{"id":571889,"date":"2025-11-15T11:12:38","date_gmt":"2025-11-15T11:12:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/571889\/"},"modified":"2025-11-15T11:12:38","modified_gmt":"2025-11-15T11:12:38","slug":"a-locals-guide-to-bristols-best-bits-street-art-and-hidden-gems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/571889\/","title":{"rendered":"A local\u2019s guide to Bristol\u2019s best bits, street art and hidden gems"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n\t\tBristol has so much more to offer than just the buzzing city centre (Picture: Getty Images\/Jaya Agarwal)<\/p>\n

Like any self-respecting Fresher, when I arrived in Bristol<\/a>, the only thing I knew about the city was that it offered a top-class night out<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Most people though, know a little more about the place than I did at 18. <\/p>\n

You\u2019ve probably seen pictures of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and you\u2019d no doubt recognise some Banksy street art<\/a> if you saw it.<\/p>\n

And while they\u2019re both tourist must-sees for a reason, there\u2019s more to Bristol than the typical guidebook recommendations.<\/p>\n

I spent three years living, studying and partying here, and while my student days are behind me, it\u2019ll always have a piece of my heart.<\/p>\n

Here are all the stops you should make during a trip to Bristol, from an honourary local<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A typically Bristol neighbourhood<\/p>\n

The Tobacco Factory<\/a> should be your first stop. A community hub set inside (and outside), you guessed, an old tobacco factory, its home to a lively caf\u00e9 bar, farm shop, theatre and performing arts school.<\/p>\n

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\t\t\"Old
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\n\t\tThe Tobacco Factory holds events for families, groups of friends and uni students aliike (Picture: STILL MOVING MEDIA LLP)<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also a Sunday market, which runs every week from 10am to 2.30pm. My favourite retailer is Norts and Roses<\/a>, a clothing brand which sells quirky jackets and funky earrings \u2014 among many other treasures your bank balance will suffer for.<\/p>\n

The Tobacco Factory is committed to reducing its impact on the environment, so you\u2019ll also find the likes of a solar-powered coffee machine here (which serves around 52,000 hot drinks a year) and all the ingredients used at the venue are sourced from their own farm. There\u2019s bike racks on every floor to encourage people to cycle here.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\tThe outdoor space of Tobacco Factory transforms into a sustainable market every Sunday (Picture: STILL MOVING MEDIA LLP)<\/p>\n

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\n\t\tBristol felt like my home away from home very quickly after moving to university (Picture: Supplied)<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve mooched around, it\u2019s time to head out into the Southville neighbourhood. Don\u2019t miss North Street (between Southville and Bedminster), a busy road packed full of independent shops and bars. The Bristol Beer Factory is the spot for local beer, and Storysmith is an award-winning independent bookshop.<\/p>\n

While many of Bristol\u2019s streets are paint-splashed, that\u2019s especially true in Southville. There\u2019s murals and street-art aplenty, and every September, the South Bristol Arts Trail takes place in the area (one of a handful across the city).<\/p>\n

Over 100 local artists exhibit in their homes, studios, and other public spaces. Learn about new artists, and pick up some of their work too \u2014 you never know, you might discover the next Banksy (more on that guy later).<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Pastel
\n\t\tCatch vibrant coloured houses dotted around Bristol (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

You\u2019re also in a great spot for some delicious food. Award-winning Sonny Stores<\/a> is a beloved Italian, and <\/strong>their \u00a315 wine and pasta lunch deal (on Thursday or Friday only) is a steal. <\/p>\n

COR Restaurant is another eatery on North Street you don\u2019t want to miss. Before indulging in small plates made for sharing, you\u2019ll be impressed by the impressive botanical mural across the front of the restaurant.<\/p>\n

From crab tagliatelle to cuttlefish with nduja to burnt leek vinaigrette, get luxury dishes here without the hefty Bristol price tag that can sometimes rival London.<\/p>\n

