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 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 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
York: Golden Tours Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour- 24 Hours Ticket
Top hotels in City Centre
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
Good
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
Moxy York
Nice room but very warm. Staff didn’t tell us air con was not turned on yet so boiled.
Reviewed on 9 Apr 2026
Hilton York
Great hotel in York old town.
Reviewed on 9 Apr 2026
Hotel Indigo York by IHG
Staff were very friendly and courteous. Our room was clean and in great condition. Within walking distance of all the nearby attractions and shopping. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay here.
Reviewed on 8 Apr 2026
Dean Court Hotel
Very friendly staff and efficient check in. Excellent location. We had a room with an amazing view of York Minster. It was up 38 steps ( no lift to this part of the hotel) but the view made the climb worth it. Quiet despite its central location. Lovely breakfast, again with views of the Minster. ...
Reviewed on 8 Apr 2026
Impossible Motel
The staff were great and they put balloons in our room for my wife's birthday which was a lovely touch. The room wasn't very impressive for the price I paid, it needed a lot of touch ups and wasn't very clean. The bathroom is also tiny. I would have expected a lot more for the price.
Reviewed on 4 Apr 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 Yorkshire Museum Gardens.
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 Merchant Adventurers' Hall, 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.
