A Luxury Guide to 72 Hours in Bristol
Words by
Grace Walkington
Photography by
Grace Walkington, Lola Laurent, Tayla Nebesky
20th November 2024
Thinking about spending 72 hours in Bristol with a taste of luxury? Grace Walkington, a part-time local, offers the ultimate guide to, taking in this colourful harbourside city's cultural gems. Let’s go!
A quintessential Bristol shot: a traditional, colourful street overlooking the Harbourside
We begin our stay at Artist Residence Bristol, located in an impressive Georgian townhouse just a short walk from the city centre. Upon arrival, unwind with a drink at the Residence’s trendy bar, which invites you to relax with cocktails in a hip yet sophisticated setting.
For the artistiically minded, at the foot of Park Street, you can view an iconic Banksy piece titled Well Hung Lover, which has been on display here since 2006.
As we make our way to lunch, take a detour through Bristol’s grand College Green. This spacious spot, set against the stunning backdrop of Bristol Cathedral, offers a chance to rest before tackling the next uphill challenge. While heading up Park Street, we see that, fortunately, its steepness is compensated by hipster shops and speciality coffee houses. Don’t miss stopping at Coffee Under Pressure for a sweet treat along the way.
This neon sign is anything but typical. Bristolians are being asked to help unravel a mystery surrounding the iconic sign of the former Mauretania pub.
Just before lunch, take an artistic interlude at the renowned Royal West of England Academy, housed in one of Bristol's finest buildings. If you visit before the 5th of January 2025, the RWA Annual Open Exhibition, now in its 171st year, showcases a world-class blend of historic and modern art.
Turn your gaze away from the RWA, and you'll spot The Victoria Rooms, with its grand fountain and statue of Edward VII. Today, it serves as the home of the University of Bristol's School of Music.
Finally, we arrive at Cotham Hill. A car-free, Notting Hill-esque street where the hum of traffic is replaced by the lively chatter of diners enjoying the many independent restaurants lining the road. Among them is Muiño, offering Galician-inspired small plates. With atmospheric street seating on sunny days and a cosy interior on greyer ones, diners feel welcomed, no matter the weather.
Just a few doors down from Muiño is Panunzio’s Kitchen Gelati Italiani. A gelateria famous for its authentic, award-winning gelato. The pistachio flavour, made with exceptionally high-quality nuts, is particularly popular and well worth the extra 50p.
The Whiteladies Picturehouse
After lunch, we take a stroll up Whiteladies Road. On the right, we pass the renowned Everyman Cinema, a historic venue that first opened its doors in 1921. Originally a ballroom, it was later transformed into a billiard room before becoming the cinema it is today. It’s perfect for a few hours of escape, should there be anything you fancy watching.
At the top of the road lies The Downs, an open park offering sweeping views of the surrounding valley—one of my favourite features of Bristol. It balances the vibrancy of the city and the tranquility of the countryside, never quite feeling like you're fully in either. In need of more fuel, we stop by The Downs Café in the heart of the park, where we indulge in one of their delightful matcha lattes.
For dinner, we head nearby our hotel to avoid much more uphill walking. We dine at Caper & Cure, located in Stokes Croft. Set in one of Bristol’s most evolving districts, Caper & Cure combines adventurous modern European cuisine with a buzzing Bristolian atmosphere.
Day 2
Onto Day 2, we begin the day with a leisurely meander through Bristol's stunning Old City. With some shopping in mind, we make our way to St. Nicholas Market. A charming, traditional arcade that’s home to many different stalls. You’ll find everything from decadent jewellery and clothing, to unique gifts and children's toys.
Feeling hungry after our stroll, we head to the Harbourside, where the vibrant atmosphere contrasts with the stately beige buildings of the Old City. We dine at Seven Lucky Gods in Wapping Wharf, nestled within repurposed shipping containers. This restaurant is one of several in the area, alongside a bespoke cheesemonger and a vegan deli. Specialising in Asian-inspired cuisine, Seven Lucky Gods is a delight—particularly for me; sushi always goes down a treat.
