York

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Top 10 attractions in York

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York Minster
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in York

York Minster

7.5
4.6/5
427 reviews
York Minster is the largest Gothic church in England. Construction began in the early 13th century and was completed 250 years later. The church has the world's largest medieval stained glass and the world's oldest side porch. There are also some small collections inside, such as cherubs and shields from the feudal era. When visiting the church, you can choose the time when York Minster holds evening prayers, and enjoy the magnificent atmosphere of York Minster with the beautiful singing of the choir and the sound of the organ. Walk 275 steps to the top of the 71-meter-high central tower, which offers beautiful views of York. Walking along the city wall from BoothamBar to MonkBar, you can enjoy the majestic view of York Minster.York · 533m from downtown
Shambles
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in York

Shambles

7.2
4.6/5
149 reviews
Shambles is one of the best-preserved medieval streets in York. As early as 1086, the area was recorded in documents as a meat market, and from the 14th century, it gradually became a hub for butcher shops. Records show that in 1830, there were 25 butcher shops operating along the street, until they gradually disappeared by the early 20th century. The street retains timber-framed, overhanging buildings constructed between the 14th–15th centuries. The upper floors overhang the street, with the eaves on either side almost touching, and in the narrowest parts, the walls on both sides can almost be touched simultaneously. This overhanging design was not just for aesthetics—in the Middle Ages, the projecting floors shaded the meat below to keep it fresh longer, and the gutters between the raised stone slabs on either side of the road made it easy to wash away waste from slaughtering. Today, you can still see the original meat hooks and wide window ledges used to display meat on many of the shop exteriors, which are important traces identifying the street's historical identity. Today, the scene of butcher shops operating in the Shambles is gone. Walking through the ancient alleys, you will find antique shops, craft stores, bakeries, and specialty restaurants on both sides, with several narrow lanes branching off to the nearby open-air market.York · 462m from downtown
The York Dungeon
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in York

The York Dungeon

6.6
4.5/5
23 reviews
York Dungeon is a tourist attraction in York. The entire dungeon depicts the dark history of Yorkshire for 2,000 years, and the staff vividly restores them through performances. As you walk around the dungeon, you'll hear creepy screams, steel crashing, and more. You'll also learn about all the supernatural, frightening and bizarre events that have happened in Yorkshire history. Dungeon actors and performances will appear around every dark corner, and you can experience York's dark past and learn about local lore through all your senses - seeing, hearing, touching, smelling. There's also the Golden Fleece bar, where ghosts surround drinkers; there's also a Tudor room famous for the raging Henry VIII.York · 719m from downtown
Whitby Abbey
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Scarborough District

Whitby Abbey

6.3
4.5/5
51 reviews
There are three types of monastic ruins in the world: ordinary monastery ruins, picturesque monastery ruins, and Whitby Abbey. Whitby Abbey is located on the East Cliff of Whitby, a small seaside town in North Yorkshire, England. The silhouette standing on the skyline is like a huge Gothic tombstone. This ancient and sacred building was built between the 11th and 14th centuries and is located in the center of the town overlooking the entire town. To get here, you need to step on the famous 199 steps up the side of the cliff. As you climb the steps up Whitby Abbey, you're bound to pass the equally spectacular St Mary's Church and its terrifying burial grounds, the latter a favourite for goth couples when they're in love. Whitby Abbey is more like a majestic movie location than a religious building. It's not hard to imagine why this colossal medieval building inspired the Victorian novelist Bram Stoker to make it the domain of Count Dracula during his holiday in Whitby, famous for writing about it. The vampire novel Dracula. The source of inspiration for the novel is Whitby Abbey, and the story scenes of this literary work also take place in the small town of Whitby.Scarborough District · 66 km from York
Clifford’s Tower
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in York

Clifford’s Tower

6
4.1/5
93 reviews
Clifford’s Tower is located in the heart of York, England, United Kingdom, and is one of the important surviving architectural remnants of York Castle, as well as a representative medieval landmark in the area. It sits atop an artificial mound, surrounded by open grassy areas and historic buildings. The existing stone tower was mainly built in the 13th century, featuring a heavy stone masonry structure with a four-lobed floor plan composed of four circular protrusions, and its outer walls retain the architectural characteristics of a medieval castle. Most of its interior has become a ruin without a complete roof, but you can still see traces of stone walls, narrow window openings, old staircases, and parts of the chapel space. After renovations, walkways and stairs were added inside the tower, and a circular observation deck was installed at the top, where visitors can climb up to overlook York Minster, the rooftops of the old city, and the surrounding neighborhoods, and on clear days, even enjoy a view of the hills beyond the city.York · 737m from downtown
York City Walls
No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Northern England

