Calling all final years: Here are the top 10 things to do in Bristol before you graduate

Okay, no one panic, but you might have to leave Bristol at some point. Actually, that’s too scary to think about, so why not romanticise the city for a little bit longer and live in this lovely bubble of denial!

Bristol is full of things to do, so make the most of your time here by ticking off some of these activities. Whether it’s chasing sunsets, sliding down rocks, or discovering local culture, there’s something for everyone. Explore the city’s vibrant culture, escape to its peaceful outskirts, and enjoy yourself in iconic events like the Balloon Fiesta or a buzzing festival weekend. Bristol is a city you’ll fall in love with over and over again, so appreciate it while you can, before you have to start romanticising it from afar!

Here’s the ultimate guide of things to do in our beautiful city before graduation.

1. Watch the sunset from an iconic location

I know it’s only March, but it has been beautiful weather recently and in a month the sun will start setting at 18:30! Perfect time to and visit some iconic Bristol locations, whether that’s Brandon Hill, or heading down to the Harbourside, you just have to enjoy the gorgeous scenery that Bristol offers! My number one choice would be the Clifton observatory though, there’s not much better than a photo of the sunset over the Suspension Bridge!

2. Do an all-nighter at the ASS

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The Arts and Social Sciences Library (ASS) has a vibe that’s hard to pin down—it’s chaotic, a little too warm, and oddly comforting all at once. It’s the kind of place where you hate it because you only need it when the deadlines, stress, and procrastination are all catching up with you, but love it because it’s always there when you need it. And let’s face it, the 24/7 access is a lifesaver.

Whether it’s 3am. and you’re fuelled by vending machine snacks, or 9pm and you’re running on nothing but sheer determination, the library has your back when it’s crunch time. You’ll find yourself surrounded by others who are in exactly the same situation, no matter what time of night (or at what point in the year). Plus, coming out into the sunrise after pulling an all-nighter is a unique experience that every student should have at least once—if only to promise yourself you’ll never do it again (spoiler: you probably will).

3. Escape the city: Chew Valley and Ashton Court

Bristol city centre is lovely, but sometimes you do just need to go out and touch grass. Vet students are on to something having to live out at Langford, and everyone should make the trip out there if you can and visit Chew Valley lake. This is a great spot to grab a coffee, have a catch up with some friends, just take a bit of a breather away from the city and all of its looming university deadlines.

If Chew Valley is a bit too far for your adventuring, head to Ashton Court, just on the other side of the bridge you can stroll down the paths and maybe even spot some deer! Make it a wholesome weekend activity, take some friends and a coffee with you.

4. Bristol Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

The Bristol Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is one of the city’s most iconic annual events, held every August, and it’s the perfect showcase of Bristol’s unique charm. This show is completely free to attend, offering plenty of ways to enjoy it.

Head to Ashton Court to watch the balloons take off up close, or find a spot in the city to watch as they drift over houses and the Suspension Bridge. It’s a sight that fills the sky with colour, and it’s a quintessential Bristol experience you won’t want to miss!

5. Go to a festival

Can you truly call yourself a Bristol student if you haven’t experienced one of the city’s iconic festivals? There are so many that take place throughout the year, so there is always something to look forward to.

The highlights are Love Saves the Day, which takes place across the May bank holiday weekend, and Forwards Festival, which takes place at the end of August – bookending the academic year perfectly. These festivals are all about great music, good vibes, and the chance to dance the day (and night) away with friends. Grab your tickets and make some memories!

6. Be seen sat outside Rubicon in the sun

Rubicon Too on Cotham Hill always seems to be the place to be as soon as the sun comes out – hoards of students in skinny scarves and slick backs will flock to the outside seats of Rubicon to try and get the smallest hint of vitamin D while the sun shines. If you manage to get one of these outside tables during term time to enjoy your oat milk flat white, just know I’m jealous of you, we all are.

7. Had a night out somewhere other than The Triangle, and felt superior to everyone else

La Rocca, no one can make me hate you, but sometimes it’s worth spreading your wings and exploring beyond the Triangle. Whether you’re looking for a night of cheesy pop anthems, or something slightly more refined, there are plenty of nightlife options that suit every vibe.

Head over to Gloucester Road, where you can find gems like The Love Inn, Crofters Rights, and countless other spots. A change of scenery might just make your night even better, and you get the added bonus of some bragging rights when you discover a new venue.

8. Watch live music at a smaller venue

One of the best things about studying in Bristol is the city’s thriving independent music scene. From intimate gigs to breakout performances, there’s always something exciting happening.

Don’t miss the chance to explore smaller venues like The Louisiana, The Fleece, or Rough Trade, where you can catch incredible independent artists up close. Who knows? You might just witness the next big thing before they hit the mainstream—and you’ll have the ultimate bragging rights for years to come. So grab some friends, support local talent, and enjoy Bristol’s music scene!

9. Go to a museum or an art gallery

Sometimes you need a bit of culture in your life, and with such a huge art and museum scene in Bristol there is plenty of things to do. With the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery at the top of Park Street, and the Arnolfini at the Harbourside, you’ll be spoiled for choice for a culture-filled wholesome day out.

10. Find all of the Banksy artworks in Bristol

By now, everyone should know that Banksy is allegedly from Bristol, but did you know that you can go and visit some of his artworks in Bristol? From the “Mild Mild West” in Stokes Croft, to the “Valentines Day” in Redcliffe, you can travel all over Bristol ticking off all of these key pieces of art, a perfect day out for anyone who is a fan of Banksy, for those who just wants to explore the city in a fun and unique way, or for those who want to become Banksy experts, so that they can insert themselves into any conversation that mentions the artist and show off all of their knowledge.