Things to do in York

Activities, attractions and tours

A large Gothic cathedral with intricate stonework and pointed arches.
A narrow street lined with traditional half-timbered buildings, including a Punch Bowl pub.
A garden with flowering trees, a variety of flowers, and a building in the background.
A large Gothic cathedral with pointed arches and a rose window.
A classical building with columns, a garden with red and white tulips, and people walking and sitting in the park.

Things to do

York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

RM93
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour

York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour

RM93
per adult
York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour
The York Dungeon Tour

The York Dungeon Tour

RM109
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
The York Dungeon Tour
Nth York Moors Steam Train

Nth York Moors Steam Train (incl) & Whitby Small Group Day Trip.

RM485
per adult
Nth York Moors Steam Train (incl) & Whitby Small Group Day Trip.
RHS Garden Harlow Carr Entry Ticket

RHS Garden Harlow Carr Entry Ticket

RM82
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
RHS Garden Harlow Carr Entry Ticket
Self Guided Walking Tour of York with Audio Guide

Self Guided Walking Tour of York with Audio Guide

RM23
per adult
Self Guided Walking Tour of York with Audio Guide
Shared Walking Tour in York

Shared York Walking Tour – Hidden Gems & History

RM98
per adult
Shared York Walking Tour – Hidden Gems & History
York: Castle Howard House and Gardens Self-Guided Ticket

York: Castle Howard House and Gardens - Self-Guided

RM93
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
York: Castle Howard House and Gardens - Self-Guided
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What to do in York

Stay near popular York attractions

A large Gothic cathedral with intricate stonework and pointed arches.

York Minster

9.4/10 (3,458 reviews)
York Minster's soaring Gothic architecture houses one of Europe's largest medieval stained glass collections. Climb 275 steps up the central tower for breathtaking views across ancient York.
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Where to stay in York

Find the best York areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about York
Learn more about York
A Gothic cathedral with intricate stonework and pointed arches.
Photo by Val Vannet
Open Photo by Val Vannet

Bootham

While visiting Bootham, you might make a stop by sights like York Theatre Royal and St. Mary's Abbey.

A historic stone tower on a grassy hill under a clear sky.

Clifton

Though Clifton may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like York Theatre Royal and Yorkshire Museum Gardens.

A modern bridge with a curved design over a river, surrounded by greenery and buildings.
Photo by Tim Green
Open Photo by Tim Green

Fishergate

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

A historic cathedral with Gothic architecture, a clear night sky, and a street with buildings on either side.

City Centre

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

A nighttime cityscape with illuminated buildings, a prominent cathedral, and a lit-up intersection with light trails from vehicles.
Photo by Ron Photos
Open Photo by Ron Photos

South Bank

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

Frequently asked questions

Is York worth visiting?
Famous for its bars and pubs and walking trails, finding awesome things to do in York is a breeze. Make sure to add York Minster to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in York?
Start your day with a visit to York Castle Museum and National Railway Museum. Then, explore other parts of York for local dining and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in York?
York Minster is one of the top tourist attractions in York and should feature high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in York?
Three days in York is more than enough to visit the city's major attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. York Minster, York Castle Museum and York Maze are among the most popular sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Leeds.
Is York a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city centre, York is a great destination to discover on foot. Wander between York Minster and York Castle Museum. Then take a stroll through Bootham, located 0.64 kilometres from downtown, and Fulford, which is roughly 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in York with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, a schedule filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Browse our ideas for what to do in York with kids.
What to do in York for adults?
Jorvik Viking Centre and National Centre for Early Music are just two of the things to do in York. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in York?
In York, Undercroft, Treasury & Crypt is an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a good way to find out about the best free things to do in York.

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