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
York
York Minster showing a castle, a square or plaza and a church or cathedral
St. Mary\'s Abbey featuring a park, flowers and heritage architecture

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 centre 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 centre 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 theatre 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

Layerthorpe

When in Layerthorpe, you can plan a visit to Monk Bar and Treasurer's House, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Layerthorpe
The Milner York
The Milner York
4 out of 5
Station Road, York, England
The price is RM527 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
RM527
RM632 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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! (1,423 reviews)
"Staff are lovely, friendly and helpful. Tboroughly enjoyed our stay and will def go back"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

The Milner York
The Grand, York
The Grand, York
5 out of 5
Station Rise, York, England
The price is RM727 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
RM727
RM873 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
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! (1,106 reviews)
"Breakfast is always amazing and lovely lady who seems to work every day shows you to a table . Tea and coffee made to order . The grand is having the spa renovated at present and there’s some disruption . The shower in my room smelt very stale and the room wasn’t ready at 3 pm check in . I love York ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

The Grand, York
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
3 out of 5
46-50 Piccadilly, York, England
The price is RM405 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
RM405
RM486 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
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! (1,080 reviews)
"Perfect , checked in early, the room was lovely and clean. The staff were lovely, and very helpfull. The buffet breakfast was great, always restocked. Perfect location, definitely will be back."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 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! (271 reviews)
"Great location and very comfortable apartment."

Reviewed on 30 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

Things to do

Reviews of York

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1098
5 - Excellent 71%
4 - Good
403
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
43
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Delrios Italian restaurant, Blossom St best in the city

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The railway museum was worth a visit plus the city wall. I would have liked railings along the whole length of the wall.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I love York. Have walked around and there is so much history and lots to see. I look forward to my stay here.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

York is a fantastic city full of history and culture as well as great places to eat and socialise.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

York was fantastic. Attended a family wedding at Bettys Cafè Tea Rooms highly Reccommended!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Excellent visit to York Minster, Army Museum, Museum, The Shambles. Betty’s tearoom is a must visit for delicious food and atmosphere.