In an area filled with craft beer dens, cocktail spots and charming independent boozers, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to places to drink. But sometimes with so many options, it can be hard to know where to go. That's why we've scoured through the many watering holes in the hub of all the action to come up with a definitive list of the best city centre bars in Bristol.
Head to the Old Fishmarket in Bristol's city centre to find Revolution, a party bar that specialises in all things vodka. Their fruity cocktails will whisk you away to a sunnier setting whilst daily happy hours make for a wallet-friendly sip. Once Friday hits, the place comes alive with music and late-night revellers.
Perfectly positioned at the bottom of Park Street (directly above OMG with effortless transport links nearby), City Centre hotspot Bloom is where Bristol comes to dress up and make a night of it. Open from 5pm for stylish after-work drinks, the venue features gorgeous, Instagram-ready interiors complete with cherry blossoms and glowing pink details.
As the evening progresses, Bloom evolves from relaxed lounge vibes into late-night energy, featuring DJs spinning from 11pm (Wednesday to Saturday) and live sax on Friday and Saturday nights, keeping the party going strong until 4am.
Right in the heart of the city's nightlife, The Bootlegger brings prohibition flair to central Bristol. The Park Street venue offers an effortless city-centre retreat for whispering over craft cocktails after work, while their sister site on Gloucester Road comes with live music and floor-filling throwback playlists.
Whether you're popping in for a quick cocktail before dinner or settling in for a Saturday afternoon bottomless brunch packed with pizza and spritzes, both spots keep the good times rolling until late.
Cosy Club Bristol combines historic charm with stylish interiors, set in a grand Grade II listed building that's perfect for everything from relaxed brunches to celebratory dinners. But equally, the drinks here will keep you coming back for more.
From cocktails that are cherry Bakewell in liquid form to tiramisu martinis and a Prohibition-inspired whisky sour, this place has a great list of drinks - topped off by a list of spritzes and an extensive wine list too.
Nestle along Harbourside, The Bristol Stable is your go-to for craft ciders, fresh sourdough pizza and live music. They even host regular tastings where you and your friends can try eight different brews accompanied by mouthwatering slices to keep you fuelled up.
Need a new drinking destination in the city centre? Bristol has you covered with some of the best tipples at The Cocktail Club on Corn Street. Tip back fabulous porn star martinis, margaritas and other crafty concoctions at this spot.
Zerodegrees is a quirky spot in central Bristol that has transformed a tramshed into a microbrewery. Pints are as fresh as possible and food comes in the form of pizza.
Located right on the water, Totos by the River is a stunning bar that promises some of the best views around. This is a particularly great choice for the summer months, thanks to their spacious beer garden and rooftop terrace.
Take a seat in the sun and sip cocktails, wine or beer, or swing by in the evenings to hear some live music. This vibrant spot also welcomes both kids and dogs, so you can bring the whole family along.
Located in the heart of Bristol, Flight Club is a fabulous gaming bar, complete with delicious beers, signature cocktails and tasty pizzas. Here, you can try your hand at a quirky version of social darts, whether you're on a date or catching up with pals.
Searching for places to drink in Bristol? O'Neill's is a lovely boozer in the city centre and it's giving you everything you need for a good sports viewing. Enjoy pints, scrumptious burgers and a buzzing ambience, all while catching every second of the latest match.
Found over on the ever-buzzing Baldwin Street, Tonight Josephine is the hot-to-trot hangout that's shaking up a storm in the cocktail department. Head on over to dance 'til the early hours, indulge in wild bottomless brunches and really let loose.
Where the unruly crowds of Bristol come out to play, Bonnie Rogues is a not-so-ordinary pub with fantastic happy hour deals, live entertainment, sports viewings, quizzes and so much more.
From the food menu, expect mega portions like loaded nachos, stacked burgers and insane sandwiches, on top of comfort food and sharing plates. The cocktails include well-made classics to speciality shots and blends – with a happy hour deal that lasts until 8pm Sunday to Friday. And most of their beers can be bought as a tower, perfect for boozy group gatherings.
If you're after an easy-going place to drink in Bristol city centre, The Horts is for you. The traditional pub has a mega list of wines, spirits and beers, as well as a classic menu of comfort food favourites if you should get peckish. What's more, they've even got a 36-seater cinema where they screen regular sports events.
If you're after cocktail bars in Bristol city centre, then Blame Gloria will fit the bill. From its 2 for 1 drinks deals to drag events and a cool playlist of hits from across the decades, this place will keep you coming back for more every single time.
Located on Baldwin Street in the city centre and sporting neon graffiti across its walls and floors, NQ64 is a quirky party bar that also happens to be home to 36 retro arcade games. Gather your friends and head here any night of the week to play Guitar Hero, Time Crisis III, Mario Kart and more 'til 2.30am. And if you're thirsty? There's plenty of themed cocktails to get your lips around like the pineapple flavoured Mad Max or Aku Aku Fruit Punch.
Looking for the best bars in Bristol city centre? Home to regular drag extravaganzas, banging playlists and unmatched drink deals, OMG has all you need for a fantastic night out. And if you're looking to keep the party going, head down the road to their nightclub.
Boasting an enviable harbourside location, Riverstation is a charming space from day to night. Chomp on breakfast classics and seasonal dishes for dinner, all paired with expert-crafted cocktails, thirst-quenching wines and ice cold ales.
If you're after a quirky bar in Bristol city centre then The Clockwork Rose will suit you down to a tee. Not only are the drinks wacky and theatrically presented but the steampunk-inspired interiors will transport you into the fictional world of Sebastian Commodore, a mythical airship captain.
The Milk Thistle has got to be up there as one of the best bars in Bristol city centre - that is, if you can find it. But once you have uncloaked the secret bar, prepare for a wonderland of delights, from mixology masters through to taxidermy-filled rooms.
Not all of Bristol's central bars are on land. Meet The Apple: a converted Dutch barge that's been turned into one of the most popular cider haunts in the city. Can't find a seat on the boat? There's also outdoor seating which is perfect for the summer months.
Small Bar is a must for all beer lovers in Bristol. In keeping with their dedication to support local and small breweries, the rustic joint pours drinks in 2/3 pints, to ensure that every glass is fresh and enjoyed to the maximum.
Situated underneath King Street, The Beer Emporium is a cool basement bar and craft brew haven. Spend an evening tasting a range of international and locally-sourced ales and stouts in the cosy den. Like what you tried? Buy some sips from their award-winning bottle shop.
