City Centre Travel Guide
York





Visit City Centre
Popular places to visit

York Minster
The city’s emblem is known for its superb stained-glass windows, underground treasure chambers and tall tower with spectacular views.

Shambles
This picturesque cobblestone street has a fascinating medieval history and crooked buildings that appear to almost fall into one another.

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 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.

York Dungeon
Laugh, squirm and recoil at the ghastly torture methods and grisly crimes recreated in this prison-like museum where you can immerse yourself in macabre practices and living conditions of the Middle Ages.
Top hotels in City Centre

Moxy York
Great hotel in the city centre
Reviewed on 7 Dec 2025

Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
I recently had a wonderful short stay at the Hampton Piccadilly in York while visiting the historic city and its charming Christmas markets. The hotel’s location was perfect, allowing easy access to all the key attractions, which made exploring a breeze. The highlight of my stay was definitely the ...
Reviewed on 4 Dec 2025

Hotel Indigo York by IHG
Friendly staff, good location and lovely hotel
Reviewed on 1 Dec 2025

Hilton York
Great location, lovely bar & dining areas. Very pleasant staff & good facilities.
Reviewed on 1 Dec 2025

Impossible Motel
Absolute amazing stay . ❤️ loved the rooms we stayed 1 night in the vault ( didnt see the ghost !! ) thankgod! And stayed in the top room with roof top tub 2nd night , the pictures dont show how big the room really is its huge ! Loved all of it do much and the tub is 40c great . Location perfect ...
Reviewed on 23 Nov 2025

The Watergate Inn
Friendly professional service small but adequate room for my wife and I for a one night stay close to the centre comfortable and warm bed with small en-suite, definitely worth the very reasonable price, we would use again most definitely
Reviewed on 2 Dec 2025
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.

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.

Bootham
While visiting Bootham, you might make a stop by sights like Bootham Bar and York Theatre Royal.

The Groves
If you're spending some time in The Groves, Clarence Gardens and Yearsley Pool are top sights worth seeing.
Layerthorpe
When in Layerthorpe, you can plan a visit to Merchant Taylors' Hall and Monk Bar, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Fishergate
While visiting Fishergate, you might make a stop by sights like York Barbican and Kohima Museum.

