visit york minster

Plan a Visit to York Minster

At least two million people a year visit York Minster in the medieval city of York. The 800-year-old cathedral that took 250 years to build is just the tip of the iceberg. It occupies on a site that has been connected with history and faith for almost 2,000 years. Its Great East Window, as big as a tennis court, is the largest expanse of Medieval stained glass in the world.

There's a lot to see and, during the summer months and school vacation periods, a lot of people who want to see it with you. So a little advance planning doesn't hurt.

What's New at York Minster

Revealing York Minster in the Undercroft Don't miss the new exhibition. It's part of a £20 million, 5-year renovation and conservation project, scheduled to be fully completed in 2016, parts of it are already open to visitors. The largest state-of-the-art attraction in any UK cathedral, it relates the history of the cathedral and its site with amazing objects and interactive displays - including the 1,000 year old Horn of Ulf, given to the Minster by a Viking lord.

Did you know?

Some of York Minster's most interesting ancient history was only discovered in the 1960s and 70s during emergency excavations under the cathedral.
Constantine the Great, who chose Constantinople the capital of the Roman Empire and made Christianity its official religion, was declared Emperor by his soldiers while in York.
Minster is an Anglo Saxon word, originally used to describe monasteries with a teaching role. It's mostly used these days as an honorary title for some large cathedrals.

Great East Window Cleaning and Conservation

The work of restoring this immense stained glass window and the stonework of the East End of the Minster will take much longer than the 5-year York Minster Revealed project. At least 311 glass panels, made up of thousands of pieces of Medival glass, are being removed, repaired and reinstalled. It won't be completed until 2018. But in 2016, visitiors will, at last, be able to see it without the protective scaffolding that has covered it for years.

The restored panels will be visible as they are returned to their positions in the window. Other sections still being restored will be protected with clear glass. Working on these windows is such a massive project that new technology is being used to prolong their lives. York Minster will the first building in the UK to use UV resistant glass as an outer protection for the stained glass.

If you want a challenge, see how many of the stained glass panels your can understand. The Medieval artisans who created it aimed to tell the entire story of the Bible, from Genesis to the Apocalypse, in the one, multi-paneled window.

Take a Guided Tour

Minster tours - Volunteers lead guided tours, six times a day - at 10, 11,12,1, 1 and 3pm - every day except Sunday. The tours take about an hour and are a great way to discover some of the Minster's hidden treasures and amazing history. The tours are included in the price of admission. If you are coming with a group of 10 or more, or need foreign language help, let staff know 28 days in advance by sending a group tour request to [email protected]
Tower trips - Climbing York Minster's central tower is a very special experience if you are fit and fearless. It's the highest point in York and before you arrive at the 230 -foot-high top and step out into the open air, you get a chance to see some of the Minster's Medieval pinnacles and gargoyles close up.
There are 275 steps to the top. Some are narrow and uneven and some go through narrow passageways.
The Tower climb is not recommended for people with heart conditions, vertigo, claustrophobia, high blood pressure, angina, breathing trouble (asthma, hay fever, and bronchitis), poor mobility or who are pregnant.
Health and safety regulations are available to read when you buy your ticket and you must read them before tackling the climb.
Children younger than 8-years-old are not permitted to climb the tower.
School groups of ten or more must be accompanied by three adults, or two adults if there are fewer than ten.
Trips up the tower take 45 minutes and are limited to 50 people at a time. They leave every 45 minutes or so throughout the day and there is an extra charge for the tower. Ask at the ticket office about tower trip times when you arrive. But before planning to climb, consider these factors:

How to Find York Minster

Just about all roads in York lead to the Minster. Head for the center of the small, walled city and you cannot miss it. If you can't see it, just climb onto the city walls at one of the many access points around York for a birds eye view.

Goodramgate, leading to Deangate and High Petergate, all lead to Minster Yard (in York, streets are called "gate" and gates through the city wall are called "bar").

When To Visit

As a working cathedral, York Minster may be closed from time to time for all the normal business of a church - weddings, christenings, funerals - as well as special events and concerts. In general, the Minster is open:

For services and prayer , daily from 7am to 6:30pm
For sightseeing, Monday - Saturday 9am to last entry at 5:30pm, Sunday from 12:45 pm. Parts of the cathedral may be closed for evensong preparation or special events during general opening hours.
For the Undercroft exhibitions, Monday - Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday from 1pm
For Tower trips , check on the day you visit. Because Tower trips have an open air element, their scheduling is tied to the weather.

Why Is There an Admission Charge?

People sometimes balk at having to pay for a ticket to visit a place of worship so it is important to consider a few things:

There is no entrance fee to enter the Minster to attend a service, to pray or to light candles.
Not counting the restoration and conservation projects, it actually costs £20,000 a day to cover heating, lighting, cleaning and other staffing to keep the Minster open to the public. Most of this has to be raised from admission charges.
The people of York are admitted free.
Admission tickets are good for unlimited visits for a full year from the date of purchase.

Other Visitor Essentials

Admission - as of 2015, tickets for the Minster, Chapter House and Undercroft cost £10 for adults and £9 for seniors and students. Up to four children accompanied by an adult are free. Tickets for the Minster and the Tower Trip cost £15 for adults, £14 for seniors and students and £5 for children from 8 to 16. Children under 8 are not permitted to climb the tower.
Photography and video recording for personal use is permitted everywhere except the Undercroft.
Visit their Official Website for lots more information and a range of contact information.

York Minster Facts and Figures

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Exploring York Minster: A Visitor's Guide

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Jun 23, 2021

Dedicated to St. Peter, one of the 12 Apostles, imposing York Minster stands testament to the monks who converted the locals to Christianity in the 3rd and 4th centuries. So important was York Minster in the Christian faith's early years - and so great its reputation - that its bishops were invited to participate in the council at Arles in AD 314.

