If you're planning a lads' weekend away, Bristol should be at the top of your list. Known for its vibrant nightlife, this city has two main party hotspots: the Harbourside and the City Centre. The best way to experience it all? Split your nights—hit the Harbourside on Friday and then head to the City Centre on Saturday for a weekend to remember. Here's how you can make the most of your Bristol nights, complete with sample bar crawls for each area.

Friday Night: Harbourside Bar Crawl

Bristol’s Harbourside offers a chilled yet lively start to your weekend. With bars lining the waterfront, it’s the perfect spot to kick off your lads’ weekend with some pints and good vibes.

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The Grain Barge

Start your evening with a pint at this floating bar on a boat. With stunning views of the harbour, it's the perfect place to soak in the city while you get warmed up for the night ahead. Try one of their locally brewed beers.

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The Apple

Next up, head to The Apple, a cider lover’s paradise. This boat-turned-bar serves up a range of ciders from sweet to dry, strong to sessionable. It’s a great way to ease into the evening with a drink that Bristol is famous for.

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Revolution Bristol

For a lively spot with a mix of great cocktails and classic drinks, head to Revolution, located just across the bridge on the Harbourside. With a buzzing atmosphere, this bar is perfect for groups looking to keep the energy high. They’ve got plenty of space, and their cocktail deals are a big hit.

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Thekla

Thekla is where the night really starts to heat up. Another floating venue (yes, Bristol loves its boats!), Thekla is a nightclub that offers a unique experience with live music and DJ sets. The perfect place to get the party in full swing.

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Pryzm

If you're looking to end the night with a bang, Pryzm is your go-to. Located just a short cab ride away, it’s one of Bristol’s biggest nightclubs with multiple rooms, each blasting different tunes. Whether you're into chart-toppers or classic anthems, Pryzm will keep the party going until the early hours.

Saturday Night: City Centre Bar Crawl

After a night on the water, it’s time to take the party to Bristol’s City Centre. This area is packed with cool bars, lively pubs, and some of the city’s top clubs. Here’s your bar crawl to make Saturday night unforgettable.

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The White Lion Bar

Start your Saturday night at The White Lion Bar for stunning views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge. It’s an iconic spot to kick off the evening with a couple of pints and soak up the laid-back Bristol vibes.

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King Street Brew House

Next, head down to King Street Brew House, a bustling microbrewery offering an impressive range of craft beers. Grab a round of their house brews and enjoy the lively atmosphere—it's the perfect stop before you ramp up the energy.

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Small Bar

After sampling some local brews, make your way to Small Bar. Known for its incredible selection of craft beers from around the world, this place is perfect for trying something new. If you’ve got some craft beer connoisseurs in the group, they’ll be in heaven here.

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The Old Duke

No lads' weekend in Bristol is complete without stopping at The Old Duke, an iconic live music pub. Known for its jazz and blues, this place has a buzzing vibe that’ll get everyone in the mood for a big night ahead.

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The Beer Emporium

Finish the night at The Beer Emporium, located in a cellar just a few steps away from King Street. This unique underground venue serves a wide range of craft beers and has a vibrant, friendly atmosphere. With its cool vibe and extensive drink selection, it’s a fantastic spot to round off your lads' weekend without having to wander far from the other City Centre bars.

The Perfect Lads Weekend

By splitting your nights between Bristol’s Harbourside and City Centre, you'll experience the best of both worlds. The Harbourside offers a more relaxed yet still buzzing start to your weekend, while the City Centre will turn things up with its lively bars and late-night clubs. Both areas have something unique to offer, and this two-part bar crawl is the ideal way to experience it all.

So, grab the lads, get the drinks flowing, and enjoy an epic weekend in one of the UK’s best party cities!