Where to Stay in Bristol (5 Best Places & Areas)

5 Best Neighbourhoods & Areas to Stay in Bristol

Bristol is a really cool city centred around the River Avon and the Floating Harbour. Bristol City Centre encompasses a few popular locations like the historic Old City and Bristol Shopping Quarter. Many central neighbourhoods back onto Bristol’s picturesque harbourside.

I recommend checking out some of the interesting and vibrant neighbourhoods in the suburbs of Bristol city centre. Some neighbourhoods, like Hotwells, are worth visiting but have limited accommodation options. 

So I’ll tell you about neighbourhoods with great places on the doorstep and great hotel options.

Old City

👉 Best Area For First Timers | ✨ Best Bristol City Centre Hotels: Clayton Hotel Bristol City • The Bristol Wing • The Bristol Hotel

Bristol’s Old City is a great neighbourhood for first-timers. Whether you’re a low-budget backpacker or looking for luxury, the Old City has you covered. 

Bristol’s Old City is the historic heart of the city, steeped in character. You can wander around charming lanes, enjoy the medieval architecture, and head to St Nicholas Market to browse quirky and independent stalls.

The 4-star Clayton Hotel Bristol City offers contemporary accommodation in a historic building at the walls of St Johns. Alternatively, stay in the budget and conveniently located boutique hostel,  The Bristol Wing.

You’ll be in the buzz of the city centre, close to attractions, the harbourside, and nightlife. My favourite drinking hole in Bristol’s Old City is The Apple, a cider pub on a barge!

The Old City is close to Temple Meads Train Station and Bristol Coach Station, and has good bus links across the city. I recommend visiting some of the cool, suburban neighbourhoods too, to get a real flavour of Bristol on your trip.

Pros of Staying in Bristol Old City Neighbourhood:

• Near attractions
• Close proximity to transport links
• Buzz of the city centre

Cons of Staying in Bristol Old City Neighborhood:

• Busy neighbourhood 
• Noisier than Bristol suburbs
• Limited parking available

Clifton

👉 Best Area For A Relaxed City Break | ✨ Best Clifton Hotels: Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin • Number 38 Clifton • Victoria Square Hotel Clifton Village  

Clifton is a charming suburban neighbourhood lined with Georgian architecture. You’ll have a range of nice places to eat, drink and shop on your doorstep. Don’t miss the unique, independent shops in The Clifton Arcade!

The Clifton Suspension Bridge spans the Avon Gorge and is a must-see attraction in Bristol. Stay in the Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin for spectacular views of this Bristol landmark.

Clifton has a relaxed vibe but is well-connected to the buzz of the city by bus and train. I enjoy walking from Clifton into the city centre along the harbour. But be warned that Clifton has some steep hills and steps!

The accommodation options in Clifton are quite upmarket, like the neighbourhood itself. I recommend staying in Clifton if you’re looking for a relaxed city break. 

Pros of Staying in Clifton Neighbourhood:

• Historic and characterful architecture
• Loads of great independent shops and restaurants
• Boutique and high-end accommodation options

Cons of Staying in Clifton Neighbourhood:

• Short distance from the city centre 
• Fewer affordable accommodation options 
• Limited parking availability

Stokes Croft

👉 Best Area For Backpackers | ✨ Best Stokes Croft Hotels: Full Moon Backpackers • Artist Residence Bristol 

Stokes Croft is a popular cultural area to the North of Bristol City Centre with a strong community feel. Stokes Croft is known for its street art scene, including pieces by Bristol’s very own Banksy. 

Backpackers will love Stokes Croft for its hip vibe and cafe culture. Stay in the Full Moon Backpackers and make the most of the on-site gigs, beer garden and food. There are plenty of other bars, restaurants and pubs nearby too. 

If your backpacking days are over, head to the boutique hotel Artist Residence Bristol in the adjacent and vibrant neighbourhood of St Paul’s.

Stokes Croft is only a short walk from the city centre and Bristol’s Shopping Quarter, and is well connected by bus.

Pros of Staying in Stokes Croft Neighbourhood:

• Good location near Bristol City Centre
• Lots of street art 
• Great cafe scene 
• Close to Bristol Bus & Coach Station

Cons of Staying in Stokes Croft Neighbourhood:

• Few accommodation options 
• Traffic noise 

Southville

👉 Best Area for Leaving the Tourist Trail | ✨ Best Southville and Bedminster Hotels: CoalShed • Southville Guest House • The Ashton Mews

Southville is a vibrant and quirky neighbourhood to the South of the River Avon in Bristol. I’m always amazed by the spectacular street art I come across in this area, whilst exploring the local independent shops, galleries and eateries. 

Southville would appeal to people looking for a less touristy taste of Bristol. Backpackers will love CoalShed, a hip accommodation option offering modern rooms and a spacious common area with table tennis. 

Southville is a largely residential neighbourhood but is pretty central. It’s only a short walk or bus ride to the city centre and the scenic harbourside.

