The 20 best things to do in York

What is it? Quite possibly York’s most famous street and a firm favourite with Harry Potter fans.

Why go? Take a stroll down this winding road and you’ll be overcome by its quaintness. But wait: The Shambles has a darker past lurking behind its pretty façade. In fact, its very name is the Old English word for slaughterhouse. And those cute hooks on the front of the shops? Originally used for hanging meat. Yum. More fun facts? The wonky-looking timber-framed buildings, many of which date back to the fourteenth century, were built like that so the overhang would protect the ‘wattle and daub’ walls and help keep the meat from going rancid in the sunshine. Scone, anyone?

Don’t miss: Grab a pint at Ye Old Shambles Tavern or visit TikTok’s famous Ghost Merchants to find your unique fortune-bringing ghost figurine.

What is it? York’s river, which cuts a path through the city before winding up at the Humber Estuary. 

Why go? The Ouse is a picturesque delight with riverside walking routes that are perfect for post-lunch strolls. Follow the river and you’ll catch some of York’s best sights, from the Millennium Bridge to Clifford’s Tower. You can also take regular boat tours or cruises down the river.

Don’t miss: Take the early evening cruise and you’ll be treated to sunset views that’ll give you pause for thought (and photos). The boat comes with a fully stocked bar should you fancy an evening tipple and there’s lively onboard commentary. 

What is it? Roman fortifications that once protected the city.

Why go? The Romans did a lot for us. They built roads, thermal baths and left York with the longest walls barrier in the country. Walking the full length of York’s city walls will take a couple of hours, especially if you stop to read the many plaques on the way.

Don’t miss: You can enlist the help of a guide to save a bit of brainwork. Tailored tours ensure you only get the juicy tidbits, while private excursions cut out any possibility of stragglers.

What is it? Free botanic gardens in the city centre with splendid medieval ruins.

Why go? To enjoy a stroll surrounded by beautiful views in a green space bang-on in the city centre. Visiting the Museum is a plus, but coming to the Museum Gardens is a must. The Gardens are populated by wildlife and adorned with plants and flowers on every path. Inside you can see the medieval ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, a dramatic and picture-worthy site against a spectacular backdrop, as well as various other cool buildings. Entry to the Gardens is free, and once you’re in you won’t want to leave. 

Don’t miss: There are historic gems all around, so look out for the Observatory (now a cosy café) and the Hospitium, used for housing guests back in the 12th century.

What is it? The ruined Norman keep forming part of York Castle.

Why go? Like lots of this city’s history, this tower’s name has rather gruesome roots: Roger de Clifford was hanged for treason on this site back in 1322. Today the tower offers some pretty spectacular views. At the hill’s summit, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled panoramas over York Minster and the city centre, and, on a clear day, you can see as far as the North York Moors National Park.

What is it? A stunning cathedral dating back to the seventh century.

Why go? Pretty much everywhere you go in York, you can catch a glimpse of the splendid Minster soaring over the city. But make sure you go to see it close up. Step inside the cool interiors and admire medieval stained-glass windows, carved stone and sparkling artefacts. Make sure to visit the Chapter House: this mesmerising octagonal room dating from the 13th century has spectacular vaulting and intact carved quirky gargoyles, but it’s all the way to the back of the Minster (so it's an actual hidden gem).

Don’t miss: Strap on some sensible shoes and climb all 275 steps to enjoy the view from the highest point in York. If you’re lucky you might just spot a peregrine falcon nesting peacefully next to a gargoyle.

What is it? An immersive display reproducing 400 years of York’s past.

Why go? To live as a time traveller for a day, walking from York’s smoky Victorian streets to its kitchens and music-filled rooms in the 1960s. It doesn’t get more immersive than walking in the dim light of Kirkgate, York’s re-built Victorian street, hearing horse-carriage bells and smelling peculiar odours as you step into the real-life shops recreated from historic records: hat-makers, fudge-makers, tailors, chemists and more. York Castle Museum's newly refurbished rooms have something for everyone’s taste, with plenty of interactive displays to bring history to life. To make it even cooler, you have actors playing real-life characters to help on your timey-wimey journey.

What is it? A trip back in time to the days of York under Danish rule.

Why go? This is a chance to delve into York’s Scandi past – and no, we’re not talking hygge here. In 866 (yes, York really is that ancient) the city was invaded by the Danes; this attraction gives a snapshot of what Viking life would have been like. With its moving carriages, life-size dioramas and ancient artefacts, it’s a real trip back in time. Be warned: they even replicate the smells of the ninth century. We can confirm they’re pretty bad.

Don’t miss: Look out for an actual fossilised Viking poo on display. 

What is it? A relic of York history from the days of the Iron Curtain and the fear of the ever-ticking Doomsday Clock. 