After this, little was heard about it until AD 627, when the oldest documented (wooden) church was built here for the baptism of King Edwin of Northumbria. Succeeding Saxon and Norman constructions were destroyed, and the cathedral was rebuilt in its present Gothic style in the 13th century.

You'll learn more about this remarkable structure in our handy visitor's guide to exploring York Minster.

First impressions: the side aisle windows, the choir aisle and the north transept, tombs and tales from the crypt, the chapterhouse, treasures of the undercroft: revealing york minster, stairway to heaven: climbing the central tower, touring york minster, tips and tactics: how to make the most of your visit to york minster, getting to york minster, what's nearby.

First impressions are everything, and even the humble aisles you see upon entering York Minster impress, with their interesting decorative features. In the north aisle on the left-hand side as you enter, the chapel door is notable for its 14th-century sculptures.

A little farther along is the Pilgrimage Window . Dating from about 1312, it rests above a stunning dragon's head, and depicts Peter surrounded by pilgrims. It also includes many other unusual details, one of the most interesting being the funeral of a monkey.

Next to this is the radiant 14th-century Bellfounders' Window with its relevant motifs. The Jesse Window - dating from about 1310 - is also remarkable, and depicts scenes including David and Solomon.

The triple-naved Choir Aisle was built in the English early-Gothic style between 1220 and 1280. At the back wall of the North Transept , you'll see five narrow lancet windows dating from about 1260. They're known as the Five Sisters Window after a term coined by Charles Dickens .

The Crossing, with its 15th-century vaulted tower contains the Rood-screen . This masterpiece of late Gothic sculpture contains statues of 15 English kings, starting with William I on the left and finishing with Henry VI.

The cathedral's Norman Choir was rebuilt in the late 14th century and was later damaged by a fire in 1829 that destroyed the roof and woodwork (including the choir stalls). Copies of the originals have replaced all that was destroyed.

St. William's Window (1422) in the South Gallery depicts scenes from the life of St. William, whose shrine in the sacristy was worshipped in the Middle Ages. St Cuthbert's Window (dating from about 1435) in the North Gallery portrays events in the life of this saint, who was consecrated as Archbishop in AD 685 in the former Saxon minster.

Behind the Choir is the Lady Chapel . This important chapel is famous for its magnificent East Window, which dates from about 1408 and is reputed to be the world's largest medieval stained-glass window. In the South Transept is the marvelous Rose Window dating from around 1500 and commemorating the ending of the War of the Roses, fought between the Houses of Lancaster and York for the throne.

Standing tall at the far end of the Choir, and notable for its tall, spire-like façade, York Minster's Grand Organ is indeed a thing of beauty. Built in the 1830s, this spectacular, ornate instrument was actually removed in 2018 and completely renovated, only returning to action in the spring of 2021.

Boasting an impressive 5,400 beautifully decorated pipes - most of them original - the now fully-restored organ has a very unique sound, which can once again be heard when the instrument is put through its paces. In addition to supporting the cathedral choir for regular weekday and Sunday services, you can also hear it in action during seasonal services at Easter and Christmas. For a real treat, check the cathedral's official website for news of special concerts and organ recitals.

The minster's 12th-century Norman Crypt is entered from the Presbytery . It's here you'll find the remains of the 11th-century Apse of the earlier cathedral, as well as parts of the 14th-century Eastern Crypt.

The Crypt's most valuable contents include the York Virgin (12th-century Madonna); the Doomstone (purgatory relief, late 12th century); the 15th-century font used for the baptism of King Edwin by Bishop Paulinus in AD 627; and the shrine of St. William of York (Archbishop, d. 1154), which was brought here in 1972.

The Vestibule of the Chapterhouse is reached from the North Transept . On entering this part of the cathedral, visitors will immediately notice a window dating from about 1300 that depicts kings and queens, and the richly decorated capitals. The flaying of St. Bartholomew can be seen on a capital to the right of the 13th-century door with interlaced decoration leading to the octagonal Chapterhouse (1260-1285).

The painted, wooden vaulted roof is self-supporting and was renewed first in 1798 and again in 1976. The fine stall-canopies are impressive, as are the tracery windows, the glass of which dates from the 13th century.

Among the many interesting buildings found in York Minster Close are the 15th-century, half-timbered St. William's College, with its medieval chambers. Also worth seeing are the 17th-century Treasurer's House, containing numerous antiques, and the Minster Library, housed in a 12th-century chapel and home to more than 120,000 books and manuscripts.

On the south side of the minster is the church of St. Michael-le-Belfrey. Rebuilt in 1536, it has interesting stained-glass windows. A 4th-century Roman column standing behind it commemorates the day Constantine was proclaimed Emperor of Rome in York in AD 306.

Located in the crypt underneath York Minster, the fascinating Treasures of the Undercroft museum is well worth exploring. Here, you'll find numerous interactive galleries portraying the building's colorful history, from its Roman roots to today.

Displays include more than 2,000 years of remarkable artifacts found nearby in the 19th century during work to shore up the cathedral's foundations. These fascinating displays provide an insight into the cathedral's important role over the centuries.

Stairway to Heaven: Climbing the Central Tower

York Minster's spectacular medieval Central Tower is the highest point in the city. Climbing it is a must-do, though it does involve a climb of 230 feet up 275 steps, so isn't for the faint of heart.

Along the way, you'll get a close-up view of some of the cathedral's most interesting decorative features, including its pinnacles and gargoyles. Once outside, all that hard work will be rewarded with superb views of York's historic city center.

York Minster offers a number of excellent guided tours (included with admission) highlighting the building's main features and history, as well as some of its lesser-known secrets. Options include tours of the crypt and highlights of the cathedral's amazing stained-glass windows.

