2 Days in Oxford: Punting, Pizza & Pub Nights
If you’re balancing a full-time job and trying to make the most of your PTO, 2 days in Oxford is the perfect weekend escape. The city is compact, easy to walk, and packed with food, views, and charm. I’ve been there a few times and I’ve put together my favorite spots in a route that’s both efficient and deeply satisfying.
Whether it’s your first time or a return trip, here’s how to explore Oxford in 2 days with zero time wasted.
TLDR: Oxford in 2 Days
Day 1
- Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library & Bridge of Sighs
- Christ Church Meadows
- Lunch at The White Rabbit
- Punting on the Cherwell
- Explore the Oxford Botanic Garden
- Dinner at Mamma Mia or Al-Shami
- Drinks at The Victoria
Day 2
- Morning at Oxford Covered Market
- Lunch at Za’atar Bake
- Ice cream at G&D’s
- Stroll around Jericho
- Drinks at Kazbar or The Duke of Cambridge
- Dinner at The Head of the River or Dirty Bones
Day 1 in Oxford: Exploring City History
Walk the historic university core
Start your weekend with the most iconic views in Oxford. First, grab coffee from Love Coffee Co. High street. They have great lattes that are also good on the go. After, head over to the Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library, and Bridge of Sighs. They are all right next to each other and incredibly walkable.
I remember strolling through early in the morning before the crowds arrived, coffee in hand, appreciating the history. All of the architecture makes you feel like you’re in a movie exploring the older ages.
Pro tip: Staying near the city center is key—Oxford is very walkable, so you’ll save time and money if your accommodation is close to these sites.
This is probably going to be the most impactful experience you have in your 2 days here, so why not start off with it!
Stroll the meadows
Just a few minutes away is Christ Church College and its beautiful meadows. It’s part of the university and shows just as much beauty as the other sights from the morning. The path is open to the public and totally free.
When I visited, I didn’t go inside the college—I just followed the river path and soaked in the quiet. Even in the drizzle, it felt magical with such gorgeous flowers and relaxing nature. I’d highly recommend it if you’re looking for a stroll or want to experience more history!
Grab divine pizza
For lunch, go to The White Rabbit. Known for their stone-fired pizza and cozy pub vibes, it’s just a short walk from the meadows.
When I went, it was raining and we still sat outside under heaters. The pizza was to die for, the cider was perfect, and the brownie was one of the best desserts I’ve had in the UK. If you’re going to go to any pizza place in your 2 days in Oxford, I’d recommend going here.
Pro tip: This place can get busy—try to go for an early lunch or make a booking if it’s a weekend.
Go punting
Walk over to Magdalen Bridge Boathouse and rent a punt for the classic Oxford experience.
Punting is a traditional way of boating in shallow water—picture a flat-bottomed boat that you steer using a long pole. It’s sort of like a cross between paddleboarding and Venetian gondolas, but with a very English twist.
You can self-punt (more fun, slightly chaotic), or hire a guide to do it for you while you sit back and relax. While learning to steer yourself is fun (and surprisingly challenging), letting someone else handle the pole makes for a calmer, more chill ride.
Pro tip: Book ahead if you’re visiting on a weekend or during warm weather. It fills up fast.
I personally loved it because it felt like you were experiencing some true British culture while also relaxing on the water–an essential for a short 2 day visit to Oxford.
Wander the oldest botanic garden in the UK
Right next door is the Oxford Botanic Garden—the oldest in the UK and a lovely post-punting stroll. They have stunning nature to look through and spend some time enjoying. It’s compact, beautiful, and worth the small entrance fee.
Pro tip: Combine your punting and garden visit for a relaxing, low-effort afternoon loop.
Dinner
After all of the afternoon activities, you’ll work up an appetite. For dinner, walk to either:
- Mamma Mia for cozy Italian vibes and comfort food.
- Al-Shami for local-favorite Lebanese mezze and a relaxed dinner vibe.
Both are fantastic, and I’ve been to each depending on my mood—Mamma Mia for pasta, Al-Shami for something fresh. Both are local experiences that have high quality and tasty food. Regardless of which you choose, you’ll be sure to have a delicious experience!
Wind down with a drink
End your day at The Victoria. It’s casual, warm, and often has music playing in the background.
We once spent hours there after dinner, just chatting with locals and enjoying the pub atmosphere. It felt like we were part of the neighborhood.
Day 2 in Oxford: Day for Foodies
Morning market stroll
Kick off day two with a wander through Oxford Covered Market. It’s full of florists, delis, boutiques, and bakeries—perfect for a casual morning browse.
I usually grab a croissant or pastry and stroll slowly through the stalls. It’s a relaxing way to start the day. It’s also the perfect rainy activity because it’s indoors, but still has the market vibes.
Try Arabic flatbreads
For lunch, head to Za’atar Bake, a bit outside the center but 100% worth the journey. They serve Arabic flatbreads, bowls, and their famous “bowl flip” dish.
You can either walk there (it’s a bit longer, but you can see more of the city), or catch the public transit.
I went on a local recommendation and was so glad I did. The food was fresh, flavorful, and totally different from anywhere else in Oxford. When we went, we got the spinach and za’atar flatbreads and they were not only to die for, but delicious!
Pro tip: Go on the early side for lunch or dinner—it can fill up quickly during the rush.
This was one of the best foodie experiences I had, so I would prioritize it in the 2 days you are in Oxford.
Grab homemade ice cream and wander
Back in the city center, treat yourself to G&D’s. It’s a staple ice cream spot among students and locals alike. I recommend getting a good old-fashioned cone and going for a walk with it.
After ice cream, walk through Jericho, a laid-back neighborhood with vintage shops and hidden cafés. It’s one of my favorite areas to just wander.
Pre-dinner drinks
In case you’re able to walk off the food you ate and you’re up for cocktails before dinner:
- Kazbar is colorful, lively, and serves up small plates and mojitos.
- The Duke of Cambridge is classier and quieter—great for espresso martinis.
I’ve been to both and always recommend Kazbar if you’re with a group and Duke of Cambridge if you want to chat and unwind.
Pro tip: Both fill up fast on weekends—aim for an early evening drink if you want a table.
On another note, Kazbar is also a great place to go to dinner in case you’re looking for a light dinner or afternoon tapas experience.
Dinner by the water
For your last dinner, go to The Head of the River. It’s a down-to-earth pub with waterfront seating at Folly Bridge and serves hearty British fare.
I sat outside here with fish and chips as the sun set over the water, and it felt like the perfect ending to the trip.
If you’re looking for a nicer vibe, you could also go to Dirty Bones on the Westgate rooftop. It’s a higher-scale bar and restaurant with some American food.
Final Thoughts
Spending 2 days in Oxford is the perfect way to refresh without taking much time off work. From historic colleges and punting to late-night pints and Arabic flatbreads, this city has just the right amount of everything—beauty, comfort, and charm.
Plan smart, stay central, and use this guide to make the most of your PTO. If you want more info on Oxford, check out my page here. Have a great trip!
