This post may contain affiliate links. When you purchase something through these links, I receive a small commission that helps me create this blog’s content. There’s no extra cost to you. Read my privacy policy to learn more.
Published 12/18/2025
A Travel Guide to York City in Northern England
Although it sounds silly now, when I booked five nights in York on my most recent trip England in November 2025, I worried we’d run out of things to do.
Located halfway between London and Edinburgh on the main train route, it’s very easy to include a visit to York in your U.K. itinerary. This northern English city proves a popular destination not only with international visitors like myself, but also with Brits.
I quickly discovered why this medieval walled city with both Viking and Roman connections is beloved by so many. With its striking Gothic minister and city walls, York isn’t just a picture-perfect English destination; it’s brimming with museums, shopping, and excellent dining.
While this guide focuses on things to do in York’s city centre, York provides excellent access to some of northern England’s most stunning landscapes in both the North York Moors National Park and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Personally, I chose York so we could explore nearby points of interest related to James Herriot.
However, I definitely don’t recommend cutting your time in York short. After reading through this post and learning exactly what York offers (hint, 365+ pubs!) you might want to extend your stay! Whether you’re looking for cats, ghosts, or just a charming English experience, you’re bound to find it among York’s winding alleyways and half-timbered buildings.
Let’s dive into the very best things to do in York!
Must-See York, England: 17 Favorite Things To Do
 |
 |
1. York Minster
Let’s start with the big one! York Minister is unarguably the symbol of York. Finished in 1472 after more than 300 years of construction, this cathedral remains the largest Gothic building in England. It’s especially celebrated for its excellent collection of original stained glass.
While its awe-inspiring size and beauty screams “cathedral,” York calls this Gothic masterpiece a “minster.” The Anglo-Saxon word honors the fact that a church has stood on this ground since the 600s; well before Norman invaders brought the word “cathedral” with them across the English Channel.
Although admission to the Minster is pricey, you’ll be happy to learn that admission tickets are valid for a full 365 days from the date of purchase and include a tour with one of the Minster’s knowledgeable docents. Because of the minster’s massive size, I recommend breaking up your visit between a couple days, if you can.
My favorite parts were the chapter house, the Five Sisters window (which is the only memorial to women of the First World War I in the UK), and the Undercroft Museum.
The Undercroft Museum features archeological artifacts unearthed when the central tower was stabilized in the late 1960s. Many of these items dates back to Roman times when a fort stood on the cathedral site.
If it’s a clear day, or you’re just looking for bragging rights, I highly recommend paying the extra fee to climb the central tower. Just be warned: it’s 275 steps to the top of the 60-metre tower and except for one flat section across a transept roof, it’s all spiral staircase.
 |
 |
2. Walk on the city walls
York has been a walled city since Roman times and it’s still surrounded by 13th and 14th century walls that form a two-mile ring around the city centre.
Although a couple sections of the southern wall have been demolished, it’s easy to make a full loop of the walls. When you reach the missing wall sections, just follow the City Wall trail gold markers in the sidewalk to the next access point.
If you can only squeeze in a short hike, the favorite section of York’s walls runs from Bootham Bar, behind the York Minster, to Monk Bar.
I highly recommend making the full loop. You’ll find some informational plaques sprinkled along the walls, but the real draws are the elevated city views and walking in the footsteps of countless others who have traversed these walls throughout the centuries.
While you’re out enjoying the city walls, don’t miss a stop at Gatehouse Coffee. Located right inside the Walmgate gatehouse, this church-run coffee shop serves up a full selection of coffee and teas as well as a small selection of pastries and snacks.
3. Look for cats
York has a thing for cats. The very first thing you’ll want to do in York is head straight to York Lucky Cats shop to pick up their free York Cat Trail map.
If you look carefully, you’ll find cat statues all over the city centre: in windows, on rooftops, even climbing the side of buildings. These whimsical sculptures were reintroduced to York in the early 20th century probably as homages to the wooden cats that used to serve as scarecrows (rather, scare rats!) in medieval times.
York Lucky Cats went to trouble of mapping out the location of 24 of these cat statues on a convenient walking loop through the city centre. I found the cats surprisingly hard to spot, but it was a fun challenge to try to find them.
