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Totterdown Bristol

4.6
·491k reviews·, United Kingdom

A vibrant Bristol neighbourhood famed for its colourful Victorian terraces, stunning street art, and panoramic city views from its hilly streets.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
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Totterdown - Image 1

Totterdown Bristol

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant Bristol neighbourhood famed for its colourful Victorian terraces, stunning street art, and panoramic city views from its hilly streets.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Totterdown's colourful houses and street art make it a unique and visually stunning place to explore."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

Totterdown is very hilly! Be prepared for steep climbs and descents. :athletic_shoe: Your feet will thank you.

🎨 Explore the Art

Keep an eye out for incredible street art around every corner. It's a constantly evolving outdoor gallery!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Totterdown Street Art

Totterdown Street Art

Various streets

Discover vibrant, ever-changing murals and graffiti art adorning the unique Victorian terraces.

Perrett Park Views

Perrett Park Views

Perrett Park

Enjoy panoramic city vistas from this charming hilltop park, perfect for a picnic or a moment of reflection.

Victorian Architecture

Victorian Architecture

Residential streets

Marvel at the distinctive, colourful Victorian houses, a signature feature of this hilly Bristol neighbourhood.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Hills!

Totterdown is famous for its steep streets! Wear comfortable shoes :athletic_shoe: and be prepared for a workout. The unique architecture and views are worth the climb, but pace yourself. Consider the bus if mobility is a concern.

Local Charm & Amenities

While Totterdown has a distinct character, it's not a major tourist hub. For extensive shopping or a bustling high street, you might need to venture to nearby areas. Embrace the local pubs and independent shops for an authentic feel.

Best Times

When
Spring & Summer mornings
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Moving to Totterdown - good places to go, shop, see, etc.?

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

Totterdown is very hilly! Be prepared for steep climbs and descents. :athletic_shoe: Your feet will thank you.

🎨 Explore the Art

Keep an eye out for incredible street art around every corner. It's a constantly evolving outdoor gallery!

reddit.com

What is Totterdown like?

reddit.com

What suburbs should I check out in Bristol

🌳 Enjoy Perrett Park

Head to Perrett Park for stunning city views. It's a local gem for a relaxing break. :park:

🚶‍♀️ Wander & Get Lost

The best way to see Totterdown is to simply wander its unique streets and discover hidden gems.

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

Totterdown is very hilly! Be prepared for steep climbs and descents. :athletic_shoe: Your feet will thank you.

🎨 Explore the Art

Keep an eye out for incredible street art around every corner. It's a constantly evolving outdoor gallery!

🌳 Enjoy Perrett Park

Head to Perrett Park for stunning city views. It's a local gem for a relaxing break. :park:

🚶‍♀️ Wander & Get Lost

The best way to see Totterdown is to simply wander its unique streets and discover hidden gems.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Totterdown is celebrated for its incredibly unique and colourful Victorian architecture and vibrant street art, offering a visually rich experience. Visitors appreciate the stunning panoramic views from Perrett Park and the distinct character of the neighbourhood. However, the steep hills can be challenging for some, and amenities like shops and restaurants are more limited compared to central Bristol.

What People Like

Unique colourful houses
Vibrant street art
Panoramic city views

What People Dislike

Very steep hills
Limited amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Totterdown is accessible by bus, with several routes serving the area from Bristol city centre. Driving is possible, but parking can be challenging due to the hilly terrain and narrow streets. Many visitors find walking from nearby Southville or Bedminster convenient if they don't mind hills. Reddit

Totterdown is very walkable, but be prepared for significant inclines. The steep streets are a defining characteristic of the neighbourhood. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring. Reddit

The best way to explore Totterdown is on foot, allowing you to appreciate the unique architecture and street art. Allow ample time to navigate the hills and discover its charm. Reddit

Cycling is possible, but the steep gradients can be challenging for many. If you are a confident cyclist, it's a unique way to experience the area, but be mindful of traffic and the inclines.

Totterdown is a short bus or taxi ride from Bristol Temple Meads station, making it relatively accessible for those arriving by train.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Totterdown is a residential neighbourhood and a public area. There are no tickets required to walk around and explore its streets and parks. Reddit

Perrett Park is a public park and is free to enter. Enjoy the green space and the fantastic city views without any cost. Reddit

Totterdown is accessible at all hours as it's a public residential area. Parks like Perrett Park generally have daylight access, but specific hours can vary. Reddit

There isn't a dedicated visitor centre in Totterdown. Information is best gathered online or by exploring the neighbourhood itself. Reddit

While not as common as in central Bristol, local walking tours sometimes include Totterdown, focusing on its unique architecture and street art. Check local tour operator listings.

