York Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

York Minster featuring heritage architecture, religious elements and a square or plaza
York which includes dining out, heritage architecture and signage
York
York Minster showing château or palace, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
St. Mary\'s Abbey which includes a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and flowers

Venture into medieval times along the labyrinthian streets of this historic city, home to one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world.

With Gothic splendour and Georgian elegance, visiting York is like a trip back in time. Medieval history is evident at every turn, even in the most modern of attractions. From museums to restaurants to traditional pubs, every corner of the city has been carefully restored to preserve its 13th-century heritage.

Things to do in York

Immerse yourself in medieval York with a walk along the narrow, winding streets of The Shambles. The well-preserved street, with its timber-framed buildings and cobblestoned alleys, is one of the prettiest in Britain. Shop for traditional crafts and souvenirs at the many boutiques that line the street.

For additional shopping, head to Coppergate, Stonegate or Petergate, where you can shop a mix of high-end brands, independent boutiques and specialty stores selling pottery, glassware, crafts and souvenirs that reflect the Yorkshire heritage.

York has a vibrant cultural scene, so take time for a theatrical performance at the York Theatre Royal. If your visit takes place during the run of the renowned York Mystery Plays, try to get a ticket. These medieval plays depicting biblical stories are performed every few years.

York’s history and culture

Start in the heart of the walled city at the grand York Minster cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece of towering spires and intricate stonework. Imagine the skill, craftsmanship and brute strength required of the artisans who built it. Inside, take time to admire the stained-glass windows, explore the underground chambers and climb the Central Tower for panoramic city views.

While you’re here, walk along the ancient York City Walls, which date back to Roman times and serve as a reminder of York’s strategic significance throughout the centuries. Then, visit Clifford’s Tower to learn about the more turbulent sagas of York’s past. Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, the tower now offers striking vistas of the city skyline.

Go deep under the city to the York Dungeon, where an immersive experience illuminates the city’s darker past, including the infamous Guy Fawkes and chilling stories of the plague.

Dining and nightlife in York

Stop for lunch at the Shambles Market or Newgate Market, a bustling hive of fresh produce, artisanal goods and local delicacies. Savour traditional treats like Yorkshire pudding and pork pies, or head to a café or restaurant nearby for an English afternoon tea. Later, unwind after sightseeing at a local pub or bar, particularly in the historic Shambles area. Sip a pint of local ale or a craft cocktail while enjoying the atmospheric setting.

Getting to and around York

York doesn’t have its own airport, so fly into Leeds Bradford International Airport, about 25 miles (40.2 kilometres) west of York’s city centre. From the airport, you can take a taxi to central York in about 50-60 minutes. Walking and public transportation, such as the city’s buses, trains, taxis and bike-sharing programmes, are the best way to get around for sightseeing.

Where to stay in York

York featuring a bridge and night scenes

City Centre

If you're spending some time in City Centre, Merchant Adventurers' Hall and Shambles are top sights worth seeing.

City Centre
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Bishophill

If you're spending some time in Bishophill, Micklegate Bar and Yorvik Brass Rubbing Centre are top sights worth seeing.

Bishophill
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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.

South Bank
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Fishergate

While visiting Fishergate, you might make a stop by sights like York Barbican and Kohima Museum.

Fishergate
York which includes a park and flowers

Bootham

While visiting Bootham, you might make a stop by sights like Bootham Bar and York Theatre Royal.

Bootham
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The Groves

If you're spending some time in The Groves, Trinity Methodist Church York and Clarence Gardens are top sights worth seeing.

The Groves
The Milner York formerly the Principal York
The Milner York formerly the Principal York
4 out of 5
Station Road, York, England
The price is £103 per night from 5 May to 6 May
£103
includes taxes & fees
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,358 reviews)
"Beautiful building, the rooms are spotless and the staff are friendly and efficient. There is a bit of noise from the train station next door but that also means it is very convenient for travellers"

Reviewed on 29 Apr 2025

The Milner York formerly the Principal York
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
3 out of 5
46-50 Piccadilly, York, England
The price is £83 per night from 5 May to 6 May
£83
includes taxes & fees
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in York. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,012 reviews)
"All so very good"

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2025

Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
Malmaison York
Malmaison York
4 out of 5
2 ROUGIER STREET, York, England
The price is £98 per night from 5 May to 6 May
£98
includes taxes & fees
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,373 reviews)
Great location
"Excellent location, near to train station and town centre. Club room ideal. Roof terrace good. Would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 25 Apr 2025

Malmaison York
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Goodramgate Apartments
Goodramgate Apartments
4 out of 5
2a Monkgate, York, England
Stay at this 4-star apartment in York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions York Minster and Shambles ...
9/10 Wonderful! (260 reviews)
"Very nice apartment in superb location - out of the front door and straight into the shopping streets. We stayed in 'Viking quarters' which is on 2nd floor above the Goodramgate Apartments shop/office. Apartment is accessed via a side door and up 2 flight of stairs - no problem. We arrived early ..."

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2025

Goodramgate Apartments
Victoria Cloisters Apartments
Victoria Cloisters Apartments
4 out of 5
Fetter Lane, York, England
Stay at this 4-star apartment in York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions York City Walls and Jorvik Viking Centre ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (58 reviews)
"Spot on place to stay, near all amenities. Great location, safe and very quiet."

Reviewed on 20 Apr 2025

Victoria Cloisters Apartments
The Little Hide - Grown Up Glamping
The Little Hide - Grown Up Glamping
2 out of 5
Willow House Caravan Park, Wigginton Road, York, England
Stay at this apartment in York. Enjoy free parking and a picnic area. Popular attractions York Minster and Shambles are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (134 reviews)
"The provided facilities, in terms of the fridge shack etc could do with updating and the site is a lot smaller than anticipated so we were greatful of only one other pod being occupied. Had there have been others there, there wouldn’t have been much privacy at all. Coat hooks being on the same wall ..."

Reviewed on 14 Apr 2025

The Little Hide - Grown Up Glamping
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of York

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1098
5 - Excellent 71%
4 - Good
403
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
43
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Delrios Italian restaurant, Blossom St best in the city

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The railway museum was worth a visit plus the city wall. I would have liked railings along the whole length of the wall.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I love York. Have walked around and there is so much history and lots to see. I look forward to my stay here.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

York is a fantastic city full of history and culture as well as great places to eat and socialise.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

York was fantastic. Attended a family wedding at Bettys Cafè Tea Rooms highly Reccommended!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Excellent visit to York Minster, Army Museum, Museum, The Shambles. Betty’s tearoom is a must visit for delicious food and atmosphere.

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