but I hear nothing but great things about this immersive art experience. Get more info and tickets here.

So that’s how to spend a perfect weekend in Bristol. Although 2 days give you enough time to see the highlights, if you have an extra day then you can find plenty more to see and do in the city and its surrounding area. For more city breaks in the South West check out my post on Bath and Exeter.