York
United Kingdom
Why York is a great destination
York delivers storybook streets, two millennia of history and standout culture—without the shoulder‑to‑shoulder crush of headline cities.
- Vibe: A living medieval city of Minster bells, snickelways and city walls—intimate, walkable, a touch scholarly by day and deliciously spooky after dark—offering atmosphere without the elbowing found in blockbuster old towns.
- Authenticity & value: Free pleasures abound—walk the City Walls, roam Museum Gardens, slip into parish churches or attend Evensong—while independent shops and pubs outnumber chains; great bang‑for‑buck compared with bigger-name centres.
- Landmarks, minus the scrum: Catch The Shambles at dawn, stroll the quiet Fishergate–Walmgate Bar wall stretch, climb Clifford’s Tower’s new roof deck, and linger in Museum Gardens by the Multangular Tower and St Mary’s Abbey; don’t miss Merchant Adventurers’ Hall.
- Neighbourhoods & food: Eat and sip your way along Fossgate/Walmgate’s indie scene, feel the villagey welcome on Bishopthorpe Road (Bishy Road), graze Shambles Market’s street food, and taste the city’s chocolate heritage at artisan makers.
Who should go to York?
York is perfect for travellers who love layered history, walkable old towns, and atmospheric streets that feel alive after dark. Its compact centre packs Roman ruins, Viking stories, Gothic grandeur, and Georgian elegance into easy strolling distance. Whether you’re here for a cultural deep-dive or a cosy weekend escape, York delivers more character per step than most British cities.
- History lovers: Walk the most complete medieval city walls in England, explore Clifford’s Tower, and marvel at York Minster—one of Europe’s largest Gothic cathedrals.
- Scenery seekers: Capture The Shambles at dawn, views from Clifford’s Tower’s roof deck, and Minster panoramas from the walls—as photogenic as any UK city centre.
- Active travellers: Tackle the 2+ mile wall circuit, climb 275 steps up the Minster’s Central Tower, and follow riverside paths along the Ouse and Foss.
- Foodies: Taste York’s chocolate heritage, graze the Shambles Market street food, and dine your way down independent-rich Fossgate and Walmgate.
- Families: Ride through Viking JORVIK, explore the (free) National Railway Museum, and dive into hands-on history at the Castle Museum.
- After-dark explorers: Join top-rated ghost walks in Europe’s most haunted city, then toast the tales in characterful, centuries‑old pubs.
Who should go to York?
York is perfect for travellers who love layered history, walkable old towns, and atmospheric streets that feel alive after dark. Its compact centre packs Roman ruins, Viking stories, Gothic grandeur, and Georgian elegance into easy strolling distance. Whether you’re here for a cultural deep-dive or a cosy weekend escape, York delivers more character per step than most British cities.
- History lovers: Walk the most complete medieval city walls in England, explore Clifford’s Tower, and marvel at York Minster—one of Europe’s largest Gothic cathedrals.
- Scenery seekers: Capture The Shambles at dawn, views from Clifford’s Tower’s roof deck, and Minster panoramas from the walls—as photogenic as any UK city centre.
- Active travellers: Tackle the 2+ mile wall circuit, climb 275 steps up the Minster’s Central Tower, and follow riverside paths along the Ouse and Foss.
- Foodies: Taste York’s chocolate heritage, graze the Shambles Market street food, and dine your way down independent-rich Fossgate and Walmgate.
- Families: Ride through Viking JORVIK, explore the (free) National Railway Museum, and dive into hands-on history at the Castle Museum.
- After-dark explorers: Join top-rated ghost walks in Europe’s most haunted city, then toast the tales in characterful, centuries‑old pubs.
Top things to do in York
Here are the unmissable highlights of York, distilled from its 2,000 years of living history. Use this as a quick-hit checklist for a first-time visit.
- Walk the medieval City Walls from Bootham Bar to Monk Bar for superb Minster views and a feel for York’s defences.
- Explore The Shambles and its snickelways early to savour timber-framed lanes without the crowds.
- Visit York Minster to marvel at the Great East Window or attend free Evensong in the Quire.
