Bristol airport destinations: where to go when flying from the west country

The best places to visit if you're flying from Bristol Airport.

If you’re flying from the west of England you won’t be disappointed by the range on Bristol Airport’s destination list. Whether you're after a jam-packed city break, a beach bum's paradise or a rugged adventure, you can get there from Bristol airport.

With 97 cities to choose from, it can be tough to whittle it down. To whet your appetite, here 16 of the best places you can fly to from Bristol Airport.

1. Barcelona, Spain

Soak up the Mediterranean sun and some wonderfully bizarre architecture in the Catalan capital. Stroll along Barcelona’s Passeig de Gràcia to see some of the outlandish buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí, including Casa Milà and Casa Battló. From here you can walk to the filigree marvel that is Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s church that might eventually be finished a hundred years after he started. Read our full guide to Barcelona

If it's blissful beaches you want, head to Platja de Sant Sebastià – a locals' haunt just 30 minutes by train – or travel 60 miles southwest of Barcelona and you’ll find yourself at the quaint coastal town of Sitges.

Where to stay in Barcelona:
For a luxurious stay, check out the Grand Hotel Central near Barcelona Cathedral. You’ll get fabulous city views from the rooftop infinity pool on the eighth floor. If you’re on a budget, try Hotel Market in the cool Sant Antoni district of Eixample.

2. Porto, Portugal

You’ll get a heady experience in Portugal’s second city and home of fortified wine. A tour round Porto’s port cellars will get you in the mood for the city’s food markets and upmarket bistros in the historic centre. Discover the restaurants and bars of the medieval riverside Ribeira district and take in the views from Porto’s many lookout points, including the top of the baroque Clérigos Tower. Read our full guide Porto

From Porto, head out to the Douro region for more wine tasting, or explore Aveiro - pipped as the "Venice of Portugal".

Where to stay in Porto:
Enjoy the boutique 5-star luxury in the 16th-century M Maison Particulière, where there are only 10 rooms. The Porto Vintage Guest House is an affordable stylish option 10 minutes’ walk from the main square, Aliados.

3. Paris, France

Paris’s unbeatable combination of superb gastronomy, exquisite Haussmann architecture and unshakeable style never fails to enchant. A leisurely stroll – or boat ride – along the Seine reveals such treasures as the Musée d’Orsay, Notre-Dame cathedral, the Tuileries gardens and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Have a picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens and explore the atmospheric streets of the Marais. Read our full guide to Paris

From Paris you can head by train to Reims to embark on the Champagne trail, or visit some of France's stunning châteaux, including the magnificent Château de Versailles.

Where to stay in Pairs:
Get some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower at the ultra-lux Shangri-La Hotel, which features a day-lit colonnaded swimming pool in its spa. If you want to have Montmartre’s sights within staggering distance, try the budget rooms at Hotel Regym’s Montmarte.

4. Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland’s capital combines medieval majesty in its Old Town with stately architecture from the 18^th and 19^th centuries in Edinburgh’s New Town. Take a whisky tour along the Royal Mile, the Old Town’s main thoroughfare. Save some energy for a steep climb up Arthur’s Seat, the 822ft hill that towers over Edinburgh. Dive into the city’s tumultuous history at Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum. Read our full guide to Edinburgh> 

Edinburgh is a gateway to many of Scotland's finest natural wonders. You could embark on a cruise along the rugged Scottish coast, or explore some of the country's hidden highlights.

Where to stay in Edinburgh:
For mind-blowing opulence, stay at the impossibly romantic Witchery by the Castle. Albyn Townhouse offers homey wallet-friendly rooms in a handsome Victorian house in Bruntsfield, a 15-minute walk from the Old Town.

5. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. The reunited eastern and western halves of Germany’s capital are packed with buzzing districts, including Kreuzberg and Mitte. Book ahead for a free tour of the Reichstag, the futuristic parliament building that’s a short walk from the Brandenburg Gate. Head to the East Side Gallery to see the art-covered remnant of the Berlin Wall, and discover the city’s recent past at the fascinating DDR Museum. Read our full guide to Berlin

Where to stay in Berlin:
Stay at the sophisticated 5-star Das Stue Hotel and have the Tiergarten within spitting distance. For a funky budget option, try the converted caravans and huts that make up Hüttenpalast.

6. Nice, France

The Côte d’Azur’s capital has miles of blue Mediterranean waters at its feet, where the Promenade des Anglais sweeps along Nice’s numerous pebbly beaches.

Wander through the atmospheric lanes of the old town, Vieux Nice, towards the colourful market in Cours Saleya. From here it’s a short walk to the Colline du Château, where you can take a lift to the top of the hill for panoramic vistas.

Where to stay in Nice:
The sea views from the rooms at the 4-star Hotel La Pérouse are just as captivating, and there’s a rooftop pool. A cosy budget option is the central Nice Garden Hotel and its lovely walled garden.

7. Reykjavík, Iceland

Iceland’s colourful capital is also the most northerly in the world, with some entrancing wilderness and wildlife right on Reykjavík's doorstep. Join a boat tour of Faxa Bay where you can look out for whales, puffins and dolphins. For wildlife of a different sort, join the locals along Laugavegur Street and experience the city’s legendary nightlife for yourself. Top it off by looking out for the northern lights. Read our full guide to Reykjavík

There's plenty more to see in Iceland outside of Reykjavík too. You could explore the Golden Circle, the country's most famous tourist route, or find something a little off-piste with our guide.

Where to stay in Reykjavik:
Next door to the Icelandic Opera House is the chic 101 Hotel, which features a spa and a funky restaurant. The harbourside Kex Hostel is an economical alternative, with double rooms as well as dorms.

8. Marrakech, Morocco

Morocco’s most vibrant city is an exhilarating experience. The walled Medina is Marrakech’s beating heart, a manic maze of souks, narrow alleyways, workshops and cafés. Eventually the Medina’s alleys lead to the spectacle that is the Jemaa el Fna, a theatrical square filled with food stalls, hawkers and storytellers. For a change of scenery, explore the peaceful Majorelle Gardens outside the pink walls. Read our full guide to Marrakesh

From Marrakesh you can branch out to explore the sands of the Sahara on camelback, climb mountains in the Atlas range or just head to the coast for some surf and sunbathing in Essaouria.

Where to stay in Marrakech:
Vanessa Branson’s El Fenn is a luxurious riad right in the Medina, with private plunge pools and superb dining. You can still enjoy the romance of a riad on a budget at Riad Matham, with its rooftop pool and terrace.

9. Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Ease yourself into the relaxed pace of life in Palma de Mallorca, a bewitching port blending Arab architecture with a large seafront and a charming old town. Dominating the waterfront is the magnificent gothic cathedral, La Seu. Lose yourself in the tangle of lanes in the old Arab and Jewish quarters before checking out the trendy shops and bars in Santa Catalina.

The city is a gourmet hotspot, too, so check out some of the fantastic foodie offerings before heading out to the coast to one of the many resorts for a week of relaxation by the sea. 

Where to stay in Palma de Mallorca: 
For laid-back luxury, stay at the Puro Hotel in the centre of Palma, where there’s a rooftop splash pool and a free shuttle to a beach club. The family-run Hotel Amic Horizonte is an affordable option with a pool on the other side of the harbour.

10. Rome, Italy

Surround yourself with Rome’s ancient history and very modern Italian style. It’s not just in the Colosseum and the Forum where you delve into the past – step into the Pantheon and marvel at this ancient temple. Climb to the top of Saint Peter’s Basilica for wonderful views, and explore one of the world’s greatest art collections in the Vatican Museums. Read our full guide

Outside of Rome there's Tivoli, a breezy hill-town not far by train from the city with two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Ostia Antica's well-preserved archeological site similar to Pompeii. 

