With this city’s reputation for being artsy and cultural, we wouldn’t blame you if you assumed that enjoying yourself in Bristol had to be an expensive affair. But exploring Bristol doesn’t have to break the bank—let us guide you through our top picks for budget-friendly things to do in Bristol, and you’ll be off discovering all this city has to offer in no time.
📍 20 Christmas Steps, Bristol, BS1 BS1
📍 79-81 Gloucester Road, Bristol, BS7 8AS
Who said that you can’t have fun whilst budgeting? Bristol’s own Chance & Counters is a great way to unwind with friends for cheap, thanks to their gaming fees starting from just £2 per person.
With over 500 board games for you to choose from and plenty of friendly staff on hand to help teach you the rules, the most difficult part of your time at this board game café will be deciding on which game to play. Oh, and trying to resist the delicious food and drinks menu.
Caught the board game bug? Head on over to Playground Café in Bristol’s city centre for similar vibes.
📍 Queen’s Road, Bristol, BS8 1RL
Learning is always fun, especially when it’s free—and that’s why we love Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. On top of having no entry fee, this institution has everything you could want from a museum; we’re talking a gift shop, a café, and vast exhibitions showcasing art and pottery, dinosaur fossils, and Egyptian mummies. Seriously, what more could you need?
If your ideal day out involves plenty of museum-hopping, the Clifton Observatory is absolutely also worth a visit. At just £5 a ticket for full access, this museum offers amazing 360-degree views of Bristol and beyond, as well as the opportunity to head deep down into the cliffside Giant’s Cave…
📍 133 Cumberland Road, Bristol, BS1 6UX
Named after the picturesque neighbourhood it’s located in, Spike Island acts as a gallery and workspace for contemporary art and artists. Like the Bristol Museum & Gallery, Spike Island is free to visit—making it a brilliant place to spend a day in Bristol if you’re on a budget.
While you’re at it, you might as well go and explore the whole of the Spike Island area, too. Have a wander and take photos of the colourful houses that dot Bristol’s riverside, or go and seek out Banksy’s ‘Girl with a Pierced Eardrum’. Your camera roll—and, let’s be real, your Instagram as well—is going to be full of some seriously amazing pictures.
📍 The Corn Exchange, Corn Street, BS1 1JQ
If you love a quirky trinket or a vintage find, St Nicholas Market is definitely for you. From second-hand records to artisan foods, this indoor market (located in Bristol’s former Corn Exchange building) is the perfect way to while away a few hours for free—unless you find yourself nabbing a unique vinyl or being tempted by a tasty snack, that is.
Bristol as a whole is a haven for street food markets in particular, so you like trying new dishes or even just wandering around taking in the sights then keep your eyes peeled for Temple Quays Market and Harbouriside Street Food Market.
Ready to explore more cities on a budget? Check out our pocket-friendly guide to York.
Prices correct at time of publication.
With this city’s reputation for being artsy and cultural, we wouldn’t blame you if you assumed that enjoying yourself in Bristol had to be an expensive affair. But exploring Bristol doesn’t have to break the bank—let us guide you through our top picks for budget-friendly things to do in Bristol, and you’ll be off discovering all this city has to offer in no time.
Exams are finished, uni’s over and summer is fast approaching; with all this warm weather and free time, there really is no better time than now to go travelling. We’re here to show you that it’s possible to itch that travel bug while on a budget, thanks to these travel student discounts.
Whether you’re a student trying to avoid maxing out your overdraft or a budget-conscious young professional, we’ve got the affordable York activity for you—read on to check out our top picks for budget-friendly things to do in York.