Bristol is the only UK city to be named by Lonely Planet as one of the top destinations in the world to visit in 2026, thanks to its incredible street art.
The prestigious Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2026 has singled out Bristol’s street art in its top 50 list of winners, an accolade set to boost the number of visitors to the city and its ever-changing, ever-striking outdoor gallery. As the guide says: “No city in Britain uses its urban landscape as a canvas quite like Bristol” with “some of the best street art anywhere in Europe.”
Known as the birthplace of Banksy – arguably the world’s most famous and elusive street artist – Bristol’s city walls are adorned with vibrant murals by Banksy and hundreds of other internationally acclaimed artists, many of whom are from Bristol too. With street art tours, self-guided trails, the biennial Upfest street art festival, spray art workshop experiences and street art themed hotels there are many businesses contributing to the draw for visitors.
Tom Hall, Vice President and Spokesman at Lonely Planet says: “Bristol’s street art scene makes for a fantastic inclusion in Best in Travel, Lonely Planet's annual celebration of essential journeys and experiences for the coming year. As well as showcasing the talents of local artists, we’re delighted to shine a light on one of the UK’s most exciting cities. Exploring the colourful, creative murals dotted around the city is the perfect first step in getting to the heart of Bristol.”
Patricia Yates CEO of VisitBritain/VisitEngland adds: "It’s no surprise Bristol is taking its place at the top table of destinations as one of Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026 with the city boasting world-renowned street art and an incredible foodie scene. This well-deserved stamp of approval will encourage domestic and international visitors to explore more of what Bristol and the surrounding area have to offer and discover the creative energy and warm welcome that awaits them."
Kathryn Davis, CEO of Visit West – the Local Visitor Economy Partnership responsible for tourism, including the Visit Bristol channels – says: “Bristol is renowned for its progressive spirit, creative energy, and strong sense of independence, so it’s only fitting that its streets are alive with vibrant colour and powerful street art. Our ever-evolving outdoor gallery draws thousands of visitors from around the world each year, contributing millions of pounds to the local visitor economy.
“We have many businesses that offer experiences supporting and championing artists and the street art scene, including Where the Wall who run Bristol Street art walking tours and stencil spray art sessions, Blackbeard 2 Banksy walking tours, Graft spray art workshops and even hotels such as Moxy Bristol and Clayton Hotel who embrace and celebrate the street art here in the city with commissioned murals in and around their properties, as well as museums, galleries and even Harvey Nichols.
“Visitors not only stay in hotels and join tours, but they also contribute significantly to the visitor economy at large. They support live music and festivals - including the iconic Upfest - shop in retail areas, visit attractions, dine in restaurants and bars, and immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Crucially, this impact extends beyond the city centre, helping to drive economic benefits across the wider city.
“We are thrilled that Lonely Planet has named Bristol in its Best in Travel 2026 for our city’s street art. We look forward to welcoming many more visitors this next year and beyond, to discover the humorous, playful, political and subversive street art in and around the city.”
For more information and inspiration, visit https://visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/street-art/
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 is available for £14.99 from lonelyplanet.com or where all good books are sold.
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