If you're traveling with youngsters, ask for one of the cathedral's Little Explorer Backpacks when purchasing your tickets. These fun (and free) backpacks include a host of neat tools for youngsters to use as they explore, including a flashlight, binoculars, a compass and map, magnifying glass, and pencil crayons and paper to record their findings.

Closures: York Minster is very much a working building, and while sightseers are permitted, there are occasions when closures are necessary. To ensure such eventualities don't interfere with your visit, check the cathedral's What's On page before arrival.
Events: Lectures, workshops, and courses are often available to the general public and visitors, along with musical performances and other special events. To learn more, visit the cathedral's What's On page.
Food: While York Minster has no food outlets of its own, it's located in a vibrant pedestrian area with countless excellent dining options, from fast fresh food to fine dining.
Shopping: Two on-site shops serve visitors: the Minster Gift Shop (within the Minster) and York Minster Gifts and No.10 (situated in Minster Gates). Most items available here are also available from their online shop .
Services: Weekday and weekend services - usually accompanied by the York Minster organ - are open to the public.
By Train: York has fast, direct rail links from London, Edinburgh, and Manchester (approximately two hours travel time) and is just a 10-minute walk from York Rail Station. For details, including occasional 2-for-1 ticket offers, visit www.nationalrail.co.uk .
By Road: York is centrally located and easily accessible from all parts of the country by an excellent road network.
Parking: The City of York operates a network of perimeter parking lots with buses connecting to the heart of the city.
Deangate, York
www.yorkminster.org

York Minster sits amid some of the very best sightseeing attractions in England and is a place where you'll want to spend more than a day, if possible. One of the best ways to experience this remarkable city is to walk along its circuit of medieval city walls, nearly three miles long and offering marvelous views. Also, spend time walking along the River Ouse or, better still, take a river cruise.

Other York tourist attractions within an easy walk are York Castle and its excellent museum; the National Railway Museum , with its impressive collection of steam engines; and the city's numerous historic guildhalls. Then, of course, there are the many ancient winding streets, in particular the famous Shambles , a narrow, 14th-century thoroughfare with lovely overhanging timber-framed buildings.

York was also once a Viking stronghold, and the Jorvik Viking Centre is a great place to learn more about this fascinating period in the city's history.

More on England

York Minster: Naves, Trancepts & Stained Glass

York Minster is one of the finest medieval cathedrals in Europe. Towering over the city of York , in the county of Yorkshire , its real name is Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York.

It more common name of York Minster reflects its previous joint role as a monastery.

Let’s look in more detail at this spectacular place.

Table of Contents

History Of York Minster

The City of York is over 2000 years old, starting out as Roman settlement.

There’s been a Christian Church – and monastery until Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century – there since the 7th century, when the Saxons built a church in 672. This, surprisingly, survived the invasion of the Vikings in the 9th century.

But it wasn’t as lucky after the victorious Norman troops arrived after William the Conqueror’s victory at the Battle of Hastings. It was significantly damaged.

William rebuilt the Church in the Norman style, but it wasn’t until the 13th Century that the present structure was started.

A new Archbishop of York, Walter de Gray, decided to rebuild the church in the new Gothic style, partly to rival Canterbury. He even persuaded the Pope to canonise St William of York, whose tomb the Minster was built around.

Main Building

The main building was started in 1220 and was built from local magnesium limestone. Although the Nave, Quire, central tower and transcepts were completed within 60 years the whole building wasn’t completed fully completed until 1472. It has remained largely unchanged ever since.

Like many churches of the era, the Minster has a cruciform plan – ie shaped like the Christian cross – comprising the Nave and Transcepts. Let’s look at these constituent parts in more detail:

An East-West central aisle forms the long middle of the cross.

The longest Western part of the aisle is the ‘Nave’ a spectacular cavernous area where special services are held. It contains some of finest examples of stained glass in the Minster.

York Minster is famous for its stained glass windows, with an estimated two million pieces of coloured glass used to create these stunning pieces of art.

Two great examples, the Great East and West Windows are at either end of the central aisle containing the Nave.

Most sung services take place in the Quire (notice its similarity to the word ‘Choir’).

This is like a chapel area within the central aisle of the Minster containing several stalls for the Minster’s choristers.

The ’arms’ of the cross – the ‘transcepts’ – also contain some great stained glass.

The North Trancept contains the ‘Five Sisters’ window; the South Transcept contains the recently restored ‘Rose Window’ (see later).

Central Tower

The Central Tower was originally built between around 1220 and 1253. It is the only part of the current cathedral to have collapsed, which happened in 1407.

Under the Nave lies two Crypts containing the graves of many of the past Archbishops of York, amongst others.

It also houses the tomb of St William of York, who was canonised in 1227.

Chapter House

A small octagonal Chapter House is attached to the North Trancept.

It’s the main meeting room for the Cathedral Chapter, the governing body of the Minster.

The Fire Of 1984

On the morning of 9 July 1984, the citizens of York awoke to the sight of flames shooting from the Minster’s South Transept. A lightening strike had set fire to the roof and was threatening to engulf the whole building.

Over 100 firefighters fought to save the Minster – just like the more recent Notre Dame fire its survival was touch and go for a while. This was was only achieved when firefighters deliberately collapsed the roof using gallons of water to prevent the fire’s spread.

As well as the roof being destroyed, the Rose Window was badly damaged. All the glass was shattered, but thankfully the lead frame was mostly unharmed.

A repair and restoration process was started in 1988 and both the roof and Rose Window were fully restored.

Visiting York Minster

The Minster is open to visitors 7 days a week but, as a working church, it is sometimes necessary for it to close to tourists (for services for example).