Yes, these are shipping containers, and here is Seven Lucky Gods, one of the many restaurants housed within the multi-unit cargo buildings.
Embracing Bristol’s walkable charm, we stroll along the docks and Harbourside, admiring the vibrant colours of the Hotwell's houses and stopping by the SS Great Britain for a taste of history. If you're reminded of Balamory, you're not alone—this is one of the best spots to appreciate Bristol’s unique architecture.
Instead of walking the Harbourside, you could save time and take a break by hopping on one of the many available riverboat trips. For those looking to indulge, why not enjoy a leisurely cream tea cruise? I certainly regret not doing it myself!
We also visit the Arnolfini, a must-see for the artistically inclined, showcasing contemporary art and offering workshops for all. If you're visiting in December (and happen to identify as a woman), the Women's Craft Club is worth checking out.
Thankfully, Bristol knows its walks can be long. Fortunately, there are plenty of barges repurposed as pubs, as well as coffee shops and bars, lining the docks if you fancy some rest stops.
Right on the river, find the Arnolfini
For botany enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, Brandon Hill features several serene Japanese-style ponds.
For a panoramic view of the city, we head to the Clock Tower on Brandon Hill, where we can take in sweeping vistas of Bristol and the surrounding rolling hills of Somerset. An Uber to this spot is understandable; we've challenged enough hills already!
Next, we head to Dongnae in Redland, an exciting new dining gem on the lively Chandos Road. True to its name—meaning “neighbourhood restaurant” in Korean—Dongnae offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where traditional Korean BBQ takes centre stage. Their standout experience is the Hanjeongsik, an omakase-style tasting menu that showcases the chef's favourite dishes. Priced at £55 per person, this six-course feast delivers bold, authentic flavours and is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the richness of Korean cuisine.
Some of the exquisite dishes featured on Dongnae's (동네) exclusive omakase-style menu.
Day 3
We kick off the final day with a refreshing swim at the Bristol Lido in Clifton. This outdoor pool is a must-visit for any mini-break in the city, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of Bristol’s prestigious Clifton. Their swim and brunch deal is the perfect way to unwind and recharge after the past few busy days. For £40 per person, you get full access to the pool and spa facilities, followed by a delicious breakfast at their highly-rated restaurant.
After a refreshing dip, we make our way to the Hotel Du Vin's White Lion’s terrace (weather permitting) for a drink and a bite to eat. All while taking in the breathtaking views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the waterways below.
A typical street in Clifton showcases elegant terraces, featuring remnants of what were once balconies—a common architectural detail on Clifton’s historic homes.
Maze, one of Bristol's more stylish womenswear boutiques, has knitwear to keep you both warm and in fashion.
Next, we indulge in some boutique shopping in Clifton Village. The area is home to a variety of bespoke shops based on the quaint streets. Including The Mall, which specialises in esteemed spots that are best-known for women’s wear, jewellery, and other unique items. Notable boutiques to visit include:
If that isn't enough, take a stroll through Clifton Arcade, a beautifully restored Victorian shopping arcade offering a range of stylish, independent shops to explore.
For the chic shopper, step inside Portabella. As is teased, indulge in a coat as statement as its exterior.
No visit to Clifton is complete without a stop at The Albion, another great place to unwind. This traditional pub, nestled in the heart of Clifton Village, boasts an idyllic front garden that’s perfect for enjoying a chilled glass of white wine while taking a break from the Bristol buzz.
For dinner, we head to Poco, a rustic restaurant and bar offering a British Seasonal Tapas menu. Their dishes are made from locally sourced, organic ingredients, providing a delicious, sustainable dining experience. The Crown Prince Squash with Labneh and Date Ketchup is a must-try.
Admittedly, not by chance, Poco is just a stone's throw away from the hotel, providing the perfect relaxing end to our active weekend.
