City Centre Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
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 Grand Opera House
Enjoy a show at York Grand Opera House, a theatre with a story to tell in York. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this walkable area.
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.
Activities
City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
The Deathly Dark Tour of York: Experience of the Year 2024
York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour
Chocolate Bar Making Workshop - York Cocoa Works
Our pick of the best City Centre Hotel Deals
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
Yes
Reviewed on 15 Nov 2025
Moxy York
The Moxy hit all the right buttons!
Reviewed on 14 Nov 2025
Hotel Indigo York by IHG
We had a lovely stay at The Hotel Indigo York, myself and a friend shared a twin room which was very comfortable. The breakfast was good and the staff really friendly and efficient.
Reviewed on 13 Nov 2025
Hilton York
Good location, friendly staff happy to seat 9 of us for breakfast or drinks in the bar area. Room comfortable & spotless, although bathroom a bit too compact & having to step in/ out of bath to use shower, not great for people in their mid seventies, despite a number of grab handles.
Reviewed on 11 Nov 2025
Impossible Motel
The check in staff were fabulous. Friendly and helpful. The room was small but not wholly unexpected. This hotel is great location. The bath was great. The bath candles didn’t have batteries, the shower leaked all over the floor too. The main downside is by far the noise from the bar downstairs which ...
Reviewed on 9 Nov 2025
The Watergate Inn
Loved the staff they were very helpful, friendly and courteous. Room was spotless and well worth the money paid.
Reviewed on 4 Nov 2025
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.
Foss Islands
Though Foss Islands may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like York Barbican and Merchant Adventurers' Hall.
Bootham
While visiting Bootham, you might make a stop by sights like Bootham Bar and York Theatre Royal.
The Groves
If you're spending some time in The Groves, Clarence Gardens and Yearsley Pool are top sights worth seeing.
Layerthorpe
When in Layerthorpe, you can plan a visit to Monk Bar and Merchant Adventurers' Hall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Fishergate
While visiting Fishergate, you might make a stop by sights like York Barbican and Kohima Museum.
