Seriously thorough enthusiasts of expert longevity took my piano to heart and restored it. My…read morelovely Broadwood is now renewed to perfection, tonally and cosmetically beautiful. One star missing due to initial delay without making contact to warn me.

This is a really interesting shop specialising in restoring old pianos. I guess they must get…read morebusiness from quite a wide area, as there can't be that many pianos needing restoring! They hire and sell the restored pianos, which all look good quality. I can't afford much in here, but I love learning about the gorgeous old pianos. They can value pianos as well and help with insurance queries. The staff are clearly passionate about their work and are keen to give advice on buying at auction or valuing a piano. My friend's piano turned out not to be worth much, but they did give her tips on keeping it in good condition.

This bookshop is one of a kind! It is huge and has many entry points along the storefront. It…read morealmost feels like a few shops from the front, but once you go inside, it all connects in the back. The highlight is the large room that has the sunken area full of books. There is even a photo spot marked for you to take it all in on your camera. I love that although it is large and has tons of books, it didn't feel cramped and unorganized. My favorite part of the store was in the back where they had high value books for sale. Thee are one of a kind, super ild editions that are in great condition and there is a whole team to curate and market these books. We got to see them in real life!

I visited Blackwell's when I was staying at Christ Church College for The Oxford Experience. They…read morehave nice selection of manga and fantasy/science fiction in one store and a good selection of general fiction in the other. I especially like receiving their emails with featured books based on a theme now that I have returned to the US.

I could spend a lot of time (and money!) in Reign. The layout of the shop makes it feel bright and…read morespacious and the different items are sorted not just by type but also by colour. The most interesting things they have to offer appear to be placed in highlighted locations around the room and they really are beautiful pieces. Compared to the quality and prices of vintage in London, everything in Reign is a complete bargain, with most items in great condition and ranging from £5-£30. Apparently frequented by Emma Watson, Reign is a gem in the midst of Cowley road.

I was recommend this shop by a friend and had previously never noticed it was there after having…read morelived in Oxford for 2 years. And boy had I been missing out! Full of your typical glitzy and floral vintage dresses, but also casual jumpers and retro tees. I snapped up a funky vintage beige vest top with brown airmail stamps across it for the bargain price of £4.50! They also have great quality leather shoes, clutch bags and your usual vintage accessories. Worth a look if your craving a classic

Decent little shop in Oxford for souvenirs. The quality is a bit higher than other similar Oxford…read moreshops, but so is the price. They had more unique items that could be given to people who would not want a big Oxford tshirt or pencil set. For instance, they had a whole section for folks who like to garden (see photos). They had tin mugs with cute gardening sayings. I got one for my mother who enjoys gardening all too much. It didn't seem like a chain store, and I really like local mom-and-pop shops so if I'm right that makes me happy! The front of the shop (window) is a bit confusing. The window says Oxford College Store on the front, but the sign above that says Bonnie. There's a hanging sign that reads Bonnie as well. Perhaps it was renamed, or they are trying to highlight their connection to Oxford University? Either way, it was a bit disconcerting to this foreigner.

I must admit, I avoided this place for ages because I just assumed it was a posh designer store…read morebecause of its name! When I actually got round to looking in it, I thought it was just another one of those touristy, overpriced 'Oxford University' memorabilia shops. BUT, and it's a big but, I was wrong! This has got some great clothes in a variety of styles, and is a refreshing change from the chain stores around town (which can be great, but you know what to expect every time). It's hardly a major item in there, but I'm quite fond of the lingerie. Prices vary but it's all fairly reasonable for Oxford, and if you're lucky you can grab a real bargain. As with all sales items, get it when you see it or you might be disappointed when you return! The staff are very friendly, and are happy to let you browse. If you're after an Oxford-branded gift for someone, or a treat for yourself, they're very helpful and can recommend things you might not have noticed.

The gist: Art gallery with a range of exhibitions, talks, events, workshops and films…read more Who's it for? Mainly the local community, although it's well worth visiting if you're a tourist as well. What's so great about it? Variety, and it's free (donation recommended)! If you don't like the art they're displaying, it changes every couple of months. Will the kids like it? They cater for children. 2-4pm at weekends with exhibitions, there's a 'modern art trolley' with activity sheets. They also have family guides, family days and artist-led workshops for children. See the website for more details. I'm just hungrycan I eat there? Yep, like all the best places there's a cafe. What's the catch? Well, modern art's not for everyone

Amazing contemporary art, great atmosphere and a good time altogether. I had gone there for a…read moreprivate party and the basement was done up so well with the lights, music and everything.

Beautiful shop, with great quality clothing, jewellery and homewares. This has to be my new…read morefavourite shop in Oxford! I could easily blow my budget here, but it would be with a clear conscious seeing as it's ethical and fairtrade wares. Well worth a visit.

A friendly local family owns this fabulous piano shop. You know that you are speaking to the…read moreexperts, and if you are not convinced, then ask one of them to play you a tune and you'll be blown away. They have a small shop on St. Clements St and also a massive warehouse and workshop on Magdalen Road. They also offer a professional refurb service and tuning. Very professional.

I love coming in here for a browse and often end up buying something. I haveonly just discovered…read moretheir website whilst recommending the shop on a Yahoo site and can tell you that there is lots more to see! The shop also has some vintage clothing, jewellery and general knick-knacks. The staff are lovely and don't mind people wandering around and having a good nose! They are very happy to chat to you about items that you might have to sell and this is definitely a "must see" shop. Wyenot