York

Travel Guide

York Minster showing heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and religious elements
York showing signage, dining out and a city
York
York Minster featuring a square or plaza, heritage architecture and street scenes
St. Mary\'s Abbey featuring a church or cathedral, 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 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 Bar Convent Museum 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
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
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The Groves

If you're spending some time in The Groves, Trinity Methodist Church York and Clarence Gardens are top sights worth seeing.

The Groves
Radisson Hotel York
Radisson Hotel York
4 out of 5
North Street, York, England
The price is S$135 per night from 22 May to 23 May
S$135
22 May - 23 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in York. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Good stay in central york"

Reviewed on 5 May, 2025

Radisson Hotel York
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
3 out of 5
46-50 Piccadilly, York, England
The price is S$145 per night from 18 May to 19 May
S$145
18 May - 19 May
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! (1,027 reviews)
"A good stay."

Reviewed on 7 May, 2025

Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
Malmaison York
Malmaison York
4 out of 5
2 ROUGIER STREET, York, England
The price is S$154 per night from 18 May to 19 May
S$154
18 May - 19 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in York. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,383 reviews)
"Good hotel, fantastic room but service lacking in places such as enthusiasm to help with questions"

Reviewed on 6 May, 2025

Malmaison York
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! (263 reviews)
"Check in was confusing. Address of management made a long walk from train station even longer."

Reviewed on 9 May, 2025

Goodramgate Apartments
The Little Hide - Grown Up Glamping
The Little Hide - Grown Up Glamping
2 out of 5
Willow House Caravan Park, Wigginton Road, York, England
Stay at this apartment in York. Enjoy free parking and a picnic area. Popular attractions York Minster and Shambles are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (136 reviews)
"The provided facilities, in terms of the fridge shack etc could do with updating and the site is a lot smaller than anticipated so we were greatful of only one other pod being occupied. Had there have been others there, there wouldn’t have been much privacy at all. Coat hooks being on the same wall ..."

Reviewed on 14 Apr, 2025

The Little Hide - Grown Up Glamping
Victoria Cloisters Apartments
Victoria Cloisters Apartments
4 out of 5
Fetter Lane, York, England
Stay at this 4-star apartment in York. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions York City Walls and Jorvik Viking Centre ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (61 reviews)
"Spot on place to stay, near all amenities. Great location, safe and very quiet."

Reviewed on 20 Apr, 2025

Victoria Cloisters 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.