- Take the JORVIK Viking Centre time-capsule ride to glide through 10th‑century Jorvik above the Coppergate dig.
- Hike up the castle motte to Clifford’s Tower and its new roof deck for sweeping 360° views.
Experience York differently: Book authentic tours & activities with GetYourGuide
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Top things to do in York
Here are the unmissable highlights of York, distilled from its 2,000 years of living history. Use this as a quick-hit checklist for a first-time visit.
- Walk the medieval City Walls from Bootham Bar to Monk Bar for superb Minster views and a feel for York’s defences.
- Explore The Shambles and its snickelways early to savour timber-framed lanes without the crowds.
- Visit York Minster to marvel at the Great East Window or attend free Evensong in the Quire.
- Take the JORVIK Viking Centre time-capsule ride to glide through 10th‑century Jorvik above the Coppergate dig.
- Hike up the castle motte to Clifford’s Tower and its new roof deck for sweeping 360° views.
Experience York differently: Book authentic tours & activities with GetYourGuide
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
3-day York itinerary
Day 1: Minster Quarter, walls and gardens
Begin with York’s calmest hours while the streets are still waking. This day orients you to the city’s layers of history, best enjoyed on foot with plenty of time to look up at details most people miss.
- Morning: Walk the City Walls from Bootham Bar to Monk Bar for sweeping Minster views (they open around dawn; closed in ice/heavy rain). Head into York Minster when doors open; book the Central Tower climb in advance if you’re able (275 steps, weather dependent). If you prefer something quieter, slip into Holy Trinity, Goodramgate for medieval box pews and a contemplative start.
- Midday: Explore the Museum Gardens: Roman Multangular Tower, St Mary’s Abbey ruins and the Yorkshire Museum (good for a rainy spell). Grab lunch nearby on Gillygate or in the gardens café; benches are perfect for a picnic in spring/summer.
- Afternoon: Visit Treasurer’s House (National Trust) for Roman-to-Georgian layers and famous ghost lore; check opening days outside peak season. Coffee on College Street or in Dean’s Park behind the Minster makes a relaxed pause.
- Evening: Attend Evensong at the Minster (free; check the day’s service time). For dinner and a local pub feel, try the Swan on Bishopgate Street or the Blue Bell on Fossgate (tiny; expect to stand at busy times).
Day 2: Castles, Vikings and snickelways
Today dives into York’s power, trade and everyday medieval life. Keep your plans flexible: the narrow lanes reward unplanned detours and photo stops.
- Morning: Start at Clifford’s Tower for city-wide views and the powerful story of 1190; prebook at busy times. Continue to the York Castle Museum (original prison buildings) for social history that complements the tower’s narrative.
- Midday: Head to the Coppergate area for JORVIK Viking Centre (book a timed slot; prams/wheelchairs welcome) and lunch at Shambles Market’s street-food stalls. If it’s wet or chilly, the nearby Merchant Adventurers’ Hall is a superb indoor alternative.
- Afternoon: Explore The Shambles early or late to dodge peak crowds (11:00–16:00 is busiest). Then wander the snickelways: Coffee Yard to Barley Hall, Lady Peckett’s Yard, and Mad Alice Lane. Pop into the Roman Bath pub’s cellar museum for the legionary bathhouse.
- Evening: Join a ghost walk (choose style: theatrical vs. historical; bring cash for some operators and wear sturdy shoes on cobbles). Prefer cosy over spooky? Settle by the fire at the Black Swan on Peasholme Green and look for its famed “resident” spirits.
Day 3: Georgian elegance, riverside and neighbourhood life
Round things off with Georgian interiors, riverside calm and the independent scene locals love. This day also gives you weather-proof options if it turns drizzly.
- Morning: Tour Fairfax House (often opens late morning; check times) to see impeccable Georgian rooms. If you’re a rail fan or it’s raining, swap in the National Railway Museum (free; just outside the walls, 10 minutes from the station).
- Midday: Cross the river for Bishopthorpe Road (Bishy Road) independents for lunch—delis, bakeries and coffee spots with a village vibe. In fine weather, stroll Rowntree Park afterwards; in winter, keep to riverside paths only if levels are low (the Ouse can flood).
