Southampton

Southampton, United Kingdom

Southampton is the cruise capital of Northern Europe. With a cosmopolitan atmosphere borne from centuries of international trade, Southampton is one of the UK’s leading ports and liveliest cities, combining medieval walls and buildings, modern shopping and entertainment complexes, marinas, culture and nightlife. Explore the city’s rich culture and long history and try the wide range of leisure activities in the surrounding countryside before relaxing to recount the day in one of Southampton’s many harbour-side restaurants, cafés and bars.

Population:

239,700

Currency:

British pounds, £1 = 100 pence

Emergency Numbers:

999

Opening Hours:

Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm

Newspapers:

Daily Star
Daily Mail
The Independent
The Times
The Guardian
Southern Daily Echo

The City

The city has witnessed the departure of the Mayflower for the New World, the building of the first submarine, the fateful maiden voyage of the Titanic and the creation of the spitfire fighter plane. To celebrate its nautical tradition, the city hosts some of the world’s most prestigious maritime events, drawing hundreds of thousands of people from across the globe to witness the vast array of colourful crafts on Southampton water. Today, it is recognised as the country’s main destination and departure point for the world’s great cruise liners with a constant stream of vast, luxurious floating palaces dashing through the city’s skyline at all times of day and night.

Do & See

Whether you want to visit one of the best UK art galleries outside London or fancy catching a blockbusting musical, Southampton is place to come to. The city is home to some of the region’s best concert halls and venues, boasting three outstanding art galleries and two magnificent theatres.

Dining

Southampton’s world trade links through its harbour are reflected in the wide choice of international cuisine on offer in its restaurants: Oriental, Indian, Mediterranean, American, Mexican or new and traditional British are all represented. Deep within the old town, Oxford Street has developed a reputation as the new home of cosmopolitan chic with its collection of eateries, bars and cafés. Bedford Place also offers an equally enticing dining experience to Oxford Street. It is home to a number of restaurants, cafés and bars.

Cafes

There are a range of cafés in Southampton to suit anyone's taste and budget. You will find the highest concentration of eateries and coffee shops around Southampton harbour, Oxford Street and Bedford Place.