It was the only UK city to make the Best in Travel list for 2026, celebrated for its street art, rich maritime history and thriving subcultures
Street art plays a huge part in the city’s culture(Image: Getty)
As visitors flock to destinations like Liverpool, London and Edinburgh this year, it might be worth reconsidering the UK cities on your personal travel agenda, as this surprising location receives major recognition.
Renowned worldwide for its dynamic street art and celebrated for its flourishing alternative cultures, the South West destination has been named amongst the world’s top 50 places to visit in 2026, but the praise doesn’t end there.
Bristol was the sole city which secured its place on Lonely Planet’s Best In Travel list this year, and with excellent justification. The guide emphasised the tremendous influence that art, especially street art, has on the location and how it continually attracts visitors.
That, combined with its lively food and beverage scene, retail districts and picturesque locations, is a city that rarely receives recognition and tends to be overshadowed by the likes of Liverpool or Manchester.
Bristol is a city which spans the River Avon and possesses a firmly established maritime heritage that has been reimagined into something completely fresh. Today, its former city-centre docks function as a cultural centre and waterfront enjoyed by residents and tourists alike.
The city has undergone a complete transformation over recent decades, and its importance within the arts plays an enormous role in this.
Art scene
Lonely Planet spotlighted Bristol’s art scene, and justifiably so, as its acclaimed street art is what makes its districts so striking and attractive, as a primary factor for its inclusion. There are more than 250 artworks displayed openly throughout the city’s streets, numerous pieces created by renowned local artist Banksy.
Iconic murals are scattered across the city, several honouring local and historical personalities, while others deliver striking political messages, and various street tours offer close-up viewings of them all.
On the artistic theme, one of the city’s premier family attractions is the Wake The Tiger experience situated in St Philips, Bristol. It represents the UK’s largest immersive art attraction, where guests can experience a hyper-reality environment, merging art with distinctive storytelling across more than 40 interactive zones.
Following a recent visit to the remarkable entertainment venue, a Tripadvisor review states: “Absolutely fantastic. The love, care and creativity that has gone into Wake The Tiger is phenomenal. It is a bit pricey, but the experience was well worth it. We loved it, as did our 7 year old.”
Historic spots
A significant aspect of the South West city’s appeal is how it effortlessly blends contemporary life with history, and it undoubtedly possesses a rich heritage that endures across its streets. The city’s historic docks, iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, and lively harbourside combine remarkable architecture with its thriving culture.
A Grade I listed landmark, Clifton Suspension Bridge stands as one of the world’s oldest surviving iron suspension bridges. It represents a magnificent monument within the city, providing free passage over the River Avon since its inauguration in 1864, following a staggering 33-year construction period.
The dockyards remain a captivating destination for tourists, enabling them to journey through history and explore Brunel’s SS Great Britain. Whether you’re fascinated by the nation’s seafaring heritage, passionate about vessels or curious to discover Bristol’s role in significant historical moments, it offers an excellent way to spend your time.
One visitor recounted their experience, saying: “Fabulous visit to the SS Great Britain. We were amazed by the tour of this great ship: the two interior decks and the promenade deck and even the hull since the boat is in dry dock. Everything has been masterfully recreated; you would think you were on the Titanic.”
Beyond the characteristic buzz of energetic bars and nightspots that every metropolis possesses, and a culinary landscape worth savouring, it’s these distinctive attractions that enable Bristol to consistently impress tourists and secure its position on such an honourable list.
