Oxford

Travel Guide

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

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 nearMagdalen 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 artefacts from the Neolithic period to the present at the Ashmolean Museum.

Oxford’s city centre 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, centred 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 favourite 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 centre, all accessible by rental car. Enjoy daytrips to elegant Blenheim Palace and villages set amid the picturesque Cotswolds countryside.

Where to stay in Oxford

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Oxford City Centre

4.5/5(131 area reviews)

Museums, historical sites and theatres are some highlights of Oxford City Centre. Make a stop by Covered Market or New Theatre Oxford while you're exploring.

Oxford City Centre
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East Oxford

While visiting East Oxford, you might make a stop by sights like Iffley Road Track and Thames River.

East Oxford
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Cowley

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

Cowley
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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
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North Oxford

While North Oxford isn't home to many top sights, Oxford University Museum of Natural History and Ashmolean Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

North Oxford
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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 RM362 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
RM362
RM434 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
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! (1,207 reviews)
"Did not use eith workspace or gym"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford
easyhotel Oxford

easyhotel Oxford

3 out of 5
Gordon House, 280 Banbury Road, Oxford, England
The price is RM221 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
RM221
RM265 total
3 Nov - 4 Nov
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! (756 reviews)
"A very easy to use and convenient place to stay for a night or two."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

easyhotel Oxford
The Randolph Hotel Oxford, a Graduate by Hilton

The Randolph Hotel Oxford, a Graduate by Hilton

5 out of 5
Beaumont Street, Oxford, England
The price is RM886 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
RM886
RM1,063 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Oxford. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (687 reviews)
"Just stayed one nightbin this beautiful hotel.Great location ,everything within walking distance with bus stops right in front. Check in was flawlessand we left our luggage with them 4 hours before check in . Breakfast was very good"

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

The Randolph Hotel Oxford, a Graduate by Hilton
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! (34 reviews)
"It was good"

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

Noa Residence
Beautiful central apartment with parking

Beautiful central apartment with parking

4.5 out of 5
Castle Mews, St Thomas' Street, Oxford, England
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury apartment in Oxford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and Netflix. Popular attractions Oxford Castle and Oxford Ice Rink are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
"Quiet, walkable, good value for money."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Beautiful central apartment with parking
Razia Apartments

Razia Apartments

4 out of 5
312 London Road, Oxford, England
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Oxford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Headington Shark and South Park are located ...
7.4/10 Good! (13 reviews)
"The apartment was old, dirty, and poorly managed ( Platinum Pillow Management Service). It was located next to a main road where cars drive very fast. Crossing the street to take the bus was very dangerous since there was no traffic light. The parking lot outside the apartment was littered with garbage, ..."

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2024

Razia Apartments
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

Things to do

Reviews of Oxford

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
262
5 - Excellent 54%
4 - Good
198
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
23
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Used the excellent park & ride service. Easy to walk around the City centre for shops and/or sight seeing. Good choice of shops & plenty of food outlets.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Always very busy with lots of tourists. Nice place to visit.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Nightmare traffic.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Oxford is a compact, cultural and scenic city with plenty to see and do. Would highly recommend it for a short city break or long weekend :-)

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

what a brilliant city, well worth a visit

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A great place for culture and shopping. Would happily return in the future.