Social Life

Your diary will be kept full in Bristol.

There's everything from live gigs to independent films, modern shopping malls to historical landmarks, as well as clubs, bars and international restaurants. There's something for everyone whatever your interest.

Music

With the legacy of musical pioneers like Portishead, Massive Attack, Roni Size and Tricky, Bristol has a diverse music scene to suit all tastes.

Whatever your preference - drum'n'bass, R'n'B, reggae, dancehall, indie, breakbeat, techno, trance, soul, folk, ska, metal and UK garage to more avant-garde happenings, you can take your pick of nights out.

Choose from small and underground venues like Lab, Dojo and Timbuk2 to live music venues like Thekla, Fiddlers or Mr Wolf's or large arenas for high profile touring bands like 02 Academy and Colston Hall.

For listings and blogs there are a number of websites you can visit:

www.bristolmusic.co.uk

www.skiddle.com/whats-on/

www.hijackbristol.co.uk

www.venue.co.uk

www.bristolgigs.com

Cinema, theatre and art

A European Centre of Culture, Bristol has a number of arts venues dedicated to providing a platform for contemporary art, live art, dance, theatre and independent and world cinema.

Big name international exhibitions, touring shows and residencies at venues like Spike Island, The Watershed, Tobacco Factory, Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery and Arnolfini run alongside events at similar and not-for-profit spaces like Bristol Folk House, Cube Cinema, Plan 9, WORKS I PROJECTS and Picture This.

Bristol's array of cultural activity makes for a dynamic programme of events throughout the year. Have a look at www.artrabbit.com for art listings.

Shopping

For some quality retail time head for the designer boutique shops of Clifton Village, independent clothing stores on Park Street or visit Harvey Nichols at shopping lovers' paradise Cabot Circus - one of the UK's elite shopping destinations. If you are into all things vintage and organic, visit the Tobacco Factory market or the stalls at eclectic St Nicholas Market in the heart of the old city.

And if you need something to keep you going, have a cappuccino with friends at the Boston Tea Party cafes, stop for Caribbean food at St Nick's Market, visit the deli at Bordeaux Quay or have a fair trade snack at Cafe Kino.

Festivals & outdoor life

The Downs is Bristol's largest green space - a vast open parkland near Clifton Suspension Bridge, perfect for walks, flying kites or relaxing. Nearby is Ashton Court where several festivals are held including Bristol Kite Festival and Bristol's International Balloon Festival, one of the largest hot air balloon events.

The Bristol Harbour Festival showcases the extraordinary cultural diversity of the city with bands, dance and circus acts alongside an array of tall ships. Bristol Festival is the city's newest addition to its summer calendar celebrating the region's music, theatre and culture.

After more than forty years, St Paul's Carnival retains its party vibe with a street parade, live music and banging sound systems. For something more low-key, try the Bristol Jazz Festival at The Old Duke to get your toes tapping.

If that's not enough, go to Glastonbury Festival which is the largest music and performing arts festival in the world. It's held nearby in Somerset and is easily reachable by train from Bristol.

History

Some of the oldest architecture in the UK can be found in the cobbled streets of Bristol. Visit parts of the old city around the Harbour or the Christmas Steps. Famous landmarks include Isambard Kingdom Brunel's Suspension Bridge across the spectacular Avon Gorge, Bristol Cathedral, the 17th century Llandoger Trow pub, the SS Great Britain and the 15th century ship, the Matthew.

You can visit several museums dedicated to British history. Bristol's City Museum and Art Gallery houses a vast permanent collection and temporary exhibition programme. Currently in development, the flagship Museum of Bristol, is due on the Harbourside in 2011. Other interesting museums include At-Bristol, Georgian House, Blaise Castle House Museum and Red Lodge.

Sport

Bristol is host to two League football clubs - Bristol City and Bristol Rovers - whilst well-known Bristol Rugby Club is one of only three premiership clubs in the region.

There are lots of activities you can get involved in - all in the centre of the city. From Run Bristol - an annual half marathon held every September, to scaling walls at Bristol Climbing Centre, to relaxation at Bristol City Yoga or training at West Country Boxing.

Bristol Council's Sports Services is a useful guide to sports and leisure facilities in Bristol whilst Bristol Sport covers Bristol's sporting events programme.