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

Walk in the footsteps of literary greats, tour one of the oldest universities in the world and try your hand at punting in England’s cosmopolitan City of Dreaming Spires.

Oxford is a city of fascinating architecture, history and nightlife. Visit college buildings that count Aldous Huxley and Stephen Hawking as alumni and have been the setting of many scenes in the Harry Potter films. Experience the atmosphere of centuries-old pubs and relax in pristine parks. Watch rowing competitions and rugby union matches.

The University of Oxford is one of the city’s major highlights. It’s the oldest university in the English-speaking world and is home to some of England’s most architecturally impressive buildings. These include Christ Church College, Christ Church Cathedral and Radcliffe Camera. In the Bodleian Library, see treasures such as original Magna Carta documents. Step inside the Sheldonian Theatre, the location of the Oxford Literary Festival. Walk around the Botanic Garden at 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.

In Oxford’s city center browse over 50 independent stalls at the Covered Market. Shop 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. Watch concerts at Cowley Road’s live music venues. Visit historic pubs that have been the haunts of Oscar Wilde and J.R.R. Tolkien. Jericho and Walton streets, in the Jericho area, are home to great restaurants.

In summer, punting is a favorite activity. Rent a punt, a flat-bottomed boat, and travel through the city along the gently flowing rivers. Include some Oxford Blue cheese in ingredients for 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. Once in Oxford, get an overview of the highlights on an official walking tour. Be sure to visit attractions outside of the city center, too. 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
$98 nightly
The price is $117 total per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
$117 total
Jun 29 - Jun 30
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,165 reviews)
"Thank you for good stay"

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford
Linton Lodge Hotel, BW Signature Collection
Linton Lodge Hotel, BW Signature Collection
3 out of 5
11-13 Linton Road, Oxford, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$100 nightly
The price is $120 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$120 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and 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! (763 reviews)
"Ideal for Oxford stay, close to walk into Oxford for the attractions"

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Linton Lodge Hotel, BW Signature Collection
easyhotel Oxford
easyhotel Oxford
3 out of 5
Gordon House, 280 Banbury Road, Oxford, England
$66 nightly
The price is $80 total per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
$80 total
Jun 29 - Jun 30
Total includes taxes and 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! (685 reviews)
"The room was very clean and well-maintained as was the rest of the hotel even the stairway. Staff were very nice. Convenient location for us. We've stayed before so know the area. Good food options that are very near. We'd stay again."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

easyhotel Oxford
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 ...
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
The Ultimate Luxury in Central Oxford
The Ultimate Luxury in Central Oxford
OXFORD
Stay at this apartment in Oxford. Enjoy laundry facilities, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Carfax Tower and Oxford Town Hall are ...
"It was beautiful!"

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2024

The Ultimate Luxury in Central Oxford
Historic home with modern twist in central Oxford
Historic home with modern twist in central Oxford
Oxford
Stay at this apartment in Oxford. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Modern Art Oxford and Tom Tower are located ...
Fabulous
"Stunning apartment in a great location, I would highly recommend it."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2021

Historic home with modern twist in central Oxford
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.

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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