York City Walls

5.9
4.7/5
173 reviews
York City Walls are located in the heart of York, North Yorkshire, England, and encircle the historic city center, making them one of the area's iconic urban landmarks. The existing structure spans approx. 3.4 km and is primarily constructed of magnesian limestone. Some sections of the wall were built atop earlier earthen defensive embankments, with architectural details such as gates, towers, battlements, and arrow slits preserved along the route. Its walkway connects major gates such as Bootham Bar, Monk Bar, Walmgate Bar, and Micklegate Bar. Along the walk, you can enjoy elevated views of York Minster, the city's rooftops, streets, and surrounding green spaces. Parts of the route pass through the Museum Gardens, where you can see remnants of the Roman-era walls and a polygonal tower.York · 243m from downtown
National Railway Museum York
No. 6 of Best Things to Do in York

National Railway Museum York

5.8
4.9/5
118 reviews
National Railway Museum York is located near York railway station and is a museum that focuses on railway vehicles, engineering technology, and railway transport. The museum features multiple exhibition spaces that house and display steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, railway carriages, and related equipment from different eras. Among them, the Great Hall displays steam locomotives, a replica of Stephenson's Rocket, and a Japanese Shinkansen train, allowing visitors to observe the appearance, structure, and technical features of different trains up close. Other exhibition halls use historical carriages, station facilities, signage, and exhibits to present the operation of railway stations and the passenger travel experience, making it suitable for railway enthusiasts, families, and visitors interested in transport engineering.York · 1.5 km from downtown
York's Chocolate Story
No. 7 of Best Things to Do in York

York's Chocolate Story

4.7
4.3/5
28 reviews
Whether you're a sweet tooth enthusiast or a visitor captivated by the sweet stories behind chocolate, you won't be able to resist stopping by York's Chocolate Story when in York. The delightful aroma in the air will surely capture your heart—why not follow your senses and step inside for a cup of hot chocolate to warm your stomach? Of course, the various handmade chocolate cakes at York's Chocolate Story won't disappoint your taste buds either. After indulging, whether it's "York Chocolate" or other chocolate treats, they're all worth taking home across the seas to share with family and friends.York · 449m from downtown
York Castle Museum
No. 8 of Best Things to Do in York

York Castle Museum

4.5
4.8/5
43 reviews
York Castle Museum is located in the southeast of York Castle, converted from a former prison. Although it is called the Castle Museum, the exhibition content is very extensive. Each themed exhibition area provides different historical life records and collection displays. The museum houses daily objects from the past 400 years, including old TV sets, radios, washing machines and vacuum cleaners. It also introduces the life of the Yorkers from 1580 to 1980, including Victorian and Edwardian style street scenes and houses. Visitors can also visit the prison where the well-known thief Dick Tambing was held, or enter an Edwardian-era popular pub. Life-size old streets with bakeries, banks, bars, and tailors create a sense of time staggering.York · 746m from downtown
JORVIK Viking Centre
No. 9 of Best Things to Do in York

JORVIK Viking Centre

4.5
4.4/5
35 reviews
The Jorvik Viking Centre is a popular tourist attraction for both entertainment and education. York was once ruled by foreign Vikings, and the current name York is derived from the Viking language Jorvik. In this center, the Vikings' history in York is restored to visitors' eyes with wonderful pictures and relics. Visitors can take a time car tour to see life in York starting in AD 948, all of which will be presented in a 1:1 model. Along the way, not only can you see the simulated scenery, but also the smells and sounds of the time will be reproduced. In addition, the staff here are all dressed in traditional Viking costumes. They will appear in every corner of the center at any time, explaining to the visitors little knowledge such as Viking clothing and accessories.York · 611m from downtown

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Experiences you can't miss in York

Featured Food & drink in York

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Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works
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4.5/5
· 74 reviews
Duration: 75 mins
English
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York: Introduction to Chocolate Making Experience
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Duration: 2.5 hrs
English
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York Historical Gems Tour & A Taste of York Chocolate
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4.9/5
· 30 reviews
Duration: 70–75 mins
Free cancellation
30 consecutive positive reviews
From€20.65
York: Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works
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4.9/5
· 167 reviews
Duration: 1 hr
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100 consecutive positive reviews
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York: Historical Gems Tour & A Taste of York Chocolate
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4.9/5
· 72 reviews
Duration: 75 mins
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72 consecutive positive reviews
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York: Gin Tasting Experience at York Distillery
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
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York: Villainous History & Rum Tasting Experience
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 30 mins
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York: Fish and Chips Cruise
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4.4/5
· 13 reviews
Duration: 45 mins
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Featured Cultural experiences in York

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City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
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4.5/5
· 258 reviews
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Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting
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Duration: 75 mins
English
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York Audio Tour: Bishophill Echoes-Minsters, Markets & Mysteries
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
Filipino
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20% off
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Original Harry Potter Locations Tour : Guided Tour of York
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4.7/5
· 333 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
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93.7% of travelers recommend
From€18.84
York self-guided audio walking tour (10 stops, approx. 2 hrs)
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Duration: 2 hrs
English
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Top York: Private guided tour with your mobile
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Duration: 30 mins
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Featured Day tours in York