- Afternoon: Explore Fossgate and Walmgate for vintage shops, chocolatiers and the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall if you skipped it yesterday. Another gentle walls section from Fishergate Postern to Walmgate Bar is quieter and great for photos near sunset.
- Evening: Dinner around Walmgate/Fossgate (book weekends). Catch a performance at York Theatre Royal or music in a Minster-adjacent venue. If you’re here in late Nov–Dec, allow time to browse the St Nicholas Fair lights after dark; in summer, linger by the riverside for a golden-hour stroll.
Notes and tips:
- Park & Ride is the stress-free way in; driving/parking inside the walls is limited and pricey.
- Accessibility varies: the walls and some towers have steps; JORVIK and many museum floors are accessible—check sites ahead.
- Seasonal tweaks: walls open roughly dawn–dusk and close in ice; early starts beat summer crowds; February’s JORVIK Viking Festival is brilliant but busy—book well ahead.
Share York with friends and start planning your trip together.
Food and drink in York
York’s food scene mixes centuries-old Yorkshire comfort with a proud chocolate heritage. Think hearty roasts, classic bakes, artisan chocolate and proper pints in timbered pubs. Compact streets mean you’re always steps from a café, market stall or snug bar.
- Yorkshire Pudding – Crisp-edged, fluffy-centred and perfect with roast beef or as a giant bowl with fillings; best savoured at cosy Sunday-roast pubs inside the walls.
- Yorkshire Curd Tart – Light, citrus-spiced curd in shortcrust with a hint of nutmeg; find it in independent bakeries and at Shambles Market stalls for a laid-back café feel.
- Fat Rascal – Rich, buttery fruit scone-bun with a cherry-and-almond “face”; order warm with tea in elegant tea rooms for peak cosiness.
- York Chocolate – From Rowntree’s and Terry’s roots to artisan bars and truffles; try tasting flights or a brief tour at York’s Chocolate Story, then browse sweet-scented shops off the Shambles.
Eat like a local: Discover York top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Food and drink in York
York’s food scene mixes centuries-old Yorkshire comfort with a proud chocolate heritage. Think hearty roasts, classic bakes, artisan chocolate and proper pints in timbered pubs. Compact streets mean you’re always steps from a café, market stall or snug bar.
- Yorkshire Pudding – Crisp-edged, fluffy-centred and perfect with roast beef or as a giant bowl with fillings; best savoured at cosy Sunday-roast pubs inside the walls.
- Yorkshire Curd Tart – Light, citrus-spiced curd in shortcrust with a hint of nutmeg; find it in independent bakeries and at Shambles Market stalls for a laid-back café feel.
- Fat Rascal – Rich, buttery fruit scone-bun with a cherry-and-almond “face”; order warm with tea in elegant tea rooms for peak cosiness.
- York Chocolate – From Rowntree’s and Terry’s roots to artisan bars and truffles; try tasting flights or a brief tour at York’s Chocolate Story, then browse sweet-scented shops off the Shambles.
Eat like a local: Discover York top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Where to stay in York
Choosing where to stay in York is about picking the neighbourhood vibe you want, not just a hotel. Each area offers a different pace, from medieval bustle to leafy calm. Here’s how the main districts feel and who they suit.
- Within the City Walls — atmospheric medieval streets by the Minster; best for first‑timers and history lovers, but expect crowds, cobbles and late‑night noise near The Shambles/Stonegate.
- Fossgate & Walmgate — indie food and craft‑beer hub with a bohemian feel; ideal for foodies and night owls, lively at weekends yet minutes from the Minster.
- Bishopthorpe Road (South Bank) — community vibe with cafés, delis and Rowntree Park; great for families and runners, 15–20 minutes’ riverside walk to the centre with easier parking.
- Bootham & Clifton — leafy Georgian streets just north of the walls; quieter residential feel for culture lovers, 10‑minute stroll to the Minster and strong bus links.
