Exploring Bristol: England’s creative city

Bristol buzzes with creativity. As the home of Banksy, the ‘Bristol Sound’ and Aardman Animations (the studio behind the beloved Wallace & Gromit), it’s easy to see why. In this blog, we’re exploring what makes living in Bristol so great.

Street art

Bristol is an open-air gallery; walls act as canvases, brought to life with colour by the local community. Graffiti decorates streets, alleyways and building facades across the city. It’s no wonder Lonely Planet included exploring Bristol’s street art in its annual list of the 25 best experiences in 2026. Notable hotspots include: 

• Bedminster: Widely considered the city’s arts district, this area is the location for Upfest, Europe’s largest street art and graffiti festival. 

• Nelson Street: See large murals on this street in the Old City, just down the road from Bristol’s Shopping Quarter. 

• Stokes Croft: A must-visit if you like street art with a side of political commentary, this area is known for its social activism and community spirit. 

Art galleries and museums

When you want to venture indoors for your artistic fix or delve into the city’s history, Bristol has plenty of galleries and museums to explore. See exhibitions and displays at: 

• Arnolfini: A contemporary gallery on the Harbourside, showing international works across performing and visual arts. 

• Spike Island: Presenting ambitious exhibitions and events from contemporary artists is this Bristol icon’s speciality. 

• M Shed: This museum tells Bristol’s story through photography, film and artefacts. 

Theatres and venues

Bristol’s creative energy means it’s a place where theatre, music and comedy thrive. To see what the city’s cultural scene has to offer, it’s well worth checking out what’s on at these venues: 

• O2 Academy Bristol: Expect gigs, club nights and tribute acts on the lineup at this live music venue. 

• Bristol Beacon: A concert hall and a Grade II-listed building hosting musicians across every genre you can think of, from classical to hip-hop. 

• Bristol Hippodrome: Touring companies of West End and Broadway musicals regularly tread the boards at this beautiful theatre. 

• Redgrave Theatre: This intimate venue offers a diverse programme of National Theatre productions and family-friendly shows. 

• The Gaffe: Bristol’s only dedicated comedy club, with stand-up shows from local talent and national treasures. 

Shopping and leisure 

You’re spoilt for choice with shopping in Bristol. The city is the South West’s retail hub, so you’ll find everything from high-street shops to unique boutiques and artisan markets. When you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, head to:  

• Harbourside: This neighbourhood straddling the canal in the city centre is the place to go for independent shops, cafes and restaurants. 

• St Nicholas Market: Bristol’s oldest market, having run since 1743, is located at the Corn Exchange in the Old City and showcases over 60 independent traders. 

• Bristol Shopping Quarter: This district covers three shopping centres (Broadmead, Cabot Circus and The Galleries), spanning over 400 shops, eateries and attractions. 

• The Mall at Cribbs Causeway: An out-of-town retail park featuring over 150 shops, including department stores like John Lewis and M&S. 

Nature and green spaces 

Although famous for its arts scene, there’s a lot more to love about living in Bristol. One of which is the amount of green space – there are over 400 parks in the city, and it’s surrounded by scenic countryside. Popular outdoor spots include: 

• Castle Park: Located in the city centre, this park features ancient ruins, grassy banks and waterside views. 

• Brandon Hill: The oldest park in Bristol, featuring a nature reserve and the landmark Cabot Tower. 

• Queen Square: A pocket of nature and tranquillity in the heart of the Harbourside district. 

• Ashton Court Estate: This country house and its grounds cover 850 acres of woodlands, wildflower meadows and wide open spaces. 

Homes for sale in Bristol

Time Out chose Bristol as one of the 50 best cities in the world in 2025, a status that the city will no doubt continue to embody in the future. You can be part of it all by choosing Bristol as your hometown.  

When you’re ready to start your buying journey in this incredible city, use our property portal to find homes for sale in Bristol and explore our hubs to find out which first time buyer schemes you could be eligible for.