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Planning a visit to York? Well, you’ve come to the experts!
York may be a fairly small city, but trust me, this UK gem packs a serious punch. The first time that we visited, we were actually surprised by just how much there is to do here! So now, after wandering its cobbled streets and exploring its iconic attractions, we just couldn’t resist compiling our ultimate list of the top things to do here.
Whether you’re eager to step back in time with a guided tour, savor hidden foodie gems, or soak up the beauty of the Yorkshire countryside, we’ve got you covered with all of the need-to-know info. Ready to make the most of your York adventure? Let’s go!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in York is this Moors and Whitby day trip. Rolling through the moors, exploring Whitby, and seeing cute villages was the best way to see the countryside. The history and views made our day!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in York
- 1. Take a deep dive into York’s history with your own guide
- 2. Experience the beauty of the Moors on a guided day trip from York
- 3. Hop on a bike and uncover hidden corners of this historic city
- 4. Catch the sunrise on a hot air balloon
- 5. Walk York’s historic walls with a private guide
- 6. Listen to ghostly legends with a guide all to yourself
- 7. Soak up rolling hills and stone villages on a Yorkshire Dales day trip
- 8. Dive into York’s darkest moments in an immersive dungeon experience
- Where to Stay in York, United Kingdom
- Thanks for reading!
- Stay safe in Europe & avoid scams!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in the UK
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
Things to do in York
1. Take a deep dive into York’s history with your own guide
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Time: Multiple time slots between 9 am and 4 pm
- Highlights: York Minster, King’s Manor, St. Mary’s Abbey, Shambles, Merchant Adventurers’, Clifford’s Tower
- Inclusions: Professional guide, private tour, hotel meetup in central York
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Believe it or not, there’s a lot more to York than its picturesque streets. So if you really want to go beyond the typical photo stops, this private walking tour is a must!
We were lucky enough to get Chris as our guide. He had a real knack for storytelling and an extensive knowledge of the city, so exploring with him was a very eye-opening experience. He brought each site to life, from the towering York Minster to the haunting ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey.
My favorite part of the tour was definitely delving into the medieval roots of the Shambles. Most tours just take you past this 14th-century street, but Chris took us on a deep dive into its history and taught us lots of lesser-known facts about the area.
Meanwhile, at Clifford’s Tower, Chris recounted the chilling events that unfolded there, giving us a much deeper appreciation for York’s complex and, at times, dark history.
For us, this tour was the perfect introduction to York, but even if you’ve been here before, I guarantee you will learn something new! Chris did a great job of tailoring the itinerary to our interests, and he taught us lots of things that we would never have found out on our own. No wonder it has over a thousand 5-star reviews!
Book this top-rated walking tour here, while spaces are still available!
2. Experience the beauty of the Moors on a guided day trip from York
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Seeing filming locations for the Harry Potter movies like Hutton-le-Hole and Goathland, exploring North York Moors National Park, visiting the seaside town of Whitby, small group tour
- Inclusions: Transport, driver and guide, live commentary,
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 550+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
You can’t visit York without visiting the Yorkshire Moors! And that’s exactly why this Moors and Whitby day trip is my top pick for things to do in York. The Moors are a beautiful and iconic part of England, and this tour makes it so easy to explore them.
Our guide, Mark, was like a human encyclopedia of Yorkshire history! As we passed through picturesque Yorkshire villages like Hutton-le-Hole, he shared stories that brought each place to life. We also loved the chance to see filming locations from the Harry Potter movies!
As for the Moors themselves, well, they were even more dramatic than I had imagined! When we paused at Blakey Ridge, I was truly in awe of the haunting, windswept landscapes that stretched as far as the eye could see.
We also loved having two hours to explore the charming seaside town of Whitby. Mark gave us some pointers on what to do here, so we went to admire Whitby Abbey and, of course, grabbed fish and chips for lunch! It really does taste better by the sea.
Whether you’re here for the history or the scenery, it packs a lot into one day—centuries-old villages, iconic coastlines, sweeping moorland, and a touch of movie magic!
Book our FAVORITE Yorkshire tour here and enjoy free cancellation!
