Travel Guide: What to See, Eat and Do in Bath, England

Just a short train ride from London and Bristol, England, Bath is a stunning, historical city (founded in 6th Century AD) named for the natural hot springs that the Romans discovered there. Now, there are still remnants of Roman influence throughout the city, but things to do in Bath, England go way beyond soaking in hot water. (Don’t worry you can still do that, though.)

For those, who don’t want any fluff, here’s a quick hit of the top things to do in Bath. I’ll get into more details below.

Top Things to Do in Bath, England

• Tour the Roman Baths.
• Sit on the benches outside Bath Abbey and listen to live music.
• Go to the Fashion Museum.
• Have tea and a famous bunn at Sally Lunn’s—the oldest house in Bath.
• Take a stroll through The Circus.
• Soak in the sun at The Royal Crescent.
• Take a photo at the Pulteney Bridge.
• Grab a snack and tea in the Parade Gardens.
• Take a river boat tour down the River Avon.
• Shop—anywhere.
• Enjoy hot springs at Thermae Bath Spa.
• Take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour to get into the city’s outer reaches.

Okay, now, let’s talk in a little more detail…

How Many Days Should You Spend in Bath, England?

You don’t need more than 3 days to see most of Bath, and even if you can only squeeze in a single day here, it’s well worth it. I went to Bath, England for a long weekend—arriving Friday around noon and leaving Monday morning. I left feeling like I got a full feel of the city, seeing both the tourist attractions I wanted to see and finding time to enjoy little moments of relaxation (like eating fish and chips on a bench by Bath Abbey).

Where Should You Stay in Bath, England?

I recommend staying at the Abbey Hotel, a Marriott hotel right in the heart of Bath. It’s upscale with modern rooms, a lovely on-site bar and restaurant, and fabulous staff. As a solo female traveler, I wanted to stay somewhere that felt central and safe. Oh, and I wanted A/C. When I visited Bath, it was in the heat of summer (and I mean, heat! 96 degrees Fahrenheit), and most of the country doesn’t have A/C. It was the relief I needed at the end of a sweaty day of exploration. You’ll pay a little more to stay here than some other hotels in the area, but it was worth the extra investment for the added comfort.

Best Places to Eat in Bath, England

Alright, so I couldn’t eat everywhere. I know there’s A LOT of great dining in Bath such as Sotto Sotto—a top Italian restaurant in a cave-like setting. But as a solo traveler and someone who went in without much of a plan, I didn’t have the ability to make reservations at some of the more high-end restaurants. So, here’s a quick list of where to grab tasty food in Bath, England:

• Tea and a Sally Lunn Bunn at Sally Lunn’s Eating House. Come hungry and enjoy the buttery bunn that you’ll top with clotted cream and jam. It’s drool-worthy and doubles as a historical site.
• Grab a cocktail at The Botanist. This bar and restaurant is for plant lovers with lots of greenery and refreshing spritzes. While you’re there, order a Pornstar Martini—they are all over Britain and so tasty. It’s the perfect spot to hang with a group of girlfriends.
• Treat yourself to dinner at The Ivy. They offer top-notch food, friendly service and an upscale atmosphere. Even the bathroom is a vibe. This would be a great date spot.
• Walk up the hill to breakfast at Cafe Lucca. Sit on the sidewalk, sip an iced coffee and order the avocado toast. It’s anything but basic.
• Grab lunch at Bosco Pizzeria. Tucked in a back alley filled with restaurants, this Italian food spot was easy to drop into. I sat at the bar, had an Aperol Spritz, some burrata and some pasta. I would recommend making a reservation if you’re with a group. They were popular!
• Pick up fish and chips at Bath Fish and Chips. Then walk to the square near Bath Abbey and enjoy them with a view. Don’t forget tartar sauce and a drink to wash it down.
• Sip a latte at the Society Cafe. This is a great place to sit on the patio and people watch in the morning.
• Have afternoon tea or brunch at Sweet Little Things. This extra-feminine spot has tasty tea, prosecco, cute finger sandwiches and a selection of other tasty treats to enjoy. Make a reservation to ensure you can get a table inside.
• Take yourself to dinner at Square Grill House and sit on the patio, overlooking the Abbey. Yes, the prices at this place are a little higher because it’s right in tourist central, but at sunset, the Abbey is beautiful and the area is calm. It was a delightful meal.

Pro-Tips When You Visit Bath

1. The Roman Baths are very worth seeing. It’s a stunning piece of history. I recommend buying tickets for first thing in the morning to avoid crowds. Also (to my surprise) there’s a large museum to stroll through before you get to the level of the baths, so be prepared to take your time exploring this stop. Plan for an hour.
2. Good news! There’s wi-fi everywhere in Bath. It was such a blessing that even in public outdoor areas like the square next to Bath Abbey, there is a public city wifi network you can connect to.
3. Once you’re here, you can walk just about anywhere. Just make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk up hills. This is not a flat city.
4. You don’t need your wallet anywhere (or at least 90% of the time) if you use Apple Pay. Tap-to-pay or contactless is the preferred method in most places, and it’s amazing. This was true throughout England in my experience.
5. Bath is a safe city. Be smart, of course, but as a solo traveler, I never felt unsafe wandering the stunning streets on my own. Go enjoy it!

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