Is Bristol expensive to visit?
Bristol is a small yet inviting city that captivates travelers with a mix of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Bristol can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $65 (£50) per day, mid-range travelers spend $148 (£114) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $281 (£217) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Bristol.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Bristol is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Corfu or Lucca.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Bristol Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Bristol?
The average Bristol trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Bristol travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Bristol cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in Bristol, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $65 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Luckily, Bristol has plenty of hostels, including YHA Bristol, The Full Moon Backpackers, and The Bristol Wing. Here, you can enjoy budget dorm accommodation along with a friendly, social vibe, but amenities are quite limited.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. A trip to Bristol wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $148 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Bristol is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Hotel du Vin Bristol is a solid choice for families, while The Wellington Bristol also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Bristol here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $281. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the city will require a more luxurious budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide Bristol - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Bristol
In Bristol, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $93 and peak summer season rising to an average of $174. Prices typically range from $61 to $278, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Bristol for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $127 (£98). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $63 (£49) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Bristol? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Bristol include:
- Hotel du Vin Bristol starting at $124
- The Wellington Bristol starting at $105
- The Bristol Hotel starting at $101
- Aztec Hotel and Spa starting at $142
- Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel starting at $111
You can save money on accommodation by staying outside the city in Bristol thanks to a good public transit system, though your transportation costs and time spent commuting may rise.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during summer, will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.
Lots of folks enjoy wandering around Bristol, making it ideal to book a place in the heart of the city. Be aware that this may mean spending a bit more.
Transportation Budget in Bristol
Bristol has a decent public transportation system that reaches several top attractions. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area. For an affordable and quick way to get around, public transit works well, depending on your location. Taxis and rideshares are also an option if needed.
If you're someone who enjoys discovering a place on foot, you'll love it here. The city center is well designed for walking.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $17 (£13) per person, per day, on local transportation in Bristol. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Bristol is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$17
£13
If you're driving, check that your hotel has parking available.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Private Transfer from Bristol Airport(BRS) to Bristol Cruise Port for $35 details
- Private Transfer from Bristol Cruise Port to Bristol Airport(BRS) for $35 details
- Private Transfer from Bristol Cruise Port to Bristol city hotels for $49 details
How much does it cost to go to Bristol? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Bristol will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Bristol
Cuisine in Bristol is good, but it's not well known enough to draw in tourists for the restaurant scene. Still, there are a handful of excellent dining spots in the city to discover. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Bristol can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Bristol is $72 (£56) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$72
£56
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Bristol is around $72 (£56) per person, with previous travelers spending from $31 to $141. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Bristol are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $22
- Lunch: $11 to $29
- Dinner: $22 to $50
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $11
There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from in Bristol. You'll find most of them concentrated in the Harbourside and West End areas. In West End, most restaurants are along Park Street and Whiteladies Road. There are also some budget food stalls along St Nicholas Market which are well recommended, particularly if you're traveling on a tight budget.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying drinks everywhere you go. It's good for the earth, too.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
If you want to experience the culture in Bristol, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- (Thur 7pm) Comedy Magic Show includes 1x Pizza & 2 glasses of Prosecco for $26 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Bristol
It's clear why Bristol attracts visitors, considering its museums and attractions, nightlife, food, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Bristol typically cost an average of $17 (£13) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$17
£13
There are some great sights worth visiting in Bristol. Make sure you don't miss the Blue Reef Aquarium & IMAX 3D Cinema, the Bristol Zoo Gardens, the Clifton Suspenson Bridge, the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, and Clifton Downs and Observatory. Also allow yourself time to do a Pirate Walk, which takes you on a one hour guided tour of Bristol's historic harbor area.
Popular festivals throughout the year are the Bristol Pride Festival, St Paul's Carnival, Bristol Balloon Fiesta, Bristol Open Doors Day, Venn Festival, Mayfest, Festival of Ideas, Bristol Harubour Festival, the Bristol International Kite Festival, and Bristol Vegfest, among others.
Museums and Attractions:
Bristol boasts some of the world's most well-known museums and landmarks. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.
Shopping:
Be sure to enjoy the shopping here, as it's an experience you won't forget. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.
A nice way to explore destinations in Bristol is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- The Best of Bristol Bike Tour for $38 details
- Food & drink Tour: Bristol Hotspots & Hidden Treasures for $90 details
- Afternoon Bath City Tour - Private tour from Bristol with a local guide for $283 details
Nightlife Budget in Bristol
In Bristol, the nightlife is always buzzing with activity, and visitors delight in spending their nights at the local bars, clubs, and parties. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $15 (£11) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Bristol per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$15
£11
Enjoying the nightlife is always a highlight, but cutting back on drinks can really help you save money on your travels.
When drinking at night, be mindful of your surroundings, as pickpockets and other crimes can happen. Stay safe by sticking with a group of trusted people.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Bristol. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Bristol’s Best Brewery Taprooms: A Self-Guided Audio Tour for $6 details
Bristol, England
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.