Best Clubs In Bristol: Nightclubs in Bristol & What's On

Bristol and big nights go hand in hand. If you’re starting uni or deep into your degree, you’ll quickly learn that this city lives for music, dancing and late-night chats with chips in hand. From thumping warehouses to quirky basements, there are clubs in Bristol for every vibe and budget. 

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best nightclubs Bristol students swear by, plus tips on safety, student deals, and a few non-club ideas for when you fancy a quieter evening.

What Is Bristol Nightlife Like?

Bristol nightlife is legendary. The city blends underground energy with a friendly, student-heavy scene. You’ll find world-class DJs tucked inside old warehouses, indie nights on boats and hip hop sessions that roll until sunrise. With two big universities and loads of colleges, midweek is lively and weekends are full on. If you’re hunting for nightclubs in Bristol that suit your taste, you can filter by genre, price and dress code in seconds with a simple search. But to make it easy, we’ve done all the research for you.

Live music fans in Bristol are well served, too. Many clubs double as music venues that locals love, so you can catch bands early in the evening, then stick around for the club night. The best part is how compact the city centre is. Stokes Croft, Harbourside, Park Street and Old Market are all walkable from Brigg Point, our student accommodation in Bristol, turning a night out into a little city adventure with your mates.

Is Bristol a Good Night Out?

Short answer, yes. Bristol is a fantastic night out because you can build the night you want without spending hours travelling. Cheap pre-drinks at home, meet friends at a bar with student deals, then roll into one of the many nightclubs in Bristol that match your mood. You can go full rave, sing along to cheesy pop, dance under the arches, or hop between venues effortlessly. If you’re asking yourself where to go out in Bristol, the answer is anywhere along the triangle of Park Street, the Centre and Harbourside, with detours up to Stokes Croft for the proper underground feel.

Is Bristol Safe at Night for Students?

Bristol feels welcoming, and thousands of students head out every evening without hassle. Still, it pays to be sensible. Stick with friends, plan your route home, and book licensed taxis or use trusted ride apps. Keep your phone charged, watch your drinks, and use the well-lit main streets. Most big venues have friendly staff, welfare teams and free water points. Living at aparto Brigg Point also helps, since our buildings are central, have 24-hour support on-site, and a community team who can share local tips and travel advice.

Things to Do in Bristol in the Evening

Not every night has to be club-heavy. Bristol is packed with fun, low-key evenings. Try an escape room with your flat, late-night bowling, a film at Watershed, or a sunset walk across the Clifton Suspension Bridge. You could even head to a comedy night, a poetry slam or a board game café. 

And if you’re a fan of culture, explore the local galleries and pop-up markets. From thrift events and free museum days all the way to art workshops, there are plenty of things to do in Bristol.

Food-wise, there are also loads of Cheap Places to eat for Students. Think pizza by the slice near the Centre, budget burritos on Park Street, and noodle spots in the Bearpit area; something for every appetite (even the fussy ones!)

Where to Go Out in Bristol as a Student

Not sure where to start? Each club has its own flavour, so here’s what’s on in Bristol right now.

Lakota Bristol

Lakota is a Bristol institution near Stokes Croft with multiple rooms, low ceilings and a proper rave feel. You’ll find bass-heavy nights, jungle and garage, plus themed student parties that sell out fast. The outdoor area is a bonus for breathers and chats between sets. It’s a top pick for nightclubs; Bristol students love it when they want an old school atmosphere.

Marble Factory Bristol  

Part of the Motion complex, Marble Factory focuses on slightly smaller shows without losing the big sound. It hosts touring live acts and late club sessions, which makes it a smart choice if you want live music in Bristol early and dancefloor later. Keep an eye on its calendar for affordable midweek events and student bundles.

Electric Bristol  

A slick city centre spot with a commercial mix, Electric delivers house anthems, R&B and chart hits. It’s a good shout for birthdays or societies that want a plush setting without a scary price tag. Drinks offers rotate, and the sound system does the job. If your group is split on genre, Electric is the middle ground that keeps everyone dancing.

