10 Best Nightlife in Bristol

Harborside is an attractive and modern development in Bristol’s city centre, just across from the exciting Wapping Wharf neighbourhood. Built along the picturesque waterfront, there are shops and attractions to explore by day and myriad bars and restaurants to see you happily into the night. 

Catch a movie at the Watershed arthouse movie theater before dining on European dishes to the sound of live music at No.1 Harborside. Or why not watch the sunset over the water while sipping a cocktail at the likes of Revolución de Cuba Bristol? There’s no better spot to end the day in the city.

Stokes Croft is a main road running north out of Bristol’s center, known for its trendy and hipster vibe. The whole road and surrounding area are lined with bustling cafés, bars and clubs, meaning you can enjoy a fun and varied night out in this area alone. 

You’ll be hard pushed to experience all that the nightlife around here has to offer, but we can point you in the direction of some of the best. The Crofters Rights is a great pub serving craft beers on tap and good pub grub. The Canteen is an excellent live music bar next to a famous Banksy mural. Alternately, if underground dance music is more your scene, the legendary Lakota nightclub is a must.

Bristol’s Old City is awash with historical buildings and quaint narrow lanes, with an equally charming nightlife to reflect its traditional vibe. It’s here that you’ll find some of the city’s best speakeasies and jazz clubs, as well as exceptional restaurants and street food options to be found on every corner. 

Cider and perry fans will love The Apple – a magnificent converted Dutch barge moored on the waterfront, serving up the world’s finest range. For a fascinating gem of a clandestine cocktail bar, head to The Milk Thistle, where you even have to buzz to get in. For fantastic live jazz, blues and rock, get the pints in at the ever-popular Old Duke.

Bristol’s Park Street previously made the shortlist for the ‘UK’s hippest street’, so it comes as no surprise that it’s home to some of the city’s best nightlife. Boasting eclectic bars and late-night clubs, it draws the city’s students and younger crowds visiting for an unforgettable night out... or forgettable, you could say. 

For a unique tipple in historic surroundings, seek out the iconic neon sign of the Art Deco-themed Mauretania Public House, built in 1870. For a retro-style speakeasy, check out the cocktails at Red Light. And for a failsafe club to dance the night away in, make your way to Forty Eight.

Whiteladies Road is a bustling shopping area through the picturesque suburb of Clifton, lined with superb bars and restaurants. It’s well worth exploring by day, but it’s just as lively at night when the shoppers trade places with partygoers and those looking for a relaxing nightcap in stylish surroundings. 

Tuck into a succulent steak at The Cowshed to set you up for the night, before heading for a drink on the terrace of the popular Bar Humbug. End the night at Her Majesty’s Secret Service, a hidden British-themed speakeasy serving creative cocktails and quirky quenchers. Good luck finding the entrance – it’s via a rather inconspicuous phone box!

St Paul’s is undoubtedly one of Bristol’s most famous neighborhoods, known throughout the world for its incredible annual carnival. On the 1st Saturday of July each year, the streets erupt with color, music, dance and parades as the city unites to celebrate Afro-Caribbean culture. It’s one of the biggest street parties in Europe, with the revelry continuing way into the night. 

Carnival aside, the strong sense of community and culture remains year-round. Begin your evening with a bite to eat at the vibrant and delicious Baba Ganoush Kitchen. Then, make your way to the legendary Jamaican-themed Star and Garter pub (frequented by the likes of Damian Marley and Roni Size), ending the night in the intimate cellar bar, Cosies.

Bristol’s Old Market area is historic, bohemian and a popular hangout for the LGBTQ+ community. Found just to the east of the Bristol Shopping Quarter, it was the first area of the city to be built around the castle and is wholly independent, with no corporate businesses or big chains in sight. 

There are monthly events and 5 LGBTQ+ festivals held here throughout the year, but when these aren’t on, you’ll still have countless bars and clubs to choose from. The Gin Palace is open 365 days a year and hosts multiple cabaret shows a week. To The Moon is an atmospheric bar and shop selling beer, cocktails and sustainable fashion. And the nearby Phoenix pub is an all-round favorite. 

Southville is a vibrant yet laidback residential area of the city, occupying the southern bank of the River Avon. Home to colorful street art, vivacious street parties and mouth-watering street food, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular places to live in Bristol. But visitors love it here, too, with plenty of trendy pubs and bars serving excellent craft beers and cocktails. 

The lively North Street is at the heart of the Southville community and the famous Tobacco Factory with its bar, café and superb theater is a must-visit. The Bristol Beer Factory is a great spot for trying a freshly-brewed pint and The Spotted Cow has an awesome beer garden for those warm summer evenings.

When it comes to fabulous theaters to enjoy an unforgettable evening of culture, Bristol is by no means lacking. Whether you’re looking for a toe-tapping night of live music, a side-splitting evening of comedy or a gripping theatrical performance, you’ll find all that and more at the city’s first-class theater venues. 

The Bristol Hippodrome features one of the largest stages in Britain and regularly hosts touring shows from London’s West End. Built in 1766, Bristol Old Vic prides itself on being ‘the oldest continuously working theater in the English-speaking world’ and showcases both local and well-known talent. And the huge Colston Hall is Bristol’s home of music, hosting the world’s biggest names in pop, rock, jazz and more.

The Bristol & Bath Rum Distillery runs its very own Rum School where spirit lovers will be served up a treat. It’s located on Park Street and hosts a range of events, one of the most popular being the evening Rum Making Experience. On it, you’ll learn all about the history of rum, taste some classic cocktails and, as the name suggests, create your very own recipe. 

Not only do you get to make your own rum, but you can also personalize the label and wax the top. And what’s more, whenever you want to re-order some more, your recipe is kept ready for you! It’s best to book at least 7 days in advance for this experience, to avoid disappointment.