Admission is, of course, free for worshippers (and you would be welcome at most of the Minster religious ceremonies) but is £11.50 per adult for general visitors. Or £16.50 if you wish to climb the Tower. Children with a paying adults are free (or £5 to climb the Tower).

Getting the Minster is tricky by car given its position in the centre of car unfriendly York. Indeed you should leave the car in one of the many ‘Park & Rides’ on the outskirts and take one of the many frequent buses to the centre of town.

The easiest way to get there is by train. York’s central station is just a short walk away.

However you get there, you’re sure to be blown away by the magnificent stone and stained glass of this spectacular building.

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Why You Need to Visit the Beautiful York Minster in York England

No visit to York, England is complete without a visit to the York Minster.

A minster is simply a large and important church, typically a cathedral, in England and was often built as part of a monastery.

The York Minster is definitely worthy of your time.

In fact, it really is one of the best things to do in York .

So let’s start with the where so you know first, where York is.

Then specifically where you can find the minster within the city of York.

Where is York and the York Minster

York is a city located in the northeast of England in the historic county of Yorkshire.

You can get to York by train from London in about 2 hours, so it can be a day trip.

But York has a lot to offer so do stay a few nights.

The York Minster is not quite in the very center of the historic center but a bit to the northeast.

You really can’t miss it as it is well posted as are many of the other sites in York.

Why do I need to visit this grand cathedral?

Great question.

Here are a few reasons why I think it’s worthy of your time.

There has been a church on this site since about 625

That is a long time.

Now the current iteration was started in about 1080 and took about 400 years to become what you see today.

But there are records talking about a wooden church on this site in 625.

So obviously this site has a lot of history even if the exact building wans’t on it back in 625.

That says a lot.

The architecture is spectacular

I love architecture — especially old architecture.

You know, ancient Roman or Greek, Renaissance, Gothic, Georgian, Romanesque.

I’m not a fan of most modern works, to be honest.

So this Gothic cathedral is one that I really appreciate.

York Minster is actually the 2nd largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe.

It is very impressive.

Those high, arching ceilings?

I was so enamored with the ceilings that are so simple yet so beautiful with their clean lines and the little bit of decoration.

They have a geometrical thing going on that I really like.

So if you are a fan of Gothic architecture, you’ll love York Minster.

Follow My Adventures

Join me on facebook, the stained glass windows.

There are a lot of gorgeous stained glass windows in York Minster.

And some of the windows date back to the 12th century.

The windows tell the stories of the city of York, the county of Yorkshire and the Christian faith through the years.

These windows are incredible works of art.

Both the Great West window and the Great East window are worth spending some time looking at.

And do take note of the Five Sisters Window.

This window was restored and rededicated to the women of WWI between 1923 and 1925.

It’s the only memorial in the country dedicated to all the women of the British Empire who died during WWI.

So it’s pretty special.

But all the stained glass windows are spectacular so do take some time with them.

Epic fail on my part in that I didn’t go underneath the main church to the crypt or the Undercroft Museum (see below).

However, if you’re a regular reader of this blog, you know I love York, that it is one of my favorite cities and that I really want to go back.

So next time I will be sure to check this out.

There are actually 2 crypts underneath the York Minster.

The western one was actually discovered following a fire in 1829 and brought back into use.

It’s here that you’ll find the tomb of St William of York, the only saint to be buried at the minster.

He was canonized in 1227.

While visiting a crypt might sound a bit creepy, I find crypts are always interesting places to learn about who was important to a people so do be sure to check it out.

Don’t miss it like I did!

The Undercroft Museum

I missed this too but don’t be like me.

This museum looks fabulous!

It houses 2000 years of history and it’s the only accredited museum in a cathedral in the country.

You’ll find the remains of Roman barracks, see York’s Viking connection and gaze upon artifacts that have never been on public display.

The museum is also interactive which I find makes the experience more enjoyable.

There is also an impressive library and archives that I believe you can see by appointment only.

I had no idea all this was in the York Minster.

When I travel to York again I will be sure to spend more time at the York Minster.

There is so much here!

Central Tower

Another epic fail on my part was not going up the central tower.

It’s the highest point in the city and you can climb the 275 steps up it (it is an additional fee) and take in the views of York which I hear are splendid.

Going up towers is always a highlight, in my opinion, as long as you can make the climb and don’t have a fear of heights.

I’ll definitely do this next time.

I think I missed some of the above parts of the Minster because I was so focused on not missing Evensong.

What is Evensong?

I talked about this in the post on the Salisbury Cathedral if you want to read about another amazing English cathedral.

But Evensong is a short, religious ceremony that is focused on song — which is sung by the choir.

And it is surreal, ethereal, amazing and moving.

I highly recommend getting in the queue to be present at this ceremony.

Only a small number of people are allowed into the choir area where you’ll be seated.

As I said, it is a short religious ceremony but you certainly don’t have to be a religious person to appreciate it.

I’m not religious and I simply love Evensong.

Typically Evensong takes place late afternoon, around 4 or 5pm and, as I said, the choir are the stars.

To hear these beautiful voices melding together in an old, stunning cathedral is quite moving.

Do plan your visit to York Minster around Evensong.

It is so worth it!

Final thoughts on York Minster

This is a highlight of the city of York without a doubt.

I know I will wander through it again.

This time I won’t miss all the great things underneath it nor going up in the tower.

And I’ll stay for Evensong.

I really can’t recommend York and the York Minster enough for your travels to England.

If you’ve been to York and the cathedral, I’d love to hear what you think.

Are you ready to visit the York Minster?

Well I’m ready to lend a hand. Who am I? I’m Lynne Nieman and I’m a personal travel planner helping people like you create your perfect European adventure. Whether you need help planning part or all of your trip, I’m ready to assist you in making your travel dreams come true!

