Features / Bristicles
17 reasons to love Bristol
Already this year, Rough Guides has named Bristol as one of the top ten cities in the world to visit. A week later, Bristol was named as the best European city for a mini-break in 2017 by travel comparison site Momondo.
We all love Bristol already and now we know we’re not the only ones. And the city’s awards don’t end there. Over the past few years Bristol has been showered with accolades, from being named the kindest city to the best for dogs.
1. Top 10 world cities to visit, Rough Guides 2017
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Bursting into the New Year in usual splendour, Bristol was named as the fourth best city in the world to visit by Rough Guides. “Bristol stands as a shining example of one of the UK’s most forward-thinking, innovative and dynamic small cities.”
2. Best European city break, Momondo 2017
Travel comparison site Momondo awarded Bristol this particular accolade with particular focus on its street art, varied culture and food (including Bulrush, pictured), even describing it as “England’s new creative hub”. We’ll take it.
3. UK’s most inspiring city, Inspiring Cities Ranking 2016
Ranked fourth in the world, Bristol was named ahead of all other UK cities as the most inspiring city. Mayor Marvin Rees said of the award: “I hope our ambition to create a more equal city where nobody is left behind inspires others to do the same.”
4. One of the most colourful cities in the world, Guardian 2016
With its hot air balloons, bountiful graffiti and bright buildings, the Guardian named Bristol as one of the most colourful cities in the world.
5. UK’s best shopping destination for groups, Group Travel Awards 2016
Bristol picked up the coveted title of best shopping destination. Cabot Circus, The Galleries and Broadmead as well as luxury stores like Harvey Nichols helped the city grab the title.
6. Kindest city, Co-op Food survey 2016
Surveying 4,000 adults from 19 cities, Bristol was named the ‘home of the Good Samaritan’ and seen as the kindest place to live, where people would be most likely to go to the aid of someone in need.
7. One of the happiest cities to work in, Guardian 2016
The Guardian named Bristol as one of the happiest cities to work in last year. “It has the buzz and culture of a big city while keeping the community feel of a friendly, close-knit town”, said Jonathan May, chief executive of Bristol-based company, Hubbub.
8. One of the top-five coolest cities in the UK, WebBlinds.com 2016
It’s hard to walk around Stokes Croft without bumping into a meticulously groomed hipster, so it’s not surprising the city has been named as one of the coolest cities in the UK.
9. One of the world’s best cities for street art, Independent 2016
Home to Banksy and with the city’s walls decorated in his work, it’s no wonder his name has drawn many other talented artists to the city. This led the Independent to name Bristol as one of the best cities for street art, not just in the UK but worldwide.
10. One of the most dog-friendly cities, Trust Housesitters 2016
With lots of beautiful walks, pet-friendly accommodation and many pubs that welcome dogs, Bristol is one of the most pet-friendly cities in the country.
11. One of the top cities for student nightlife, Telegraph 2016
Whether Lounge is your jam or Motion is more your scene, Bristol clubs have plenty to offer, with the Telegraph recently naming Bristol as one of the top cities for student nightlife.
12. One of the most creative cities, CreativeBoom 2015
With the makers of Wallace and Gromit hailing from Bristol, it makes sense for the city to be listed as one of the most creative in the country.
13. One of the best cities to study in, Whatuni Student 2015
Based on 20,000 reviews, Bristol has also been named by Whatuni Student as one of the best places to study in the UK.
14. One of the best places to raise a family, OneFamily HotSpots 2015
Bristol’s not just recommended for students. It’s also seen as one of the best places to raise a family, according to OneFamily HotSpots.
15. UK’s smartest city, Guardian 2014
Less well known is Bristol’s status as a technological hub, but this was recognised by the Guardian in 2015 when it called Bristol the UK’s ‘smartest city’.
16. Most musical city, Telegraph 2010
The underground music scene is famous in Bristol, and the city’s rich musical culture was celebrated a few years ago by being put top of the PRS top-five. And if the Bristol music scene is good enough for music legend Big Jeff (pictured) then it’s good enough for us.
17. Best City – Sunday Times Best Places to Live in Britain report 2014
Perhaps most excitingly, a few years ago Bristol was named overall as the best UK city to live in. We’d have to agree.
Read more: 39 stunning photos of Bristol