Things to do in York

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A large Gothic cathedral with intricate stonework and pointed arches.
A narrow street lined with traditional half-timbered buildings, including a Punch Bowl pub.
A garden with flowering trees, a variety of flowers, and a building in the background.
A large Gothic cathedral with pointed arches and a rose window.
A classical building with columns, a garden with red and white tulips, and people walking and sitting in the park.

Things to do

York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

￥3,572
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour

York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour

￥3,572
per adult
York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour
The York Dungeon Tour

The York Dungeon Tour

￥4,203
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
The York Dungeon Tour
Nth York Moors Steam Train

Nth York Moors Steam Train (incl) & Whitby Small Group Day Trip.

￥18,701
per adult
Nth York Moors Steam Train (incl) & Whitby Small Group Day Trip.
York: Forbidden Chronicles Ghosts and History Tour

York: Forbidden Chronicles - York's true horror story.

￥2,101
per adult
York: Forbidden Chronicles - York's true horror story.
York: The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour

York: The Deathly Dark Tour

￥3,152
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
York: The Deathly Dark Tour
RHS Garden Harlow Carr Entry Ticket

RHS Garden Harlow Carr Entry Ticket

￥2,858
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
RHS Garden Harlow Carr Entry Ticket
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What to do in York

Stay near popular York attractions

A large Gothic cathedral with intricate stonework and pointed arches.

York Minster

9.4/10 (3,458 reviews)
York Minster's soaring Gothic architecture houses one of Europe's largest medieval stained glass collections. Climb 275 steps up the central tower for breathtaking views across ancient York.
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Where to stay in York

Find the best York areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about York
Learn more about York
A Gothic cathedral with twin spires and intricate stonework.
Photo by Val Vannet
Open Photo by Val Vannet

Bootham

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

A historic stone tower on a grassy hill under a clear sky.

Clifton

While there might not be top attractions in Clifton, you can explore the larger area and discover places like St. Mary's Abbey and York Theatre Royal.

A modern bridge with a curved design over a river, surrounded by greenery and buildings.
Photo by Tim Green
Open Photo by Tim Green

Fishergate

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

A historic cathedral with Gothic architecture, a clear night sky, and a street with buildings on either side.

City Centre

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

A stone bridge over a canal with a chain barrier in the foreground.

South Bank

When in South Bank, you can plan a visit to York Racecourse and Micklegate Bar, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Popular day trips from York

A medieval castle surrounded by a lush green landscape and a small village in the background.

Helmsley

A Gothic cathedral with intricate stonework and a statue in front.

Beverley

A historic stone bridge over a river, surrounded by lush greenery and traditional buildings.

Knaresborough

A stone castle ruin with a flag on top, surrounded by green grass and trees.

Pickering

A Gothic-style church with pointed arches and a large rose window.

Ripon

A pier extending into the sea with a beach and buildings nearby.

Middlesbrough

A historic building with a large dome and clock tower.

Harrogate

A waterfront town with red-tiled roofs, a stone wall, and a castle in the background.

Whitby

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 neighborhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city center, 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 kilometers from downtown, and Fulford, which is roughly 3 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in York with kids?
Whether you're traveling 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 neighborhoods, 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.

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