Things to do in York

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit York

Types of activities

Where to stay

York travel guide

York Minster which includes religious aspects, a church or cathedral and a square or plaza

York showing dining out, heritage architecture and signage

Yorkshire Museum Gardens featuring flowers and a park

York Minster showing a castle, a square or plaza and a church or cathedral

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What to do in York

Popular places to visit

Shambles

4.5/5(967 reviews)

This picturesque cobblestone street has a fascinating medieval history and crooked buildings that appear to almost fall into one another.

York Minster

4.5/5(775 reviews)

The city’s emblem is known for its superb stained-glass windows, underground treasure chambers and tall tower with spectacular views.

York Racecourse

4.5/5(139 reviews)

You can take time to visit York Racecourse during your travels to York. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this romantic area.

University of York

4.5/5(76 reviews)

Explore the campus of University of York during your visit to Heslington. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

Jorvik Viking Centre

4.5/5(334 reviews)

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 St. John University

4.5/5(26 reviews)

Explore the campus of York St. John University as part of your travels around York. Discover the area's shops or seek out its local tours.

York Barbican

4.5/5(105 reviews)

Enjoy a show at York Barbican, a theatre with a story to tell in York. Make time for the shops and local tours in this walkable area.

Castle Howard

4.5/5(128 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Henderskelfe with a stop at Castle Howard. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this quaint area.

York which includes heritage architecture

York City Walls

4.5/5(17 reviews)

See some of York’s most impressive sights on a walk around the historic perimeter wall that has its origins in the Roman era.

Areas of York

City Centre

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

Bishophill

If you're spending some time in Bishophill, Micklegate Bar and Yorvik Brass Rubbing Centre are top sights worth seeing.

South Bank

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

The Millennium Bridge spans the River Ouse to the south of York, linking Hospital Fields Road and Maple Grove in Fulford with Butcher Terrace on the South Bank

Fishergate

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

Bootham

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

Glen Gardens, York Glen Gardens is a small, traditional park in the suburb of Heworth. It boasts two bowling greens, tennis courts and rose gardens, and appears to be relatively free of vandalism.

Layerthorpe

When in Layerthorpe, you can plan a visit to Merchant Taylors' Hall and Monk Bar, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Ripon

Middlesbrough

Harrogate

Whitby

Malton

The Unpaved Track to the A163. There is no obvious reason for the track to be unpaved

Barlby

Bilbrough

Cass Plantation. view along a track in the woodland

Huby

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.