Guide to: Oxford

By: I. Weber

Oxford, the city of Dreaming Spires, one of the centres of learning of the world, and the birthplace of numerous authors, politicians and philosophers, was the city I had the honour to call home for two weeks this Summer. The city, although very (very) small, buzzes with excitement and vitality around every corner. Having been born and raised in São Paulo, one of the biggest cities in the world, the intimacy and remoteness of Oxford was overwhelming at first – I couldn’t fathom how the whole city centre could be walked in less than 20 minutes; my whole life I’ve been taking 20 minutes, by car, just to go to school – but soon enough, I got used to the city’s privacy. 


I have to admit; the city’s cuisine definitely took me by surprise. Having already travelled to London before, I expected to face cans of baked beans on burnt toasts, dripping-in-oil sausages, mushy black pudding, and stale mounds of Shepherd’s Pie for all 3 meals. Quite on the contrary, both the food inside and outside of the University were delicious, inexpensive, and filled with diversity. For lunch, I usually tried out a new nearby restaurant or café. From that experience, I listed the city’s top 5 gastronomical highlights (in no particular order) below:

ALL BAR ONE
Atmosphere : 9
Service : 5
Price : ** 
Highlights : Chicken Katsu, Chicken Pad Thai, Sweet Potato Fries. 


JAMIE’S ITALIAN 
Atmosphere : 8
Service : 8
Price : ** 
Highlights : Spaghetti Carbonara 


MOO MOO’S MILKSHAKES
Price : *
Highlights : Oreo, Nutella, M&M 
Tip: Don't forget to ask for the Moo Moo's loyalty card (after 8 milkshakes - which trust me, is not hard - you get one for free (of any size and flavour!) )

THAIKUN
Atmosphere : 10
Service : 10 
Price : **
Highlights : Massaman Curry 
I recommend going to Thaikun on your birthday, where the staff dress up and grab instruments to sing happy birthday to you. Certainly a very unique experience! 


THIRSTY MEEPLES BOARD GAME CAFÉ
Atmosphere : 10  
Service : 8 
Price : *
The restaurant has over 2500 board games, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. I absolutely l     loved the idea. 


Although a tiny city, the list of attractions and things to do in Oxford are endless. What I learned in my stay in Oxford is that, for tourists (like me) Oxford means University. In every corner, a golden, medieval college, clustered into the city’s cobblestone streets, can be found. I found myself visiting some of the nearby colleges, and discovered that each college, from Queen’s to St. Catherine’s, has its own character and charm – only evident once you’re inside. 


One of the unmissable attractions that the city has to offer is the Christ Church; where Alice in Wonderland’s author Lewis Carroll taught mathematics, and where the infamous Harry Potter dining hall scenes were shot. Only a ten-minute walk away, you can find Britain’s oldest Botanical Garden, just off the High Street, on the very appropriately-named Rose Lane.


During the Summer, do not fail to go punting on the River Thames (or Isis, as it’s known in Oxford), where you can get an insight on the life of Oxford’s locals and students. Another must-see in Oxford is the Radcliffe camera (photo on the left); where the great architecture and surroundings are admired by all. All in all, the city just screams history.


At lunchtime, grab a bite to eat in the famous Covered Market, which runs through a part of the city’s centre and where you can find Moo Moo’s Milkshakes. Once inside, don’t forget to try the British obsession: Ben’s Cookies (certainly worth a try (and a second serving)).