Visit Bristol Old City to discover a fascinating blend of shipping heritage and modern lifestyles. This is the city’s medieval heart and its ancient origins are still visible around the area’s maze-like street pattern and secluded alleys. Merchant traders have since moved on from Bristol Old City, replaced by superb drinking, dining, entertainment and shopping options.

Stroll up Corn Street to see Georgian and Victorian buildings, which were once home to powerful finance and trade institutions. One of the finest is The Corn Exchange, notable for its two-handed clock that shows both Bristol local time and Greenwich Mean Time. Today it’s home to the lively St. Nicholas Market. Sample delicacies from around the world and browse for antiques, handcrafted accessories, jewelry and unique fashion items.

Get a taste for more of the neighborhood’s tantalizing culinary scene by exploring the cobblestoned lanes and streets that surround the market. A walk along waterfront Welsh Back will bring you to floating restaurants and leafy plazas. Go bar-hopping between the craft beer bars, old taverns and live music pubs on King Street.

Bristol’s creative vibe comes alive at its performing arts venues and exhibition spaces. Catch a show at the Bristol Old Vic theater. See work by some of the city’s renowned street artists on Nelson Street. The quirky Christmas Steps Arts Quarter has boutiques, independent galleries and pottery shops.

Take a break from sightseeing at Queen Square, a regal Georgian park and a host venue for the Bristol Harbour Festival. The remains of the Norman-era Bristol Castle stand in the peaceful Castle Park. Other interesting sights here are the World War II-bombed shell of St. Peter’s Church and the Normandy Garden of Peace.

Bristol Old City is a 20-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads train station and even closer to the city’s bus terminal. Bristol Floating Harbour, Spike Island and other colorful areas of this compact city are easy to reach on foot and by bus and water taxi.