If you’re looking for karaoke bars, jazz clubs, beer gardens or even a nightclub on a boat - yes, an actual boat - then Bristol is the place for you. Besides having great universities, Bristol is known for its very happening nightlife. Our curated list of the best clubs in Bristol is all that you need to ensure that you never have a dull weekend!
1. Lakota
Address: 6 Upper York Street, Stokes Croft, Bristol
Opening hours: Friday-Saturday, 10 pm to 4 am
Entry fee: £15-£50 (prices vary according to the day and event)
The Lakota club and beer garden is one of the only clubs in Bristol that is considered a local landmark by the Bristol City Council. Lakota, one of the best nightclubs in Bristol, has a packed events calendar filled with concerts and even often screens popular football matches for visitors to enjoy together.
A regular visitor also says, “Really, really well-known venue here in Bristol featuring all sorts of gigs and talent. Perhaps the best live gig venue in all of Bristol. It has multiple floors, which is pretty standard and a very lively crowd.”
Going strong since 1992, Lakota is the place to be if you want a taste of Bristol’s underground music scene.
Must try: as one of the best nightclubs in Bristol, its speciality lies in its musical events, do not miss out on them!
2. The Dojo Bar
Address: 12-14 Park Row, Bristol, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:30 am to 11:000 pm
Entry fee: £6-£10 (prices vary according to the day and event)
A customer says, “Flipping fun, nice and dodgy with a good dance floor if you like to dance like a mashed potato”.
Hence, if you’re looking for a night of dancing, The Dojo Bar is one of the best Bristol nightclubs for you. Dojo is known for its “house nights”, where they play a selection of house music for its patrons. The club is rough around the edges, but like Lakota, Dojo also prides itself on representing the city’s underground music scene.
Must try: the speakeasies, comedy nights, and poetry events are some of its most underrated activities and exactly what makes The Dojo Bar one of the best nightclubs in Bristol. Bristol nightclubs can always be relied upon for its popping music!
3. The Black Swan
Address: 92 Stoke Ln, Bristol BS9 3SP, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 12 noon to 11 pm; Sunday, 12 noon to 9:30 pm
Entry fee: £10-£20 (prices vary according to the day and event)
Not only is The Black Swan one of the most happening Bristol nightclubs, but it is also a great place for a nice Sunday brunch.
A food critic says, “Great to pop in for a couple of pints with friends. Very helpful and friendly staff, rugby on the TV followed by football but also a selection of board games on the bar. Well worth a visit with a nice outdoor section too. Just the sort of pub you'd love as your local.”
The venue is not as big as some others on this list, but it is quaint, charming and has a lot of character. The Black Swan also has a snug beer garden where you can spend an afternoon with friends.
Must try: Amongst all Bristol nightclubs, The Black Swan probably serves up the meanest Korean fried chicken and sandwiches. Don’t forget to check out their beer garden, which makes it one of the best nightclubs in Bristol.
4. Motion
Address: 74-78 Avon St, Bristol BS2 0PX, United Kingdom
Opening hours: open 24 hours
Entry fee: £50-£100 (prices vary according to the day and event)
Motion is not only one of the best clubs in Bristol but is also known to be one of the most exciting clubs in the UK.
A local guide says, “Class venue worth traveling to for a good event. Friendly helpful staff and security. Large outdoor paved area with food and drink stalls and a stage. Side alley stage. Large indoor space with stage and balcony. The smoking area has a river going around it and is actually a nice space to chill.”
The venue is home to a variety of live events that take place on special days like New years Eve, and Boxing Day, and the club even hosts live concerts and music shows from popular artists.
Your night is planned, but what about your day? Stroll through the city’s history at some of the best museums in Bristol!
Must try: What makes the best nightclubs in Bristol are the price of their drinks. Motion provides its customers with some of the cheapest beers in the market, making it one of the greatest nightclubs in Bristol.
5. Pryzm
Address: The South Buildings, Canon's Rd, Bristol BS1 5UH, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Monday, Friday, Saturday, 10 pm to 4 am
Entry fee: £10-£20 (prices vary according to the day and event)
If you’re familiar with the nightclub scene in the UK, you may have heard of Pryzm before.
A local guide says, “It's a fantastic nightclub with multiple dance floors and a nice outdoor area for smokers. Great selection of drinks at the bars and marvellous VIP areas.”
This popular chain of clubs has franchises set up in several different cities across the UK. Pryzm is one of the more high-end Bristol nightclubs, which means it is slightly more expensive than others on this list, but it is definitely worth the price.