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Things to Do and See at York Minster Cathedral

Added by: Cheryl

Published: December 15, 2019

Last updated: July 13, 2023

I usually hate the words "simply must," in a blog post. But if you go to York you simply must visit York Minster Cathedral. Here are some things to do and see at this wonderful medieval gem that is my personal favorite of the cathedrals I've had an opportunity to visit.

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My final morning in York, I headed out early as the sun peeked out after a few cold rainy days. I wanted to beat the daytime crowds that assembled in town during that holiday weekend. Walking near York Minster to give it one final “goodbye,” I found myself playing “get-in-the-way” with a couple also trying to take photos.

He had been embarrassing his significant other in an attempt to sound English but then, suddenly, exclaimed in a very American accent, “THIS is a CATHEDRAL!!! We have churches in Atlanta, but…THIS? It’s a CATHEDRAL!”

I share his enthusiasm for visiting York Minster Cathedral. It is a CATHEDRAL at its best. Perhaps some of my interest in this particular cathedral stems from my fandom for Susanna Clarke’s 2004 Hugo Award winner Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell . York Minster features prominently in an early chapter of the book, and I can see where its many heads and carved kings would inspire fantasies about what they might say if only they could speak!

During my time in York, I spent a significant amount of my visiting York Minster Cathedral and walking around under its magnificent ceilings. Read on for some things to do when you’re visiting York Minster cathedral.

A Bit of History

The present-day Minster, which was built between 1220 and 1472 1 stands on the remains of its predecessors, as old churches often do. York Minster (official name: “Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York,”) stands on the remains of an older stone church that stood on the remains of a wooden church that stood on the remains of a Roman fortress.

York Minster is the seat of the church in the North.

Visiting York Minster: Tickets and Tours

If you want to visit York Minster, you can purchase advance online tickets, or you can try to buy tickets at the door. The York Pass also includes admission to the Minster as well as other local attractions.

Check the calendar in advance. On some days, the cathedral is reserved for worship services. If you’re attending a worship service, like Evensong , there’s no charge.

If you want more information on the cathedral than a self-tour might provide, you can sign up for a walking tour of York that includes the Minster. Still, I’d recommend signing up for the hidden minster tour that consists of a visit to the chapter house roof — a part of York Minster you can only access by guided tour.

Visiting the York Minster Chapter House

The York Minster Chapter house should probably get its own post.

The York Minster Chapter House started construction in 1260 and was finished by 1296 . Religious assemblies were called chapters . The York Minster chapter, from what I understand, still meets here today.

Here’s more about some aspects of one of my favorite parts of York Minster cathedral:

The York Minster Chapter House Ceiling

The York Minster chapter house has a freestanding, octagonal ceiling — that is, there is no central pillar holding it up. Surrounded by intricate stained glass windows, it’s an impressive work in itself.

The Carved Heads of the York Minster Chapter House

The chapter house, which dates from 1260, is, by far, my favorite part of the cathedral. It’s a circular, freestanding space, with a magnificent ceiling and ringed with (why I love it) quite expressive carved heads.

There are animals, everyday people, people pulling faces. Ordinary people like the merchant and his wife peer out from the pillars. One happy man smirks with a surprised lion atop his head. An eagle is pecking out the eye of another, less fortunate, man. One article suggests that the figures represent virtues and vices. I like to think that many of these figures are people that the stone carvers knew and loved (or didn’t.)

Visiting the York Minster Chapter House Roof: Hidden Minster Tours

When the opportunity to climb up in a cathedral presents itself, I take it. The only way to climb here is to take the hidden Minster tour that includes the chapter house roof (there’s also a new hidden minster tour for the crypt which, unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take.)

The roof of the chapter house is a pitched timber roof, so with York Minster’s history of fires, you can be sure they’re always on guard for fire hazard here. The beams here are impressive — it’s hard to take a picture that does it justice due to its scale and low lighting.

The tour also includes a visit to the stonemason’s loft and tracing floor, where the stonemasons would trace their designs to display to clients. The loft also includes a collection of old cutting patterns.

Visit the Kings of England at the York Minster Kings’ Screen

The choir screen — the screen separating the choir from the nave — at York Minster is unique. Fifteen carved, stone kings grace the screen. We have a separate post just about this part of the cathedral, with a close-up photo of each king. We wrote a post about this, specific part of the cathedral here.

View Some Spectacular and Well-Preserved Medieval Stained Glass

York Minster is home to the oldest intact stained glass and the largest expanse of stained glass ( the recently restored Great East Window ) in the UK.

The Great West and East windows are magnificent. But stained glass abounds throughout the cathedral from the five sisters’ window (not pictured) to the windows surrounding the circular chapter house.

I wish I could have spent more time examining individual windows at the cathedral. However, there are plenty of reading resources about the stained glass of York Minster. The Great East Window , which depicts scenes from Genesis through the Apocalypse, has inspired the most study.

Attend Evensong

Even if, like me, you’re not a churchgoer, you might find yourself moved by attending Evensong. After a long journey to York, sitting quietly and listening to the choir in the evening offered a space for quiet contemplation. Below is a sample of music from York Minster Evensong from Soundcloud. I was a good girl and, as they asked, did not record the service myself while I was there. The Choir of York Minster offers plenty of their recordings on CD. There is no charge to enter the minister to attend an evensong service.

View the King’s Book of York Heroes and the York Gospels at York Minster’s Undercroft Museum

If you love beautifully bound books or medieval manuscripts, these are a must-see. The undercroft museum at the Minster houses these as well as other artifacts including a carved Viking horn.

The King’s Book of York Heroes is a memorial to those fallen in the Great War (WWI). Only the exterior was on display, but it says that 1441 names, biographies, and photos are recorded in this vast tome, beautifully bound in carved oak.