If all these cat statues have you eager to snuggle a real kitty, you can visit The Cat’s Whiskers, York’s cat café where you can meet nearly two dozen cats while enjoying some cake and coffee. The small glass cat figurines from York Lucky Cats make a perfect York souvenir. We definitely came home with a couple.
4. Find a snickelway in York’s maze of medieval streets
I consider myself fairly good with directions, but I got so twisted around on York’s narrow, winding medieval streets! Happily, as long as you stay within the city walls, you can only get so lost!
During your inevitable wanderings, keep your eyes peeled for one of the 50 snickelways hiding in plain sight in York’s city centre. These narrow passageways sneak between buildings to connect you to another street like a pedestrian only alley.
Author Mark W. Jones coined the term “snickelway” in the 1980s. His book, A Walk Around the Snickelways of York, (sadly out of print) is the definitive resource on these fun passageways. The book even includes a walking route.
While you’re getting lost exploring snickelways, watch for Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate. The amusing name (which is said to mean “what a street”) is almost as long as the 80 feet medieval street itself. Said to be the shortest street in York, blink and you’ll miss it!
 |
 |
5. Shop the Shambles
The best-known street in York, if not all of England, is the Shambles. More alley than street, here you’ll find medieval half-timbered buildings leaning precariously over the cobblestone street. It’s always packed with people, especially folks queuing for The York Ghost Merchants. If you want quiet photo of the Shambles, come very early.
If the Shambles gives you a weird sense of déjà vu that might be because it’s often said that J.K. Rowling drew inspiration for Diagon Alley from the Shambles. (It’s more accurate to say this is where Warner Brothers filmmakers got some inspiration for their Diagon Alley set.)
The street has leaned hard into those Harry Potter connections. The Harry Potter gift shop The Shop That Shall Not Be Named claims not one, not two, but three of the short street’s storefronts. I wanted to love it, but there’s only so much “Made in China” generic Harry Potter merch even the most ardent fan can stomach. I, along with many York citizens, would really love if this shop’s Shambles footprint was reduced a bit to make room for more handmade goods with an actual connection with York.
Favorite Shambles stops include Monk Bar Chocolatiers either for one of their famous edible chocolate shots or to pick out an assortment of handmade chocolates. Enjoy a cuppa in the Hebden Tea Company tea room or grab a bite to eat from Shambles Kitchen. If you’re willing to wait, this is where you’ll find York’s best known souvenir: a ceramic ghost from The York Ghost Merchants.
6. Discover York’s Viking past
York might have the Romans to thank for its creation, but it’s often referred to as a Viking city. It served as the Vikings’ British capital. In fact, the name York stems from the Old Norse name for the city and region, Jorvik.
You can learn all about York’s Viking past at the immersive Jorvik Viking Centre in central York. Here you’ll explore an actual Viking settlement that was unearthed in the 1970s. The experience includes a ride, exhibits, and audiovisual presentations.
While this is considered one of York’s best attractions, as a lifelong Minnesotan (Skol Vikings!) whose spent her entire life immersed in Scandinavian culture, I don’t feel too guilty about skipping this one. However, if you haven’t spent your entire life surrounded by Viking culture, Jorvik is well worth a visit!
This is an especially popular York activity for families with school aged kids. It will behoove you to book your tickets in advance so you don’t have to stand in line in the rain. (Which, at the end of the day, is the real reason I didn’t tour . . . .)
7. Eat some chocolate
Don’t like chocolate? Give me a break!
That’s right, York is the birthplace of the Kit-Kat chocolate bar! York has the delicious distinction of being known as a “chocolate city.” At one point, it was home to three chocolate factories: Craven’s, Rowntree’s, and Terry’s. These factories gave the world tasty treats like the Yorkie bar and Terry’s Chocolate Orange.
Although these factories have been reduced to just a single Nestle’s operation north of the city centre, you’ll still find plenty of opportunities to indulge your sweet tooth in York. You can even enjoy a meal or afternoon tea in part of the old Terry’s factory at the Impossible Restaurant and Wonderbar.
These days York’s best known chocolate shop is Monk Bar Chocolatiers. Located in the Shambles, this shop is known for their viral chocolate shots which feature melted chocolate inside edible chocolate cups. Other chocolate shops include York Cocoa Works, Hotel Chocolat, and Roly’s Fudge Pantry.
