Venues in Bristol have seen bands from the likes of the Beatles to Newton Faulkner, and the local music scene is thriving too. In summer the numerous music festivals, including the Bristol Harbour Festival, Dot to Dot and WOMAD at Bristol Zoo, attract thousands of people to see up-and-coming bands along with a glass of local cider.

The development of Cabot Circus has had many people flooding to Bristol. There are many places to shop in Bristol, from the boutiques of Clifton to the unique St. Nicholas' Market. Just outside of Bristol is the Mall Cribbs Causeway which also has a cinema and restaurant complex, as well as Bath and Swindon Shopping Outlet which has designer goods at discount prices.

Bristolian artist Banksy is infamous for his controversial street art, and this can be seen all around the city. Quay Street in particular is becoming a tourist hot spot for street art enthusiasts.

Bristol has many galleries and museums to choose from. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery holds an extensive natural history collection and Egyptian exhibition. The Red Lodge houses a preserved Tudor house and the new M Shed is dedicated to the history of Bristol itself.

The historical Hippodrome puts on many of London's West End shows, but venues like the Bristol Old Vic, the Tobacco Factory and the Watershed also have films, performances, stand-up comedians and children's events.