If you’re looking for some retail therapy, Bristol is the right place to be. Whether you’re seeking a unique gift for a friend or some local market produce, you’ll find it here. The wealth of cafes, bars and restaurants in these areas mean you’re covered for the whole day!
Bristol Shopping Quarter
Centred around Cabot Circus and Broadmead, the shopping quarter is more of your classic high street shopping spot, making them great options for when you know exactly what you need. The modern indoor-outdoor design of Cabot Circus makes for a pleasant shopping experience, and the bustling arcade and galleries are home to a diverse range of shops that is hard to beat! Some shops to look out for are Pull & Bear, Pandora and the Lego store.
St Nicks Market
Possibly the most famous market in Bristol, St Nicholas Market is a hive of food outlets, florists and textiles sellers, as well as some more niche stalls selling minerals and fossil specimens. Sprawling in and around the historical building of 'The Exchange' in the heart of the Old City, St Nicks is also home to the popular night markets, where the streets come alive with entertainment and music. Some of our favourite food spots to check out at St Nicks Market once you’ve had some retail therapy are Matina, serving up excellent value Middle Eastern wraps and salad boxes. Another must-try is the Crafty Beans Café, for delicious cakes and coffee!
Gloucester Road and Stokes Croft
Gloucester Road is famed for having the longest stretch of independent shops in Europe, so it’s no surprise that it’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike when seeking unique finds. Also known as the Indie Shopping District of Bristol, this is the ideal location to find the weird and wonderful, as well as being a hot spot for nightlife. Be sure to check out the bohemian gift shops, local greengrocers and trendy charity shops. Hot spots in this area include That Thing, who house over 50 independent designer brands under one roof. Independent, Organic and Recycled Clothing company Lucy & Yak have also taken up residence in Stokes Croft following a successful pop-up shop in the area!
Clifton Village and Whiteladies Road
Visit the picturesque Clifton Village for an eclectic mix of small independent shops, including jewellery, antique and gift shops. The Clifton Arcade, originally opened in 1878, will introduce you to a unique shopping experience in a beautiful Victorian arcade. Whiteladies Road is also known for its vast range of up-market shops, from book shops to furniture stores, and there’s a market every Saturday where you can buy fantastic local produce. Among the variety of shops in this area, be sure to check out Interior Oasis for all of your indoor garden needs, or visit The Bristol Artisan just off Whiteladies Road, to support over 60 independent makers from Bristol and beyond.
Wapping Wharf
Wapping Wharf and the Bristol Harbourside are great places to visit if you’re looking for a totally unique shopping experience. From florists to ethical clothes shops, this popular Harbourside quarter is brimming with goodies not found on the high street. Pop into one of the shops and you might end up coming away with a bamboo watch, antique jewellery or a beautiful house plant! Some hot spots include The Bristol Cheesemonger, a specialist cheesemongers focusing on local, seasonal British cheeses, and Frankly, an ethical and sustainable shop sourcing the very best of small, independent brands from across the world.
Although this list isn’t exhaustive, it’s certainly a good place to start checking things off your shopping list. For alternative shopping experiences, why not take a look at Bedminster’s North Street, or if you’re further afield, Cribbs Causeway is a great all-round option - you won’t leave empty handed, and the parking is free!