Living in Bristol City Centre

Bristol is a dynamic and diverse city, known for its rich maritime history and vibrant cultural scene. Home to an impressive mix of historic landmarks, modern attractions, and green spaces, it offers a lively atmosphere that is perfect for students, young professionals, and families. The iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, bustling Harbourside, and an array of shops, cafes, and markets make Bristol a unique blend of historic appreciation and exciting modern life. The city’s layout and excellent public transport make it easy to explore not only the local attractions but also the stunning surrounding countryside, providing the perfect balance between urban and rural living.

Area key takeouts

Young demographic

Excellent amenities

Safe area

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Bristol City Centre in a snapshot

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Historic - Bristol has a wealth of historic sites, including the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, the SS Great Britain, and the historic Harbourside. With a history steeped in maritime trade and exploration, the city offers numerous museums and attractions that capture its storied past so that you can personally experience some of Britain’s incredible past.

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Shopping - Bristol is an absolute shopper's paradise, with a range of options from high-street stores in Cabot Circus to quirky independent shops in Clifton Village and Gloucester Road. Even more exciting, St Nicholas Market is a must-visit for unique finds and local (delicious) produce and makes for a perfect day of mooching with friends!

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Nightlife - Bristol is known for its great nightlife; it has something for everyone! The city offers everything from live music venues and traditional pubs like The Old Duke and The Llandoger Trow, to trendy bars and nightclubs in the Harbourside and Stokes Croft, the city caters to all tastes. Clubs like Motion and Lakota are renowned for their energetic atmospheres and fabulous DJs!

Demographic

Students, young professionals, families

Attributes

Historic sites, cultural diversity, shopping areas, green spaces

Safety

Bristol is generally considered a safe city, though, like any urban area, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, particularly in busy or unfamiliar areas and even more so at nighttime.

Welcome to Bristol City Centre

Find the best spots and top attractions in Bristol!

Clifton Suspension Bridge

An iconic symbol of Bristol, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, which links Bristol and North Somerset, offers stunning views over the Avon Gorge and the city. Incredibly, this huge structure opened back in 1864 and has a rich history. Renowned for its impressive engineering and beautiful design, this historic landmark is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts and provides a picturesque spot for a leisurely stroll or photo opportunity. Or, why not visit the underground vaults for an incredible tour of the bridge from within?

SS Great Britain

The SS Great Britain, a historic ship and museum, showcases Bristol's rich maritime heritage. Once the world’s largest ship, it now serves as an engaging museum where visitors can explore its incredibly fascinating history! It’s a fantastic destination for anyone interested in maritime history and provides an enriching, educational experience for all ages. Prices of a ticket vary, with adult tickets at £22, child tickets for £13.50 and student tickets at a discounted £18.50!

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

The Bristol Museum & Art Gallery features an extensive range of exhibits, from ancient artefacts to modern art. With diverse collections spanning natural history, archaeology, and fine art, it offers a captivating experience for visitors of all interests. The museum provides a great cultural day out and is free to enter (even better!).

Harbourside

Bristol’s Harbourside is a bustling area with a vibrant mix of waterside bars, restaurants, and attractions such as the M Shed museum. Popular with students and locals alike, it offers a lively atmosphere with a range of restaurant and entertainment options. It’s an ideal place to relax, socialise, and enjoy the city’s waterfront.