3. Hop on a bike and uncover hidden corners of this historic city
- Duration: 2–2.5 hours
- Time: 10:30 am
- Highlights: Learning about York’s Roman and Viking history, following quiet cycle routes, York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, Treasurer’s House, York City Walls, Rowntree Park, St. William’s College
- Inclusions: Use of bicycle, cycle helmets, professional tour guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check 560+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Exploring York on this bike tour was hands down one of the best ways to see the city! Our guide, Cecil, was an absolute gem—full of fascinating stories that brought the city to life.
We kicked things off by pedaling through York’s historic streets, cruising past landmarks like York Minster as Cecil shared captivating tales of its medieval roots and striking architecture.
From there, we cycled along the city walls, stopping at Micklegate Bar to hear about the royal entrances and the gruesome past of this ancient gateway. I loved riding through Rowntree Park, which was a gift to the city of York from the Rowntree family, who founded the iconic British confectionery brand. We even got to taste some chocolate samples!
Another one of my favorite stops was Clifford’s Tower, which was a royal stronghold where one of the largest anti-Semitic massacres of the Middle Ages took place. It was a sobering stop, but it highlighted a darker chapter in York’s history that often goes untold.
Then, we visited the Treasurer’s House, where Cecil regaled us with one of York’s most famous ghost stories.
I thought the pace of the tour was just right. It was leisurely enough to take in the sights but fast enough to cover a lot of ground. It’s an ideal way to get to know the city of York, especially if you’re short on time. Don’t just take our word for it either—read over 500 glowing reviews here!
Check availability and book this historic bike tour here!
4. Catch the sunrise on a hot air balloon
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Time: 5 am
- Highlights: Hot air balloon ride, aerial views of York and Yorkshire, champagne toast (summer only), option to get hands-on and pack the balloon away
- Inclusions: Hot air balloon flight, shuttle back to meeting point, professional pilot and crew
- Rating: 5 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Normally, getting up before 5 am would NOT be my idea of fun, but this sunrise hot air balloon ride over York was definitely worth it. Watching the city slowly wake up as we drifted overhead was a truly magical experience!
I was still a little sleepy when we arrived at the meeting point, but our pilot, Ollie, greeted us warmly and invited us to help with the setup, which was a surprisingly fun way to shake off the early morning grogginess!
Once the balloon was inflated. Ollie gave a quick but thorough safety briefing. Then, we climbed into the basket and drifted up, up, and away! I’m not exaggerating when I say that both of our jaws dropped. We already knew that York was a beautiful city, of course, but admiring it from high above really takes things to the next level.
Of course, we didn’t want the flight to end, but when it did, the landing was surprisingly smooth! After we were back on earth, we received our flight certificates and a cold drink to toast the end of an epic morning before we caught the minibus back to the launch site.
We once thought that York was all about history and steam train rides, but this hot air balloon ride totally proved us wrong. If you’re looking to intersperse your trip with a little magic and adventure, do yourself a favor and book this once-in-a-lifetime flight!
Book this epic hot air balloon tour here before it sells out!
5. Walk York’s historic walls with a private guide
- Duration: 1.5–3 hours
- Time: Multiple times available between 8 am–10 pm
- Highlights: York City Walls, Multangular Tower, St. Mary’s Abbey, King’s Manor, Bootham Bar, Treasurer’s House, Barley Hall, Shambles, Jorvik Viking Centre, Clifford’s Tower, York Castle Museum, Micklegate Bar
- Inclusions: Private tour guide, hotel meetup
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 130+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you’re a history buff looking to experience York beyond the typical tourist spots, this private walking tour of the city walls is a fantastic way to do it. In fact, it completely changed my perception of York!
My guide, John, had such an infectious passion for the city’s history, and he managed to bring every stop to life with stories about the Romans, the Vikings, and the medieval era.
We started with the York City Walls, and while I’d walked them before, John’s commentary added a whole new layer of meaning to the experience. He pointed out hidden details, like ancient carvings and defensive structures that I never would have noticed alone.
At Bootham Bar, he explained how this gateway has been a strategic entry point for over 2,000 years. From there, we wandered to St. Mary’s Abbey and learned about its rise and fall through the centuries. Later on, John brought the Multangular Tower to life by using 3D reconstructions to help us imagine it as a bustling Roman fortress.
I also mentioned to John that I enjoy some dark history, so he tailored the tour accordingly! We spent extra time in The Shambles, diving into the street’s dark history of butchers and bloodletting, which was creepy but totally fascinating.