Find places to stay in York on Booking.com
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Where to stay in York
Choosing where to stay in York is about picking the neighbourhood vibe you want, not just a hotel. Each area offers a different pace, from medieval bustle to leafy calm. Here’s how the main districts feel and who they suit.
- Within the City Walls — atmospheric medieval streets by the Minster; best for first‑timers and history lovers, but expect crowds, cobbles and late‑night noise near The Shambles/Stonegate.
- Fossgate & Walmgate — indie food and craft‑beer hub with a bohemian feel; ideal for foodies and night owls, lively at weekends yet minutes from the Minster.
- Bishopthorpe Road (South Bank) — community vibe with cafés, delis and Rowntree Park; great for families and runners, 15–20 minutes’ riverside walk to the centre with easier parking.
- Bootham & Clifton — leafy Georgian streets just north of the walls; quieter residential feel for culture lovers, 10‑minute stroll to the Minster and strong bus links.
Find places to stay in York on Booking.com
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Explore other great dupe destinations based on your interest
Good to know before you go to York
Getting to and around York is straightforward, with a compact historic centre and excellent rail links. A few practical details will help you plan smoothly and avoid the busiest times. Here’s what to know.
- Affordability: York is mid to upper‑mid priced for UK city breaks; budget around £4.50–£6 for a pint, £12–£18 for a main or £25–£40 for a two‑course meal, and roughly £70–£120 for budget rooms or £120–£220+ for mid‑range hotels depending on season.
- Transport: The walled centre is very walkable; arrive by train (about 2 hours from London) and use local buses/Park & Ride, with easy day trips by rail or Coastliner bus to Leeds, Harrogate, Scarborough, Castle Howard and Whitby, while a car helps for the Moors and Dales.
- Language: English is the main language and is universally understood, with clear signage and hospitality staff well used to international visitors.
- Safety & comfort: York is safe and family‑friendly; use normal city precautions for petty theft in crowds, watch footing on cobbles and low parapets on the City Walls, and be aware of occasional river flooding and winter wall closures.
- Crowds: Expect peak crowds on weekends, in school holidays, summer and during the Christmas Market (mid‑Nov to Dec), while early mornings and Jan–March are quieter—book major attractions and restaurants in advance in high season.
Good to know before you go to York
Getting to and around York is straightforward, with a compact historic centre and excellent rail links. A few practical details will help you plan smoothly and avoid the busiest times. Here’s what to know.
- Affordability: York is mid to upper‑mid priced for UK city breaks; budget around £4.50–£6 for a pint, £12–£18 for a main or £25–£40 for a two‑course meal, and roughly £70–£120 for budget rooms or £120–£220+ for mid‑range hotels depending on season.
- Transport: The walled centre is very walkable; arrive by train (about 2 hours from London) and use local buses/Park & Ride, with easy day trips by rail or Coastliner bus to Leeds, Harrogate, Scarborough, Castle Howard and Whitby, while a car helps for the Moors and Dales.
- Language: English is the main language and is universally understood, with clear signage and hospitality staff well used to international visitors.
- Safety & comfort: York is safe and family‑friendly; use normal city precautions for petty theft in crowds, watch footing on cobbles and low parapets on the City Walls, and be aware of occasional river flooding and winter wall closures.
- Crowds: Expect peak crowds on weekends, in school holidays, summer and during the Christmas Market (mid‑Nov to Dec), while early mornings and Jan–March are quieter—book major attractions and restaurants in advance in high season.
Best time to go to York
Seasonality in York is pronounced: summer brings long days and the biggest crowds, while spring and winter feel calmer—with blossom and bright mornings versus candlelit cosiness and Christmas markets. Weather is changeable year‑round; pack layers and expect showers.
- Spring (Apr–May): Mild, greening gardens and blossom; manageable crowds; fresh, relaxed vibe ideal for City Walls walks.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warmest and sunniest with long evenings; busiest period with queues at headline sights; lively, festival feel.
- Winter (Nov–Feb): Cold, often damp with short days; magical lights and St Nicholas Fair; atmospheric (great for ghost tours), but occasional Ouse flooding and City Walls closures.
