For Your Trip: Oxford or Cambridge?

Cambridge and Oxford have been in a centuries-long competition as England’s top two universities.
For Your Trip: Oxford or Cambridge?
Cambridge hosts 31 colleges, all with the same layout: green, monastic-type courtyards surrounded by chapels, libraries, and housing. Cameron Hewitt, Rick Steves' Europe
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Cambridge and Oxford have been in a centuries-long competition as England’s top two universities—but I’ve always felt that seeing one is enough. The big question is: Which one?

For years, I’ve had it lodged in my mind that Cambridge was much better to visit than Oxford. But recently, I’ve been leaning Oxford. Really, though, it depends on what you’re looking for: Bustling Oxford is the more substantial town, with plenty to see and do. Cambridge, with lovely gardens along the River Cam, has a simpler and more charming atmosphere.

Rick Steves
Rick Steves
Author
Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes European tours. This article was adapted from his new book, For the Love of Europe. You can email Rick at [email protected] and follow his blog on Facebook. ©2022 Rick Steves. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.