Must Try: Pryzm’s assortment of cocktails definitely makes it a contender for one of the best nightclubs in Bristol. Amongst all clubs in Bristo, Pryzm’s cocktail nights are the most awaited.
6. Strange Brew
Address: 10-12 Fairfax St, Bristol BS1 3DB, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 7:30 am to 11 pm; Sunday, 6 am to 11 pm
Entry fee: £15-£30 (prices vary according to the day and event)
One of the newer Bristol nightclubs, Strange Brew, opened its doors in 2020 but has since gained huge popularity among the locals. With a maximum capacity of only 330 people, Strange Brew is the perfect introduction to nightlife if the thought of large crowds feels daunting. Apart from hosting music events, the venue also hosts art fairs, workshops, talks and functions as an exhibition space.
A happy customer states, “one of my favourite venues for a night out in Bristol! such a refreshing vibe here and very nice to have two rooms to choose from (the foam wall in the back room is so cool).”
Want to kick the hangover? Grab a coffee at one of the best cafes in Bristol!
Must try: One of the most loved Bristol nightclubs, Strange Brew is as electric in the day as it is in the nights. Do not miss out on the home-brewed coffee they so lovingly create at one of the best nightclubs in Bristol.
7. The Full Moon and Attic Bar
Address: 1 North St, St Paul's, Bristol BS1 3PR, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 6 pm
Entry fee: £5-£15 (prices vary according to the day and event)
One of the most popular clubs in Bristol, The Full Moon is one of the city’s most loved clubs. Located very close to the city centre, the club is very popular among students looking for a fun night out.
A local guide says,” Very social and lively. Hostel staff is fun and engaging, patient and helpful. Security agency look absolutely miserable and make a simple job look like it’s really taken it’s toll and they don’t want to live anymore which is kind of sad as they’re the first thing you meet entering the premise.”
They boast a wide range of ciders and wines and pride themselves on supporting local brewers and promoting them as much as possible. The club has DJ nights every weekend and plays different genres, from Reggae to Techno, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Must try: Customers regularly tout its well-baked pizzas as a highlight of their visit to one of the good clubs in Bristol.
8. Thekla
Address: The Grove, East Mud Dock, Bristol BS1 4RB, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Thursday to Saturday, 9 pm to 3 am
Entry fee: £6-£10 (prices vary according to the day and event)
Located in Bristol’s harbour, Thekla is definitely one of the unique clubs in Bristol. The entire venue is in a cargo ship that hosts music events, DJ nights and other performances.
A regular visitor says, “Superb little music venue with great atmosphere in an unusual and quirky setting. It’s a converted boat with plenty of the walls being the hull of the boat so gives a nice industrial feel.”
The ship was built in 1958 and then docked in the harbour in the 80s and was then converted into what it is today. With a capacity of around 400, Thekla has been afloat even at maximum capacity, so you don’t need to worry about it sinking on your night out!
Must try: do not miss out on the Thursday night gigs if you are an Indie music fanatic! One of the most iconic clubs in Bristol, Thekla does everything from food to drinks well.
9. Basement 45
Address: Avon, 8 Frogmore St, Bristol BS1 5NA, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 pm to 3 am
Entry fee: £15-£50 (prices vary according to the day and event)
Another one of the underground nightclubs in Bristol, Basement 45, is not only great for a fun night out but also for hired events. The club has two private rooms, the Den and the Bijou, that they rent out for smaller parties like stag nights, birthdays, anniversaries and more!
An artist says, “I have run two events now at Basement 45. Each time I have been incredibly happy. The club owner is very professional.”
Want some DJ lessons? Basement 45 offers lessons you can take with professional DJs in a private room with a fully stocked bar.
Must try: do not miss out on the various classes ranging from DJing to cocktail-making that one has exposure to here in one of the best nightclubs in Bristol!
10. The Queenshilling
Address: 9 Frogmore St, Bristol BS1 5NA, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10 pm to 3 am
Entry fee: £15-£20 (prices vary according to the day and event)
The Queenshilling is one of the most popular LGBTQ+ clubs in Bristol. Students of Bristol Univeristy may be familiar with the name, as the club sponsors the university’s LGBTQ+ society.
A customer says, “Staff here were great generally happy and kind 'after a slight problem the Staff reacted quick and effective and made sure we were all OK I would say it definitely one of the more safe clubs in the area.”
A student favourite, the club has a Student Night every Thursday, which allows free entry for students. Want to sing your heart out? The club’s Monday karaoke nights have no entry fee, and the doors open until 2:00 am every night.
Must try: do visit before 10:30 pm for free entry! As one of the oldest LGBTQ+ friendly clubs in Bristol, The Queenshilling has something for everyone.
