Bristol facts

Twelve fascinating Bristol facts

1. In 2008 Bristol became the UK’s first cycling city. Major investment followed and the city now has over 75 miles of cycling commuter routes.
2. Bristol is the first major European City to elect a Black mayor. Marvin Rees has declared Bristol A City of Hope, built on ambition, inclusion and social justice. He sits in 4th position on the latest UK Black Powerlist.
3. Banksy put Bristol on the map for street art and now the city – and our visitors – wholeheartedly embrace it. We host the biggest street art festival in Europe, Upfest, and we’re all pretty used to finding stunning artwork around every corner.
4. Bristol is a world leader in alternative energy innovation. It’s no surprise that Bristol was the first UK city to be awarded the status of European Green Capital for 2015, and is now on a drive to cut pollution and become carbon neutral by 2030. Bristol is a fairtrade city trading fairly with 5 million workers in 58 developing countries.
5. Bristol is a top tourist destination. Named the best place to visit in the UK by TimeOut 2024. There’s lots to explore, from the obvious spots like the famous Suspension Bridge to our lively vegan dining scene. We’re the World’s Vegan Capital according to the Independent/Chef's Pencil.
6. Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run and Creature Comforts were all made in Bristol, home of the Oscar award-winning Aardman. Creature Comforts was inspired by Nick Park's visits to Bristol Zoo Gardens and features the voices of local Bristolians.
7. Eating out on a budget is a big part of student life. And Bristol does it brilliantly. Trying out the street food at St Nicholas market is a must while Falafel King on the harbourside and Edna’s Kitchen in Castle Park offer plenty of planet friendly, cheap eats.
8. Birthplace of trip-hop and drum and bass and legends Massive Attack and Roni Size, Bristol’s musical pulse beats day and night. And there are festivals to suit every taste, from Love Saves the Day to Bristol Harbour Festival.
9. Bristol is famed for engineering innovation from the SS Great Britain to Concorde, but did you know our city is also the birthplace of the sweet-tooth favourite Ribena?
10. Bristol’s a big hitter when it comes to tech and innovation. At the heart of the Silicon Gorge Triangle, the city ranked fifth in the UK when it comes to tech growth and brands including Just Eat, Sony, Amazon and Oracle call our city home.
11. Bristol has its own language. Well, accent, anyway. Bristolian is a very special dialect and includes some unique words and phrases including: smooth (pronounced ‘smoove’, to stroke a pet), gert lush (very good), and cheers drive (to thank a bus driver). There’s even a road called Cheers Drive to celebrate it.
12. Bristol is a hub for ethical business. From Triodos Bank to the Soil Association to Sustrans, our city attracts good eggs. And green start-ups grow and flourish here too. From packaging-free shops through to ethical options for everything from burgers to men’s grooming, we value our values.