City Centre Travel Guide
York
Visit City Centre
Popular places to visit
Shambles
This picturesque cobblestone street has a fascinating medieval history and crooked buildings that appear to almost fall into one another.
York Minster
The city’s emblem is known for its superb stained-glass windows, underground treasure chambers and tall tower with spectacular views.
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 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 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 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
Gunpowder, Treason & Plot - A city walking tour of York
Top hotels in City Centre
Moxy York
Great atmosphere and amenities. Really enjoyed breakfast! Rooms clean and comfortable. Easy access to the centre. Definately coming back!
Reviewed on 21 Dec 2025
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
Excellent service. Great breakfast. Friendly staff. Thank.you
Reviewed on 25 Dec 2025
Hotel Indigo York by IHG
Beautiful clean room on the ground floor. The staff were very accommodating and friendly. Easy access into town and the parking was just a stones throw away. Great hotel and great location.
Reviewed on 24 Dec 2025
Hilton York
Perfect last minute stay. I always stay at The Dean Court, however the Hilton had better amenities in the room from shampoo, conditioner. Coffee, tea and TV! The pillows were so comfortable!
Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025
Impossible Motel
Great Location situated in center opposite Bettys tea rooms Had to change rooms due to broken toilet seat but staff were helpful and resolved issue No breakfast included but this was a plus as there are so many great places to eat breakfast / brunch only a few minutes walk away
Reviewed on 12 Dec 2025
Dean Court Hotel
Room was clean and adequate size
Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025
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 Bootham Bar and York Theatre Royal.
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 Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland.
Layerthorpe
When in Layerthorpe, you can plan a visit to Merchant Taylors' Hall and Monk Bar, 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.
