There are few places in Britain where you can feel the weight and wonder of 2,000 years of history just by walking down the street. York is one of them.
This is a city built by Romans, ruled by Vikings, and shaped by the Normans—a place where medieval walls encircle a thriving modern city, and every cobblestone seems to have a story to tell.
But York is more than just a history lesson. It’s a city of vibrant culture, world-class museums, independent shops, and a food scene that rivals any in the north.
It’s a place to get lost in narrow alleyways, to find a quiet moment in a hidden garden, and to feel the buzz of a city that has been welcoming visitors for centuries. This guide is your starting point for discovering it all.
Getting to and Around York
York’s position in the heart of the country makes it incredibly easy to reach. The magnificent York Railway Station is a destination in itself and a major hub on the UK’s rail network, with direct services from London, Edinburgh, and Manchester often taking less than two hours.
Once you arrive, you’ll find York is a city best explored on foot. Most of its iconic attractions are nestled within the city walls, making for a wonderfully walkable experience.
For journeys further afield, the city is well-served by an extensive bus network and an excellent Park & Ride system, with six sites allowing you to park for free and complete your journey into the centre by bus.
Top Attractions & Things to Do
York is packed with world-class sights, offering something for every kind of traveller. Here are the essentials that you simply can’t miss.
York Minster: You’ll see it long before you reach it. York Minster is not just a cathedral; it’s the heart of the city and one of the most magnificent Gothic buildings in the world.
Take your time to admire the Great East Window—the largest expanse of medieval stained glass on the planet—and explore the Undercroft to uncover the building’s Roman foundations.
For an unforgettable experience, climb the 275 steps of the Central Tower for breathtaking panoramic views across the city.
The Shambles: Step back in time on what is often called the best-preserved medieval street in Europe. With its overhanging timber-framed houses that almost touch in the middle.
The Shambles was once the street of butchers. Today, its quirky buildings house independent shops and are famously said to have inspired Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series.
York City Walls: No trip to York is complete without a walk along its ancient city walls—the most complete circuit of medieval walls in England.
The full 2-mile (3.4km) walk takes about two hours and offers a unique perspective on the city, with fantastic views of York Minster and the historic streets below. It’s a free activity and a perfect way to get your bearings. For a detailed guide, see our Walking York City Walls Guide.
National Railway Museum: A must-visit for families and enthusiasts alike, this free museum is the largest of its kind in the world. Get up close to iconic engines like the Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive, and explore opulent royal carriages. It’s a fascinating journey through the history of Britain’s railways.
Jorvik Viking Centre: Discover York’s fascinating Viking legacy at this world-famous attraction. Built on the site of a major archaeological dig, the Jorvik Viking Centre transports you back to 10th-century York, complete with the sights, sounds, and even smells of the Viking city of Jorvik.
Clifford’s Tower: Standing proudly on its grassy mound, Clifford’s Tower is the largest remaining part of York Castle. Climb to the top for stunning 360-degree views of the city and learn about its dramatic and often dark history, from medieval power struggles to tragic massacres.
Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate: Don’t miss this quirky local landmark—York’s shortest street with the longest name. First recorded in 1505 as Whitnourwhatnourgate, its name is thought to mean “neither-one-thing-nor-the-other street”. This tiny alley, which connects Colliergate to the Shambles, is a fun photo opportunity and a great example of York’s unique history.
Unique Experiences & Tours
Beyond the main attractions, York offers a wealth of unique experiences. Delve deeper into the city’s history with a guided walking tour, with themes ranging from Roman history to the city’s spooky ghost stories.
For a different perspective, take a relaxing cruise along the River Ouse, which winds its way through the heart of the city.
Where to Stay in York
York offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every taste and budget, from 5-star luxury to unique countryside escapes.
For ultimate indulgence, The Grand, York offers five-star luxury in the iconic former headquarters of the North Eastern Railway.
If you’re looking for historic character, you can find charming guesthouses in beautiful Georgian or Victorian buildings, such as The Bar Convent, England’s oldest living convent, located right in the heart of the city.
For a truly local experience, consider a self-catering stay in a characterful property like 109 Nunnery Lane, a beautifully restored Victorian townhouse just a short walk from the city centre.
And for something completely different, the countryside a short drive away from York offers unique glamping options like the pods at Ravensdale Glamping Retreats.
A Taste of Yorkshire: Food & Drink
York is a food lover’s paradise, offering everything from Michelin-starred dining to ancient pubs brimming with character.
For a true taste of history, seek out one of the city’s many historic pubs, some of which have been serving ale for centuries.
Step into Ye Olde Starre Inne, which holds the city’s longest continuous license (since 1644), or the famously haunted Golden Fleece, one of York’s earliest coaching inns dating back to 1503.
The city’s independent food scene is thriving, particularly on Fossgate, a vibrant street bursting with global flavours from Korean BBQ and Polish comfort food to Mexican small plates and Spanish tapas.
For a more casual bite, the Shambles Market offers a fantastic array of street food from around the world.
For a special occasion, York boasts several fine dining establishments. Restaurants like Roots and Legacy at The Grand offer modern British tasting menus that celebrate the best of Yorkshire’s local and seasonal produce.
And of course, no trip to Yorkshire is complete without experiencing the institution that is Betty’s Cafe Tea Rooms, where you can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in elegant surroundings.[10, 13]
Shopping in York
From high-street favourites to one-of-a-kind independents, York is a fantastic shopping destination. The main streets like Parliament Street and Coney Street are home to big brands, while the winding lanes of The Shambles and Stonegate are where you’ll find unique boutiques, artisan crafts, and quirky gift shops.
For designer bargains, the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet is just a short bus ride from the city centre.
Day Trips from York
If you’re staying for a few days, York is the perfect base for exploring the wider Yorkshire region.
Castle Howard: Just a 40-minute drive from the city, this magnificent 18th-century stately home is one of Britain’s finest. You can spend hours exploring the grand house, which has featured in productions like Bridgerton, and wandering through its extensive, idyllic gardens.
The nearby Beningbrough Hall has not just fascinating history and architecture but great grounds to walk.
The North York Moors & Helmsley: Escape to the wild, heather-clad landscapes of the North York Moors National Park. Many day tours from York include a stop in Helmsley, a picturesque market town with a medieval castle, quaint shops, and traditional tea rooms.
Whitby: Head to the coast to visit the charming fishing town of Whitby. Climb the 199 steps to the dramatic abbey ruins that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, explore the bustling harbour, and sample some of the country’s best fish and chips. The scenic bus journey from York over the moors is an experience in itself.
For the Photographers: If you’re looking to capture the beauty of the city through a lens, be sure to check out our specialised guide: The Ultimate Photographer’s Guide To York.
