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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City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
9.0 out of 10 with 124 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €19 per adult
City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 25 activities
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
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was €11 and current price is €9 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 9 activities
York: City Highlights Small Group Walking Tour

York: City Highlights Small Group Walking Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €23 per adult
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Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 7 activities
Christmas Guided Walking Tour in York

Christmas Guided Walking Tour in York

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is €14 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 5 activities
Chocolate Bar Making Workshop - York Cocoa Works

Chocolate Bar Making Workshop - York Cocoa Works

Activity duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes
Free cancellation available
The previous price was €29 and current price is €23 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

4.5/5(775 reviews)

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

4.5/5(967 reviews)

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

4.5/5(139 reviews)

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

4.5/5(334 reviews)

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 St. John University

York St. John University

4.5/5(26 reviews)

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 showing heritage architecture

York City Walls

4.5/5(17 reviews)

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 Grand Opera House

York Grand Opera House

4/5(1 review)

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
York Hospital

York Hospital

2/5(1 review)

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

York Hospital
York Dungeon

York Dungeon

4.5/5(125 reviews)

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

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
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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
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
Thirsk

Thirsk

Pickering

Pickering

Photo by John Butler

Ripon

Photo by John Butler

Wetherby

Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough

Harrogate

Harrogate

Whitby

Whitby

Photo "Scotch Corner" by Hugh Mortimer (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Hugh Mortimer (CC BY-SA)

Scotch Corner

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.