England just happens to be home to the world’s two most renowned universities, Oxford and Cambridge. Both cities are constantly compared; not just because of the stunning architecture, but also the cities they reside in.

Although the ‘Oxford versus Cambridge’ has been an ongoing debate lasting centuries, rather than based on academics – in this article, I will be focusing on the cities overall as places to visit. So without further ado, here’s a look at what you can expect in Oxford vs. Cambridge.

Oxford Is Busier; Cambridge Is More Laid-Back

As far as sizes go, both places are quite similar: Oxford has a population of 150,000 in comparison to Cambridge which has a population of 124,000. An additional 26,000 people are unlikely to feel that difference – especially if you’re travelling from major cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, or London (8.9 million).

*In fact, you can say that they’re both small.

At the same time, each of these cities come with a different feel and aesthetic, which is a lot more noticeable. Gentrification has spread further in Cambridge than in Oxford, with its own Mill Road being distinctly quieter and more middle-class than its Oxford equivalent – Crowley Road.

If you were to speak to anyone that knows the two places well, they’d say that ‘Oxford is bigger and livelier’ whereas ‘Cambridge is smaller and quieter.’ When it comes to having fun in Cambridge, the nightlife is more student-orientated as they make up a large percentage of people going out. Oxford, however, has more to offer with more bars, pubs, and nightlife activities.

Both cities are captivating, with an equal number of stunning buildings and scenic views. Oxford’s architecture is more uniform, most of its buildings were built from the same Headington stones, whilst in Cambridge, buildings are more diverse in terms of architectural design.

All in all, Cambridge feels like an easygoing, peaceful city; Oxford has more busy energy with much more things to see and do.

Cambridge Is More Charming; Oxford Has More Connections

Cambridge is a delightful and charming city – featuring lovely gardens along the River Cam (a brilliant place to go punting).

Both cities are reasonably convenient to London – roughly 1-hour on the train.

If you’re looking to stay over a couple of nights, Oxford may be the better option: You can be kept busy from all the sightseeing, not to mention there are plenty of good hotels. Not only is Oxford a more interesting city, but it is also near Henley-on-Thames, one of England’s most beautiful towns (approximately 47 mins drive away).

With Oxford being larger, it has two main bus companies, rather than just one, meaning that bus travel is easier there than in Cambridge. But, if you plan on walking or cycling, both cities are extremely friendly to pedestrians and cyclists.

Oxford Is (a little) More Traditional

Although portraying more of an urban atmosphere, Oxford still sticks to its roots. In fact, this is the same with Cambridge. They both have a fair share of ceremonies in Latin, robe-wearing at meals, and sports that have died just about everywhere else. But… if you had to choose, this would be more of a common occurrence at Oxford.

The Campuses

Whilst making this list, I just had to mention the Universities. After all, what would both cities be without such staples?

Both Oxford and Cambridge have what’s called the “collegiate system” where colleges are sprinkled throughout the city; there’s no sense of a completely intact campus that you’d get at many American universities. Whilst making this list, I just had to mention the Universities. After all, what would both cities be without such staples?

Both Are Book Lover’s Dream

Each city is booming with literary references and treats its hometown authors like rock stars – such as Lewis Carroll (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland), CS Lewis (The Lion, the witch, and wardrobe), A. A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh), and Stephen Fry.

Not to mention, both Universities have featured on major hit TV shows and films. Oxford’s Christ Church College dining hall has been used as a set in many movies in the Harry Potter series. While Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ features Cambridge’s King College.

In Conclusion…

Looking in the grand scheme of things, there’s actually a lot that these two scholarly historic cities have in common. They’re both beautiful, full of geniuses, and are paving the way for future generations whilst appreciating their rich past.

Whichever one you decide to visit depends on what you’re looking for.

If you want to spend more of your time sightseeing, and hopping from place to place – Go to Oxford. If you’d rather relax, and leisure peacefully with the occasional eateries and attractions – Go to Cambridge.

Both are equally as enjoyable!