My notes failed here, but I believe this is a photo of the York Gospel, housed at York Minster, a 1000-year-old, leatherbound, illuminated manuscript.

Visit the Crypt and Various Burials in the Cathedral

The crypt at York Minster has a unique design with columns and arched ceilings. Despite all of my other photos, I somehow failed to take photos of the crypt area. But you can get an idea of what the York Minster crypt is like here .

Of course, old cathedrals serve double-duty as cemeteries, and you’ll find other memorials and tomb effigies here, as you will at other English churches.

Interested in Visiting York Minster Cathedral? Here are some related resources.

York Minster website
Viator tours that (may) include visiting York Minster Cathedral
Read more about the history of York Minster, including its history of fires on the History of York website.
Books about York Minster
You can buy replicas of some of the chapter house heads at the York Minster shop .
York Minster art, maps, and items on Etsy.
Take a York Minster virtual tour on VRYork.

Click here for a timeline on the York Minster website. [ ↩ ]

You might also be interested in:

Scotland’s north coast 500: an ongoing interactive map (and a list of posts related to our adventure).

July 18, 2023

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a Blast !

January 12, 2023

Exploring the North Coast 500 Part One: Planning Your Adventure

June 10, 2021

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York Minster’s Architectural Trinity

T he city of York has been the ecclesiastical capital of northern England since the Middle Ages. Though famous for its well-preserved medieval wall, its finest architectural treasure is York Minster, not only England’s largest medieval Gothic church, but a cathedral regarded as among the most beautiful in the world. (The term “minster,” from the Latin monasterium, is accorded certain large English churches and cathedrals—some but not all formerly monastic establishments.)

The building’s distinctive profile, with its two pinnacled West Towers and massive Central Tower (its summit never finished), not only dominates its immediate surroundings but can be seen for miles across the Yorkshire landscape.

Called Eboracum in Latin, York was settled by the Romans circa A.D. 71. Remains of Eboracum’s ceremonial basilica, centerpiece of the Roman fort, are preserved in York Minster’s undercroft, now a splendid museum. Christianity was well-rooted in York by the time Romans began to depart Britain in the fifth century. In 627, following his baptism in a small wooden church reputedly erected where the font in the minster’s crypt now stands, the Anglo-Saxon King Edwin became the first Christian sovereign of Northumbria, the early medieval kingdom occupying modern northern England and southeastern Scotland.

During the period from 1080 to 1100, Archbishop Thomas of Bayeux started construction of a grand new Romanesque cathedral over the existing Roman foundations. But it wasn’t until about 1225 that the current Gothic building began to take form, gradually replacing the entire Romanesque structure above ground and concluding with the consecration of today’s minster in 1472.

Built and expanded over several centuries, York Minster embodies all three phases of English Gothic style. The oldest portion is the 13th-century Early English transept, characterized by narrow, sharply pointed lancet windows relatively tall for their width.

Representing a newer enrichment of Gothic ornament is the 14th-century Decorated style of the West Front, with its two handsome towers. The façade surface is indeed richly decorated with rows of niches whose pointed arches support triangular crocketed pediments enclosing circular quatrefoils.

Dominating the West Front are the elegantly sculpted entry portal and the Great West Window, its heart-shaped tracery in the “Flamboyant” style of French Gothic earning it the nickname “Heart of Yorkshire.”

Finally, the 15th-century Perpendicular-style East Front represents yet a newer infusion of comparative lightness and restraint characterized by predominant vertical lines in the stone masonry, and windows much larger in proportion to the walls. Perpendicular fenestration is exemplified by the minster’s Great East Window, designed with straight vertical mullions, horizontal transoms, and relatively simple tracery within the arch.

To visit York Minster is to experience the overwhelming splendor of its architecture and ornamentation. On entering through the West Door, your first impression is of exhilarating immensity. Almost 50 feet wide, York Minster’s nave is the highest (almost 102 feet), widest and one of the longest (almost 208 feet) of any medieval English church.

Flooded with light from the uncommonly large stained-glass windows along the clerestory, the nave stuns the eye. You look upward to the graceful interplay of rib vaulting and carved, gilded bosses supporting the roof, then forward to the spaciousness of the crossing and the stream of daylight descending through the Central Tower. This daylight illuminates the towering rank of pipes of the great organ, built in 1832. Beautifully painted in their magnificently carved Gothic-revival case, the pipes stand in noble musical poise over the wonderful 15th-century Pulpitum, or choir screen, with its row of near-life-size statues of England’s 15 sovereigns from William the Conqueror to Henry VI. Above this royal assemblage, two rows of delicately carved angels appear to offer a serenade on harps, lutes and wind instruments.

Adjacent to the cathedral proper is another supreme example of Decorated Gothic design, the octagonal Chapter House. It is an engineering wonder. The conical roof, constructed on a timber framework, was designed to be self-supporting, hence there is no central column. Apart from the geometrical beauty of the ceiling, with its radiating pattern of intersecting fan vaults, the walls feature an array of small stone carvings—including over 250 grotesque human and animal heads, many of them surprisingly humorous for so serious a site.

Complementing its architecture, York Minster’s dazzling windows contribute mightily to its glory, documenting nine centuries of the art of glass painting. Apart from the Great West Window and the windows of the Chapter House and its vestibule—resplendent with mingled royal, heraldic and saintly imagery—the most glorious is the Great East Window, England’s largest work of medieval stained glass still in situ. Created between 1405 and 1408, it relates the biblical narratives of the creation of the world and the events related in the apocalyptic Book of Revelation, starting at the peak of its pointed arch with the tiny image of God bearing the motto “Ego sum Alpha et Omega” (“I am the beginning and end of all things”).

