Bristol Business Guide

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With world class cultural and
family attractions, great
shopping, a stunning nightlife
and a superb range of places to
stay, it’s no surprise that Bristol
has become one of Britain’s most
popular tourist destinations.
It’s the greenest, most
environmentally friendly city in
the UK, has an exciting food and
drink scene and is bursting with
events and festivals throughout
the year, attracting visitors from
across the globe.
Founded on the wealth generated by
a thousand years of maritime trade,
Bristol has been described as a modern
European city with an historic past. The
city’s waterfront has been transformed
to become a major leisure destination
in its own right, with stylish bars, cafés
and restaurants easily accessible by
foot, cycle or ferry. This Harbourside
area is now home to award winning
attractions such as M Shed, telling
Bristol’s story, and the internationally
acclaimed Brunel’s SS Great Britain,
the world’s first luxury liner, now
restored to Victorian splendour and
enhanced by a range of visitor
experiences, including the chance
to ‘Go Aloft’ and climb the rigging
for one of Bristol’s best views. We The
Curious (formerley At Bristol Science
Centre) and the Bristol Aquarium
provide a great family day out with
lots for kids (and big kids!) to enjoy.
The city centre combines the historic
charm of the Old City with its medieval
churches, bustling markets and
increasingly impressive restaurant
scene, with Bristol’s shopping quarter.
Boasting over 500 shops, including
signature stores such as Harvey Nichols
and House of Fraser, it’s the fashion and
leisure capital of the South West.
Tucked away in the corner of this retail
heaven is John Wesley’s New Room,
the world’s oldest Methodist church,
which together with Bristol Cathedral,
St James Priory, St Mary Redcliffe and
others, is a fine example of Bristol’s
rich religious heritage.
The wonderful St. Nicholas Market
features award-winning food, fresh
produce, second hand books and
clothing stores. Every Tuesday, a
popular Farmers’ Market is held on
Corn Street. Here you can sample
and buy some of the best West
Country produce available, including
vegetables, game, poultry, beef, wine,
cheese and chutneys. Just a short
stroll from the market is the Christmas
Steps Arts Quarter. This ancient part
of the city features independent
shops, stores and pubs lined along an
old row of steps. Well worth a visit for
a unique experience of Bristol in days
long forgotten.
You’ll discover an incredible range of
unique and quirky independent stores
at some of the alternative shopping
destinations in Bristol. Popular with
locals and visitors alike is Gloucester
Road, which is located just north of the
city centre. Take your pick from small
record shops, second hand and retro
clothing stores and unique cafés and
bars. Eastside represents Bristol’s
inner city neighbourhoods of Stokes
Croft, St Paul’s, Montpelier, St
Werburghs and Easton.
Another great place to visit is North
Street in Southville, which features a
wide choice of quirky trinket stores
and clothing shops, along with fresh
9
BRISTOL- NOT JUST
FOR BUSINESS
food outlets and grocers. Here you'll
also find the famous Tobacco Factory
theatre and bar.
Both North Street and Stokes Croft
are great places to explore some of
Bristol’s famous street art, including
a number of original Banksy creations –
another of Bristol’s famous sons.
Not only will you find exciting and
provocative art as you wander the
city’s streets, but you can also discover
more on one of Bristol’s famous Street
Art walking tours.