City Centre Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
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.
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.
Activities
City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour
York Witches and History Walking Tour
From York: North Moors and Whitby Tour
Our pick of the best City Centre Hotel Deals
Moxy York
Great hotel in the city centre
Reviewed on 7 Dec 2025
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
I recently had a wonderful short stay at the Hampton Piccadilly in York while visiting the historic city and its charming Christmas markets. The hotel’s location was perfect, allowing easy access to all the key attractions, which made exploring a breeze. The highlight of my stay was definitely the ...
Reviewed on 4 Dec 2025
Hotel Indigo York by IHG
Staff were very courteous. It was a shame that restaurant mainly served pasta dishes on an evening. Room was clean as was all other areas of hotel. Ideally located to york city centre and we were lucky enough to get a space in hotel car park which is only a 2 minute walk from the hotel. Would most ...
Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025
Hilton York
Clean room good breakfast
Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025
Impossible Motel
Gorgeous quirky hotel just a bit of a maze to navigate. Also we were in basement and a lot of noise above. Chairs scraping on floors etc other than that staff cleanliness location etc all perfect.
Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025
Dean Court Hotel
Very welcoming as always.Can leave luggage until room ready.Excellent warm room.
Reviewed on 5 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.
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.
Bootham
While visiting Bootham, you might make a stop by sights like Bootham Bar and York Theatre Royal.
The Groves
If you're spending some time in The Groves, Clarence Gardens and Yearsley Pool are top sights worth seeing.
Layerthorpe
When in Layerthorpe, you can plan a visit to Merchant Taylors' Hall and Monk Bar, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Fishergate
While visiting Fishergate, you might make a stop by sights like York Barbican and Kohima Museum.