Upon encountering this peerless work of art on a bright Yorkshire morning, its 311 narrative panels sparkling gemlike in the sun, one cannot but feel grateful to its maker, the 15th-century Master Glazier John Thornton, and to the medieval architects, builders, artists and craftsmen who devoted themselves to the creation of this glorious church, and their professional descendants who now devote themselves to its conservation.

Mr. Scherer writes about music and the fine arts for the Journal.

Visit York Minster: World’s Largest Medieval Gothic Cathedral

Visit york minster: world’s largest medieval gothic cathedral.

There are a lot of things to things to do and see in York England and York Minster is at the top of the list. This is the world’s largest Medieval Gothic Cathedral, which was established as a missionary teaching church (Minster), and it is the seat of a bishop (cathedral).

READ Complete England Travel Guide, What You Need to Know

York Minster Rooftop View York England, things to do two day itinerary

York Minster was built over 250 years ago between 1220 and 1472. The carvings on the walls of the octagonal Chapter House were done between 1270 and 1280. The characters and gargoyles range from drunkards to shrews to tormented souls. The Minister craftsmen today who continue to add their own carvings; ask a staff member to point out the Star Trek characters in the Great West Doorway for an example. York Minster’s Central Tower, the Lantern Tower, is 230 feet tall. Climb the 275 steps to the top for views of the city rooftops and a close-up view of the pinnacles, gargoyles, and carvings.

More than half of all the stained glass in England is in York Minster. There are 128 stained glass windows containing 2 million individual pieces of Medieval glass in the Minister. The Great East Window tells the story of the Bible and is the largest display of Medieval stained glass in the world (the size of a tennis court). The Rose window was shattered during a fire in 1984. It took four years to repair; each section is held together between two sheets of glass.

York Minster East Window York England, things to do two day itinerary

Two million people visit the York Minster yearly. The Minster employs 150 staff and 9 police. St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome is the only other church with a police force. 500 volunteers also work to maintain the Minister. York Minster is unable to maintain operational costs of over £20,000 per day and charges tourists a fee to enter. This church is a must-visit while in York England .

York Minster Towers at sunset York England, things to do two day itinerary

Check current hours of operation and purchase tickets online at YorkMinster.org.

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It amazes me how they were able to build all this with so little technology. Those statues are amazing! Another place that I want to visit.

wow I looks amazing. I didnt know about this church I will include it on my list! It is amazing the beauty in the architecture.

The choir was practicing during my visit, made it even more special

This building is incredible! So many impressive things to see, between the statues and the stained glass and all those intricate details. I would love to see this in person.

The entire city is pretty incredible

Beautiful architecture! I’d love to visit and your pictures are lovely.

I love the architecture of Gothic buildings! Their unique beauty really stands the test of time

We were in York last September and loved it! The Minster is stunning, inside and out. I’d definitely return!

I’ve always been fascinated by the medieval-looking buildings. There’s something about the beauty in the architecture of them.

All the details amaze me

The York Minster looks devine. Such a beautiful Cathedral. Thanks for sharing.

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Visitor Information

Tel: 01904 909487.

21 Parliament Street, York. YO1 8SG

If you choose to visit York, our friendly and knowledgeable team at the Visit York Information Centre & Gift Shop will give you a very warm welcome.

The Visit York Visitor Information Centre is based in the heart of the city, not far from the iconic York Minster. Our friendly assistants are here to share their expert local knowledge of attractions, travel information, places to eat, shops and events with you. As well as our personal service, we stock hundreds of free information leaflets and guides about York and beyond. We have a fantastic shop selling York merchandise, maps and gifts and you can pick up tickets for local attractions, events, bus passes and much more.

Looking to save money on your visit to York? Buy a York Pass and get entry to over 30 top attractions for one great price. We also have an accommodation booking desk if you're looking for somewhere to rest your head in York.

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Is York Worth Visiting? 21 Best Things to Do & Reasons to Visit

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Are you wondering, “is York worth visiting in 2023”? This guide will help you decide if you’re considering a trip to York in the UK. We’ll cover some of the city’s top attractions and things to do, where to stay, and how to get around.

I’ve lived in Yorkshire for almost a decade and visit York frequently, so I have the inside track on what’s worth seeing and doing in this incredible medieval city.

By the end of this post, you should have a good idea of whether or not York is right for your next vacation.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

Is York Worth Visiting In 2023?

In a nutshell, YES! York is a superb city to visit!!

With many historical attractions, Harry Potter connections, and iconic British landmarks, York is a great place to visit .

This is especially true if you’re a history buff or love exploring cities rather than venturing out in the rugged outdoors, though the wild and beautiful North York Moors are not far from the city centre for a memorable day trip.

As the capital city of the North Yorkshire region, York is a charming city in the heart of North Yorkshire, often overlooked by travellers on their way to bigger and more famous destinations around England.

Save $$$ With The York Pass

Save money on entry to top York attractions, including York Minster, York City Cruises, JORVIK Viking Centre, York Dungeon, and more with the York City Pass !

Visitors to this historic city are rewarded with unique experiences that simply can’t be found anywhere else. From exploring the winding medieval alleyways of the Shambles to sampling Fat Rascals at Bettys Tea Rooms, York has something for everyone.

So, if you’re still pondering “is York worth visiting”, we can confidently say it’s fabulous!

Is York worth visiting? Yes - you can go and see the fabulous York Chocolate story where there's a street scene showing life in Victorism York

21 Best Things to Do and See in York in 2023

This historic British city – the land of Vikings and Romans, Kings, chocolate and stunning architecture – has so much to offer. Here are some of York’s top tourist attractions and things we recommend you do while visiting York:

1. Visit York Minster

Visiting York Minster for evensong is one of the best things to do in York UK at night

This stunning 12th-century cathedral dominates York’s skyline and is a must-see when visiting the city.

