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Oxford, United Kingdom

Destination Guide

Oxford

United Kingdom

Best things to do in Oxford

37 curated attractions in Oxford, United Kingdom. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

May - September

Average temp

10°C/50°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Generally safe

About Oxford

Home to one of the oldest universities in the world, Oxford is a city defined by its academic legacy. The university's historic buildings dominate the skyline, with the Bodleian Library and Christ Church standing out as world-renowned landmarks. Much of the city revolves around student life, leading to a mix of traditional college culture and a arts scene. Punts glide lazily down the River Cherwell, providing an unexpected contrast to the scholarly pursuits. Weekends may see the influx of tourists, but the streets still echo with the whispers of centuries of intellectual debate. Ultimately, people visit for the chance to explore some of the most famous educational institutions and to wander through the college grounds, where the weight of history can almost be seen in the stonework.

Who it's for

Ideal for those who appreciate history, literature, and academia. Perfect for book lovers and anyone who enjoys a scenic walk among ancient buildings. Those seeking nightlife, large urban thrills or modern attractions might find Oxford a bit too quiet and academic for their tastes.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The city centre is compact enough to walk across in about twenty minutes
  • Buses run regularly and are usually reliable, connecting the outskirts to the main attractions
  • The university's colleges are often best accessed on foot, so wear comfortable shoes
  • Cycling is a popular option, but be prepared to navigate through students
Magdalen College

Magdalen College

Historic libraries & universities
Oxford Playhouse

Oxford Playhouse

Theatres & opera houses
Carfax Tower

Carfax Tower

Monuments & memorials
Sheldonian Theatre

Sheldonian Theatre

Theatres & opera houses
Covered Market

Covered Market

Local & craft markets
The Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum

Science & natural history museums
Museum of the History of Science

Museum of the History of Science

Science & natural history museums
Cola

Cola

Specialty & quirky museums
St Mary the Virgin Church

St Mary the Virgin Church

Churches & cathedrals
Westgate Oxford

Westgate Oxford

Shopping
Oxford Castle

Oxford Castle

Castles & palaces
Gaze over the city from Magdalen Bridge

Gaze over the city from Magdalen Bridge

Bridges
Port Meadow

Port Meadow

City parks
Oxford University Press

Oxford University Press

Historic libraries & universities
Ashmolean Museum (Second Visit)

Ashmolean Museum (Second Visit)

Art museums & galleries
The Story Museum

The Story Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Oxfordshire Museum

Oxfordshire Museum

History museums
Divinity School

Divinity School

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Jericho

Jericho

Streets & neighbourhoods
Bodleian Library

Bodleian Library

Historic libraries & universities
River Cherwell

River Cherwell

Rivers, canyons & gorges
Modern Art Oxford

Modern Art Oxford

Art museums & galleries
Keble College

Keble College

Historic libraries & universities
Cotswold Way

Cotswold Way

Hiking trails
Blackwell's Bookshop

Blackwell's Bookshop

Boutiques, bookshops & design stores
Oxford River Cruises

Oxford River Cruises

Nature
Pusey House

Pusey House

Historic houses & mansions
University Parks

University Parks

City parks
Radcliffe Camera

Radcliffe Camera

Historic libraries & universities
Pitt Rivers Museum

Pitt Rivers Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Objects of Use

Objects of Use

Shopping and Markets
Oxford University

Oxford University

Historic libraries & universities
Christ Church Meadow

Christ Church Meadow

Rice terraces & countryside
Oxford Botanic Garden

Oxford Botanic Garden

Botanical gardens
Christ Church College

Christ Church College

Historic libraries & universities
Oxford Castle & Prison

Oxford Castle & Prison

Castles & palaces
Punt on the River Cherwell

Punt on the River Cherwell

Rivers, canyons & gorges

Where to eat in Oxford

The places worth planning a meal around.

The Eagle and Child pub

The Eagle and Child pub

British · $$

★ 4.6 · 3,401 reviews

The Ivy Oxford Brasserie

The Ivy Oxford Brasserie

British · $$$

★ 4.4 · 2,409 reviews

The Bear Inn

The Bear Inn

British · $$

★ 4.4 · 2,333 reviews

Quod Restaurant & Bar

Quod Restaurant & Bar

British, International · $$

★ 4.3 · 1,770 reviews

Varsity Club

Varsity Club

★ 4.2 · 1,600 reviews

The Folly

The Folly

Modern British

★ 4.4 · 1,566 reviews

Things to do in Oxford

Tours, cruises and experiences, rather than places to visit.

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