📸 📸 Photography

Perrett Park offers incredible panoramic views of Bristol, perfect for cityscape shots. The colourful Victorian terraces themselves, especially with the street art, make for unique architectural photography. Reddit

Late afternoons during the 'golden hour' provide beautiful warm light that enhances the colours of the houses and street art. Mornings can also be good for clearer light and fewer people. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the full facades of the houses and the expansive views from Perrett Park. A standard zoom lens is versatile for street art details. Reddit

Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography in public areas of Totterdown. However, always be respectful of residents' privacy when photographing private homes. Reddit

Street art is scattered throughout the neighbourhood, particularly on the main roads and side streets. Keep your eyes peeled as you wander; new pieces appear regularly. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Totterdown has a selection of local pubs and cafes offering food. For a wider variety of dining options, you might consider nearby areas like Southville or the city centre. Reddit

Totterdown is known for its traditional pubs, which often serve good food and offer a local atmosphere. Exploring the local pubs is a great way to experience the neighbourhood's community feel. Reddit

Yes, you can find independent cafes in Totterdown that are perfect for a coffee, breakfast, or a casual lunch. These often have a cosy, local vibe. Reddit

Many pubs and cafes will offer vegetarian options, and increasingly, vegan choices are becoming more common. It's always a good idea to check menus or ask staff. Reddit

Totterdown itself is more residential and doesn't have a large high street. For extensive shopping and a wider range of restaurants, you'd typically head to areas like North Street in Southville or the city centre. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Totterdown offers a visually stimulating environment for families, with its colourful houses and ever-changing street art providing plenty to point out and discuss. Perrett Park is a great spot for kids to run around and enjoy the open space and views. However, parents should be mindful of the steep streets and ensure children are supervised closely, especially near roads. Bringing snacks and drinks is advisable as dedicated family-friendly eateries might be limited within the immediate neighbourhood. Reddit

Consider using the bus to navigate the steeper sections if walking becomes too much for little legs. The novelty of the hilly streets and the vibrant art can make for an engaging, albeit tiring, family outing. It's a good destination for a short, exploratory visit rather than a full day's activity unless you plan to combine it with nearby parks or attractions.

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Totterdown is an excellent choice for budget travelers as it's a free public area to explore. The main activity is simply walking around and admiring the unique architecture and street art, which costs nothing. Reddit

Pack your own picnic to enjoy in Perrett Park to save on food costs. Utilize Bristol's public transport (buses) to get there affordably. While there are local pubs, they might be more expensive than bringing your own provisions. The neighbourhood offers a rich visual experience without requiring significant expenditure. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts

Totterdown is a dream destination for photographers and art lovers. The colourful Victorian terraces and the dynamic street art provide endless opportunities for unique shots. Perrett Park offers stunning panoramic views of the Bristol skyline, especially beautiful during golden hour. Reddit

Be prepared to do a lot of walking and climbing to discover the best murals and architectural details. A wide-angle lens is recommended for capturing the scale of the houses and the expansive views. Remember to be respectful of residents' privacy when photographing their homes. The ever-changing nature of street art means there's always something new to capture.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Architecture of Totterdown

Totterdown is instantly recognizable for its distinctive Victorian architecture. The area is characterized by its densely packed, colourful terraced houses, often built on steep hillsides. Many of these homes feature unique bay windows, decorative brickwork, and vibrant paint schemes that give the neighbourhood its iconic look. The steep gradients mean that streets often have different levels, with some houses accessed via steps. This architectural style is a major draw for visitors and a source of local pride. Reddit

This unique urban landscape was largely developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The hilly terrain presented a challenge, leading to innovative building designs. The result is a visually striking neighbourhood that feels distinct from other parts of Bristol. Walking through Totterdown is like stepping into a living postcard, with each street offering a new perspective on its charming, colourful houses. Reddit

Totterdown's Vibrant Street Art Scene

Beyond its architecture, Totterdown has become a canvas for an impressive street art scene. Artists from Bristol and beyond have transformed many of the neighbourhood's walls into vibrant murals. These artworks range from intricate, detailed pieces to bold, graphic designs, adding another layer of colour and character to the already visually rich area. The art is dynamic, with new pieces appearing and old ones fading or being painted over, making each visit a potentially new experience. Reddit

Exploring Totterdown is an adventure in discovering this urban art gallery. Many of the pieces are found on the sides of houses, on boundary walls, and in unexpected nooks. It's a testament to Bristol's reputation as a hub for street art. Visitors often find themselves captivated by the creativity and skill on display, turning a simple walk into a treasure hunt for the next stunning artwork. Reddit

Navigating Totterdown's Hills

Totterdown's most defining geographical feature is its steep topography. The neighbourhood is built on a series of hills, which contributes to its unique character and offers spectacular viewpoints. However, this also means that exploring on foot requires a good level of fitness. Be prepared for significant inclines and descents as you navigate the streets. Reddit

For those who find the hills challenging, there are practical solutions. The local bus network serves Totterdown, providing an easier way to reach different parts of the neighbourhood without strenuous walking. Alternatively, if driving, be aware that parking can be difficult on the steeper roads. Planning your route and wearing appropriate footwear are key to enjoying your visit to this hilly Bristol gem. Reddit

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