Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Oxford?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 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 3, 4, or 5 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 3 days enough time in Oxford?
Three days is more than enough time to see the university and other sights in Oxford. You can move at your own pace, enjoy the local culture, and take in the student vibe. You could also use Oxford as a base for exploring the nearby destinations after you take in the beautiful scenery, spend time at the museums, savor the small town atmosphere, and grab some drinks at a bar. You'll find some great day trips in the region.
How to spend 3 days 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.
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.
The small-town atmosphere of Oxford is one of the main reasons that visitors come here. Spend at least part of your day exploring the town to see the many sights and attractions. As a quintessential college town, it's easy to fill your time wandering the campus and soaking up the historic architecture.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Social Distancing Specialised Oxford University Walking Tour With Student Guides ($28)
- Extended: Oxford University & City Tour With Christ Church ($102)
- University and City Historical and Architectural Walking Tour ($25)
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.
A few tour suggestions include:
- River Cruise and Six Course Tasting Menu Experience ($151)
- PRIVATE Oxford Food Tasting and Sightseeing Tour ($126)
- Wine Tasting in the Garden of England ($221)
Is 4 days enough time in Oxford?
Four days provides ample opportunity to explore the university area of Oxford at your own pace to experience the gorgeous scenery, the famous sights and museums, the small town charm, and the nightlife scene. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
How to spend 4 days in Oxford
If you have more than 4 days in Oxford, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the college town has to offer.
Shopping in Oxford is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Oxford?
With five days, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Oxford has to offer, including the gorgeous scenery, the famous sights and museums, the small town charm, and the nightlife scene. With the extra time, you can take in the vibe of the college town and use Oxford as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the gorgeous scenery, the famous sights and museums, and the small town charm at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend 5 days in Oxford
Having 5 days in Oxford will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the college town.
After you've explored most of Oxford, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
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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