More than just the Suspension Bridge<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll have heard of Clifton Village thanks to Brunel\u2019s famous bridge, completed in 1864, which stands as a towering symbol of the Industrial Revolution.<\/p>\n

The best view of the bridge is from Clifton Observatory. Go at either sunrise or sunset to make the most of the view. Pictures just don\u2019t do it justice \u2014 you have to see it in real life.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Clifton
\n\t\tThe suspension bridge at dawn is a sight to behold (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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\n\t\tThere are many green spaces in Clifton where you can relax (or celebrate finishing a dissertation\u2026) (Picture: Supplied)<\/p>\n

Coffee shops, pubs and green spaces galore, you\u2019ll never be out if things to do in Clifton Village. Just a walk through the gorgeous Georgian architecture will be an afternoon well spent.<\/p>\n

Get your caffeine fix at Can\u2019t Dance Coffee<\/a>, an independent hidden gem nestled in the area. The mini coffee bar in an old shipping containers has a selection of pastries, and pops up every day from 7:30 to 4pm in Victoria Square.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\tHow about chilling in a repurposed boat\u2026 with wheels? (Picture: Supplied)<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re more drawn towards a pint of cider than an Americano (though who says you can\u2019t do both), check out trendy spot, Steam<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Just off Whiteladies Road, the beer hall is in an former railway station. Or, be one of the first to try out their new venue in Stokes Croft, which opened last week.<\/p>\n

Steam is no ordinary pub though. Stretch tents, party buses, and neon lit pods are just a few of the quirky features that draw drinkers here. That, and a huge selection of beers and ciders, including locally-brewed drinks. They also offer pizzas<\/a> and pop-up food trucks.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\tChoose between a seat in the chic bar or the homely lounge (Pictures: Supplied)<\/p>\n

Some of my fondest uni memories were made sitting in the cosy Steam lounge, sitting on comfy sofas adorned with throws and cushions, and chatting with my housemates till close.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the perfect place to enjoy the evening with friends, perhaps with a mega-pint \u2014 2 pints in one massive plastic cup, one of Steam\u2019s specialities. <\/p>\n

A vintage treasure trove<\/p>\n

Also called \u2018The People\u2019s Market<\/a>\u2019, the M32 Flea Market<\/a> is a lesser-known spot for those seeking a vintage bargain, or just an afternoon getting lost in the network of pop-ups. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s held on the last Saturday of each month on Stapleton Road, housed below a motorway bridge.<\/p>\n

The market exists on the fringes, both literally and figuratively, and really is a melting pot of all the intersecting cultures that Bristol has to offer.<\/p>\n

Pre-loved clothes encompassing Bristol\u2019s signature fashion scene, crafts that tell a story, food stalls hosting food from across the globe and the rarest records can be found at this hub of creativity.<\/p>\n

My friends and I would spend the good part of a weekend here. The selection of second-hand books is my personal favourite part of the market, where lesser-known poetry, plays and classics can be unearthed.<\/p>\n

Walking tour of Bristol\u2019s street art<\/p>\n

Catching the iconic street art of Bristol is a great way to pass the time \u2013 but don\u2019t be scammed by the countless companies offering walking tours for a hefty price.<\/p>\n

Create your own route for free \u2013 that way you get to tailor it to your interest. <\/p>\n

Some of my favourites include: Cosmo Sarson\u2019s Breakdancing Jesus, Nick Walker\u2019s Vandal and the collaborative Take the Money and Run.<\/p>\n

Of course, Banksy<\/a>\u2019s murals are the reason why many come to Bristol.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\u2018Rose on a Mousetrap\u2019 from the early 2000s is one of Banksy\u2019s less famous pieces in Bristol, set on a a pink wall typical of the vibrant town (Picture: Henry Chadwick)<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\u2018Mild Mild West\u2019 from 1999 and Park Street\u2019s \u2018Well hung Lover\u2019 from 2006 are two of the most famous Banksy murals in the city (Pictures: Henry Chadwick)<\/p>\n

To save you the trouble, here\u2019s a suggested route to see the key pieces:<\/p>\n