If you really want a deep dive into chocolate, check out York’s Chocolate Story where you can learn about the history of chocolate in York, try your hand at making some, and of course find some to indulge in at their shop and café.
8. Go to a market
York is home to one of the U.K.’s favorite Christmas markets. England starts Christmas celebrations early so even if you’re not planning a holiday visit (we visited in mid-November) you still might luck out and catch it. The York Christmas market opens the second Thursday of November and runs through the Sunday before Christmas.
This Christmas market sells a little bit of everything: from Scotch eggs and pork pies to handknit sweaters and Viking drinking horns. Wandering through York’s medieval streets with a mulled wine in hand was peak York visitor experience for me.
Even if you aren’t visiting during the festive season, you can still enjoy a ramble through the Shambles Market. This daily market features clothing, bric-a-brac, and food stalls.
9. Try a new to you ethnic food
At first glance, York appears extremely traditional. But excellent ethnic restaurants are hiding in many of the city’s centuries-old half-timbered building. From Halal and Moroccan to Afrikaans and Asian, there’s so much delicious food to eat in York beyond roast and mash. If you spend your whole time in York just eating pub food, you’ve missed out.
One of York’s favorite restaurants is The Yak and Yeti, which serves up Nepalese fare. We also had great Thai food at The Old Siam. Of course, you’re not far from Bradford, the U.K. “curry capital” so you have plenty of excellent Indian restaurants to choose from as well.
If you wanted a deep dive into York’s foodie ways, check out the York on a Fork Food Tour.
10. Stroll along the Ouse . . . if you can
Besides the Minster, the Ouse River is the most notable feature of York. This river, with its direct access to the North Sea, is what drew Romans and Vikings here. Every drop of water that falls in the Yorkshire Dales eventually drains into the Ouse. In fact, the Foss River empties into the Ouse right in the center of York. If that sounds like this river might flood from time to time, you’re right!
How common is flooding in York? The King’s Arms pub on the banks of the Ouse is known as “the pub that floods.” When the river level rises, they just close off the downstairs and continue with business as usual. The river typically floods several times a year and doesn’t follow any sort of seasonal schedule.
If the river’s not flooding, you can take a pleasant stroll along the river esplanade down to Tower Gardens near Clifford’s Tower.
11. Enjoy the city’s green spaces
I think part of what makes York so universally loved are all of the green spaces sprinkled throughout the city centre. Stroll through Dean’s Park right behind the Minster or check out Tower Gardens along the banks of the Ouse near Clifford’s Tower.
If you only wander through one green space, head to the York Museum Gardens where you can walk around the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey.
 |
 |
12. Go to the pub
York is famous for having a lot of pubs. How many? Well, the famous quip is that there are at least 365, so you can go to a different one every day of the year. Whether or not this is true, you’re not going to have a problem getting a drink in York.
Some favorite York pubs include Guy Fawkes Inn (the famous godfather of political terrorism was a York native!), Slip Inn, and the Old White Swan, but with so many to choose from, I recommend just heading into whichever one speaks to you in the moment.
When it comes to choosing your pint, you can’t go wrong with the regional favorite, Timothy Taylor’s Landlord. Personally, I prefer a Black Sheep amber ale which is brewed in nearby Ripon.
 |
 |
13. Visit a museum, or two, or three . . . .
Beyond the Undercroft Museum in York Minster, York has many opportunities for museum goers.
I’m rather fond of York Castle Museum, probably because this sprawling museum is the one place I remember going to in York on my first visit in 2005! Inside the converted prisons you’ll find wide-ranging exhibits including complete Victorian street scenes, displays on York’s chocolate history, an overview of World War I, and audiovisual projects detailing the personal histories of some of York’s prisoners. The museum also houses a working water mill on the banks of the Foss River which is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The National Railway Museum is another especially celebrated York museum. Even if you’re in no way excited by the idea of a train museum (guilty – I was scarred by a childhood trip to Steamtown in Scranton, PA), this museum really is worth a visit. The museum’s collection of engines and railway memorabilia will make your jaw drop.
If I’d planned ahead, I definitely would have made a reservation for the afternoon tea the museum serves in a Victorian dining carriage. My favorite part of our visit was peeking inside the collection of royal train carriages in the Station Hall.
