Ocean Village is one of the city’s most desirable yet pricey locations, as the ports and harbours containing impressive yachts and ships are at your feet, along with excellent views of the bay and the English Channel.
Most accommodation, however, is in Southampton city centre, immediately north and within walking distance of the port area. The commercial hub of the city has much to offer, including the best of Southampton’s shopping and nightlife.
The Cultural Quarter, located north of the city centre, is also a lively and exciting area to stay as it offers a mix of excellent bars and cultural spaces like SeaCity Museum.
Head further north to The Polygon to enjoy a diverse and delectable food scene, and lively music scene. While the city centre’s music scene is all about raves, dubstep, and electronic music, The Polygon is where you’ll find the jazz, folk, and indie enthusiasts rocking out to live bands.
If you prefer the simple country life, stay in Hythe, a traditional village along Southampton’s estuary which is connected to the city by a regular ferry. This family-oriented village has a stunning waterfront and cute village centre with plenty of shops and restaurants.
Southampton is relatively compact, and so it’s pretty easy to walk from Ocean Village to the Cultural Quarter at the opposite side of the city, but for those who prefer not to, there are regular buses available.