Best time to go to York
Seasonality in York is pronounced: summer brings long days and the biggest crowds, while spring and winter feel calmer—with blossom and bright mornings versus candlelit cosiness and Christmas markets. Weather is changeable year‑round; pack layers and expect showers.
- Spring (Apr–May): Mild, greening gardens and blossom; manageable crowds; fresh, relaxed vibe ideal for City Walls walks.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warmest and sunniest with long evenings; busiest period with queues at headline sights; lively, festival feel.
- Winter (Nov–Feb): Cold, often damp with short days; magical lights and St Nicholas Fair; atmospheric (great for ghost tours), but occasional Ouse flooding and City Walls closures.
Share York with friends and start planning your trip together.
How to get to York
By Air
- Leeds Bradford (LBA) – approx. 30 miles. By car/taxi 60–75 mins. By bus (FLYER A1 to Leeds station, 35–45 mins) + train to York (25 mins); allow 75–90 mins total.
- Manchester (MAN) – approx. 80 miles. Direct TransPennine Express trains from the airport to York in about 1 hr 45–2 hrs; by car 1 hr 45–2 hrs (traffic dependent).
- Newcastle (NCL) – approx. 90 miles. Metro to Newcastle Central (25 mins) + train to York (~55 mins); allow 1.5–2 hrs total. By car ~2 hrs.
- Teesside (MME) – approx. 45 miles. Limited flights; by car ~1 hr, or rail via Darlington (~1 hr 15–1 hr 30 total).
- Humberside (HUY) – approx. 60 miles. Limited flights; by car ~1.5 hrs.
- Doncaster Sheffield closed permanently (no services).
By Train
- Main station: York (East Coast Main Line), 10–12 minutes’ walk to the city centre.
- Fast services:
- London King’s Cross (LNER): fastest ~1 hr 50 mins (frequent, up to 2–3 trains/hour).
- Edinburgh (LNER): ~2 hr 30–2 hr 45.
- Newcastle (LNER/Northern): ~55 mins.
- Leeds (LNER/Northern/TPE): ~22–30 mins.
- Manchester (TPE): ~1 hr 20–1 hr 35 to Piccadilly/Victoria.
- Birmingham (CrossCountry): ~2 hr 20–2 hr 40.
- Operators: LNER, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry, Northern. Advance tickets and seat reservations recommended on longer routes.
By Coach/Bus
- Long-distance coaches: National Express and Megabus to York (Station Avenue, beside the rail station).
- London Victoria: typically 4.5–6 hrs (service-dependent).
- Manchester/Leeds: generally 1–3 hrs (often via Leeds).
- Regional buses: Coastliner 840/843/844 connect Leeds, Malton, Scarborough/Whitby with York (Leeds–York ~50–60 mins, traffic dependent).
By Car
- Main approaches: A64 (from Leeds/M1/A1(M)), A59 (from Harrogate), A19 (from Teesside), A1079 (from Hull).
- Typical driving times (off-peak):
- London: 4–5 hrs via A1(M).
- Manchester: 1.5–2 hrs via M62/A64.
- Birmingham: 2.5–3 hrs via M1/A1(M)/A64.
- Edinburgh: 3.5–4 hrs via A1.
- Parking is limited/expensive in the centre. Use Park & Ride sites around the ring road (e.g., Askham Bar, Grimston Bar, Rawcliffe Bar, Monks Cross, Poppleton Bar, Designer Outlet) with frequent buses into the centre. City centre has extensive pedestrian-only “footstreets” during the day.
Get to York: Compare smart flight options with Skyscanner
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Have a great tip for York or another alternative to popular destinations?
Share your thoughts on York or suggest another authentic alternative to popular destinations. Your tips help others rediscover their love of travelling - while giving popular destinations a little room to breathe.
Book your trip
Find the best York hotels
Browse top-rated stays and deals on Booking.com
Compare cheap flights to York
Search live fares and save with Skyscanner
Browse York tours & experiences
Skip-the-line tickets and research activities on GetYourGuide
Discover York’s top restaurants
Find authentic dining spots with Tripadvisor reviews
Please help us keep all core features free to use by using these affiliate links!