The University of Oxford, established in the 12th century, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, and second-oldest in the world (first being the University of Bologna in Italy). The whole area is infused with stunning architecture, intense history and culture.
Christ Church is one of the most famous colleges in Oxford, and you can find links of the story "Alice in the Wonderland" around there. Harry Potter was also filmed here as you can see from the pictures above.
Above is the Hertford Bridge, commonly known as the Bridge of Sighs. It is the landmark for Oxford due to its location as well as its unique structure.
Covered Market is a nice special shopping area for local produce and souvenirs! Tons of tea shops, and I got some nice tea leaves for friends. I walked pass a cookie place called the Ben's Cookies, and it looked so good that I couldn't resist. So, I bought one just to try, and it tasted pretty good. (tad bit too sweet for my taste, but still good)
A lot of people would spend a half day in Oxford and a half day in an outlet which is a 30 mins bus ride from Oxford. I don't like to shop that much, and I don't have the money to shop anyways. I decided it would be nice to walk around Oxford, and try to absorb as much history and culture as I can. A couple honorable mentions:
Bodleian Library - An iconic building in Oxford, there's no way you can miss it.
Exeter College - The Victorian Gothic revival chapel is absolutely stunning.
Bontanic Garden - Nice walk and I bet it would be a lot prettier in summer as well. It leads to the river, and they offer boat rides (so expensive....) if you would like to enjoy a quiet green tour.
Alice's shop - It was closed by the time I got there, and it looks really interesting from the window.
I just couldn't resist a walk along the river Thames at night, so I took the underground to the Tower Bridge, and it was beautiful. During the day, you can go to the Tower Bridge Exhibition and they have glass floor across the walkways for visitors to see the river Thames at a very different angle. The bottom of the bridge can be raised to 86 degree to allow river traffic to pass. Pretty cool, eh? This part of the river is a little quieter at night compared to the London eye, it was a real nice walk and gave me time to think about the plan for tomorrow.