City Centre Travel Guide
York
Visit City Centre
Popular places to visit
York Minster
The city’s emblem is known for its superb stained-glass windows, underground treasure chambers and tall tower with spectacular views.
Shambles
This picturesque cobblestone street has a fascinating medieval history and crooked buildings that appear to almost fall into one another.
Jorvik Viking Centre
Imagine yourself as a Viking in this museum that allows you to dig up Norse artifacts and witness reenactments, while you learn about York’s Scandinavian settlers.
York City Walls
See some of York’s most impressive sights on a walk around the historic perimeter wall that has its origins in the Roman era.
York Christmas Market
During your visit to York, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at York Christmas Market. Discover the area's fascinating museums or seek out its local tours.
York Dungeon
Laugh, squirm and recoil at the ghastly torture methods and grisly crimes recreated in this prison-like museum where you can immerse yourself in macabre practices and living conditions of the Middle Ages.
Things to do
City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour
York Witches and History Walking Tour
Nth York Moors National Park & Whitby Small Group Day Trip.
Top hotels in City Centre
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
Lovely large clean room, friendly staff and very helpful, used just park for parking which was just across the road
Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026
Hilton York
Good central location. Lots of restaurants and shops nearby. Room was clean I found the bed a little uncomfortable. Small bathroom.
Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026
Moxy York
Hotel location was great, but rooms were a little stuffy. We were on level 4 and it was relatively sunny out. Good staff, late night bar staff need a little more training. Breakfast is worth missing
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026
Hotel Indigo York by IHG
Our favourite place to stay in York, delicious breakfast
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026
Dean Court Hotel
The place was great. It's really close and convenient to the center of town. The staff was lovely. The room was large and great street views. I would highly recommend this place again
Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026
Impossible Motel
Right in the centre of York, plenty of shops etc nearby.
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around City Centre
Bishophill
If you're spending some time in Bishophill, Micklegate Bar and Yorvik Brass Rubbing Centre are top sights worth seeing.
Bootham
While visiting Bootham, you might make a stop by sights like York Theatre Royal and St. Mary's Abbey.
Foss Islands
Though Foss Islands may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Walmgate Bar and York Barbican.
Layerthorpe
When in Layerthorpe, you can plan a visit to Merchant Taylors' Hall and Walmgate Bar, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
The Groves
If you're spending some time in The Groves, Clarence Gardens and Yearsley Pool are top sights worth seeing.
South Bank
While South Bank isn't home to many top sights, York Racecourse and Bar Convent Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.
