Bristol, a vibrant city in the southwest of England, has long been a magnet for those seeking a blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. Whether you’re considering a short stay or thinking of making Bristol your permanent home, this city offers a unique mix of culture, history, and modern amenities. But what is Bristol TRULY like? Let’s dive in…

The Cultural Scene

Starting off strong with one of Bristol’s standout features, it’s rich cultural scene. The city is home to numerous museums, art galleries, and theatres that cater to all tastes. Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Arnolfini Gallery and the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, while theatre lovers can enjoy world-class performances at the Bristol Old Vic. If you’re a culture vulture, check out this Visit Bristol page for all the latest events.

Festivals and Events

Speaking of events…Bristol is renowned for its lively festivals! And whilst the city may be widely known for its strong drum and bass scene, there are all different kinds of festivals for everyone to enjoy. The annual Bristol International Balloon Fiesta draws visitors worldwide with its stunning hot air balloon displays. Similarly, the St Pauls Carnival celebrates Afro-Caribbean culture with vibrant music, dance, and food. Fancy a festie? Check out what’s coming up here.

Food and Drink

If you know anything about the Urban Apartments office, it is that we are all serious foodies. If you haven’t already, check out the #FoodFriday interview our Head of Lettings did with Visit Bristol earlier this year. We’re certainly in the right place, when it comes to food and drink, Bristol excels with a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and pubs offering everything from traditional British fare to international cuisine! We’ve listed some more of our favourite spots here.

If you’re looking for more…

Local Delicacies

Want to eat like a true Bristolian? Don’t miss out on local favourites like the famous Clifton Sausage or a pint of locally brewed cider. For those seeking even more flavours, areas like Stokes Croft offer a diverse range of international dining options.

Outdoor Activities

Time to walk off all that food talk? Bristol provides plenty opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is surrounded by beautiful countryside and parks perfect for hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying a picnic. I love Bristol’s mix of Urban building and country landscape; I personally think this is one of the contributors to making it a stand-out city (definitely not biased!)

Parks and Green Spaces

In case you do need a little escape to the countryside, Ashton Court Estate is a popular destination with its expansive grounds offering trails for walking and cycling. Brandon Hill Park provides stunning views over the city and is home to Cabot Tower – a must-visit landmark. It’s also just a stone’s throw away from our office and apartments, in case you wanted to say hello! These are only just a couple of recommendations; we have a whole blog about our favourite walks in Bristol which you can explore. 

Education and Employment

Can’t get enough of this wonderful city? If you’re considering a long-term stay in Bristol with your family or looking to further your career, you’ll be pleased to know that the city offers excellent educational institutions and job opportunities. 

Universities

The University of Bristol and the University of the West of England (UWE) are both highly regarded institutions that attract students from around the globe, contributing significantly to the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Job Market

Bristol’s economy is diverse with strong sectors in aerospace engineering, creative industries, finance, and technology. Major companies like Airbus and Rolls-Royce have significant operations here, making it an attractive location for professionals.

Popular Areas

Clifton is one of the most sought-after areas due to its beautiful Georgian architecture and proximity to amenities. It is also home to our Urban Apartment properties. Check out my latest blog post all about how to have the perfect day out in Clifton. For more affordable but equally vibrant neighbourhoods, areas like Bedminster or Redland are excellent alternatives.

Transportation

So you’ve made it to the city and now you need to navigate your way around? Getting around Bristol is relatively easy thanks to its well-connected transportation network. Guess what, surprise, I have written another blog post all about it! 

Cycling-Friendly City

Bristol is recognised as one of Britain’s most cycling-friendly cities, with numerous dedicated bike lanes making it easy for cyclists to get around safely. 

Sustainable City

A 2021 study saw Bristol take the top spot for the most sustainable city in the UK. A few of the reasons the city achieved this accolade included its recycling rates, renewable electricity sites, and university sustainability ratings. Read more about it here.

Community Spirit

One thing you’ll quickly notice in Bristol is its strong sense of community spirit. Local events and neighbourhood initiatives foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. 

LGBTQ+ Friendly

Bristol has been recognised as one of the top 20 places globally for LGBTQ+ residents. Bristol has been ranked fourth best in the UK for its vibrant dating scene, lively nightlife, open-mindedness, safety, and strong LGBTQ+ rights. It’s a culturally diverse and vibrant city that we are proud to be apart of. See everything there is to know about Bristol Pride here.

And there you have it, whether you’re drawn by its cultural offerings, culinary delights, outdoor activities, or career opportunities, living in Bristol promises an experience full of diversity and vibrancy. 

So why wait? We know the perfect place you can stay…

Published: 03.06.24 by Phoebe Clutton