Oxford Vacation & Tourism Guide

D4e430f62ce7a1745ed6ceef83f6fcb8 photo by DareToDream

While the city is known mostly for its university, Oxford also contains wonderful architecture, museums, galleries, and parks. The River Thames offers travelers a touch of tranquility, and even the various markets around town hold a sense of calm and quaintness.

Great Recommendations from Real Travelers

1. YHA Oxford

Real Traveler Rating: 4.2 out of 5 based on 69 reviews from 1 source

from $21.78
YHA Oxford
Based on 69 reviews from 1 source.
Service: Rating of 4.3 out of 5
Location: Rating of 4.6 out of 5
  • "Great place to stay, with great and very helpful staff." — source Hostelworld

    "Super clean.The only downside is the extremely expensive internet." — source Hostelworld

2. Macdonald Randolph Hotel

Macdonald Randolph Hotel
Star_rating-5
from $154.14

3. The Old Bank Hotel

The Old Bank Hotel
Star_rating-4
from $137.38

4. Oxford Backpackers Ho...

Oxford Backpackers Hostel
from $19.11

5. Fallowfields Country...

Fallowfields Country House Hotel
Star_rating-3
from $146.59

6. Hawkwell House Hotel

Hawkwell House Hotel
Star_rating-3
from $113.75

7. Macdonald Randolph

Macdonald Randolph
Star_rating-5
from $154.14

8. Royal Hotel

Royal Hotel
Star_rating-3
from $103.63

9. WESTON MANOR HOTEL

WESTON MANOR HOTEL
Star_rating-3
from $75.20

10. Malmaison Oxford

Malmaison Oxford
Star_rating-4
from $138.80
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  • 1. Botanic Garden

    Botanic Garden

    ... provided medicinal herbs. Today, the Botanic Garden has evolved into a collection of over 8,000 plants in a compact, beautifully laid out setting accurately reflecting the appearance of a Tudor or Stuart college garden. It... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Botanic Garden

    globalchoirboy globalchoirboy in Lots to see said

    … over to the Botanic garden for a walk though something bucolic.  It was a reminder of my plants at home.  Another stop… continue reading »

  • 2. Sheldonian Theatre

    Sheldonian Theatre

    Built by Sr. Christopher Wren from 1664-9, the design of this architectural ... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Sheldonian Theatre

    Lucia Vargas Lucia Vargas in Through the looking glass said

    …="http://www.sheldon.ox.ac.uk/index.html" target=""_blank"">Sheldonian Theatre. They were truthful, not pretty but standing proud not pretending… continue reading »

  • 3. Museum of the History of Science

    Museum of the History of Science

    This museum boasts an unrivalled collection of more than 10,000 scientific instruments ... more

  • 4. St Mary the Virgin Church

    St Mary the Virgin Church

    Considered one of the oldest university buildings in the world, this is a ... more

  • 5. Ashmolean Museum

    Ashmolean Museum

    Closed from January - ... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Ashmolean Museum

    DemonGroover DemonGroover in Football Scholarships? said

    … of Oxford however is the Ashmolean Museum, Britain’s first museum, even before the term museum was coined. Many artefacts, both… continue reading »

  • 6. Martyrs' Memorial

    Martyrs' Memorial

    For years, students have attempted to persuade visitors to Oxford that this spire-shaped memorial at the south end of St Giles ... more

  • 7. Bridge of Sighs

    Bridge of Sighs

    The main buildings at Hertford College are linked together by a corridor called the "Bridge ... more

  • 8. Pembroke College

    Pembroke College

    Granted its charter in 1624, Pembroke is one of 38 self-governing colleges ... more

  • 9. Pitt Rivers Museum

    Pitt Rivers Museum

    Museum is currently closed for restoration work and is anticipated to reopen in Spring ... more

  • 10. Hinksey Pools

    Hinksey Pools

    ... pool is a brightly lit family facility which has recently been upgraded. The water temperature is adjusted frequently to reflect the climate, so it's never too cold for comfort. There are guards in attendance, hot and c... more

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  • 1. Gee's

    Gee's

    ... in a spacious Victorian glass conservatory, was converted from what, for 80 years, was the leading florist of Oxford. Its original features were retained by the owners, also of the Old Parsonage Hotel, who have turned it in... more

  • 2. Edamamé

    Edamamé

    This small restaurant is so popular at lunchtime that you often have to share your table with others. Although perhaps not very appealing at first, this can actually add to the intimacy of the dining experience. Simply decorate... more

  • 3. Gino's

    Gino's

    This family-run Italian restaurant offers guests the highlights Italy's gastronomy, focusing on pizzas, an ... more

  • 4. Luna Caprese

    Luna Caprese

    Luna Caprese is a gem on the elegant North Parade. It's not much to look at on the outside—but once through the door, you are transported to an Italian fishing village where gentlemanly mafiosi wait on tables. The only downside... more

  • 5. Petit Blanc (Le)

    Petit Blanc (Le)

    As one of Raymond Blanc's creations, this restaurant lives up to expectations. It's not as expensive as his famed Manoir aux Quat Saisons' but the quality of the food is superb, and as the portions are not huge, you'll have roo... more

  • 6. Elizabeth (The)

    Elizabeth (The)

    This is the place to come to celebrate an important occasion. With a reputation for being Oxford's best and most expensive restaurant, Elizabeth's is universally admired. Unpretentious but classy, Elizabeth's is stylish in a re... more

  • 7. Escape

    Escape

    Situated in the heart of the city, this is really a great escape. Wine, dine, dance or just observe the scene at Escape. With Thai, Morroccan, Japanese, and Mediterranean cuisine to choose from, the restaurant will surely pleas... more

  • 8. Al-Salam

    Al-Salam

    ... think this place offers the best food value in the city, and because it's a bit less expensive (and a bit less formal) than its major competitor (the also-recommended Al-Shami), we tend to agree. You'll dine within one of t... more

  • 9. Maxwell's

    Maxwell's

    Maxwell’s is one of Oxfords longest established late night bar and grills. Maxwell’s has recently undergone a major refurbishment to deliver a fresh, industrial chic look for the 21st century. Famous ... more

  • 10. Le Manoir Au Quat'Saisons

    Le Manoir Au Quat'Saisons

    ... manor- just outside of Oxford- that the chef Raymond Blanc displays his sensory universe. For him- if the work itself is transient- the memory of the flavour remains. In his vast garden abounding with lavender- he grows alm... more

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