Newbies to Bristol may not know this, but the Harbourside was once the busy dock where sailors and merchants would trade goods and set off for long voyages. Now, the Harbourside is one of the most beautiful, attractive developments that is chock-full of bars, apart-hotels, hotels, shops, and restaurants to die for. If you’re looking for serviced apartments to stay in whilst visiting Bristol that will be beside Sunday markets, waterside bars, and a range of water sports activities, then Harbourside is the place where the best things to do in Bristol are.

A Touch Of History

Before you visit Bristol, it helps to learn a little about history. Harbourside is a trading port that started in 1051, and by the 14th century, Harbourside was heaving with trade between Spain, Portugal, and Iceland. By 1809, the Floating Harbour transformed Bristol, and it grew as a busy commercial port. It’s currently packed with business, leisure, and a range of serviced apartments that make it a destination to visit!

Tons Of Attractions

If you’re choosing to visit Bristol, you need to visit the array of attractions in Harbourside. You can head to the boats and jump on the ferry boards to the Brunel SS Great Britain, Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s engineering masterpiece. You can learn a ton about all of the native marine and freshwater creatures around if you head to the Bristol Aquarium.

All About Culture

Bristol is already known to be home to contemporary arts and history, but Harbourside has a thriving cultural scene. There are tons to see and do when you visit a contemporary art scene, including dance, theater, performance, and visual arts. On the other side of the harbour, you’ll find Spike Island, which is a gallery and an artist working space. The popular cafe has a range of delicious cakes and pastries, and you can get a fantastic cup of coffee or tea!

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Dining On The Harbourside

Those who love to indulge in their taste buds will find a range of things to eat and drink on the Harbourside, with pizza and steak, Asian street food, and gastro cuisine that’ll change your life! For those who love to pub crawl, Harbourside has The Stable, and you have to stop here for one of the over 60 types of cider on offer. You can crawl here (literally) after The Grain Barge and the Watershed Cafe Bar!

Wapping Wharf

Wapping Wharf has rapidly become a much-loved part of Bristol, reflecting the independent spirit for which Bristol has become famous.

From sourdough pizzas to organic fruit and vegetables, and from freshly baked bread to specialist coffees, Wapping Wharf is home to a plethora of independent eateries, spanning everything from fine dining to street food. The neighbourhood is also a popular shopping hotspot, with a florist, jeweller’s, art gallery and clothing shop among the array of places to explore. Visitors are truly spoilt for choice with a barber’s, yoga studio, massage and nail studio also based in this flourishing quarter.

Gaol Ferry Steps, the tree-lined, pedestrianised route running through Wapping Wharf, has cafes, restaurants, and shops located along either side, while CARGO brings together a range of independent traders housed within converted shipping containers. The area is located on the edge of Bristol’s beautiful waterfront, with views across the glistening harbourside.