City Centre Travel Guide
York
Visit City Centre
Popular places to visit
York Minster
The city’s emblem is known for its superb stained-glass windows, underground treasure chambers and tall tower with spectacular views.
Shambles
This picturesque cobblestone street has a fascinating medieval history and crooked buildings that appear to almost fall into one another.
York Christmas Market
During your visit to York, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at York Christmas Market. Discover the area's fascinating museums or seek out its local tours.
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.
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.
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.
Things to do
City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour
York Audio Tour: Ghosts, History, and Chocolate
Top hotels in City Centre
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
"Perfect place to stay if you want to be walking distance of main tourist must visit places. The included breakfast is excellent. I will stay there again if I come back, which I probably do."
Reviewed on 25 May 2026
Moxy York
"A fantastic stay in a wonderful hotel. Very clean and comfy beds."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Hotel Indigo York by IHG
"Buffet breakfast was excellent with lots of fruit and items which we could order from the generous menu. The staff, while very pleasant, knew precious little of any use to us. All seemed to be new or from other parts of England. Location is special with lots of fine eating choices all around."
Reviewed on 27 May 2026
Hilton York
"Great"
Reviewed on 27 May 2026
Impossible Motel
Holiday Inn York City Centre by IHG
"- The hotel is really old. - There is only one lift for five storeys. - The sound insulation is poor. You can clearly hear people talking at the corridor outside your room. - the variety of food for breakfast buffet is less than Holiday Inn Express"
Reviewed on 25 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around City Centre
Bishophill
If you're spending some time in Bishophill, Micklegate Bar and Yorvik Brass Rubbing Centre are top sights worth seeing.
Bootham
While visiting Bootham, you might make a stop by sights like York Theatre Royal and St. Mary's Abbey.
Foss Islands
Though Foss Islands may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like York Barbican and Merchant Adventurers' Hall.
Layerthorpe
When in Layerthorpe, you can plan a visit to Merchant Taylors' Hall and Treasurer's House, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
The Groves
If you're spending some time in The Groves, Clarence Gardens and Yearsley Pool are top sights worth seeing.
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.
