First of all, Southampton is famous because of its location which has the best harbors and strategic routes for global trade. The city is also popular for its role in the embarkation of several voyages, like the Mayflower and the tragic Titanic. Today, the city acts as the departure point for numerous cruises.

The history of Southampton is reflected in the city’s architecture. It has plenty of historical sites, medieval houses, and Tudor houses. With these kinds of views on the street, walking won’t feel so dull. Walking would be an interesting thing to do in Southampton due to the aesthetic surroundings.

People also know Southampton as a home to the University of Southampton. It is very well known for its academic excellence and its research contributions. Research done in Southampton is usually in the fields of engineering and oceanography.

There are abundant things to do in Southampton that invite the tourists to come. You can decide what kind of leisure you want. Is it a nice refreshing walk? Then, visit The Common, Manor Park, Ocean Village, or Riverside Park. They each have different settings and ambiance, and we thought you should try walking in each of those places for most of your experience.

Craving for some new insights? Visiting museums are the things to do in Southampton that will get you to know the city more. Tudor House and Garden, the most popular one, is a place where you can learn about the past of Southampton. The SeaCity Museum is a famous one because it has the tragic story of the Titanic. Art enthusiasts should pay a visit to Southampton City Art Gallery, a home for plenty of fine art, from various artists, both British and international.

When you’re in Southampton, you should try some local dishes. Although there are no traditional or typical dishes related to Southampton, the city does offer a variety of food scenes. The most important one that you should try is the fresh seafood, given its maritime location. International cuisines are easy to find, including Italian food, Indian food, and Thai food.

Exploring some pubs and gastropubs is recommended. The traditional British pubs and gastropubs usually serve classic dishes, like fish and chips or hearty roasts. It’s a place where you can eat like the locals.

If you’re into beer, you should explore the local beer scene. But if you’re not, the alternative is to enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea. Combine it with scones, then you will have the finest afternoon for sure.

If you wonder whether Southampton is good for shopping, the answer is, absolutely yes! It has a diverse range of shopping places, from small shops to markets, and malls. Visiting Westquay Shopping Centre, a mall with designer stores, restaurants, and an abundance of entertainment, is one thing to do in Southampton.

Another pick is Marlands Shopping Centre, located in the heart of the city. Everything you need is there, from fashion and even to technology. But anyway, nothing will beat the authentic feeling of strolling around Southampton's High Street which is full of aesthetic boutiques, where you can find something chic that is unique to bring home. East Street is recommended too for another unique shopping experience.

You can choose various ways to get to Southampton from London, but the easiest way would be by train. Book a ticket that will take you directly from London to Southampton, and you’ll spend only around 1.5 to 2 hours on your journey. The ticket price is varied, starting from £6.

Another choice to get to Southampton is by bus. The journey is usually around 2 to 3 hours. Cars are convenient too, especially when you can drive in England. The duration of the journey will depend on the traffic, but it can be around 1.5 to 2 hours.