Other museums to consider adding to in your York itinerary include:
Yorkshire Museum – Natural history and archaeology
Merchant Adventurers’ Hall – An original medieval guildhall
York St. Marys – An exhibition venue. The Van Gogh immersive exhibit was on when I was in town.
York Art Gallery – A public art gallery with a collection of more than 1000 Western European paintings from the last 600 years.
14. Tour Clifford’s Tower
Right across for the York Castle Museum, you can visit the only remaining portion of York Castle: Clifford’s Tower. It’s crazy to think that York Castle was once the largest castle in all of England when only this measly tower remains.
The tower dates back to the 11th century and unfortunately is associated with a terrible massacre of more than 150 Jewish York residents in 1190.
Inside the tower you’ll find exhibits about the tower’s history as well as an excellent panoramic view of York. If you don’t have time to visit, I recommend at least pausing long enough to read the informative timeline of the castle’s history which is inlaid in the sidewalk right below the tower’s entrance.
15. Take a tea or coffee break
You’re spoiled for choice in York when it comes time to kick up your feet for a minute with a cup of tea and slice of cake.
While there are dozens of places to grab a cuppa in York, perhaps the most lauded tea room in the city is Bettys York Café Tea Rooms. I’ve actually been to the original Bettys in nearby Harrogate so I figured I’d skip the queues for the York location. If you do go, just know that the most common complaint about Bettys York is how spendy it is.
Other great tea destinations in York include the Old York Tea Room, Hebden Tea Experience, and Bailey’s Café and Tearooms. You can also have a posh afternoon tea experience at one of York’s fancy hotels like the Grand or Grays Court.
And don’t forget my personal favorite option for afternoon tea in York: The Countess of York train dining car at the National Railway Museum!
16. Watch for ghosts and other hauntings
Many people claim that York is the most haunted city in the U.K. Whether or not that’s true, several York residents know a business opportunity when they see it.
We’re talking ghost tours. We’re talking a shop that folks queue outside of to get their hands on a unique ceramic ghost figurine. (The York Ghost Merchants.) Even York Lucky Cats sells cat ghost figurines. York Dungeon provides an immersive spooky experience. Basically, if you like a good spook, York’s the town for you.
17. Take a free walking tour
The Association of Voluntary Guides of the City of York run what’s generally considered the definitive tour of York. The tour, which is offered twice a day, takes in all of York’s hot spots, including the Minster, the Shambles, the walls, and so much more. This is a great way to get acquainted with York if you’re only town briefly.
The tour is completely free, but advanced booking is recommended as spots to fill up quickly. The tours are offered at 10:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. every day except for Christmas.
Favorite Places to Eat in York
 |
 |
If you go hungry in York, look, that one’s on you. As a popular destination for both domestic and international visitors, York is brimming with excellent restaurants, pubs, and taverns. You could stay for weeks and still not hit every dining hotspot. Here are some of our favorites during our brief visit.
Brew and Brownie – A beloved coffee shop and café near the Minster. Go early to avoid the queue. I’ve eaten a lot of English and Irish breakfasts in my day and I can honestly say this was the best full English of my life.
The Royal Oak – Looking for fish and chips or steak and ale pie? You can’t get much more traditional than this 17th century pub. We really enjoyed their quiet upstairs dining room.
Fish & Forest – Inspired classic British fare. The food was great, but what I really remember is the dirty martini made with olive oil and black pepper.
Other fun drink and food options in York:
- Thor’s – a fun Viking inspired bar located in a tent in the York Museum Gardens
- The Old Siam – Excellent Thai food
- York Roast Co – This counter-service restaurant uses the traditional Yorkshire pudding as a sandwich wrap so you can enjoy your Sunday roast dinner on the go.
York Day Trips
While this post focuses specifically on what to do in York’s city centre, I think it’s important to mention that there’s an almost overwhelming amount of day trips you take from York. What I’ve included below is just the tip of the iceberg!
Castle Howard – Perhaps the most popular day trip from York, Castle Howard is dramatic 300-year-old country home located about a half hour drive north of York. You might recognize it as a filming location in Bridgerton and Bridesmaid Revisited.
