As the owner of Bristol... I would like to share with you all the best things to see and do in Bristol.

Bristol is a busy city and currently has a population of around 1 million people making it one of the UK’s top 10 most populated cities. Bristol is the largest centre of culture, employment and education in the south-west of England. Its prosperity has been linked with the sea since its earliest days.

The commercial Port of Bristol was originally in the city centre before being moved to the Severn Estuary at Avonmouth. In more recent years the economy has depended more on the creative media, electronics and aerospace industries, and the city centre docks have been regenerated as a centre of heritage and culture.

Since the late 1970s, the city has been home to bands many musical styles. Notable artists include Glaxo Babies, Massive Attack, Portishead and Tricky. Bristol has many live music venues, the largest of which is the recently refurbished 2,000-seat Colston Hall. Others include the O2 Academy Bristol, Fiddlers, Victoria Rooms, Trinity Centre, St George's Bristol and a range of public houses from the jazz-orientated The Old Duke to rock at the Fleece and Firkin and indie bands at the Louisiana.

In 2010, PRS for Music announced that Bristol is the most musical city in the UK, based on the number of its members born in Bristol in relation to the size of its population.

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PLACES TO GO:

Bristol is the UK's seventh most popular destination for foreign tourists, and the city receives nine million visitors each year. There are so many things to see and do in Bristol and here are a few of the more popular places to visit:

- Bristol Zoo (http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk/)

"Enjoy an amazing world of animals, all within award-winning 12 acre gardens. With over 450 species and nine animals houses under cover, you can enjoy your visit whatever the weather."

- SS Great Britian (http://www.ssgreatbritain.org/)

"Step back in time when you board Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s SS Great Britain. Discover the true stories behind the ship that changed the world.Experience the sights, sounds and smells of life on board for Victorian passengers and crew. Descend under water below the glass ‘sea’ to touch the world’s first great ocean liner."

- Clifton Suspension Bridge (http://www.cliftonbridge.org.uk/)

"The Clifton Suspension Bridge, spanning the picturesque Avon Gorge, is the symbol of the city of Bristol. For almost 150 years this Grade I listed structure has attracted visitors from all over the world. Its story began in 1754 with the dream of a Bristol wine merchant who left a legacy to build a bridge over the Gorge. 24 year old Isambard Kingdom Brunel was eventually declared the winner and appointed project engineer – his first major commission."

- Bristol Hippodrome (http://www.bristolhippodrome.org.uk/)

"The Bristol Hippodrome, the city’s very own West End theatre, opened its doors on the 16th December 1912 when the curtain rose for the first time on what was generally agreed to be Oswald Stoll’s most magnificent provincial theatre. It has seating on three levels giving a capacity of 1,951. It frequently features West End theatre shows when they tour the UK as well as the yearly traditional pantomime."

- Colston Hall (http://www.colstonhall.org/)

"Run by Bristol City Council, Colston Hall is Bristol's largest concert hall, with a capacity of 1840 - 2075 (seated) and 1938 standing. The Colston Hall now has a cafe, bistro, two interval bars and an open air terrace making it a perfect place to enjoy a meal or drink also."

- O2 Academy Bristol (http://www.o2academybristol.co.uk/)
"The O2 Academy Bristol is a music venue located below the ice rink on Frogmore Street, Bristol, England. It is run by the Academy Music Group. On 1 January 2009 sponsorship was taken over from Carling by telecommunications company O2 and the venue's name changed from the Carling Academy to the O2 Academy. The Academy which hosts club nights and gigs with a capacity of up to 1,900 people."

- Cabot Circus (http://www.cabotcircus.com/)
"Cabot Circus is a shopping mall in Bristol, England. It is adjacent to Broadmead, a shopping district in Bristol city centre. The Cabot Circus development area contains shops, offices, a cinema, hotel and 250 apartments. It covers a total of 139,350 m2 (1,500,000 sq ft) floor space, of which 92,900 m2 (1,000,000 sq ft) is retail outlets and leisure facilities.[1] It opened in September 2008, after a ten year planning and building project costing £500 million." Also be sure to check out our !CabotCircus Zub if you haven't already.

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PLACES TO EAT:

Here is a small selection of places to eat in and around Bristol:

- Zero Degrees (http://www.zerodegrees.co.uk/)
"A wild passion for a Fresh, Innovative concept. We are bridging an exciting menu with handcrafted freshly made beer. Forgot about the mass produced - support your locally sourced ingredients! All of our innovative pizzas are creatively designed on a delicious crust, and stone-baked to perfection. Also served are fresh kilo pots of mussels, which perfectly compliments our beer, creative salads, made-to-order pastas, classic appetisers and indulgent desserts, including favourites like our fresh Gamberi Prawns, Teriyaki Salad, BBQ chicken Pizza & Mussels in drenched in Royal Sauce. Look around and you can see, feel, smell and breathe in the freshness. We don’t hide anything, everything around you is open to view, the working brewery, the open planned kitchen & our circular bar."