11. Cosies
Address: 34 Portland Square, Bristol, BS2 8RG
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 4 pm to 3 am
Entry fee: £15-£20 (prices vary according to the day and event)
Cosies are one of the few basement clubs in Bristol and are a great place for anyone who loves reggae. Yes, that’s right! Not many clubs often play reggae music, but Cosies doesn’t shy away from this genre and has a Reggae Sunday every weekend.
A customer says, “The best fried chicken ever..we had an amazing meal for 2 for under 18 quid..lovely staff and brilliant playlist...total hidden gem”
Cosies also host several live events and performances, so check their calendar for updates.
Clubs are not the only thing the city has to offer! Check out our list of the 35 best tourist attractions in Bristol.
Must try: The reggae night pay the greatest homage to legend Bob Marley and make you feel right at home at one of the best nightclubs in Bristol.
12. Lizard Lounge
Address: 66 Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1QU, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 pm to 3:00 am
Entry fee: £15-£20 (prices vary according to the day and event)
Even if the thought of reptiles irks you as much as it does us, don’t let that stop you from visiting the Lizard Lounge. Established in 1997, this is one of the older clubs in Bristol and has two separate rooms that play different genres of music. Room 1 is mainly hip-hop and R&B, while room 2 plays rock, pop and indie music.
A student says, “All my friends love lizard lounge. Every time we go we have an amazing night out. The security are also amazing and it’s one of the only clubs we feel safe in.”
Must try: the cheap drinks that make Lizard Lounge one of the perfect Bristol nightclubs!
13. The Loco Klub
Address: Clock Tower Yd, Under the stone archway, Temple Meads, Bristol BS1 6QH, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Entry fee: £15-£50 (prices vary according to the day and event)
Located in a brick basement in Temple Meads, the Loco Klub is what would perhaps best be described as one of the art clubs in Bristol. Not an art club in the traditional sense (you won’t be drawing and painting here), the Loco Klub prides itself on of the best places for artists to showcase their talents.
A local guide says, “Lovely atmosphere at Loco Klub, which I attended as a member of a Christmas party! The dancers/performers were all in character in stylish costumes, and everyone was smiling as we arrived. The performances were a pleasure to watch.”
From immersive cabarets and immersive theatre to gala dinners and club nights, the Loco Klub has something for everyone.
Must try: the different events that happen for alternative arts in the historic venue. The variety and inclusivity The Loco Klub offers makes it one of the best nightclubs in Bristol and one of the safest Bristol nightclubs.
14. 98 Club & Karaoke
Address: 72 Park St, Bristol BS1 5JX, United Kingdom
Opening hours: based on bookings since it is a VIP nightclub
Entry fee: £20-£80 (prices vary according to the day and event)
One of the more high-end clubs on the list, the 98 Club, refers to itself as a VIP nightclub. Why VIP? The venue is located in the heart of Bristol and is known for having excellent service and even has a heated terrace garden! It is also one of the best karaoke clubs in Bristol, with five private karaoke rooms that you can book for a fun night out with friends.
A customer says, “Perfect night out for a fab hen party. Excellent service, friendly polite and the rooms are really clean, high standard compared with all other Bristol Karaoke bars.”
Must try: booking a karaoke room. What makes this one of the best clubs in Bristol is its karaoke rooms that one can use with their friends or team as a great bonding session.
15. The Be-Bop Club
Address: The Hen and Chicken, 210 North St, Southville, Bristol BS3 1JF, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Thursdays 7:30 - 11:00 pm
Entry fee: £6-£15 (prices vary according to the day and event)
Last but certainly not least, The Be-Bop Club is one of the only jazz clubs in Bristol. If you’re a jazz fan, this cosy venue is the perfect place for you. Not a nightclub in the traditional sense, the Be-Bop club doesn't have LED lights and big speakers but instead has a quaint and relaxed atmosphere.
A local guide says, “A gem of a venue, which was new to me, the Chicken Shed, is now the new home of the Be-Bop Club. As part of the Hen & Chicken pub, this backroom has great lighting and sound and is just the size for jazz. I will definitely be returning.’
Must try: the jazz nights! Many customers describe this as one of the best nightclubs in Bristol because of its selection of jazz music as well as the skills of the people performing it.
That was all you needed to know about some of the best clubs in Bristol! If you want more information about life in the city, check out our Bristol city guide and our blog on the cost of living in Bristol. We hope you’ve found this blog helpful and hope you have a great time while you’re in the city and if you're looking out for a home away from home in Bristol, amber has got you covered! You can also check out our blog on the University of Bristol.