Fountains Abbey – Once northern England’s largest abbey, this Cistercian abbey fell into disrepair following the English reformation. Even though it was then used as a stone quarry, the ruins are still so impressive. I really think if you can only do one day trip from York, you should head here.
During your visit, you can also explore the water gardens at the adjacent Studley Royal estate. Keep an eye out for the local deer herd!
Eden Camp – A large World War II museum with outdoor and indoor exhibits, built on the site of a former WWII POW camp.
Yorkshire Dales – Or do what we did for a day trip and hire Howard, aka the Yorkshire Tour Guide, for a full day tour of the Yorkshire Dales. As a lifelong James Herriot fan, I wanted to see some of the sites associated with the popular books (and subsequent television series), but I didn’t want to drive down windy country lanes on the wrong side of the road. Howard is a true Yorkshire expert and we saw so much, including the Dales, Bolton Castle, Aysgarth Falls, and Wensleydale Creamery.
Go for a hike – With easy access to two national parks – Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors – York is a great base if you want to do some hiking through some of England’s most remote landscapes. Be sure to check out Away With Maja for her detailed posts about hiking in Yorkshire. Bonus: she’s an ex-pat Minnesotan who’s based in York and a great resource for all things Yorkshire!
Where To Stay in York
Wheelwrights York
We had a great stay at Wheelwrights York’s Trinity View apartment on Micklegate. We loved both the history and the central location of this small 18th century rental. Its large living room and newly remodeled bathroom were especially appreciated.
Wheelwrights managed almost 2 dozen vacation rentals of varying sizes and bedroom configurations in York. Many of their rentals are pet friendly.
Grand Hotel
The Grand provides all the opulence and convenience you’d expect from a railway hotel. Dating back to 1906, the Grand is known for its spa, cookery school, and excellent afternoon tea.
Grays Court Hotel
I seriously considered a stay at the Grays Court Hotel before finally admitting we’d need a little more living space if we were going to be in town for five nights. You can’t beat this hotel’s views of both the Minster and the City Walls. Having afternoon tea in the hotel’s courtyard nestled between the walls and cathedral sounds like an absolute dream!
The Bootham Tavern
Another fun historic option that’s a little kinder to your budget would be staying in one of York’s many well rated bed and breakfasts/taverns. The Bootham Tavern offers several affordable ensuite rooms. Bonus: you only have to go as far as downstairs for your nightly pint!
Is York Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Although York is a quite large city (at least by my standards – the population is around 200,000), if you limit your explorations to within in the city walls, it’s very accessible and has small town feels.
Within the city centre, all attractions are only about a 10-minute walk apart from each other, so it’s very easy to city to explore on foot. Just don’t be surprised if you get a little turned around in the maze of narrow medieval streets!
While you could see the very best of York in a day trip, I really recommend staying at least a couple nights. Realistically, I’d say regardless of your interests, with its many museums, shops, cafes, and other points of interest, you wouldn’t struggle to fill three full days in York. It also makes an excellent home base for exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby national parks.
Obviously York, with its connections to the Roman, Vikings, and royals is a history lover’s delight. The York Minster is a Gothic masterpiece that easily ranks among the most impressive cathedrals in the world. Once you’ve taken a spin around the medieval city walls, you can visit a museum on just about any subject, including local history, Vikings, western European art, and chocolate.
But if you’re not an Anglo history enthusiast, I think York still has so much to offer the casual traveler. With so many pubs and an excellent range of restaurants, it’s a lovely destination if you’re just looking for a day of shopping capped off with a nice drink and meal.
Conclusion: Plan the Perfect Visit to York, England
Whether you’re in York right now or you’re in the planning stage of your York trip, I hope this post gave you a clear vision of how to spend your time in this fun, medieval English city.
I did my very best to create the definitive York travel guide that I wished I’d had when I rolled into town for five days with no plan. From showing you the best York attractions, dining, shopping, and where to stay, my goal with this guide was to empower you to have the best possible time in town.
I think most people who visit York fall a little in love and I certainly wasn’t immune from its charm. Not only is the town visually stunning, its many visitor amenities like museums, great varied dining options, and more than a little touch of whimsy with the York Cat Trail and its haunted history make York a true tourist delight.
If you have any further questions about exploring York, don’t hesitate to send me an email . I’m hope to help ensure you love your time in town. Enjoy your York wanderings!
 |
 |
