World City Guide

Sightseeing

Sightseeing Overview
Southampton is a relatively compact city that’s flanked on two sides by the rivers Test and Itchen that run in a ‘V’ shape down and into Southampton Water on the southern coast. It’s very much a city that’s associated with the ocean and many of Southampton’s attractions have a nautical theme; the most obvious of these sights is the excellent Maritime Museum that charts the port’s distinguished history including a good exhibition about the Titanic. Much of the old city walls (rebuilt after a devastating attack by the French in 1338) are still intact and the city’s Museum of Archaeology is a great place to begin a tour of historical Southampton. Southampton is also an artistic city with notable art galleries and theatres situated in its vibrant Cultural Quarter. For those who want to stay abreast of the latest fashions, an ever-growing number of shops have helped to earn Southampton a deserved reputation as something of a shopping mecca amongst young urbanites. Surrounded by public parks, there are plenty of green spaces where visitors can get away from hustle and bustle and enjoy a walk within easy reach of the city.

Tourist Information
Southampton Tourist Information Centre
9 Civic Centre Road
Tel: (0)23 8083 3333.
Website: http://visit-southampton.co.uk
Opening hours: 0930-1700 Mon-Sat, closed on Sun and bank holidays.

The city’s tourist office is centrally located at opposite the Civic Centre. The helpful staff are able to offer advice on local attractions and events as well providing a selection of free and saleable maps and guides.

Destination Southampton (tel: (0)23 8023 5211; website: www.destinationsouthampton.co.uk) is the conference and venue booking arm of the Tourist Information Centre. They offer a free booking service and can help visitors with group bookings, hotel reservations and booking conference venues.

Passes
There are currently no tourist passes in Southampton.