Visitors to Bristol can often be bemused by how many different districts - or 'neighbourhoods' - there are in a relatively small area, and the fact that you can stand with one foot in one area & one foot in another quite often; they can be that close & there is no real distinction. The main neighbourhoods that concern tourists are:
THE CENTRE: This basically encompasses all the area from around the Harbourside through to the bottom of the M32, taking in Broadmead & Cabot Circus.
HOTWELLS: Going left from the Centre down to the Cumberland Basin, where most of the maritime history lives - site of the SS Great Britain, fantastic waterside pubs & a great view of the Bridge.
CLIFTON: Once you start walking up Park Street from the Centre, you are in Clifton. It continues all the way to the top of Whiteladies Road (& basically everything to the left of Whiteladies Rd) , round to the left at the top & downwards to the Zoo. Right turnings on Whiteladies will take you to Cotham - quite a small area - or Redland - a much larger area which continues on down to Cheltenham Road.
THE DOWNS: This is the large expanse of land at the top of Whiteladies Road which, theoretically, could be considered Clifton but again, depends on the turning you take! The fantastically grand houses that you will see whilst driving around come under the area of 'Sneyd Park'; just about the most desirable postcode in Bristol.
CLIFTON VILLAGE: Easily reached via Clifton/Hotwells, home of the Bridge, Observatory & the wealthy.
THE GLOUCESTER ROAD AREA: From the Centre it starts as Stokes Croft, then Cheltenham Road, & once past The Arches it becomes Gloucester Rd. Wonderful & colourful area with lots of great restaurants & a massive student population. A little diligence is needed for visitors; the area can be a bit down at heel in parts, which can be a bit off-putting for some. St Pauls is off to the right (City Road turning) which isn't so bad, but if you don't know the area it is best avoided (at least, after dark). A bit further up, with a turning to the right, is Montpelier which is a foodie heaven - Bells Diner is here, Bristol's answer to the Fat Duck :)
Montpellier & St Werburgs: Formerly 'inner city' areas these have become very trendy and more than slightly hippy. Some larger terraced houses and lots of smaller 2-3 bed ones mean this area offers lots of rented and first time buyer properties. Popular with young professionals and the alternative lifestyles. A Organic supermarket and city farm compliment several lively pubs and restaurants. There are often events in the parks and gardens or a live act in the pub.
Easton: A very diverse multi cultural neighbourhood with an amazing high street full of Asian speciality shops. There are parts best not to venture at night with drug dealing and prostitution issue, however people who have no interest in these activities are usually ignored by those who do. The Bristol to Bath cycleway runs through Easton along the route of an old railway line and provides a green pathway for wildlife to flourish and a fun day out on your bike away from motorised vehicles.