Things to Do in Oxford

Oxford carries the weight of nearly a thousand years of academic tradition, and you feel it the moment you walk through the city center. The honey-colored limestone buildings seem to glow in the afternoon light, and there's something genuinely magical about wandering the same cobblestone streets where countless scholars have debated philosophy and literature for centuries. The University of Oxford isn't just located here - it essentially is the city, with 39 colleges scattered throughout the medieval streets like academic villages, each with their own courtyards, gardens, and centuries-old traditions. But Oxford isn't stuck in the past, despite what the tourist brochures might suggest. Yes, you'll find students in subfusc (academic dress) hurrying to exams, and the pubs are filled with animated discussions that might be about quantum physics or 14th-century poetry. But you'll also discover a thriving food scene, independent bookshops that stay open late, and a surprising number of excellent coffee roasters. The city manages to balance its scholarly gravitas with the energy of a place where 40,000 students live, study, and inevitably cause a bit of good-natured chaos.

Oxford's food scene has improved dramatically over the past decade, moving well beyond the traditional pub fare (though you'll still find excellent gastropubs like The Eagle and Child where Tolkien and C.S. Lewis used to meet). Jericho has become something of a foodie destination, with excellent restaurants like Arbequina for modern European cuisine and Kazbar for North African flavors. The Covered Market offers everything from traditional British pies to Vietnamese pho, while Cowley Road provides authentic international cuisine at student-friendly prices. For a special occasion, several college dining halls offer formal dinners to non-students, though you'll need to book well in advance and follow their dress codes.

Oxford works well year-round, but late spring through early autumn (May-September) offers the most pleasant weather for walking and punting. The city takes on a particularly magical quality in autumn when the college courtyards are filled with golden leaves, though you'll want to pack layers as the weather can be unpredictable. Winter has its own charm - fewer tourists, cozy pubs, and the possibility of snow on the medieval spires - but some outdoor activities like punting shut down. Keep in mind that the city feels quite different during university terms versus holidays, with a much livelier atmosphere when students are in residence.