Oxford

Travel Guide

University Church of St Mary the Virgin which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and heritage elements
Radcliffe Camera which includes a square or plaza and heritage elements
Oxford showing heritage elements and street scenes
Oxford showing street scenes as well as an individual male
Christ Church Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, interior views and heritage elements

From boat trips along the River Thames to an acclaimed university and a lively nightlife scene, Oxford is an action-packed English city.

Oxford is a city of fascinating architecture, history and nightlife. Admire a cityscape of grand towers and spires. Visit the college buildings that count Aldous Huxley and Stephen Hawking as alumni. Sample the atmosphere of centuries-old pubs. Explore pristine parks lining the River Thames and River Cherwell, the two rivers that cut through the city.

A major highlight of Oxford is Oxford University, with some of England’s most architecturally impressive buildings. These include Christ Church College, Christ Church Cathedral, the Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera. Step inside the Sheldonian Theatre, the location of the Oxford Literary Festival. Walk around the Botanic Garden near Magdalen College.

Enjoy the university’s free museums. Spot archaeological and anthropological objects at the Pitt Rivers Museum. Find collections of scientific instruments at the Museum of the History of Science. See artifacts from the Neolithic period to the present at the Ashmolean Museum.

Oxford’s city center presents a mix of retail and entertainment. Find over 50 independent stalls at the Covered Market. Browse for literature at Blackwell’s Bookshop, one of Europe’s largest bookstores. Learn about the legends of Oxford Castle at Oxford Castle Unlocked. Climb to the top of Carfax Tower for unrivaled city views.

Experience the buzz of Oxford’s nightlife, centered on pedestrianized George and Magdalen streets. Watch concerts at Cowley Road’s live music venues. Visit historic pubs such as the Old Parsonage Hotel and the Eagle and Child, the haunts of Oscar Wilde and J.R.R. Tolkien, respectively. 

In the summer, punting is a favorite activity. Rent a punt, a flat-bottomed boat, and travel through the city along the gently flowing rivers. Relax with a picnic on the riverbanks or in University Park or Christ Church Meadow.

Getting to Oxford is easy via frequent public train and bus services from London. Be sure to visit attractions outside of the city center, all accessible by rental car. Enjoy daytrips to elegant Blenheim Palace and villages set amid the picturesque Cotswolds countryside.

Where to stay in Oxford

Oxford City Centre

Oxford City Centre

4.5/5(64 area reviews)

Museums, historic sites, and theaters are just a few things travelers enjoy about Oxford City Centre. Check out Covered Market or New Theatre Oxford while you're exploring the area.

Oxford City Centre
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Cowley

While visiting Cowley, you might make a stop by sights like Temple Cowley Pools and Southfield Golf Club.

Cowley
Christchurch college on a lovely Saturday afternoon

East Oxford

If you're spending some time in East Oxford, Iffley Road Track and Thames River are top sights worth seeing.

East Oxford
Guy constructs a shark into his roof. Becomes tourist attraction

Headington

You'll enjoy the bars and live music in Headington. You might want to make time for a stop at Headington Shark or Exciting Game.

Headington
Amazing French home made cakes. Packed with flavour and craftsmanship!

North Oxford

When in North Oxford, you can plan a visit to Oxford University Museum of Natural History and Ashmolean Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

North Oxford
The Thames, seen from the Towing Path.

South Oxford

While visiting South Oxford, you might make a stop by sights like Thames Path and Thames River.

South Oxford
Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford
Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford
4 out of 5
Godstow Road, Wolvercote Roundabout, Oxford, England
The price is ₩118,065 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
₩118,065
₩141,678 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Oxford. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,168 reviews)
"It’s a great hotel!"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford
easyhotel Oxford
easyhotel Oxford
3 out of 5
Gordon House, 280 Banbury Road, Oxford, England
The price is ₩83,958 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
₩83,958
₩100,749 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Oxford. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (698 reviews)
"Efficient and convenient"

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

easyhotel Oxford
Linton Lodge Hotel, BW Signature Collection
Linton Lodge Hotel, BW Signature Collection
3 out of 5
11-13 Linton Road, Oxford, England
The price is ₩137,512 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
₩137,512
₩165,014 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Oxford. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (770 reviews)
"Very welcoming and comfortable"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Linton Lodge Hotel, BW Signature Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Noa Residence
Noa Residence
3.5 out of 5
200 Woodstock Road, Oxford, England
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly apartment in Oxford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Blenheim Palace and Port ...
7.2/10 Good! (32 reviews)
Recommend this management
"Great customer service, there was an issue with the property and they offer to relocate to another better property without additional costs."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2024

Noa Residence
Apple Perch 2BR Flat-Free Parking
Apple Perch 2BR Flat-Free Parking
3.5 out of 5
Oxford
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Oxford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Temple Cowley Pools and Oxford Greyhound ...
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
I loved this place!
"We were only here one night, but I loved staying in this flat! It was a real insight into how people live their everyday lives in a city the size of Oxford. Manu was excellent about communicating with us and made sure we would have no trouble finding the flat or getting into it. I wish we could have ..."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2023

Apple Perch 2BR Flat-Free Parking
Rana Court
Rana Court
4 out of 5
138 - 142 Hollow Way, Oxford, England
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Oxford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Temple Cowley Pools and Oxford Greyhound Stadium are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (30 reviews)
"The property was really good. Clean, tidy and well presented. My only issue was that the radiators were not as warm despite being on the highest setting. The bedroom especially was very cold. Another negative is upto now I have not received my deposit back. Surely you should have a system that works ..."

Reviewed on Feb 25, 2025

Rana Court
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Oxford

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
177
5 - Excellent 71%
4 - Good
65
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
8
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Enjoyed the history and walkability of Oxford.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Oxford is a marvelous city - would love to live here

5/5 - Excellent

UKVisitor20

Magical. One cannot help but fall in love with Oxford!

5/5 - Excellent

John

We were only here for 2 days but will be back. Information about what there is to see and do could be mads much more available and better organized. Saw Blackwell's, by any measure, a great place to visit by accident.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Check out Chiang Mai Restaurant. Great Thai food in lovely spot.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Lovely city!

Cities near Oxford