Bristol is a city not just known for its cultural richness and thriving art scene, but it also boasts a strong sense of community and a rebellious soul. With a wide variety of free activities available you can explore the city without worrying about your budget.
From top attractions to live music – finding free things to do in Bristol is easy! So, take a break from spending, get out there and enjoy these amazing ideas!
Related: check out top things to do in Bristol and Bristol date ideas
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If you’re counting down the days until payday, don’t worry! Discover these awesome free activities in Bristol that will keep you entertained and allow you to explore the city to the max without breaking the bank!
This post is about free things to do in Bristol
Free Live Music
Bristol’s music scene is exciting and eclectic, and free live music can be found if you know where to look. Check out the calendar for local pubs like The Canteen and The Gallimaufry, which often host free gigs. You can watch free jazz music at The Tobacco Factory Café Bar and The Old Duke.
Summer months are perfect for catching a free concert at the Harbourside – or stumbling across a dirty little drum ‘n’ bass pop-up set in Castle Park! Don’t forget to keep a keen eye on bar and club listings for exciting free music events, especially venues like Motion, known for hosting epic free raves!
Free Festivals
Festivals in Bristol celebrate everything from craft beer to cinema, and many have free elements or days. The Bristol Harbour Festival and the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta are highlights of the summer calendar, offering a fun festival atmosphere without the cost:
International Balloon Fiesta
The famous International Balloon Fiesta is back at Ashton Court this summer from 9 to 11 August. Make sure you catch the breathtaking Morning Ascents – it’s worth waking up early to see the hot air balloons rise with the sun on a misty morning. And don’t miss the magical Night Glow, where the balloons are tethered and illuminated to music in the darkness Enjoy the festival vibe with live music and plenty of tasty food options.
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Upfest
Europe’s biggest street art and graffiti festival, Upfest, takes place in Bristol from 17 May to 2 June, ensuring street art is in the spotlight in south Bristol. The urban festival turns multiple locations in and around Bedminster into an open-air art gallery filled with art murals by some of the greatest local and international artists. There will also be artist talks, live painting, workshops, panel discussions, creative activities, theatre, comedy and more.
Bristol Walk Fest
Join the fun at Bristol Walk Fest, a major urban walking celebration in the UK, which takes place from 1 to 31 May. You can enjoy a diverse range of over 600 mostly free walks and events, including themed walks, guided tours, talks, workshops, family activities, taster sessions, and much more across Greater Bristol.
Bristol Harbour Festival
Bristol Harbour Festival will take place from 19 to 21 July and will celebrate Bristol’s rich maritime, musical and cultural heritage and there will also be lots of delicious food to try and live entertainment.
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Bristol Pride
The city is set to come alive with the vibrant and energetic Bristol Pride events, which will occur across the city from 29 June to 14 July. The festivities highlight is the much-anticipated Pride Day on 13 July, where the entire community comes together for the Parade March to celebrate diversity and self-expression in all its forms.
Museums or Galleries
History and art lovers rejoice! Bristol has several free museums and galleries. The Bristol Museum & Art Gallery offers a dive into the region’s history and culture, without a ticket fee. For contemporary art exploration, the Arnolfini and Spike Island are must-visits:
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
The Bristol Museum & Art Gallery houses diverse collections, including natural history, archaeology, geology, art, and exhibits that showcase Bristol’s rich culture and heritage.
M Shed
M Shed stands as Bristol’s history museum, narrating the captivating tale of the city. Uncover the stories of the extraordinary individuals and significant sites that have left an indelible mark on the city. As of 15 March 2024, the Edward Colston statue, which was brought down during the Black Lives Matter movement in June 2020, will be showcased in a glass case within the People Gallery.
Outside M Shed, you will find The Matthew. You can hop aboard and explore this reconstruction of the ship used by the explorer John Cabot in 1497, free of charge when she’s moored at Princes Wharf.
Spike Island
If you’re looking for a place to explore art and creativity, look no further than Spike Island! As a contemporary art centre, gallery, and creative hub, it offers various exhibitions, events, talks, and creative activities.
