

Why we love York
York’s backdrop of cobbled lanes, winding ‘Snickelways’ and even a shopping street that dates back to the Domesday Book, mean this compact city is packed with stuff to see.
Check out the impressive 2,000-year-old gothic halls of its cathedral, or the ridiculously pretty 13th-century timbered streets of the Shambles. Take a punt on the horses at its world-famous racecourse, check out its masses of museums and sample a food scene that spans from Michelin stars to street food in shipping containers. Wash it down with England’s first carbon-negative gin, or explore the North Yorkshire countryside that’s as awesome as the city itself.
Featured things to do
Wander the streets of Goodramgate
A bustling quarter of historic streets with York Minster at its heart, Goodramgate is a locals’ favourite spot. Championing the city’s independent businesses, you’ll find an eclectic mix of shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants.
Explore GoodramgateSet sail on the River Ouse
Take a river boat cruise with afternoon tea, or hop onboard as skipper. Whatever your style, the River Ouse is a dreamy way to take in the city.
Choose your river cruiseTake a walking tour with a difference
These walking tours are run by homeless people, allowing visitors to learn about the city from expert local guides, while giving back to the community.
Take an Invisible Cities tourDiscover the history of chocolate
Learn how three clever families – the Rowntrees, Terrys and Cravens – made York a chocolate capital. Create a bar of your own at York’s Chocolate Story – it also makes a tasty Christmas gift.
Learn more about York’s Chocolate StoryPlaces to stay in York
City centre
This is the busiest part of town and the centre of York’s beauty, but you’ll have to compete with other visitors for a spot in this small and popular city.
Holgate
Perfect for reaching the nearby attractions. Some of the best museums, landmarks and activities, along with a good choice of pubs and places to eat, are all here.
Bootham
Great for those on a budget, Bootham is a largely residential area, and relatively quiet. You can easily walk to the centre from here, and will meet more locals going about their everyday lives.
Explore nearby
Getting to York
York is located in the heart of North Yorkshire and its nearest airport is Leeds-Bradford. 30 miles (48km) from the city centre, the airport operates flights to and from 70 destinations worldwide.
Getting from London to York is easy, with LNER offering a high-speed service from London Kings Cross in under two hours. Northern provide direct routes to York from various locations around the north of England.
Getting around York
York is best explored on foot or bike, but the city does have excellent public transport connections. Check out iTravelYork’s handy guide for all the information you need to travel in the city.
By bike
It’s a short journey from the outskirts to the city centre by bike, making cycling one of the easiest and most fun ways to access York. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to cycle routes.
By foot
York’s winding cobbled streets are best explored on foot. In fact, it takes just 20 minutes to walk from one side of the city to the other, with plenty to see along the way. There are also lots of tours and guided walks.
By bus
First Bus run regular services throughout York and offer a range of money-saving tickets, in addition to accepting contactless payments on all routes, for fast and convenient travel.
Surrounding York
Looking to visit attractions outside of York? Coastliner operates regular services to nearby destinations including bustling Leeds and the quirky coastal town of Whitby.
Want to know more?
Check out Visit York for top insider tips and travel inspiration.