This is the city for you
If you’re looking for a place where you can be yourself, meet like-minded people, and have the freedom to pursue your interests, this is the city for you. Need to hear more? Here’s our six top reasons to love Southampton.
This is the city for you
If you’re looking for a place where you can be yourself, meet like-minded people, and have the freedom to pursue your interests, this is the city for you. Need to hear more? Here’s our six top reasons to love Southampton.
1. The culture
We’re a laid-back city that is open, friendly and thriving thanks to its diverse communities. From big Pride celebrations to cultural festivals that are free to all, plus a celebration of street art and skateboarding, Southampton has a busy calendar of events led by our many communities.
Our diverse city
2. The food
Southampton has an abundance of must-try restaurants and cafes run by passionate people, as well as a selection of delicious street food vendors on the high street. A huge range of cultures are represented through the city’s food scene - including Thai, Greek, Polish and Indian – while supermarkets, delis and specialist shops cater to a variety of tastes.
Discover Southampton
3. The music
Musicians thrive in Southampton, thanks to an inclusive music scene and array of quirky venues. The Joiners is a favourite among locals, with live music almost every night, and a national reputation as one of the very best small venues in the country. The 1865, Engine Rooms and Heartbreakers all have eclectic gigs throughout the year, while Vinilo Record Store delivers all your music needs and in-store intimate gigs.
Read our going out guide
4. The history
Southampton has a significant history, and museums that showcase it proudly. At the SeaCity Museum you’ll learn about the story of the Titanic, and how it shaped the city. At the Tudor House and Garden you’ll step back into the past in the city’s old town. And at Solent Sky you’ll learn about the incredible legacy of the Spitfire – designed and built in Southampton.
Find out about life in Southampton
5. The people
Nearly forty thousand students call Southampton home, so you’ll never be alone. Alongside our vast, multicultural student community you’ll find plenty of opportunities to meet new faces, and there’s always a club, group or event run by local enthusiasts.
Chat to a student
6. The location
We’re well-connected, green, and right on the water. A stone’s throw from the New Forest, a stunning national park with more than 300 miles of heathland and forest, you’ll have plenty to do at the weekend, and the city itself is home to beautiful parks with interesting histories, including the Common and Royal Victoria Country Park.
More about our location
Come and see for yourself
Our open days are the perfect way to discover Southampton, our communities, and Solent’s place at the heart of our city. We’d love to show you around! And if you live outside of the city boundary Council, or have travelled from outside of the UK, you can apply for an Amazon voucher to cover your travel costs. So what are you waiting for?
Book now