Bristol City Centre

Amenities

Supermarkets
Tesco , Sainsbury's , Aldi , Lidl
Gyms
PureGym , The Gym Group , Anytime Fitness
Hospital
Bristol Royal Infirmary

Universities

University of Bristol
University of the West of England
The University of Law

Transport Links

Train Station
Bristol Temple Meads
Buses
1, 2, 8, 9, 43, 70, 71, 73, 75, 76, 90, 505

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Cost of living in the area

Monthly Rent Average

House

£1,500

A month

Student Accommodation

£800

A month

Cost of Bills

Utilities

£75

Per person, per month

Wifi

£28

Per month

Council Tax

£1,902

Per year, per household

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Connectivity

Fibre download speeds

67 Mbps

Fibre upload speeds

18 Mbps

4G/5G coverage

Good coverage

Other expenses

Pint of beer

£4.50

Gym membership

£28

Per month

Food shop

£35

Per person, per week

The best spots in Bristol City Centre

For food

Nadu

For the most authentic South Indian and Sri Lankan food in Bristol, there is Nadu! With a beautiful interior, you will feel spoilt not only by the delicious food but by the incredibly friendly service from the lovely staff!

For drinks

Balme Gloria

There is no better place for drinks than Blame Gloria! With a stunning interior, decked out in neon lights and funky wallpaper, the atmosphere here is impossible to beat! Come for a couple of casual cocktails, or maybe become an expert in making them with a cocktail masterclass - the potential is endless!

For coffee

Small Street Expresso

With a delightful, cosy atmosphere, you will find no better place to have a relaxing hot drink! With a large menu and friendly staff, it’s a great location to chat with friends or get through a book! Seating is limited though, so get here early if you’re planning to stay for a while!

For fun

Lane7

For borrowing, pool, back shuffle, darts, beer pong, the list is endless, you have to come to Lane 7! Catering to a variety of ages, at Lane7 you can battle it out amongst friends or perhaps show off your skills and impress a date! Whoever you go with, you’re guaranteed to have a lot of fun.

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Frequently asked questions about Bristol City Centre

Is living in Bristol safe?

Yes, Bristol is considered a safe city as the community atmosphere and active student population contribute to a secure living environment. However, as with any city, it is still important to take reasonable precautions and stay aware of your surroundings always!

How long does it take to get to London from Bristol?

Travelling from Bristol to London by train typically takes around 1.5-2 hours, with services running frequently from Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington. By car, the journey takes around 2-2.5 hours, depending on traffic.

Is Bristol expensive?

Bristol's cost of living is moderate, though it can be higher in central areas. Housing, dining, and entertainment prices are generally lower than in London but are often considered higher than the national average. It’s important to take advantage of student discounts to truly get the most out of your spending when living or studying here!

What is renting is Bristol like?

Renting in Bristol can vary in cost, with higher prices in the city centre and more affordable options available further out. The city offers a range of accommodation types, from impressive modern apartments to quaint traditional houses with a variety of options catering to students and young professionals. Remember, an early search for housing is recommended to secure the best deals because they can get snatched up pretty quickly!

What areas of Bristol offer more affordable renting?

  • Stokes Croft: Known for its vibrant arts scene and lively atmosphere, it's popular with students and offers relatively affordable rent.
  • Bedminster: Although this area is a bit further out, it provides a quieter, more residential feel with good transport links to the city centre.
  • Fishponds: Close to UWE, it's a common choice for students looking for budget-friendly housing options!

How can I get to the University of Bristol from Bristol City Centre?

The University of Bristol is a prestigious research-intensive university, known for its academic excellence and vibrant student community. The campus is located in the heart of Bristol, blending historic buildings with modern facilities (very practical!). Students enjoy access to state-of-the-art libraries, labs, and sports facilities, along with beautiful green spaces like the Royal Fort Gardens. The central location means students are just a short walk from the lively city centre, providing a perfect balance of academic and social life!

How can I get to UWE from Bristol City Centre?

The U3 and UWE express bus services provide direct routes from the city centre to the UWE campus. The journey takes around 30 minutes, and students can benefit from discounted fares (some students even get completely free tickets - so make sure to check)!

Does Bristol have good public transport?

Bristol's public transport is great, making it easy to navigate the city. The bus network offers great coverage across the city, including routes to the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England (UWE).

There are regular train services to and from London, Wales and Cornwall from Bristol Temple Meads, making it an incredibly easy place to access by train!

Letting agents in Bristol City Centre

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