Oxford: Village of One Million

Oxford, one of the world’s most important college towns, is home to the oldest English university in the world—the iconic University of Oxford. Consistently ranked as one of the world’s best universities, Oxford University is closely associated with the city of Oxford and is the primary economic engine of the city. One of United Kingdom’s most visited cities, largely because of the large number of students who make way to the University of Oxford, Oxford is also a heaven for admirers of medieval British architecture.

A vibrant and colourful town with a likable mixture of modern and pre-modern architecture, Oxford is home to some buildings of great historical significance. Oxford is also one of the world’s premier research facilities and institutions. The city’s fine infrastructure and cultural diversity along with its historical significance are perhaps the most inviting of the many Oxford tourist attractions.

Places to Visit in Oxford

Oxford is home to a large number of significant and noteworthy buildings and structures, the beauty of which is only enhanced by the city’s unique environs and architectural mix. Oxford is a beautiful city and is home to some of the best medieval architecture in Europe. Some of the more prominent Oxford tourist sights include practically every nook and corner of the city’s old areas, Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Square, Hertford Bridge, Sheldonian Theatre, Taylorian Institute, University Church of St Mary the Virgin, the many colleges, etc.

Oxford- Travel tips, languages spoken, cuisine

Oxford is very safe for tourists; nevertheless, it is advisable that certain rather necessary precautions be taken including avoiding certain areas after dark, keeping valuables out of sight, etc. Oxford is beautiful and the city’s historical significance and the academic environs are simply seen to be believed. Besides having some of the best historic buildings and youthful populations in the world, Oxford also boasts a very vibrant and very good nightlife. The city is home to a multitude of restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, bars, discos, etc.

English is well understood by one and all. The local currency is the Great British Pound (GBP). The local cuisine draws influences from a variety of cuisines and has its own unique and distinct flavour. What’s more, it is freely available at very affordable prices. Oxford has a large number of eateries catering to all types of cuisines and suited to all types of budgets; it is also home to some of the country’s best and most prolific restaurants.

Best time to visit Oxford

The best time to visit Oxford is from April to October.

Best way to reach

• By Air: Oxford does have an airport, but it only caters to chartered and private flights. However, Oxford is well-connected to London, which is one of the world’s most important travel hubs, and is connected to most major destinations in the world via regular flights.
• By Rail: Oxford is one of the more important railway stations on the British rail network, and as such is well connected to most important regional destinations.
• By Road: Oxford is well connected to all national and regional destinations and popular attractions. Further, Oxford is also one of the major centres of United Kingdom’s road transport system and as such offers comfortable transport options for almost all of the nearby United Kingdom attractions. Being a major university town, the city has emerged as one of the more important intra-country bus travel destinations in the United Kingdom. The road network within the city, though at times very narrow, is rather good but prone to congestion. The intra-city bus network is also very convenient. The city, however, is best explored on foot or bicycle.

Accommodation

Oxford is home of some of the finest hotels in the continent. Further, many local and international tour operators offer Oxford vacation package tours. These tours cover most of the Oxford tourist destinations, but do not carry the element of risk and adventure that going solo does. One might even miss out on the many hidden attractions and surprises Oxford may hold.