What to Do in York: A Guide for Visiting the Historic City

York is one of the most historic cities in the UK, boasting a rich heritage and culture that is appreciated by locals and tourists alike. The city is renowned for its beautiful architecture, iconic landmarks and fascinating stories, located in the north of England near the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. So what can you do if you are visiting York? Read on for our comprehensive guide to explore all that this captivating city has to offer.

Explore the Streets of York

The most obvious thing to do when visiting York is to explore its many narrow lanes, lined with old shops and atmospheric eateries. In the heart of the city you’ll find cobbled streets and quaint courtyards, this part of the city is commonly known as The Shambles and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will certainly be able to find every type of retail opportunity, from high-street fashion to vintage and antique stores, along with salons for a bit of pampering. There’s a diverse range of cafés and restaurants to take a break from your stroll – from traditional pubs serving hearty Yorkshire meals to vegan friendly spots and café-bars with outdoor seating. Perfect for soaking up the atmosphere and people watching, or even enjoying spectacular views of the York Minster.

Tour the Walls or Explore York Minster

Another must-do when visiting York is to explore the iconic York city walls. The walls encircle the old city and provide incredible views across to the Minster and other landmarks such as Clifford’s Tower. This prehistoric monument withstood many sieges over its history and is a prime example of English Military Architecture. The walls usually take 1-2 hours to walk around, depending on your pace – a great way to get an overview of the city, take some photos and read about the various points of interest.Alternatively, it would be a shame not to visit one of the most iconic landmarks in York, and one of Europe’s biggest Gothic cathedrals, York Minster. Otherwise known as Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York, it is still regarded today as one of the largest examples of Gothic architecture in Northern Europe. Aside from religious importance and its elaborate ceilings, stained glass windows and intricate carvings, it also provides striking views over the rest of the city from its tower (weather permitting).

Step Back in History at Museums

Walking around York’s narrow passageways can make you feel as if you have been transported back in time, however the city’s plethora of history-focused museums will really educate you on its heritage. Two highlights are The National Railway Museum, which displays a fascinating collection of nearly 300 years of railway history, as well as The Jorvik Viking Centre which will have you walking through a recreation of a Viking village as it was during the Viking age as well as gruesome displays! For something lighter, The Chocolate Story is ideal for some sweet treats – children in particular will love seeing how chocolate was produced back in the day! Those interested in art could visit The York Art Gallery located between York Minster and The Shambles. It is home to various paintings, sculptures and other works from York’s history, as well as regular exhibitions from both local and national artists.

Shopping & Markets

York has multiple shopping hotspots that are easily accessible from The Shambles. Stonegate for instance contains an array of independent boutiques as well as stores on Coppergate Shopping Centre – ideal for grabbing a bargain. The city is also full of traditional markets – perfect for something a little different; merchants have been trading in St Sampson’s Square since at least 1272! York’s indoor market (also known as The Shambles Market) offers fresh produce, clothing and hand-crafted goods while Shambles Sunday Market sells womenswear, menswear and gifts.

The Best Food in York

When seeking out food in York you can be sure you won’t go hungry! It has some fantastic places to eat offering cuisine from all over the world showcasing dishes from local ingredients exclusively made for York residents. A few local favourites include The Star Inn which is located in one of its oldest buildings down an old passageway known as Museums Knoop (check their website) for seasonal menus available for lunch and dinner; Café No. 8 specialize in small plates with vegan options (check their website); Fellinis allows you to tuck into classic Italian small dishes while sampling fine wines (website) ; Pivni is all about craft beer food and bar snacks, funky beers and great vibes (website). Finally The Chamberlain Hotel also serves high-end afternoon tea in its modern yet luxurious surroundings – don your finest clothes and prepare your palate. The Chamberlain is perfect for a special occasion or an indulgent experience (check out their website) here.

Experience York After Dark

When night falls in this historic city things don’t slow down! There are late night bars such as Friends of Ham, Evil Eye Beer store and Mitchems Microbrewery – all brimming with craft beers so you can work your way through their ever evolving line up of craft beers and casks. If dancing is more your thing you can head out to Elements Club or Fibbers night club which both accommodate music lovers of all tastes and ages with popular indie nights as well as a selection of live bands throughout the week. Be sure to check their respective website, website & website. There are also some more sophisticated bars such as Royal Oak where hosted events include gin tastings, wine flights, cocktail learning classes and lots more – perfect to really impress your guests! (website)

Conclusion

York is an incredible city full of character, charm and history. You can explore the streets, visit key attractions or even go on a tour of the city walls while soaking up everything it has to offer – there’s truly something here for everyone. Why not take on some retail therapy or dine out at one of the many restaurants found within the cobblestone streets? York can be discoverd at any time of day or night so make sure you check out our list above for some ideas on what to do next time you visit!