Why go? If you’re tired of learning about Romans and Vikings, then lose yourself in another chapter of history. The semi-subterranean York Cold War Bunker was built in case of a Soviet nuclear attack and, with its blast-proof doors, perspex maps and decontamination areas is described by English Heritage as ‘the most modern and spine-chilling’ of their properties. Tours are led by friendly guides who know their stuff and begin every hour on the hour. If visiting in autumn and winter, be sure to check their website for up-to-date openings.

What is it? A luxurious afternoon tea in the city’s only 5-star hotel.

Why go? To enjoy a proper treat in one of the most majestic venues in the city without breaking the bank. The Grand's signature afternoon tea features 20 different types of teas from around the world, with savoury and sweet options stacked elegantly and made in-house by some of the best pastry chefs in the country. Don’t take our word for it: they were awarded Conde Nast’s best afternoon tea in the UK in 2023! During a warm summer day you can enjoy your scones, tea, and tipple on the terrace with lovely views of the city walls.

What is it? A thrilling, immersive journey through York’s grizzly past.

Why go? Just like its sibling venues in the UK and other parts of Europe, York Dungeon delves into the murkier parts of the city’s past. With a boatload of (terrifying) actors, live shows, special effects and truly horrifying sets, it’s not for the faint-hearted. As you shuffle bravely through the dungeon you’ll come face to face with some of York’s most notorious characters, before heading to the tavern to calm your nerves.

What is it? York’s full of ghoulish stories, and a ghost tour’s the best way to find out about them.

Why go? To set your heart racing and learn more about why York is so spooktacular. Wander along narrow passageways and dark streets to investigate bloodcurdling tales of scandal and death, or jump aboard the Ghost Bus, on which the creepy conductor will fill you in on the city’s grimmest tales. There’s a wide variety of ghost tours running daily here, so if you’re after some scares, York’s the place for you.

What is it? A choccy haven in the heart of town

Why go? Fancy a hot choc? York’s famous history with chocolate keeps inspiring the city’s modern foodies and baristas. Inside this cosy café specialised in all things chocolate, you can indulge in hot or cold chocolate drinks sustainably sourced from all over the world, and enriched by dozens of flavours you can customise. Raspberry? Ginger? Marshmallows? Yes please. And it’s definitely a bonus that you can try as many chocolate samples as you wish, as the expert chocolatiers tell you all about their journey to the chocolate capital of the UK. 

Please note the gardens are open May-September only.

What is it? Spectacular (and award-winning) gardens on the edge of the city.

Why go? For the 20 acres of gardens packed with more than 7,000 varieties of flowers, shrubs and trees.

Don’t miss: The adjoining specialist nursery, which stocks many rare plants you can buy and take home.

What is it? The largest music and arts venue in York. 

Why go? To see everything from big-name bands to live comedy, as well as a variety of goings-on that span sports, children’s entertainment and community events. It’s a key venue and cultural hub in the city with a rich history of hosting amazing artists. The programme is always stacked, hosting more than 200 events a year and pulling in 130,000 visitors.

What is it? The perfect excuse to get in touch with your inner trainspotter.

Why go? Anyone with a passion for period dramas, history or design will revel in a trip to the National Railway Museum – the biggest railway museum in the UK, no less. Here you’ll find more than a million pieces of memorabilia, including actual trains, mock-up stations and perfectly (and stylishly) restored carriages.

Don’t miss: You can also take a ride on the miniature railway outside.

What is it? A beer-filled tour of local brewery Brew York.

Why go? To sample a sumptuous range of local beers fresh from the place they’re actually brewed. 

Don’t miss: If you love the brew so much you want to take some home with you, then no problem: sign up for Brew York’s monthly subscription box.

What is it? Award-winning modern racecourse and gig venue with grandstands and characterful listed buildings.

Why go? For any of the 17 joyous race days between May and October. Not a racing fan? No problem – the racecourse also puts on concerts, fashion events and even a vintage clothes festival. There’s a decent car boot sale here on Saturday mornings, too.

Don’t miss: The Yorkshire Ebor Festival and its smartly-dressed vibe is the season highlight.

What is it? A Grade II-listed theatre that was lovingly restored in the ’80s.

Why go? As well as all its historic sights, York also boasts some pretty cool live entertainment venues. Following its ’80s revamp, which saw the theatre’s layout returned to its original period style, the Grand Opera House now puts on an excellent programme of live music, comedy and musicals. 

What is it? A guided tour through 3,000 years of chocolate history and, of course, York’s crucial role in it.

Why go? To get up to speed on some of the most beloved (and delicious) York-made sweeties. Expect to dive deep into the history of Terry’s, Rowntree’s and more. Oh, and obvs don’t forget to get your fair share of samples from the shop.