City Centre Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit City Centre
Popular places to visit
Shambles
This picturesque cobblestone street has a fascinating medieval history and crooked buildings that appear to almost fall into one another.
York Minster
The city’s emblem is known for its superb stained-glass windows, underground treasure chambers and tall tower with spectacular views.
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
York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour
York Witches and History Walking Tour
From York: North Moors and Whitby Tour
York: Introduction to Chocolate Making Experience
Our pick of the best City Centre Hotel Deals
Moxy York
Great reception and breakfast, very dog friendly
Reviewed on 30 Dec 2025
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
I stayed here with my partner for 1 night. It was located very near to a venue we were attending so that is how we came to choose this hotel. The room was a good size with a very nice shower room. The water pressure was quite weak however but for one night it wasn’t a problem. Sleep quality was good ...
Reviewed on 1 Jan 2026
Hotel Indigo York by IHG
The staff were very friendly and helpful. I had a problem with the room heating but they sorted it straightaway,
Reviewed on 30 Dec 2025
Hilton York
Perfect last minute stay. I always stay at The Dean Court, however the Hilton had better amenities in the room from shampoo, conditioner. Coffee, tea and TV! The pillows were so comfortable!
Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025
Impossible Motel
Great Location situated in center opposite Bettys tea rooms Had to change rooms due to broken toilet seat but staff were helpful and resolved issue No breakfast included but this was a plus as there are so many great places to eat breakfast / brunch only a few minutes walk away
Reviewed on 12 Dec 2025
Dean Court Hotel
CcfdC
Reviewed on 25 Dec 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.
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 York Barbican and Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland.
Layerthorpe
When in Layerthorpe, you can plan a visit to Merchant Taylors' Hall and Monk 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.