I left the tour feeling like I’d uncovered York’s secrets, and not just ticked off a list of landmarks. If you want to go deeper into the city’s past, this tour is a must!
Read all of the 5-star reviews and secure your private York history tour here!
Related Read: If you want help picking the best activities, restaurants, and more, we spill the beans in our 3-day York itinerary!
6. Listen to ghostly legends with a guide all to yourself
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Time: Flexible start time between 7 pm–9 pm
- Highlights: Private tour, personalized experience, choice of spine-tingling locations to visit, including York Minster, Treasurer’s House, King’s Manor, and many more
- Inclusions: Private tour guide, hotel meet up, customizable itinerary
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 80+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
In a city as old as York, you just know that the ghost stories are next level! But honestly, we didn’t know where to start by ourselves, so we decided to dive headfirst into the spooky side of the city with this private ghost tour—and boy, are we glad that we did.
Our guide, John, was a true historian at heart. This isn’t a gimmicky ghost tour, but it is definitely spine-tingling. John didn’t rely on jump scares or theatrics—instead, he wove together eerie, true stories that made the hair on the back of our necks stand up.
We started at The Shambles, which by day is a charming, Harry Potter-esque street, but by night, it’s a haunting reminder of York’s dark past. John told us about the butcher shops that once lined the street, which was both fascinating and very creepy.
Next, we made our way to Clifford’s Tower, where we learned about the tragic massacre of York’s Jewish community in the 12th century. Hearing this story while standing underneath the looming structure definitely put a chill in the air.
But the highlight had to be the Treasurer’s House, where John recounted the city’s most famous ghost story: the sighting of a legion of Roman soldiers marching through the cellar. I definitely got goosebumps!
If you’re fascinated by history with a dark, haunting twist, this tour is a must. York’s ghostly past is as captivating as it is unsettling!
Grab your private ghost tour here, before it sells out!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
7. Soak up rolling hills and stone villages on a Yorkshire Dales day trip
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Yorkshire Dales National Park, Bolton Castle, Aysgarth Falls, Wensleydale Creamery
- Inclusions: Transport, on-board commentary, driver and guide, small group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 270+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We were really keen to get out of the city and explore those famous Yorkshire Dales, but we didn’t really want the hassle of hiring a car for just one day, so we booked this small group tour instead. It proved to be the perfect way to experience this beautiful part of England!
We met the tour in the city center, jumped in the minibus, and wound our way through the lush, green valleys. I basically had my nose pressed to the window the whole time because everywhere I looked, there were grazing sheep and cute, stone-walled villages.
Our first stop was Bolton Castle, a beautiful 14th-century fortress. We didn’t get to go inside, but we had enough time to snap photos and soak in its grandeur before heading onto the super scenic Aysgarth Falls to stretch our legs. We also made stops in lots of cute English villages and learned a lot about what makes Yorkshire such a unique part of the UK.
But perhaps the highlight of the day was our stop at Wensleydale Creamery. If you’ve ever watched the iconic British claymation Wallace and Gromit, you’ll know all about this famous cheese! I loved sampling their delicious wares, and the Yorkshire Wensleydale with cranberries was definitely my favorite.
So if, like us, you want to experience the quintessential English countryside without the stress of navigating winding country roads, this tour is absolutely perfect. Don’t hesitate to book it!
Check availability and secure your spot on this small group tour here!
8. Dive into York’s darkest moments in an immersive dungeon experience
- Duration: 1–2 hours
- Time: Multiple time slots between 10 am–5 pm
- Highlights: Live shows, interactive exhibits, learning about notorious historical figures like Dick Turpin and Guy Fawkes, quick entry with prebooked admission, jump scares, special effects
- Inclusions: Entrance ticket, immersive dungeon experience
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 920+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
The York Dungeon is easily one of the city’s most famous attractions, so checking it out is a must while you’re here, especially if you’re a fan of dark history and a good scare! We were a bit nervous about the long ticket queues, so we booked ours online and sailed right past the lines.
Once inside, we understood why this dungeon is so iconic. It’s a brilliantly executed mix of humor, horror, and history, with live actors who are so convincing you almost forget they’re not actually executioners or plague doctors!