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The Arnolfini
Immerse yourself in a world of unique contemporary art exhibitions at The Arnolfini, located along the beautiful Harbourside. This cultural hotspot showcases thought-provoking artwork and has a fantastic café where you can relax and enjoy a drink or something to eat…their bubble and squeak with a side of vegan chorizo is divine!
Historic Houses
You can also add several of the city’s incredible historic houses to your free itinerary – take a journey into the past with a visit to The Red Lodge, The Georgian House Museum and Blaise Castle House Museum (open between April and December only). These destinations offer a glimpse into Bristol’s rich heritage, explore them without spending a penny!
Iconic Landmarks
A visit to Bristol would not be complete without taking in its famous landmarks. Discover the Gothic beauty of the Bristol Cathedral and the grand Bristol Central Library, both on College Green. Head over to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, where you can enjoy stunning views of the bridge and Avon Gorge. To see Bristol from a different angle, climb the 105ft Cabot Tower on Brandon Hill, one of Bristol’s oldest parks.
Another spot not to be missed is The Christmas Steps in the heart of Bristol. This charming and historic area seamlessly blends the city’s creative and cultural heritage with its picturesque streets, winding steps, and ancient buildings.
It provides the perfect backdrop for a collection of independent arts and crafts galleries, vintage shops, cosy traditional pubs, restaurants, cafes, theatres, and more…check out Ahh Toots, the amazing cake shop located at the bottom of The Christmas Steps. Don’t forget to peek through their kitchen window right next door to the shop and witness the magic as they craft delectable delights!
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There’s so much to see and do in the Harbourside area – not only will you come across many of the city’s museums and galleries, but it’s also a great spot for those who enjoy walking, with various themed walking routes to choose from, ranging from art to nature.
Free Guided Tours
Delve deeper into local sights with a free guided tour. Some volunteers offer free tours around the city, including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, sharing stories and secrets you won’t find in guidebooks. Costs are nil, but remember, tipping is a kind gesture.
Street Art
Why pay for a tour when you can take charge and be your tour guide? With a little online research, you can easily go on a self-guided walking tour of Bristol’s famous graffiti art and murals at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the vibrant street art scenes of Southville, Bedminster, Stokes Croft, and Montpelier, where you’ll find the highest concentration of artworks.
Green spaces
The city’s green spaces are perfect for relaxation and offer a scenic escape from hectic city life. Take a stroll through the leafy expanses of The Downs, a perfect spot for picnics, or explore Ashton Court Estate, where deer roam free. You could also do a self-guided walk around the serene Arnos Vale Cemetery – a stunning Victorian garden cemetery with various historic points of interest.
City Farms
St Werburghs City Farm and Windmill City Farm are a fun way to spend a few hours – visit the cute animals, explore the gardens, and learn about sustainable urban agriculture.
Markets and Clifton Village
Markets are a treasure trove of local culture, offering a vibrant glimpse into the heart of a city. Whether you’re there to shop or soak up the lively atmosphere, browsing through stalls and enjoying some people-watching can be a great experience.
St Nicholas Market (indoor market often affectionately referred to as St Nick’s), The Harbourside Street Food Market, Tobacco Factory Sunday Market and Windmill Hill Market are just a few examples of bustling markets loved by locals and visitors alike.
These markets come alive with diverse stalls showcasing everything from fresh organic produce to handcrafted goods, artisanal foods, vintage finds and unique gifts, making them a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the local scene.
Clifton is hands down the most picturesque neighbourhood in Bristol. You will want to take your sweet time exploring every nook and cranny of this lovely area, with its elegant Georgian townhouses and tranquil leafy squares. It’s the perfect place to slow down and let yourself unwind.
Clifton Village is where you’ll find plenty of cosy cafes and unique indie shops, and the beautiful Clifton Arcade, a Victorian shopping arcade perfect for browsing and anyone who loves to snap some seriously Insta-worthy shots.
Bristol is a great city to discover without spending a fortune. There are tons of free and affordable activities to enjoy without burning a hole in your pocket. So, why not jump into the exciting experiences that await you in this dynamic city? – your wallet and your sense of adventure will thank you for it!
