Things to do in York

Activities, attractions and tours

York Minster which includes a church or cathedral, a square or plaza and heritage architecture
York showing a city, signage and street scenes
York
York Minster featuring a church or cathedral, a square or plaza and heritage architecture
St. Mary\'s Abbey which includes a garden, heritage architecture and flowers

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Most popular experiences in York

Tours & day trips

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Nidderdale Driving Self-Guided Tour with an APP

Nidderdale Driving Self-Guided Tour with an APP

Activity duration is 9 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is €13 per traveller*
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Private & custom tours

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Romans, Vikings and Medieval Marvels in York: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Romans, Vikings and Medieval Marvels in York: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
8.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is €10 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting

Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting

Activity duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is €35 per adult
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Wildlife & nature

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York: Private Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride and Afternoon Tea

York: Private Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride and Afternoon Tea

Activity duration is 1 hour
Free cancellation available
Price is €144 per traveller*
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Adventure & outdoor

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Guided Cycling Tour of York

Guided Cycling Tour of York

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is €35 per adult
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What to do in York

Popular places to visit

York Minster which includes a church or cathedral, a square or plaza and heritage architecture

York Minster

The city’s emblem is known for its superb stained-glass windows, underground treasure chambers and tall tower with spectacular views.

York Minster
Shambles featuring street scenes and heritage architecture

Shambles

This picturesque cobblestone street has a fascinating medieval history and crooked buildings that appear to almost fall into one another.

Shambles
York Racecourse

York Racecourse

You can take time to visit York Racecourse during your travels to York. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this romantic area.

York Racecourse
Jorvik Viking Centre

Jorvik Viking Centre

Imagine yourself as a Viking in this museum that allows you to dig up Norse artifacts and witness reenactments, while you learn about York’s Scandinavian settlers.

Jorvik Viking Centre
York showing heritage architecture

York City Walls

See some of York’s most impressive sights on a walk around the historic perimeter wall that has its origins in the Roman era.

York City Walls
York St. John University

York St. John University

Explore the campus of York St. John University as part of your travels around York. Discover the area's shops or seek out its local tours.

York St. John University
York Dungeon

York Dungeon

Laugh, squirm and recoil at the ghastly torture methods and grisly crimes recreated in this prison-like museum where you can immerse yourself in macabre practices and living conditions of the Middle Ages.

York Dungeon
York Hospital

York Hospital

If York Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of York.

York Hospital
York Grand Opera House

York Grand Opera House

Enjoy a show at York Grand Opera House, a theatre with a story to tell in York. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this walkable area.

York Grand Opera House

Areas of York

York showing 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 Yorvik Brass Rubbing Centre 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 flowers and a park

Bootham

While visiting Bootham, you might make a stop by sights like Bootham Bar and York Theatre Royal.

Bootham
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Fulford

Travellers come to Fulford for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like McArthur Glen Designer Outlet and Fulford Golf Club while you're in town.

Fulford
Thirsk

Thirsk

Pickering

Pickering

Photo by John Butler

Ripon

Photo by John Butler

Wetherby

Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough

Harrogate

Harrogate

Whitby

Whitby

Photo by Michael Maddison-Evans

Malton

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