We wandered through eerie, dimly lit corridors and stepped into scenes from York’s grisly past. One minute, we were nervously laughing at a surprisingly sassy torturer, and the next, we were jumping out of our skin as Vikings charged towards us!
What really stood out to me about the dungeon was how much you actually learn in between the jump scares. We especially loved learning more about the story of Guy Fawkes and his plot to blow up Parliament, which is still commemorated to this day in England with fireworks and bonfires every November 5th.
If you’re looking to add some thrills to your York itinerary, this is it. And seriously, book your tickets ahead of time. I promise you’ll thank yourself when you breeze past the long ticket line at the entrance!
Read all of the glowing reviews and book your dungeon tickets here!
Where to Stay in York, United Kingdom
So now that you’re all caught up on the best things to do in York, you just need a great place to stay! Luckily, there’s no shortage of them in this gorgeous, historic city. I would definitely recommend staying somewhere central, as that way you’ll be close to the action and qualify for hotel pickup or meet-up for many of the above tours.
To make it easy for you, I’ve chosen my three favorite York hotels so that you can find one that suits your budget. I strongly suggest booking in advance to make sure that these properties are still available for your dates, as they’re all very well-rated!
Luxury – $$$
The Grand York certainly lives up to its name! It’s a gorgeous, historic property with spacious marble bathrooms and big, marshmallow soft beds. I think it would be ideal for a romantic city break, but really it’s a must for anyone who’s craving the VIP treatment.
Meanwhile, the heated indoor pool, wellness spa, and elegant Rise restaurant ensure that every moment you spend here feels like a dream! You might struggle to tear yourself away, although if you do manage it, then the Micklegate Bar, Deans Park, and the Jorvik Viking Centre are just a short stroll away.
Double or twin rooms here cost between £180 and £350 per night. Check prices and secure your stay at Booking.com!
Mid-range – $$
If you’re looking for a luxury stay in York that won’t break the bank, then look no further than Middletons! It’s a gorgeous property that just oozes that quaint, old English charm. And you don’t just get a room here, you get your very own cottage—how cool is that?
Even though it’s less than a 10-minute walk from major attractions like Clifford’s Tower and the York Dungeon, it’s super quiet and feels like a country retreat. The property also has a very interesting history, and if you stay here, the friendly staff will be more than happy to tell you about it!
Garden view cottages here start from £130 per night. Check prices and book your stay here!
Budget – $
If you’re looking for a great budget stay in York, Burton Stone Inn offers a clean and comfy stay for a great price. Oh, and did I mention that York Minster is just a 10-minute walk away? Yup, despite being one of the most affordable choices around, this charming property is super central.
With cozy yet stylish rooms, it will be your home away from home. And with a range of room options and sizes, you can find the perfect fit. Don’t skip out on breakfast either, it is one of the highlights!
Rooms typically cost between £70 and £125 per night. Check prices and availability here!
For more options, check out all of the listed stays in York City Center here!
Renting a Car in the UK
Renting a car in the UK is a fantastic way to explore beyond the cities—think charming villages, scenic countryside, and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains and buses might miss. Driving here is generally straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for some regional quirks.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the United Kingdom
- Drive on the left: In the UK, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. This means the driver’s seat is on the right, and you’ll need to adjust to roundabouts and different road layouts. Take some time to get comfortable before hitting busy roads.
- Insurance is essential: I highly recommend adding full coverage insurance to your rental. Whether it’s a ding in a parking lot or a chipped windshield on a rural road, having full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable with Discover Cars!
- Pick the right vehicle: Most rentals in the UK are manual transmission, and automatic cars are limited—so book early if that’s what you need. Also, a compact car is great for narrow village roads or tight city parking. With Discover Cars, it’s super easy to filter for exactly what you need.
- City driving & zones: Cities like London and Birmingham have congestion charges and LEZs (low-emission zones). Double-check before entering—some zones require advance registration or payment.
What You Need to Rent a Car in the UK
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If your license isn’t in English or doesn’t use Latin characters, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the UK on your own terms!
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Thanks for reading!
York may be small, but it’s packed with charm, culture, and unforgettable experiences. We loved how easy it was to explore everything from ancient Roman walls to ghostly alleyways and scenic countryside. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer stay, we hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in this historic city.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out all our United Kingdom blogs here—we’ve got loads of tips, tours, and hidden gems to share. Or check out some of our favorites below to get started!
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