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Central Oxford is, not surprisingly, compact, but many neighborhoods on the outskirts of the town, away from the university, are worth visiting. The most central point of Oxford is the Carfax, at the crossroads of the High Street, Cornmarket Street, St. Aldate's, and Queen Street. The first of these, along with Broad Street which runs parallel to it, are perhaps the two most typically 'Oxford' streets in the City. Both of them are lined with Oxford Colleges, among them University College, Balliol College, Trinity College, and All Souls College Other architectural splendours abound along these two central streets, including two of Oxford's most famous sights: the domes of the Radcliffe Camera and the Sheldonian Theatre, built by Sir Christopher Wren.

It is not just these specific buildings which are worth looking at however; make sure you don't miss the general architecture in central Oxford, where little seems to have been built more recently than a few hundred years ago. Even the shops, restaurants and offices would seem totally out of place in any modern city. Make sure you take the odd glance skyward: Oxford is famous for its Gothic gargoyles and spires.

Towards the west end of the High Street a few shops can be found, but the principle shopping area is around Cornmarket Street and Queen Street, with the Covered Market especially suitable for all those in search of quintessentially Oxford gifts. But fanatical vegetarians be warned: there are several butchers in the Covered Market, so if you don't look where you're going, you may soon find yourself bumping into something which used to look like a cow before it was shaved and beheaded.

 
Continue up the pedestrianized Cormarket and you will come to St. Giles, which then forks into Woodstock Road and Banbury Road, both of which take you up to North Oxford and the wealthy suburbs. By taking a right off Banbury Road and down Keble Road, you can find the University Parks, where College or university sports teams can often be seen in action. In the summer, countless undergraduates may be found, lazing around and procrastinating. Continue through the Parks and you'll end up fairly near Headington,

 
home of Oxford Brookes University in North East Oxford. West of St Giles we find the area of Jericho. As far as central Oxford goes, this is possibly the most chic residential area.

Things to do:

University of Oxford Botanic Garden

Spread out over three elaborate sections are 7,000 different types of plants, making the collection one of the most diverse collections on the planet. The three sections inlcude: The Glasshouses, the area outside the Walled Garden and the Black Border and Autumn Borders. 

Carfax Tower

Sheldonian Theatre

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and erected 1664-1668, the Sheldonian Theatre has been described as "one of the architectural jewels of Oxford," by the European Commission. In addition to serving as a functional building of the University of Oxford, the structure has been used for conferences (seating capacity 1,000) and concerts for up to 800 guests. Tickets for concerts are available from the Oxford Playhouse (www.oxfordplayhouse.com).

Exploring Christ Church

Not only is Christ Church one of the largest colleges in the University of Oxford, it is also the Cathedral Church for the Diocese of Oxford. In just one visit, you will see why visitors flock here to explore the immaculate grounds and the spectacular interiors. You will also see (right away) why numerous scenes from the Harry Potter movies were shot here. The main gate to Christ Church, Tom Gate, is situated on St. Aldates, near the centre of the city.

Punting

Punting is a favorite Oxford activity and it really doesn't require that much energy. A punt is an open flat bottom boat with squared ends, used in shallow waters and usually (slowly) propelled by a long pole. There are several places that rent punts and/or offer chauffeured punts. Salter's Steamers (www.salterssteamers.co.uk) or Cherwell Boathouse (www.cherwellboathouse.co.uk) are two very popular rental sources. Cherwell Boathouse also offers Jazz cruises, regular cruises, and more.  

Cricket

Head over to the University Parks to watch a real live cricket game. Oxford University Cricket Club plays here and it is considered one of the prettiest playing fields in England. Who knows, you may stumble across a friendly game and you may have an opportunity to join in!

Tour Magdalen College

Founded in 1448 as Magdalen Hall, Magdalen College is considered the most impressive of all Oxford's colleges. The campus stretches across hundreds of acres of riverside walks, lawns, and woodlands. It's famous Deer Park houses the college's 300 year old herd. Just a few notable attractions include: Addison's walks (one of Oxford's best walks), Fellow's Gardens, 57 species of birds, and Magdalen's Great Tower. FYI: Famous alums include: Oscar Wilde, Dudley Moore, and Cardinal Wolsey. Tours are available. 

Festivals:

May 1st is Mayday.  Pubs are open all day and there is singing from the top of Magdalen College Tower as 5am in the morning by the choir of young boys.  They sing "madrigals" whatever they are.  Quite nice.  Bit surreal after a night of drinking too. Students in dinner jackets and ball gowns then tend to throw themselves into the river off Magdalen Bridge.  Also quite surreal. 

 

Hotels 

Band A: £100+ Hotels:

The Royal Oxford Hotel
Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1HR. Tel: 01865 248432 City Centre hotel located very closed to railway and coach stations; within walking distance to Oxford University Colleges. Fully air-conditioned, with large and comfortable en-suite rooms, offers free WIFI throughout, double glazed windows, 24h reception, friendly but professional service, multilingual employees.

Malmaison Oxford
3 Oxford Castle, Oxford, OX1 1AY. Tel: 01865 268400 Minutes from the station, at the heart of the city this converted castle prison offers discerning travellers the opportunity to experience Oxford's rich history first hand. All rooms benefit from flat screen TVs, DVD players and free broadband. Guests can also take advantage of our lively bar and brasserie.

Bath Place Hotel
4-5 Bath Place, Holywell Street, Oxford, OX1 3SU Tel: 01865 791812 Friendly (awarded RAC Warm Welcome 2003), family-owned and run hotel comprising a group of 17th Century cottages surrounding a pretty flagstone courtyard. Centrally located, yet nestling in a quiet, historical backwater of the city. Adjacent to the Turf Tavern - Oxford's oldest Inn. Non-smoking.

 Band B: £60 - £100 Hotels

The Oxford (and nearby) hotels in this category will typically offer standard double rooms (en-suite) for between £60 and £100 per night. However, please note that prices may change without notice from time to time and this banding can only be taken as approximate. Please contact the hotel concerned for full details.

Marlborough House Hotel
Marlborough House Hotel, 321 Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 7NY. Tel: 01865 311321 Spacious ensuite rooms, some with self-catering facilities, in an attractive residential area. Easy access by car, ample parking and free Wireless Internet Access.

Express by Holiday Inn Oxford
Grenoble Road, Kassam Stadium, Oxford, OX4 4XP. Tel: 01865 780888 Just 10 minutes to the City Centre. An ideal base for exploring the Cotswolds. Bedrooms all en-suite, satellite TV, wireless internet, free car parking and complimentary breakfast. A choice of two restaurants, multi- screen cinema, bowling, bingo and leisure club (discounted rates for hotel guests) all within 5 minutes walk.

Band C: Up to £60 Hotels 

The Oxford (and nearby) hotels in this category will typically offer standard double rooms (en-suite) for up to £60 per night. However, please note that prices may change without notice from time to time and this banding can only be taken as approximate. Please contact the hotel concerned for full details.