Southampton Life and Visitor Travel Tips

(Southampton, Hampshire, England, UK)

Southampton is a typical and often extremely busy city, and life here is led at a fairly fast pace. With many enormous shopping centres, department stores and bustling restaurants, there is always something to do.

It is worth organising your day in advance, and a trip to the Southampton Tourist Information Centre is strongly advised.

Tourism and Tourist Information

Visitors arriving in the city of Southampton should head straight to the Tourist Information Centre, which is located across from the Civic Centre. A visit to the office will ensure that you get the most out of the city during your stay and information is readily available about the main attractions, local festivities and hotels, together with city maps, travel guides and details about the public transport. Helpful staff are also on-hand and provide a useful accommodation booking service, for those looking for somewhere to stay.

Southampton Tourist Information Centre (TIC)
Address: 9 Civic Centre Road, Southampton, SO14 7FJ, England, UK
Tel: +44 023 8083 3333
Email: tourist.information@southampton.gov.uk
Open hours: April to September, Monday to Saturday - 09:30 to 17:00, Sunday - 10:30 to 16:00; October to Match, Monday to Saturday - 09:30 to 17:00

Language

Almost all shopkeepers, restaurateurs and hoteliers speak English as their main and only language in Southampton, so do not expect people to be bilingual and fluent in other languages, such as French, Spanish or Italian. All signposts are shown only in English, although attractions and car parks are clearly indicated by symbols. There is a definite south county feel in the London-sounding accents of Southampton locals, although it is easy to understand and there are no unusual or colourful colloquialisms to worry about. If your English is only basic, do bring a translating dictionary or similar, so that you make the most out of your visit.

Tipping

Tipping is fairly discretionary in the city, although it is usually commonplace in most restaurants, even in some fast-food eateries, such as Pizza Hut. Many restaurants now automatically include a service charge or leave a space for you to enter for gratuity, particularly when paying by credit card. However, it is quite acceptable to leave a few pounds on the table when leaving, if you were happy with the service, although never more than 5 or 10% of the overall bill.

Smoking

Smoking in Southampton has never been so unpopular and from July 1st 2007, all restaurants, pubs, bars and offices have completely banned smoking from all indoor areas. It is usually clear when smoking is not permitted, as 'no smoking' signs are always displayed in prominent locations and the absence of ash trays is always a giveaway.