Things to do in York

Activities, attractions and tours

York Minster featuring a square or plaza, a church or cathedral and religious elements
York featuring signage, dining out and a city
York
York Minster featuring street scenes, a square or plaza and chateau or palace
St. Mary\'s Abbey featuring heritage architecture, flowers and a garden

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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 P 871 per traveler*
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Private & custom tours

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York City Day Trip

York City Day Trip

Activity duration is 10 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is P 29,284 per traveler*
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Holiday & seasonal tours

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York Witches and History Walking Tour

York Witches and History Walking Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes
8.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is P 1,328 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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Chocolate Manufactory Tasting Journey at York Cocoa Works

Chocolate Manufactory Tasting Journey at York Cocoa Works

Activity duration is 45 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 976 per adult
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Wildlife & nature

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From York: Moors, Whitby, and the Yorkshire Steam Railway

From York: Moors, Whitby, and the Yorkshire Steam Railway

Activity duration is 8 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 4,607 per adult
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What to do in York

Popular places to visit

York Minster featuring a square or plaza, a church or cathedral and religious elements

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 heritage architecture and street scenes

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. Check out the shops and lively bars in this family-friendly 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 which includes 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

Enjoy the collegiate vibe at York St. John University during your visit to 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

Though York Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of York while you are here.

York Hospital
York Grand Opera House

York Grand Opera House

Get tickets for a show at York Grand Opera House, a theater 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 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
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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
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Bishophill

While visiting Bishophill, you might make a stop by sights like Micklegate Bar and Yorvik Brass Rubbing Centre.

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

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 which includes a park and flowers

Bootham

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

Bootham
Thirsk

Thirsk

Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough

Harrogate

Harrogate

Photo by Michael Maddison-Evans

Malton

Photo "Alne" by Roger Gilbertson (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Roger Gilbertson (CC BY-SA)

Alne

Photo "Goole" by Gordon Kneale Brooke (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Gordon Kneale Brooke (CC BY-SA)

Goole

Photo "Green Hammerton" by David Rogers (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by David Rogers (CC BY-SA)

Green Hammerton

Photo "Appleton-le-Moors" by colin grice (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by colin grice (CC BY-SA)

Appleton-le-Moors

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.