Thekla Bristol  

A club on a boat. Yes, really. Moored in the Floating Harbour, Thekla is one of the most unique nightclubs in Bristol. Indie nights, live bands and student specials fill the week. The inside is cosy, the ceiling is low, and the vibe is what makes Bristol, Bristol! To avoid the queue that snakes along the quayside, make sure you arrive a bit early at weekends.

Strange Brew Bristol  

Strange Brew is an independent arts space that flips between exhibitions, live shows and late-night parties. Here, you can look forward to everything from disco to leftfield electronica, with a warm, creative crowd. It’s a nice way to dip into Bristol’s DIY scene and discover new music. Tickets are usually friendly on the student's wallet, especially midweek.

Popworld Bristol  

A controversial contender, but it always brings the vibe when you want pure pop and guilty pleasures. Glitter, sing-alongs and dance-offs define the night. It’s perfect for birthdays, themed fancy dress and societies who want a cheesy soundtrack. Drinks offers are common, and the DJs know exactly what to play at the end of term. No, it’s not the coolest, but that’s the point.

Cosies Bristol  

Small, intimate and loved by locals, Cosies delivers reggae, dub, funk and soulful house in a basement setting. The energy is close and friendly, and the sound packs a punch for such a tiny space. If massive warehouses are not your thing, this is the antidote. Arrive early. Once it fills, it stays full.

Antix Bristol  

This is a late-night spot off Corn Street that blends bar and club. Antix keeps the music commercial and the vibe laid back, so it works well for mixed groups and course nights out. It’s handy for a quick bounce from nearby bars and often runs student-friendly entry. Dress how you like and dance as long as your feet allow.

Pam Pam Bristol 

Set on Clifton Triangle, Pam Pam leans stylish with a soundtrack of R&B, house and afrobeats. It’s a favourite for sports socials and birthdays, thanks to booths and group packages. If you’re based near Clifton, it’s one of the most convenient nightclubs in Bristol for a last-minute plan that still feels put together.

Basement 45 Bristol 

A proper underground venue on Frogmore Street with three rooms, low ceilings and thundering bass, you’ll find drum and bass, garage and techno most weeks, plus student events that run late into the night. It’s affordable, sweaty and brilliant. Exactly what many people imagine when they think of nightclubs.

Loco Klub Bristol

Hidden beneath the railway near Temple Meads, Loco Klub throws parties in old train tunnels with brick arches and quirky décor. The setting is pure magic, and the programming ranges from swing to electro to bass. It’s a must-do for anyone collecting unique nights out. Wear comfy shoes because you’ll certainly be on your feet until the late AM.

Bristol Student Nightlife and Societies

Societies shape your calendar as much as coursework. Sports teams, subject societies and cultural groups all run socials that plug straight into the best clubs in Bristol for students. Freshers week gives you a taste, then the group chats keep it flowing. Look out for student wristbands, queue jump deals, and bar crawls that end at big venues like Motion. If you’re more into gigs than clubbing, the live circuit is thriving as well. Search “music venues in Bristol” and fill your diary with the latest shows.

Living with aparto makes the planning easy. Our buildings are central, so you can walk to many Bristol nightclubs, save money on taxis and pop home for a quick change. Common areas are made for pre-drinks and film nights, and our team hosts regular events and competitions, from pizza socials to creative workshops.

Looking For Student Accommodation In The Heart Of It All?

Bristol has a club for every mood. You can go underground at Cosies, big and bold at Motion, sing your heart out at Popworld or get arty at Strange Brew. The city is compact, friendly and buzzing seven nights a week. Whether you’re hunting for classic nightclubs in Bristol, curious about where to go out in Bristol for the first time, or just checking what’s on this Friday, you’ll find a scene that fits your budget and your music taste.

Ready to plant yourself in the middle of the action? Choose student accommodation that keeps you close to the action, with supportive staff, lively common spaces and weekly events that help you meet people fast. 

Check out Bristol Brigg Point, our student accommodation in Bristol, to explore rooms, prices and the latest offers. From focused study sessions to unforgettable nights out, we’ve got your Bristol student life covered.