Southville is adjacent to the neighbourhood of Bedminster. Southville and Bedminster are distinct neighbourhoods, but they are so close that there is some crossover in my recommendations.

Pros of Staying in Southville Neighborhood:

• Vibrant, arty neighbourhood
• Great independent restaurants and shops 
• Less touristy than other neighbourhoods
• Close to Bristol airport

Cons of Staying in Southville Neighborhood:

• Less central 
• More of a residential atmosphere 
• Fewer luxury accommodation options 

Redcliffe

👉 Best Area For Business Travellers | ✨ Best Redcliffe Hotels: Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Centre • Leonardo Hotel • Novotel Bristol City Centre 

Redcliffe is a commercial hub in Bristol and is ideal for business travellers. You’d be a short walk from Bristol Temple Meads Station and the city centre. 

Redcliffe is home to modern office blocks, hotels, and housing following a regeneration project. You’ll find signs of this area’s interesting past, like St Mary Redcliffe, a magnificent church that has stood in the area for over 800 years. 

Redcliffe is a neighbourhood encircled by Bristol’s Floating Harbour. There are some good accommodation options in Redcliffe itself, such as the Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Centre. But I would recommend crossing just over a bridge to Leonardo Hotel, which has great reviews and is closer to Bristol Temple Meads station.

Although the area is convenient, I would say it lacks a bit of character compared to other Bristol neighbourhoods.

Pros of Staying in Redcliffe Neighbourhood:

• Proximity to Bristol Temple Meads Station 
• Convenient location for commercial activities
• Interesting historical and cultural sights

Cons of Staying in Redcliffe Neighborhood:

• Fewer independent hotels 
• Traffic noise 
• Fewer eateries nearby

Tips for Staying in Bristol

Use Local Transport

There are good public transport links in Bristol. You can easily reach different parts of the city by bus or train. Most Buses in Bristol are run by First Bus and are reasonably priced. The Bristol Airport Flyer (Route A1) offers a good service to the airport, but is an expensive option for travel within the city. 

You can also travel through the city’s waterways on The Bristol Ferry!

Check Before Driving

Check out the details of Bristol’s clean air zone before driving in the city in a vehicle. You may need to pay to drive in the zone if your vehicle doesn’t meet emission standards. 

Parking in some areas of Bristol can be difficult. Always check your routes and parking in advance to avoid hassle!

Venture Far and Wide

Bristol has lots on offer, from the bustling city centre to 850 acres of woodland and grassland at Ashton Court Estate. Try and explore all corners of Bristol to fully appreciate the city. If you’re staying in Bristol for a few days, consider a day trip across the Severn Estuary to Chepstow and Tintern.

Go On A Tour

Bristol is full of fascinating history and culture that is easily missed. Consider going on a walking or cycling tour to make the most of your visit. I recommend going on the award-winning ‘Blackbeard to Banksy – The Ultimate Walking Tour of Bristol’ to learn more about Bristol and discover hidden gems.

Consider Events in Bristol

Bristol hosts great events throughout the year, including music and sporting events. It’s worth checking events in the city as they will affect the prices and availability of accommodation, and transport options. 

And you don’t want to miss out on unique events like Bristol Balloon Fiesta if you’re in town!

Visit Independent Businesses

Bristol has loads of cool, unique businesses. Try to visit and support some of Bristol’s local, independent shops, restaurants and bars. This will give you a better sense of the city, make for more memorable experiences, and contribute positively to the local community. 

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Bristol for first-timers?

Old City and Clifton are the best areas to stay in Bristol for first-timers. Old City is super central, has great transport links and is full of interesting things to see and do like St Nicholas Market. 

Clifton is a charming neighbourhood home to some of Bristol’s must-see attractions, like the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

What are safe areas to stay in Bristol?

Bristol is generally a safe city and visitors could safely stay in any area. Like in most cities, crime rates in Bristol are higher around the city centre and central transport hubs. Visitors should take precautions to keep themselves safe in the city centre, especially at night. 

Clifton has a lower crime rate than inner-city neighbourhoods on average.

What are the best parts of Bristol to stay on a budget? 

Stokes Croft and Old City are the best parts of Bristol to stay on a budget. There are good budget accommodation options in these neighbourhoods. Stokes Croft is a popular area among students and young people, so many eateries and bars have reasonably priced options.

What are the best parts of Bristol to stay with kids?

Old City and Southville are the best parts of Bristol to stay with kids. Old City is central and has easy access to many family-friendly attractions, such as the M Shed. 

Southville is a quieter neighbourhood home to many families, and near attractions like Brunel’s SS Great Britain. 

Southville Guest House and The Bristol Wing offer good family rooms in Bristol.

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Bristol is a vibrant city with characterful neighbourhoods. Once you’ve decided where to stay in Bristol, you can start building your itinerary. I’m sure you’ll enjoy exploring the city!

Looking for more England guides? See my guide to the best places to stay in Cornwall next.