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Ghost Bus Tour of York
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4.5/5
· 625 reviews· 38 booked
Duration: 60–75 mins
English
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Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around York with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems
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4.9/5
· 94 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
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94 consecutive positive reviews
From€18.13

Featured Outdoor experiences in York

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The Yorkshire Dales Tour from York
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4.9/5
· 95 reviews
Duration: 8.5 hrs
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46 consecutive positive reviews
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From€91.75€96.58
Day Tour from York, UK: North York Moors National Park + Whitby Town
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From€142.43
From York: Whitby, North York Moors & Steam Railway Day Trip
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4.9/5
· 149 reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
99.3% of travelers recommend
5% off
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From€66.83€70.35
Moors, Whitby & The Yorkshire Steam Railway Day Trip from York
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4.8/5
· 152 reviews
Duration: 495 mins
Free cancellation
97.4% of travelers recommend
From€94.25
North York Moors and Whitby Day Tour from York
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4.9/5
· 254 reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
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96.9% of travelers recommend
From€68.02
From York: North Moors and Whitby Tour
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4.9/5
· 381 reviews
Duration: 8.5 hrs
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98.2% of travelers recommend
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From York: Day Trip to Whitby and The North York Moors
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5.0/5
· 36 reviews
Duration: 8.5 hrs
Free cancellation
36 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
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From€66.72€70.24

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Cruises in York

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Private Tours in York

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Free things to do in York

What travelers say about York

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随风入梦喵February 26, 2026
5.0
Well worth a visit. The exterior features a newly built sculpture of Queen Elizabeth, while the interior boasts a distinctive collection of sculptures of past British monarchs. Admission is free for those under 17, and guided tours are available at set times. The stained-glass windows are beautiful. After your visit, you can stroll along the ancient city walls, which are both historically poignant and interwoven with the daily lives of local residents – a truly unique experience.

York Minster

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도저언May 25, 2023
5.0
I heard that Shambles Street is a good place to visit, and when I actually went there, there were a lot of shops to visit, so it was nice! I heard that it is famous for its ghost shops, but there was a long line in front, so I couldn't go in.

Shambles

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梦露夫人October 23, 2019
5.0
Is this a dungeon? I really don’t know, I just thought the house was pretty so I took a few photos.

The York Dungeon

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suifeng2019April 13, 2020
4.0
The ruins of the monastery stand alone on the cliff. When Bram Stoker saw it, it must have been in such a dilapidated state, gazing at the northern coastline. The towering columns and famous rib arches are majestic and profound, silently telling us what happened in the past.

Whitby Abbey

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ElbikJanuary 10, 2025
5.0
My first time visiting this tower ,all the staff was extremely friendly and helpful .We really enjoyed visiting this beautiful piece of history and we adore york. Was so happy to know it is english heritage so everytime we go somewhere we try and make use out of our membership.Was a wonderful structure been made for the stairs nice and strong. We enjoyed the roof top being able to have a clear 360 view was magnificent well worth all the climbing up both stairs .

Clifford’s Tower

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Chloe YuenMay 18, 2023
5.0
There is a round arched entrance at the city gate that says York Wall 🏰 Entrance, there is no charge. The city wall is centered on York Cathedral ⛪️, we spent about 1 hour around the city wall, and after going up to the end to walk back down, requires a little physical strength 💪🏻, if there are young children with you have to think Clear. The road along the city wall is slightly narrow. If you are facing someone, you have to give way before you can continue🥲. But the view from the city wall is beautiful✨, looking inside is more beautiful like a fairy tale🌷. The walls of York, which have existed since Roman times, are still quite intact.

York City Walls

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大头happyJanuary 22, 2021
5.0
The memory of Jinan's old railway station is in the Jiaoji Railway Museum, but few people know about it. The museum is really worth a visit. There are many real objects after the old railway station was demolished on the top floor.

National Railway Museum York

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E19***23July 27, 2025
5.0
The chocolate making process is very good and worth a visit

York's Chocolate Story

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RebekkaGladwin87May 11, 2025
5.0
top day , top attraction we loved it , even has quite room for overwhelmed children etc it's fab ,staff fab 👌

York Castle Museum

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_TI***8zJanuary 8, 2024
4.0
A must-visit when visiting York. The Time Warp ride takes you back to the early days of a Viking settlement where you can smell the food, hear the talking and the singing and feel the vibes.

JORVIK Viking Centre

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in York?

Don't miss these attractions in York: York Minster, Shambles, and The York Dungeon. If you like Food & drink, try Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works. If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour.

You can give Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works and York: Introduction to Chocolate Making Experience a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Ghost Bus Tour of York, [Chinese/English 12h private charter] York round-trip + Bicester shopping village [exclusive shopping tour], and Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around York with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 23, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in York is around EUR 18.13 – EUR 644.54. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.