Bristol Today - an overview of the city

Bristol Today - the place to be

Bristol today is an aspirational city, sure of its place as the regional capital of England's south west and confident of its reputation of one of Europe's most powerful economies.

Bristol is arguably the most beautiful city in England, with a dramatic landscape and a number of distinctive areas that offer a captivating mix of architectural styles - a legacy of our 800 years of history.

At the heart of the city is the Harbourside area, transformed in recent years through one of Europe's most successful waterfront regeneration schemes. It is a symbol of Bristol's thriving economy: a blend of new housing and business centres, cultural facilities, bars and restaurants, tourist attractions and landmark developments such as the @t-Bristol complex.

Bristol's unique mix of heritage, culture and economic success attracts people from across Britain, Europe and the wider world - and creates a young, diverse and vibrant city. Many come here to study at Bristol's two universities and many choose to stay - strengthening the city's reputation for a well educated, skilled and motivated workforce.

As a testament to Bristol's confidence and ambition, the city united in its bid to become the European City of Culture in 2008 - and was shortlisted for the title and designated as a Centre of Culture.

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