York

Travel Guide

York Minster featuring religious aspects, a church or cathedral and a square or plaza
York showing a city, signage and heritage architecture
Yorkshire Museum Gardens featuring flowers and a park
York Minster which includes heritage architecture, street scenes and a square or plaza
St. Mary\'s Abbey showing a church or cathedral, a park 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 center 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 center 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 theater 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 night scenes and a bridge

City Centre

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

City Centre
The almost same location

South Bank

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

South Bank
not sure what is this... kind a plan project

Bishophill

While visiting Bishophill, you might make a stop by sights like Micklegate Bar and St. Mary's Church.

Bishophill
Why wait for the Ice-cream Truck, when you can go to the Ice-cream Boat? #York #Icecream #Summer #LifeAtExpedia #WeLoveOurMarkets

Fishergate

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

Fishergate
This donkey really likes carrots and visitors.

Fulford

Fulford is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to McArthur Glen Designer Outlet or Fulford Golf Club.

Fulford
York featuring flowers and a garden

Bootham

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

Bootham
The Milner York
The Milner York
4 out of 5
Station Road, York, England
The price is ¥16,335 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
¥16,335
¥19,602 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
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! (1,424 reviews)
Wonderful, historical hotel.
"A wonderful historical building adjacent to York railway station, with an entrance leading directly into the hotel. We were pleasantly surprised with a free upgrade from a double to a king bedroom, with a spare sofa bed and walk in wardrobe. The hotel and staff are friendly and helpful. With any ..."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

The Milner York
Radisson Hotel York
Radisson Hotel York
4 out of 5
North Street, York, England
The price is ¥13,573 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
¥13,573
¥16,287 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
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! (1,007 reviews)
"Went direct to the hotel from Thirsk, and arrived at 10.30 am. The receptionist was very polite and let us store our cases until we could check in at 3pm. Easy check-in, and had a river facing room on the third floor. Beautiful room, and great bathroom ( the shower was a drencher but there was a ..."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 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 ¥15,336 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
¥15,336
¥18,403 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
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! (1,100 reviews)
Lovely stay
"Very comfortable and clean room. Lots of space. Bar/breakfast area very nice and good range of options for breakfast."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 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 Jun 30, 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! (140 reviews)
"Having to bring own coffee etc.was not ideal. Also own towels for shower in facilities in main campsite. Understand cost savings why done but this is somewhat disappointing. POD great though, clean. Nice comfortable bed. Site overall very clean & well maintained ."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 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 Jun 5, 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
177
5 - Excellent 78%
4 - Good
44
4 - Good 19%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We stayed one night and should have stayed another but had to move on. A good place to spend 2-3 days.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful architecture Incredible history Not mobbed with tourists

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice city

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

York is great to visit at Christmas with lots to do, excellent holiday shopping, very walkable, and a variety of dining options.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great shopping, Christmas market was a lot of fun.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The York Minster is beautiful....

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