Where to stay in Rome:
Feel like a Roman count when you stay at the 18th-century Hotel Palazzo Manfredi, whose rooftop restaurant practically looks into the Colosseum. If you’re on a budget, the 2-star Hotel Luciani is in a handy spot near the main railway station.

11. Budapest, Hungary

You get two cities in one in Budapest. Hungary’s capital divides itself between Buda and Pest, with both sides sharing the Danube. Take the funicular up to Buda’s old town and bask in the views from the Fishermen’s Bastion.

Wander through the old Jewish quarter and discover the atmospheric ruin bars that have been created out of old warehouses and abandoned spaces. Learn about Hungary’s recent history in the thought-provoking House of Terror.

Where to stay in Budapest:
If you’re looking for sumptuous luxury, try the Four Seasons Gresham Palace right by the Chain Bridge. For a wallet-friendly stay, check out the characterful rooms at Gerloczy.

12. Split, Croatia

Croatia’s second-biggest city often gets overlooked in favour of its more famous southern neighbour, Dubrovnik. Rather than just use Split as a jumping-off point for touring Dalmatia’s islands, discover its rich Roman heritage first.

The ruins of the 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace have long ago been turned into private homes, bars, shops and restaurants. And Split’s Bacvice Beach is one of the most appealing city beaches in Europe.

Where to stay in Split:
Immerse yourself in history by staying at the chic boutique Vestibul Palace, which is right in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace. For a budget option, try the self-catering Apartments Gajeta near the main Republic Square.

13. Athens, Greece

Combine riveting ancient history with buzzing nightlife in the Greek capital. A walk down the pedestrianised Grand Promenade takes you to the most important sights in Athens, notably the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum.

Wander through the cobbled streets of Plaka before checking out the lively bars in Monastiraki and Metaxourgiou. In the summer, join the party at the beach clubs along the Aegean coast.

Where to stay in Athens:
Soak up the views of the Acropolis from the rooftop restaurant and swimming pool of the 5-star Electra Palace Hotel. If you’re on a budget, try the simple Marble House with its cosy garden patio.

14. Nantes, France

Straddling the River Loire in western France, Nantes has a beguiling mixture of history, wonderful food and captivating public art. Take a ride on the giant mechanical elephant that lumbers along the old industrial waterfront, now transformed into a steampunk wonder.

Feast on fresh seafood in Art Nouveau restaurants, and explore the city’s history at the Château des Ducs de Bretagne in the medieval quarter. Read why Nantes needs to be your next city break

Where to stay in Nantes:
Right by the Jardin des Plantes is the elegant Sozo Hotel, a 19th-century chapel given a contemporary makeover. There’s cheerfully cheap accommodation on offer at the 2-star Hotel Amiral near Place Graslin, one of Nantes’ main squares.

15. Prague, the Czech Republic

With an Old Town that’s more like a fairy tale than a Central European capital, Prague effortlessly draws visitors to its exquisite centre. Crisscross the 14th-century Charles Bridge as you explore Wenceslas Square and the cathedral, palaces and museums within Prague Castle, which dates from the 9th century.

Take the funicular to Petrin Hill for sweeping views of the city. Prague’s more recent history is displayed at the evocative Museum of Communism.

Where to stay in Prague:
Splash out on a riverside room at the Pashtuv Palace, a baroque former palace right by Charles Bridge. Or check out the Sixties vibe at the cheaper Parkhotel Prague.

16. Kraków, Poland

Poland’s cultural capital, Kraków wears its medieval and baroque past lightly. Stroll around the main Market Square and feel the energy from the cafés spilling out of the arcades of the medieval Cloth Hall. Head south to the lively Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, where you’re in no doubt that Krakow is a university city.

Cross the Vistula River and visit Oskar Schindler’s Factory, a fitting memorial to the man who saved 1,200 Jews during WWII.

Where to stay in Krakow:
Stay at the 4-star Hotel Wentzl, which has elegant rooms right on Market Square. If you’re looking for a budget option, try Hotel Eden in the heart of Kazimierz.