Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Oxford?
Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Oxford?
Many visitors spend one to three days in Oxford during their trip. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because your journey calls for making the most of every moment. The college town offers the chance to take in the beautiful scenery, spend time at the museums, savor the small town atmosphere, and grab some drinks at a bar.
Oxford is the quintessential college town. You can spend your time exploring the historic campus, paddling through the rivers, or soaking up the botanical gardens. There are classic British pubs as well as a few Harry Potter highlights that will keep kids and adults alike entertained.
Do you have one or two days to visit Oxford? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one day enough time in Oxford?
With only one day, you'll probably feel rushed to see the university and other sights. After all, As a small college town, Oxford offers plenty of activities and attractions for visitors. To fully embrace Oxford, a longer visit is better. Most travelers tend to allocate one to three days to take in the beautiful scenery, spend time at the museums, savor the small town atmosphere, and grab some drinks at a bar. Nevertheless, if your schedule is limited, we can provide some suggestions to maximize your visit.
How to spend a day in Oxford
Don't miss Radcliffe Square during your trip to Oxford, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
Oxford is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The history and architecture make this a beautiful destination.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Social Distancing Specialised Oxford University Walking Tour With Student Guides ($28)
- Seven Sisters Boat Trip ($51)
- University and City Historical and Architectural Walking Tour ($25)
Oxford is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the college town, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.
Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Oxford?
A weekend is the perfect amount of time to explore Oxford, as many visitors prefer to spend around one to three days here. You'll be able to check out the university and the gorgeous scenery, the famous sights and museums, the small town charm, and the nightlife scene. We have some suggestions for what to do and where to start your adventure below.
How to spend 2 days in Oxford
If you have more than a weekend (two to three days) in Oxford, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the college town has to offer.
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Oxford, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour to vineyards and castles in Kent ($49)
- Curiosity & Colonialism - Museum Tour by Uncomfortable Oxford™ ($23)
- Leeds Castle Admission - Ultimate Explorer Tickets ($51)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.
The public transit in Oxford is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the college town quite easily and affordably. There are buses available if your legs get tired.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Oxford, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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