How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Bristol, Bristol, City of, United Kingdom
1. Clifton Suspension Bridge
Iconic structure offering panoramic views, but can be crowded. Visit early or late in the day.
- Time of Day: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds
- Ticket Purchase: Buy tickets online to save time
- Surrounding Area: Explore less-touristy areas nearby for a more authentic experience
2. The Harbourside
Bustling area with souvenir shops and eateries, but prices can be inflated. Look for local independent stores.
- Local Shops: Support local businesses for authentic shopping experiences
- Meal Time: Avoid peak meal times to save money on dining
- Hidden Gems: Explore quieter streets and alleyways for hidden food finds
3. Bristol Zoo Gardens
Popular attraction with long queues. Purchase tickets online in advance.
- Online Tickets: Purchase tickets online to skip the queue
- Off-Peak Visits: Visit during off-peak hours or days for shorter lines
- Explore Surrounds: Combine zoo visit with exploring nearby parks and gardens
4. St. Nicholas Market
Bustling market with overpriced goods. Look for local produce or haggle prices.
- Local Produce: Seek out stalls selling locally made products
- Haggling Skills: Haggle prices to get a better deal
- Off-Market Finds: Explore nearby streets for unique, less touristy shops
5. Brunel's SS Great Britain
Historic ship attraction with long lines. Buy tickets online in advance.
- Online Tickets: Purchase tickets online to skip the queue
- Off-Peak Visits: Visit during off-peak hours or days for shorter lines
- Explore Dockyard: Spend time exploring the dockyard area as well
6. The Cottage Inn
Pub with tourist-trap prices. Look for local pubs offering traditional cider.
- Local Pubs: Seek out authentic, locally owned pubs
- Traditional Cider: Try regional ciders for an authentic experience
- Food Choices: Opt for traditional, locally-sourced dishes
7. Bristol Cathedral
Beautiful cathedral with long queues. Visit during off-peak hours.
- Off-Peak Visits: Visit during off-peak hours or days for shorter lines
- Local Area Exploration: Spend time exploring the surrounding area
- Additional Attractions: Combine cathedral visit with nearby attractions
8. Banksy Tours
Guided tours can be expensive. Self-guided tour of Banksy's works.
- Self-Guided Tour: Create your own itinerary for free or low-cost Banksy spotting
- Maps and Guides: Use maps, guides, or apps to find Banksy's works
- Off-the-Beaten-Path: Explore less touristy areas for lesser-known Banksy pieces
9. Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Attracts large crowds. Visit during off-peak hours or buy tickets online.
- Online Tickets: Purchase tickets online to skip the queue
- Off-Peak Visits: Visit during off-peak hours or days for shorter lines
- Explore Surrounds: Spend time exploring the surrounding area
10. The Llandoger Trow
Pub with tourist-trap prices. Look for local pubs offering traditional cider.
- Local Pubs: Seek out authentic, locally owned pubs
- Traditional Cider: Try regional ciders for an authentic experience
- Food Choices: Opt for traditional, locally-sourced dishes
11. Bristol Aquarium
Popular attraction with long queues. Purchase tickets online in advance.
- Online Tickets: Purchase tickets online to skip the queue
- Off-Peak Visits: Visit during off-peak hours or days for shorter lines
- Explore Surrounds: Spend time exploring the surrounding area
12. Hot Air Balloon Rides
Expensive and busy rides. Look for smaller, locally operated hot air balloon companies.
- Local Operators: Choose small, locally owned hot air balloon companies
- Off-Peak Flights: Book off-peak flights for a quieter experience
- Additional Activities: Combine hot air balloon ride with other activities in the area
13. Bristol Food Tour
Guided tours can be expensive. Self-guided tour of local eateries.
- Self-Guided Tour: Create your own itinerary for free or low-cost food exploration
- Maps and Guides: Use maps, guides, or apps to find local eateries
- Off-the-Beaten-Path: Explore less touristy areas for lesser-known food finds
14. Bristol Ferry
Boat tours can be crowded and expensive. Take a local ferry service.
- Local Ferry Service: Choose local ferry services over tourist-oriented boat tours
- Off-Peak Trips: Take off-peak trips for a quieter experience
- Additional Activities: Combine ferry trip with other activities in the area
15. Park Street
Popular shopping street with overpriced goods. Look for local independent stores.
- Local Shops: Support local businesses for authentic shopping experiences
- Off-Peak Visits: Visit during off-peak hours to save time and avoid crowds
- Hidden Gems: Explore quieter streets and alleyways for unique finds