York Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

York Minster featuring a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
York showing signage, a city and street scenes
York
York Minster featuring a castle, heritage architecture and a square or plaza
St. Mary\'s Abbey which includes heritage architecture, flowers and a garden

Medieval monuments set around cobblestone lanes, a lively arts scene and scenic shopping streets make York one of England’s most captivating cities.

Step inside the medieval walls of York to experience one of England’s most picturesque and historic cities. Marvel at an architectural legacy bequeathed by the Romans, Vikings and Saxons, among others. Wander cobblestone streets to discover numerous shopping districts. A thriving arts scene unites classic with contemporary.

York is in Yorkshire County in northeast England. The almost traffic-free city center is surrounded by the medieval City Walls and straddles the River Ouse. In this central area find historic landmarks and half-timbered houses jostling for space with boutique shops and centuries-old taverns.

The first stop for many visitors is the magnificent York Minster, which dates back to the seventh century. See medieval stained-glass windows in The Orb gallery and climb the central tower for an unrivaled look over the city. Enjoy more views from Clifford’s Tower (aka York Castle), built by William the Conqueror. Visit York St. Mary’s, a medieval church and center for contemporary visual arts. In the museum gardens are the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey.

Stroll along The Shambles, York’s most famous shopping street. Find chic boutiques, galleries and cafés set inside timber-framed buildings. Nearby, Stonegate is home to jewelers, antique shops and historic pubs such as 400-year-old Ye Olde Starre Inne. Browse Newgate Market’s stalls for artisanal food, fresh produce, leather goods and handicrafts.

Learn more about York’s history at the city’s museums. Walk in the footsteps of Vikings at Jorvik Viking Centre. Relive events of York’s dark history at the York Dungeons. Discover 2,000 years of social history at York Castle Museum. Inspect models of famous trains, such as the Flying Scotsman, at the National Railway Museum.

Enjoy a night out at the Micklegate Quarter, visiting several of York’s 300 pubs. Watch theater productions, ballets or operas at York Theatre Royal and the Grand Opera House.

Located midway between London and Edinburgh, York is well served by public trains and buses. It’s also an ideal base for exploring Yorkshire’s market towns, countryside and coastline. Rent a car and visit the striking Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.

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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South Bank

While South Bank isn't home to many top sights, York Racecourse and Micklegate Bar are some notable places to visit nearby.

South Bank
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Bishophill

If you're spending some time in Bishophill, Micklegate Bar and St. Mary's Church are top sights worth seeing.

Bishophill
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Fishergate

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

Fishergate
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Fulford

Travellers come to Fulford for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like McArthur Glen Designer Outlet and Fulford Golf Club while you're in town.

Fulford
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
The Milner York
The Milner York
4 out of 5
Station Road, York, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$217 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$217
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in York. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,419 reviews)
"Location was great"

Reviewed on 26 Jun. 2025

The Milner York
The Grand, York
The Grand, York
5 out of 5
Station Rise, York, England
The price is NZ$381 per night from 6 July to 7 July
NZ$381
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in York. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,105 reviews)
"Hotel was fantastic, staff were extremely friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 25 Jun. 2025

The Grand, York
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
3 out of 5
46-50 Piccadilly, York, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$199 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$199
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in York. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,076 reviews)
"Awesome people !"

Reviewed on 29 Jun. 2025

Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
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 WiFi, daily housekeeping, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions York Minster and Shambles ...
9/10 Wonderful! (269 reviews)
"Cute house and fantastic location. Check in was easy. Loved our stay."

Reviewed on 5 Jun. 2025

Goodramgate Apartments
The Little Hide - Adult Only Camping Pods
The Little Hide - Adult Only Camping Pods
2 out of 5
Willow House Caravan Park, Wigginton Road, York, England
Stay at this property in York. Enjoy free parking and a picnic area. Popular attractions York Minster and Shambles are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (139 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 4 Jun. 2025

The Little Hide - Adult Only Camping Pods
Sycamore Apartments
Sycamore Apartments
3 out of 5
2 Sycamore Place, Bootham, York, England
Stay at this 3-star apartment in York. Enjoy parking (surcharge). Popular attractions York Minster and Shambles are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (28 reviews)
"Excellent location, accommodations and staff!"

Reviewed on 5 Jun. 2025

Sycamore Apartments
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

Activities

Reviews of York

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
82
5 - Excellent 76%
4 - Good
23
4 - Good 21%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Everything within easy walking distance

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Try to make time to walk the City walls, it was a wonderful experience, the views from the top of the wall are magnificent.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Wonderful stunning city

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful city plenty to see and do.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

York is a quirky city filled with history, as well as great tours, shopping and dining. The free walking tour run by the Volunteer Guides is brilliant!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I love York, the history there is amazing, the people are ever so kind and friendly! And the choice of restaurants and cafes is fantastic, went on the Hop on Hop off bus tour around York city found it fascinating!

Cities near York