Looking for the best Bath insider tips, local recommendations, or a Bath travel itinerary? Read on for advice on accommodation, dining, nightlife, and top Bath attractions from a proud resident and local tour expert.

The historic and beautiful city of Bath offers countless reasons to visit for a few days. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts stunning Georgian architecture, the iconic Roman Baths, Britain’s only natural hot springs, fantastic shopping, excellent Bath restaurants, and famous filming locations (like those seen in Bridgerton). Moreover, Bath is the perfect launchpad for day trips from Bath to nearby treasures such as the Cotswolds, Stonehenge, Avebury, Wells, Glastonbury, Cheddar Gorge, and Wales. Galahad Tours offers private, local driver-guided tours to all these locations, making your exploration effortless.

About the Author: Matthias Kurth is the founder of the Bath-based, award-winning Galahad Tours, recognised as the ‘Sightseeing Tour Agency: UK 2026‘ and ‘Luxury Tour Operator of the Year 2025‘. Galahad Tours specializes in private, local driver-guided tours from Bath to major UK attractions like Stonehenge and the Cotswolds.

“Everything in this compact city is within walking distance, and I want my customers to maximise their time here. The following recommendations are based on my own experience as a Bathonian, with no commission received.”

Where to Stay: The Best Hotels in Bath

Planning your stay in Bath?

Bath offers a variety of places to stay, from cosy bed and breakfasts to opulent luxury Bath hotels. Note that due to strict regulations on historic buildings, most do not have ‘proper’ air conditioning or elevators. Parking is also scarce, so always check in advance.

1. Roseate Villa, Henrietta Rd: Features stylish, understated elegance, exceptional staff, and on-site parking.

2. Dukes Bath, 53-54 Great Pulteney St: A recently refurbished building situated in an excellent location.

3. Royal Crescent Hotel, 16 Royal Cres: The height of indulgence at the city’s most famous historic address.

4. The Bird Hotel, 18-19 Pulteney Rd (South): A hotel bursting with colour and personality, offering great views towards the Abbey from some rooms.

5. Francis Hotel, Queen Square: Recently refurbished, centrally located, and features a new spa and a wonderful adjoining restaurant (see below).

6. No.15 by GuestHouse, 15 Great Pulteney St: A boutique option with artistic flair and a fun perk: free ice cream!

7. Hill House, 25 Belvedere: A charming boutique retreat run by a dedicated husband and wife team.

8. Bath Priory, Weston Rd: An oasis of calm designed to feel like a stately home, located about a mile and a half from the city centre.

Where to Eat: The Best Restaurants in Bath

Looking for the best places to eat in Bath? Bath’s dining scene is vibrant, diverse, and caters to all tastes. Though it surprisingly has only one Michelin-starred restaurant, many others hold AA rosettes and are featured in the Michelin Guide.

1. Sotto Sotto, 10 North Parade: Serves Italian food that rivals what you’d find in Italy itself.

2. Emberwood, 5 Queen Square: A truly memorable meal experience, perfect if you’re looking to splurge (adjacent to the Francis Hotel).

3. Walcot House, 90B Walcot St: Modern, seasonal British fare served in a buzzing environment.

4. Pintxo, 31 Barton St: Offers tasty tapas and great atmosphere—you’ll want to order everything!

5. La Terra, 2 John St: Another phenomenal Italian restaurant—buonissimo!

6. Scallop Shell, 22 Monmouth Pl: A superb, no-fuss fish restaurant—the go-to spot for fish ‘n’ chips in Bath.

7. Root Spice, 15 Argyle St: Authentic and delicious Indian cuisine, tucked away just off Pulteney Bridge.

8. Clayton’s Kitchen, 15A George St: Features a cosy ambience and refined British cuisine.

9. The Pump Room Restaurant, Stall St: The most historic and atmospheric venue for your afternoon tea in Bath or cream tea.

10. Beckford Canteen, 11-12 Bartlett St: Don’t let the name mislead you—this is where British ingredients meet French culinary finesse.

11. Noya’s Kitchen, 7 St James’s Parade: Heavenly Vietnamese food, but booking well ahead is essential.

Where to Drink: The Best Pubs in Bath

Want to find the best traditional pubs in Bath? Bath is a city that enjoys a drink. Its pubs are kept busy by the famous rugby club (especially on match days), the two universities’ student bodies, and the friendly locals who love socialising in their special city. Thankfully, many watering holes retain their old-world, rough-around-the-edges character. Be sure to try the local tipple, cider, with some pubs serving the traditional ‘scrumpy.’

1. The Bell Inn, 103 Walcot St: A no-frills local institution famous for its extensive cider menu, live music, and pizza oven.

2. The Chequers, 50 Rivers St: A popular gastro-pub, renowned as the best spot for a great Sunday roast in Bath.

3. The Star Inn, 23 Guinea Lane: A classic, unspoiled example of an old pub that focuses on drinks and doesn’t serve food.

4. Bath Cider House, 7 Bladud Buildings: A place that celebrates the West Country’s favourite drink in all its various forms.

5. Garrick’s Head, 7-8 St John’s Pl: Tucked away but couldn’t be more central, with friendly staff and a concise food menu.

6. The Assembly Inn, 17 Alfred St: A traditional sports bar offering Bath-brewed beers, darts, pool tables, and live sport.

7. The Raven, 7 Queen St: An enduring favourite, known for serving excellent pies and always busy with a diverse crowd.

8. The Pulteney Arms, 37 Daniel St: A lovely setting across the river from the busy centre, serving honest pub food, and welcoming to locals and their dogs.

9. Volunteer Riflemans Arms, 3 New Bond Street Pl: A single-room bar filled with music, memorabilia, and local characters, including the host, Simon.

Must-See Attractions: Bath’s Unmissable Sights

What are the must-see sights in Bath? If your time in Bath is limited, these are the unmissable attractions I recommend. For help fitting these in, consider a private city tour with Galahad Tours.

The Roman Baths, Abbey Churchyard

You absolutely cannot visit Bath without seeing this subterranean marvel. To avoid tour buses, book your tickets online and visit first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon. It’s just a short 5-minute walk from the Railway Station.

No.1 Royal Crescent, 1 Royal Cres

A fully preserved Georgian townhouse located on the most famous street in Bath. Bridgerton fans will recognise it as the Featherington’s house! A delightful way to spend an hour, especially on a rainy day.

The Holburne Museum & Sydney Pleasure Gardens, Great Pulteney St

The exterior is known to Bridgerton fans as Lady Danbury’s house. This fabulous Art gallery offers a rewarding entrance price that allows you to admire one of the finest examples of 18th-century Georgian architecture. Be sure to explore the Pleasure Gardens behind the museum, where high society paraded and socialised during Bath’s golden age.

Jane Austen Centre, 40 Gay St

A small museum dedicated to Bath’s most celebrated former resident and one of English literature’s giants. The house can feel cramped at peak times, so visit in the early or late afternoon to fully enjoy the deliberately eccentric experience.