You won’t be short of things to do in Oxford with plenty of places across the city to explore if you live here or are visiting as a tourist.

From Harry Potter filming locations to many a historic building, there is lots to see and do here.

However, there are a few places you really need to visit to call yourself a true Oxford local.

Oxford places to visit to call yourself a true local

Local markets – Gloucester Green Outdoor Market and The Covered Market

If you love a market, you’ll love perusing around these two with everything from street food to local produce, including food and clothing.

Oxford’s Outdoor Market is the place to be if you like wandering in the fresh air while shopping with a range of stalls with ceramics, quilted bags, jewellery, food and more available.

At The Covered Market, you can pick up some local cheese from Oxford Cheese Company or indulge in a fresh loaf from Hamblin Bread, and so much more.

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Cowley Road

If it’s culture and good vibes you’re after, give Cowley Road a visit, where you can enjoy vintage shopping and a pit stop at “quirky coffee shops”.

Vanbrugh House Hotel shares: “An ethnically diverse neighbourhood, the Cowley area in East Oxford is a vibrant, quirky and jam-packed full of culture.

“Cowley Road, in particular, is great for vintage shops, quirky coffee shops, independent restaurants and live music.

“The area has also played a prominent role in the Oxford music scene and many successful bands have played formative performances in nearby venues, including Radiohead and Ride.

“Every year the vibrant road hosts a carnival to encourage engagement and unity within diverse communities through art, parades, music and dancing.”

Oxford Botanic Garden

If it’s nature you’re after, this spot is a great place to get some fresh air and learn about 5,000 plant species.

It’s the oldest botanic garden in the UK, so it combines a bit of history for you too.

Sir Henry Danvers, the first Earl of Danby, founded the botanic garden back in 1621 as a Physic Garden.

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The website explains: “Physic gardens are collections of medicinal plants.

“Many botanic gardens developed from them.”

Bodleian Library

Learn about the history of the “world-famous” library on its walking tours and stop by the bookshop for your bookish gifts and souvenirs.

You can extend your visit with a stop at the on-site cafe or attend one of the events or exhibitions.

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

For more history and special views across the city, a visit to the church is a must.

You can visit the church for free, but to climb the steps in the tower, which is “the oldest part of the church still visible today”, it costs £6.

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The website adds: “It dates from 1280 and is decorated with beautifully carved gargoyles and grotesques.

“The 127 steps up to the top lead you past the Clore Old Library and the historic bell ringing chamber.”

How many of these spots have you visited in Oxford? Tell us what we missed off the list in the comments below.