Spending time in Oxford? Don't miss these great finds. From dinner and drinks to dessert and sight-seeing, this is all you need to read for a perfect time. 

1. The Turf Tavern: This pub is difficult to find, but so worth the search. You order your drinks and food individually at the bar first thing, so once you’re done you can leave without the hassle of splitting the check with friends. The fish and chips are the best I have ever had, and the side of mashed peas (an English tradition) that come with it are pretty good too. Other favorites include the steak and potato pie and the lasagna. Beware: the portions are huge, yet you will love your food so much I wouldn’t recommend sharing plates. 

2. University Church of St. Mary the Virgin: For just a few pounds you can climb to the top of University Church of St. Mary the Virgin and see all of Oxford and beyond. There’s a few flights of steep winding stairs and it’s very cramped once you’re to the top, but nevertheless the breathtaking views of Oxford’s architecture is worth the climb. If you happen to be free in the evening, try to attend New College's Choral Evensong, which is in the New College Chapel fairly close to Univeristy Church, at 6:15 pm on weekdays and 6:00 pm on Sunday. Regardless of anyone’s religious views, no one can deny the talent of the men’s choir. From cute 7 year-olds singing falsetto to men ripened with age hitting those low notes, each choir member contributes a unique sound to create a brilliant compilation of voices. The service lasts about 40 minutes and is dominated by songs of the choir. 

3. Raoul’s Bar: This classy cocktail bar is not for the indecisive – their 11-page menu, consisting of mostly drinks, features everything from a Sherbert Fountain to a “Banoffee Pieface” to the traditional mojito. While the bartenders are more concerned with quality over quantity, don’t let the lines intimidate you… these drinks are well worth the wait!

4. Ben’s Cookies: The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth! Their fresh-baked cookies are to die for. I recommend the double chocolate chunk for the chocolate enthusiast and the coconut for the adventurous.  Make sure to ask which cookies are warm (and order one of those) for an even gooeyier, enjoyable experience. While Ben’s Cookies is a chain across the UK, the original store is this one in Oxford’s Covered Market (even more reason to go!).

5. The Big Bang: Looking for bangers and mash? This is your place. With over 18 sausages to choose from, this place has great selection (even for vegetarians), and the mash potatoes are definitely home-made. The best menu option is the “big bang” because you can try three different sausages, all with an authentic Oxford flavor, as most of the food is sourced from within 20 miles of the restaurant. If you have room, order the sticky toffee pudding with ice-cream for dessert… it’s also an English tradition! The best part is the staff is as friendly as their portions (I give both 5 stars).

6. Punting: A quintessential Oxford experience, punting is a must! For around 14 pounds an hour you can rent a punt (which is a flat-bottomed boat) from an Oxford boathouse and give yourself a self-guided tour of the city through its rivers. Bring some lunch and make it an afternoon to remember on the water. I can guarantee this experience will be relaxing, as long as the person steering the punt manages to keep balanced and avoid any obstacles, including all the ducks. 

Reach Staff Reporter Margaret Lenker here.