Etain O’Carroll

Whether you’ve been to Oxford or not, you know of its reputation. Oxford has history, food, humour; it has some of the most beautiful colleges and pubs on the planet; and it pulls off the rare trick of being tranquil and thrilling at the same time. I’ve been here for 30ish years, got married and had children here, and think that it could be the greatest city on Earth. (I lived in Cambridge briefly and yes, I'm going to say it: Oxford is better.) Even on one September day you can do more than you could in a week elsewhere. Whether you’re here for 24 hours or 24 days, make the most of this unique city. RECOMMENDED:🏛️ The best museums in Oxford🍴 The best restaurants in Oxford🏨 The best hotels in Oxford🚂 The best day trips from London This guide was recently updated by Ralph Jones, a writer based in Oxford. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Oxford really does live up to its reputation as one of the UK’s most beautiful places, and it’s got the restaurants to match. But dining here isn’t all dainty Victorian conservatories, art gallery roof-tops and riverside pubs (although those are on the menu) – there’s a creative, diverse culinary scene here, too.  Feast upon the likes of Tibetan momos, Slovak goulash and Keralan curries, alongside high-end tasting menus, hotel restaurants and more. Whether you’re here for a day-trip or a full-blown staycation, you’re guaranteed to eat well in Oxford if you take our advice. Here are the best restaurants in Oxford. RECOMMENDED:🌤️ The best things to do in Oxford🏛️ The best museums in Oxford🚞 The best places to visit in the UK🏨 The best hotels in Oxford This guide was last updated by Ralph Jones, a writer based in Oxford. Contributions and original photos by Oxford local Etain O'Carroll. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Given Oxford’s been around since the eighth century, it’s no wonder the place is absolutely drowning in history – and it’s got so many wonderfully varied series of institutions to match (that you can enter for free) that they even give London a run for its money.  Want some Ming dynasty pottery or pre-Raphaelite masterpieces? Head to the Ashmolean. North African astrolabes and the original Penicillin culture? Try the Museum of Science. Tribal tattoo kits and a Siberian Shaman’s apron? Make a beeline for the Pitt Rivers. If you’ve got kids in tow, you’ll also find a homage to childhood wonder at the Story Museum and work by some of the world’s leading artists at Modern Art Oxford. But the list doesn’t end there – here is our comprehensive roundup of the best museums in Oxford. RECOMMENDED: 🎭The best things to do in Oxford🥗The best restaurants in Oxford🌤️The best places to visit in the UK🍃The best day trips from London