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 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.
Things to do
City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour
Nth York Moors Steam Train (incl) & Whitby Small Group Day Trip.
Nidderdale Driving Self-Guided Tour with an APP
From York: North Moors and Whitby Tour
York: "All Creatures Great and Small" Yorkshire Dales Tour
Top hotels in City Centre
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
Excellent location !
Reviewed on 14 Apr 2026
Moxy York
Excellent friendly staff. Comfortable bed. Prices in the bar reasonable. Would stay again.
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
Hilton York
Great
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
Hotel Indigo York by IHG
was great night sleep, very helpful staff and couldn't ask for anything else loved it
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026
Dean Court Hotel
This is the perfect location in York. The hotel is beside Yorkminster and an easy walk to the Shambles and pubs. The hotel is clean and lovely and the staff were great. Highly recommended.
Reviewed on 13 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.
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.
