Bristol, a vibrant city nestled in England’s southwest, has long been a canvas for creativity and a hub for cultural innovation. Now, its unique spirit has earned it global recognition: on October 22, 2025, Bristol was named the only UK city to make Lonely Planet’s prestigious Top 50 destinations to visit in 2026, with its street art scene taking center stage. According to Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026, no other British city “uses its urban landscape as a canvas quite like Bristol,” praising its murals as “some of the best street art anywhere in Europe.”
This accolade is more than just a feather in Bristol’s cap—it’s a testament to the city’s dynamic, evolving outdoor gallery and the creative energy that pulses through its streets. The city is, after all, the birthplace of Banksy, the world’s most enigmatic street artist. His works, such as the naked man hanging from a window on Park Street and the iconic Girl with the Pierced Eardrum near the docks, are just a few among hundreds of vibrant murals that have transformed Bristol’s cityscape. These masterpieces are joined by works from other internationally acclaimed artists, many of whom call Bristol home, making the city a mecca for art lovers and curious travelers alike.
Visitors to Bristol can immerse themselves in its street art culture through a variety of experiences: guided walking tours, self-guided trails, spray art workshops, and even street art-themed hotels. The biennial Upfest—Europe’s largest graffiti festival—draws artists and fans from across the globe, turning entire neighborhoods into open-air galleries. Local businesses have embraced this creative spirit, with hotels like Moxy Bristol and Clayton Hotel commissioning murals for their properties, and organizations such as Where the Wall and Blackbeard 2 Banksy offering immersive tours and workshops.
Tom Hall, vice president and spokesman at Lonely Planet, emphasized the city’s appeal: “Bristol’s street art scene makes for a fantastic inclusion in Best in Travel, Lonely Planet’s annual celebration of essential journeys and experiences for the coming year. As well as showcasing the talents of local artists, we’re delighted to shine a light on one of the UK’s most exciting cities. Exploring the colourful, creative murals dotted around the city is the perfect first step in getting to the heart of Bristol.”
The impact of this recognition is already being felt. Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitEngland, remarked, “It’s no surprise Bristol is taking its place at the top table of destinations as one of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 with the city boasting world-renowned street art and an incredible foodie scene. This well-deserved stamp of approval will encourage domestic and international visitors to explore more of what Bristol and the surrounding area have to offer and discover the creative energy and warm welcome that awaits them.”
Kathryn Davis, CEO of Visit West—the Local Visitor Economy Partnership responsible for tourism—highlighted the economic significance of Bristol’s creative reputation. “Our ever-evolving outdoor gallery draws thousands of visitors from around the world each year, contributing millions of pounds to the local visitor economy. We have many businesses that offer experiences supporting and championing artists and the street art scene… Visitors not only stay in hotels and join tours, but they also contribute significantly to the visitor economy at large. They support live music and festivals—including the iconic Upfest—shop in retail areas, visit attractions, dine in restaurants and bars, and immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Crucially, this impact extends beyond the city centre, helping to drive economic benefits across the wider city.”
But Bristol’s appeal doesn’t end with its murals. The city’s population of about 500,000 enjoys a rich tapestry of sports, music, history, and food. Home to football clubs Bristol City and Bristol Rovers, rugby’s Bristol Bears, and Gloucestershire Cricket Club, Bristol has a sporting legacy that includes legends like WG Grace. Its music scene is equally illustrious, having birthed “drum n’ bass” and produced bands like Massive Attack and the Idles. Venues such as the Bristol Beacon have hosted legendary acts from the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix to Coldplay and Adele, while nightclubs like Motion and Lakota have achieved near-mythical status.
Architecturally, Bristol boasts icons like the Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who also gave the world the Great Western Railway and the once-fastest steamship, the SS Great Britain. The city’s annual Balloon Fiesta fills the skies with colorful orbs, attracting thousands of visitors and occasionally landing hot air balloons on cricket pitches mid-match—much to the amusement of locals.
Bristol’s location is another draw. Within three hours’ drive, visitors can find themselves on the sandy beaches of Cornwall or the rugged coastline of West Wales, passing through some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside along the way. The city’s culinary scene is thriving, with three Michelin-starred restaurants and a plethora of cafes, bars, and food shacks. A favorite among locals is the newly opened Soft Buoys kiosk on the waterfront, offering grilled cheese sandwiches and inventive ice creams near the famous Old Duke jazz pub.
Education is another of Bristol’s strengths. The University of Bristol, ranked among the best in the world, is expanding with a new Enterprise campus near Temple Meads station, further cementing the city’s reputation for innovation and attracting a steady influx of students—many of whom choose to stay after graduation, giving Bristol one of the highest university retention rates in the country.
Beyond its physical attractions, Bristol is celebrated for its progressive values, environmental leadership, and spirited community. Residents are known for their friendliness and their willingness to challenge the status quo—from leading environmental initiatives to toppling the statue of slave trader Edward Colston, an act that sparked national debate and ultimately saw the statue relocated to a museum.
Recent years have seen Bristol climb the global rankings for sustainability, and the city continues to collaborate with historic neighbors like Bath and Salisbury to attract visitors from around the world. The local visitor economy is thriving, with a record £246 billion reported in 2024, and ongoing developments such as the expansion of Bristol Airport point to a bright future for the region.
Of course, no city is without its challenges—Bristol’s residents are quick to acknowledge the occasional rainy day or the risks of overcrowding if its popularity soars. But as one local writer for The Sun joked, “It definitely rains less than Manchester.”
With its blend of artistic flair, historical gravitas, culinary delights, and welcoming spirit, Bristol stands ready to welcome a new wave of visitors inspired by Lonely Planet’s endorsement. Just don’t all come at once—the city’s charm lies in its balance of energy and ease, and locals are keen to keep it that way.