- Glassboat (http://www.glassboat.co.uk/)
"With nearly 25 years of faithful service, The Glassboat has rightfully become one of Bristol's institutions. With, arguably the best view in Bristol, locally sourced seasonal menu, well stocked bar, knowledgable staff, insightful wine list & exclusive private room, it’s everything you might need from a modern, city centre eatery. Whether it’s for a quick working lunch, pre theatre meal, dinner party with friends or a romantic table for two, you shouldn’t need any excuse to visit the Glassboat!"

- Greens' Dining Room (http://www.greensdiningroom.com/)
"Greens is the perfect neighbourhood place to go for top quality food and drink -- whether you want to kick back on a Sunday for brunch and the papers, have a long midweek lunch or an intimate evening meal. It’s run by two chef brothers, Simon and Andrew Green, who between them have an awesome background in some of the most creative kitchens in the UK, a ‘who’s who’ that includes Alistair Little, Chez Bruce and the River Cafe in London and in Bristol at The Glassboat and Riverstation. Andrew’s wife Louise manages and looks after front-of-house and she has worked at the River Cafe and also was at the forefront of Robinson Restaurants in London. Affordable and relaxed, there’s no starch here at Greens, just great cooking. With a nose to tail ethos, the kitchens produce everything from scratch including stocks and breads." It's also worth noting that Greens' Dining Room has a Michelin star.

- Clifton Sausage (http://www.cliftonsausage.co.uk/)
"At the Clifton Sausage, our aim is to show that when British food is done well, it can compete with the best food in the world for taste and satisfaction. Situated in the heart of Clifton Village and furnished with pine tables, candles, warm yellow and sky blue walls, comfort and ‘a touch of class’ is found in the surroundings as well as the food and service. Browse through the menus, take a look at upcoming events or just flick through the gallery and get a feel for the place."

- Casa Mexicana (http://www.casamexicana.co.uk/)
"The Guardian rates Casa Mexicana one of the top five Mexican restaurants in the country and it has received plaudits in the Independent and Sunday Times too. Avoiding the standard Tex-Mex fare, the menu is inspired by dishes from the southern Mexican region of Yucatan and uses the finest fresh ingredients such as diver caught scallops, corn fed chicken and fresh organic herbs and vegetables. All of this is infused into a sublime meal experience by Head Chef Dave Lawrence and his team, and coordinated by restaurant manager JV and his enthusiastic waiting staff. Casa Mexicana has a full bar license so you can drop in for a glass of wine, a frosty margarita or sit down for a full on Mexican fiesta."

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PLACES TO STAY:

- Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel (http://www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel-guide/brsry-bristol-marriott-royal-hotel/)
"The hotel boasts 226 well-equipped and comfortable rooms and 16 luxurious suites across 7 floors. All of the bright, spacious rooms are luxuriously appointed, with all the modern comforts and facilities you need in a restful, relaxing base. Whether you are exploring the region as a tourist, visiting the area on business or attending a conference, the comfortable, peaceful rooms provide a relaxing haven. Each room features the new bedding package from Marriott, including designer duvets, thicker mattresses, luxurious cotton-rich bed linens and soft, fluffy pillows. Executive rooms are available. Executive rooms feature filter coffee machines, a range of magazines and upgraded bathroom amenities. All rooms are en suite with a separate bath and shower."

- Future Inn Cabot Circus Hotel (http://www.futureinns.co.uk/bristol-hotel)
"Future Inn Cabot Circus Hotel is located in the city centre next to Bristol's newest shopping centre, Cabot Circus, close to the business district and within walking distance to nearby attractions such as Bristol Hippodrome, Explore @Bristol and Brunel SS Great Britain, making it the perfect base to explore this exciting city. The hotel is just 10 minutes walk from Bristol Temple Meads station, 20 minutes drive from Bristol International Airport and easily accessible from M4, M32 and M5."

- Hotel Du Vin Bristol (http://www.hotelduvin.com/hotels/bristol/hotel-information)
"Welcome to Bristol's magnificently restored Sugar House, previously a collection of Grade II-listed warehouses from the 1700s, is now home to Hotel du Vin Bristol. A Stylish Boutique hotel in the Classic Hotel du Vin style. Located close to the rejuvenated waterfront in Bristol, this unique luxury boutique hotel has 40 bedrooms, including everal stunning double-height loft suites. Guests are also able to enjoy a sumptuous menu of modern European cuisine in our trademark Bistro, as well as plenty of reading opportunities in our extensive library. All complemented by our renowned, unique and relaxed style and hospitality."

- YHA Bristol youth hostel (http://www.yha.org.uk/find-accommodation/south-west-england/hostels/Bristol/index.aspx)
"Comfortably converted waterfront warehouse in the heart of vibrant Bristol. With views over the waterways, it has been sympathetically restored to create a relaxing yet cosmopolitan atmosphere. Visit the magnificent Avon Gorge, Brunel’s suspension bridge or one of the many theatres, museums and art galleries in the city."