With its intricate stonework and stunning stained glass windows, it’s no wonder this place – the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe – attracts over 2 million visitors every year.

Pro Tip: A tower tour is a great way to enjoy the best views over the centre of York. You’ll need to get there early and book your tour when you arrive , as this is one of the most popular things to do in York, and places fill up fast!

2. Go on a ghost walk

York has a reputation as one of the UK’s most haunted cities, so why not embrace it? Take a ghost tour to around some of the spookiest locations in town – just don’t forget your garlic.

3. Take a Scenic River Cruise

River Ouse in York in North Yorkshire in a beautiful summer day, England, United Kingdom

A leisurely cruise down the River Ouse in central York is the ideal way to see some of the city’s main attractions from a different perspective. Pick from a scenic daytime cruise or a romantic and atmospheric evening cruise .

4. Explore Clifford’s Tower

Is York worth visting? You get to see Clifford's Tower - a huge stone fortified tower on the top of a hill, standing guard over the City of York

The only remaining part of William the Conqueror’s magnificent York Castle, Clifford’s Tower has played many roles throughout history.

Since Roger de Clifford built it, this tower has been a royal mint, prison, and even an air raid shelter during World War II – but today, it stands tall as one of York’s most iconic landmarks.

5. York Castle Museum

Centuries before Buckingham Palace became the official residence for British monarchs, King John lived in the secure keep at York Castle. While the castle is long ruined, you can learn about a thousand years of York’s turbulent history at York Castle Museum.

6. Jorvik Viking Centre

Step back in time at Jorvik to the 9th century when England fell to the Vikings, and York became a vital settlement – becoming the second largest British city of the time.

7. The York Chocolate Story

Discovering the story of York ad chocolate - with an image of all the different flavours of chocolate from around the world

Learn about York’s role in bringing chocolate to the world in this interactive and engaging museum. You can also make your own chocolate treats at the end of your tour before browsing the gift shop for delicious handmade chocolates to take home!

8. Head down to the York Cold War Bunker

Uncover Britain’s Cold War’s secret and chilling history at the most modern English Heritage property. Walk through the blast-proof doors to investigate the more unusual side of York’s heritage.

In active use from the 1960s to the 1990s, the bunker was a nerve centre to monitor any fallout from a nuclear attack.

9. Discover the city’s gruesome past at York Dungeon

Walk through 2,000 years of York’s history and meet famous characters from York’s dark past, including Vikings and Guy Fawkes! The York Castle dungeon will make you laugh and scream!

10. Take a stroll on top of the medieval city walls

It’s not every day that you can walk on ancient fortifications with Roman origins. York City Walls are approximately 2 miles long and offer breathtaking city views. It’s an excellent opportunity to work off your afternoon tea and one of the most popular free things to do in York!

11. Visit the Shambles

The medieval streets of the Shambles are an essential place to visit on a weekend break in York, England

The Shambles is one of the most famous streets in England, and for good reason too! With its narrow cobbled streets and overhanging timber-framed buildings dating back as far as the 14th century.

12. Take afternoon tea at Betty’s Tea Rooms

Tasty treats at Bettys Tea Rooms in York

For something quintessentially British, look no further than Betty’s Tea Rooms .

This charming cafe has served traditional afternoon tea since 1919 and offers everything from scones with clotted cream to dainty finger sandwiches – all served on fine china and crisp white linen tablecloths.

13. Go trainspotting in style at the National Railway Museum

Chinese steam train at the National Railway Museum, York

A short walk from York train station will take you to this cavernous Yorkshire museum, which has over 100 examples of rolling stock, including a carriage made for Queen Victoria . The main attraction is the famous Flying Scotsman train .

With free entry , visiting the National Railway Museum is one of the first things many families like to do on a day trip to York – perfect if it’s raining!

14. Have a pint at one of the many historic pubs in York

The House of the Trembling Madness - one of the many characterful pubs in York England

Ye Olde Starre Inn pub claims to be the oldest licensed premises in York (dating back to 1644), so it’d be rude not to stop by for a drink. The interior is cosy and full of character – just what you’d expect from such an ancient establishment.

Other characterful pubs in York include the wonderfully eccentric House of the Trembling Madness , the Evil Eye , and the historical Guy Fawkes Inn near York Minster, where the pub food is excellent.

15. Find all the cats on the York Cat Trail

Following the York Cat Trail is an enjoyable thing to do on a weekend in York, UK

Cat lovers will find York worth a visit, as cats have been symbols of luck for centuries in the city. You’ll soon see that many properties sport feline decorations.

The popularity of cats in York dates to the days of timber houses, when vermin carried diseases, including plague, and could destroy entire buildings by knawing at the wood. Cats were kept to ward off evil spirits and keep rats at bay!

You can download the lucky cat trail map here .

16. Check out the York Roman Baths

Pop into the Roman Bath Museum in York to discover the Roman roots of this old city . You will see the Tepidarium (warm room), Caldarium (hot steam room), and Frigidarium (cold plunge room) used by occupying Roman forces two thousand years ago!

Pro Tip : It’s easy to spot this small museum on your first day in York, as it’s located beneath the Roman Bath Pub!

17. Have a flutter at York Race Course

Watching horses racing around York Racecourse

Going to the races in York has been popular since the time of Roman Emperor Severus, however, the city did not fully support horse racing until 1530!

Today, York is one of the premier racecourses in Yorkshire, rated top in The Times newspaper survey of all Britain’s racecourses. So, if you fancy getting dressed up, sipping a glass of bubbly and watching some of the best horseracing in the country, check the racing fixtures here .

Pro Tip: For the best deal on entry tickets to 20 of York’s top tourist attractions, we recommend you buy a York City Pass . You’ll save a ton of time and money compared to buying separate admission tickets!

York Minster Interir with intricate wood carvings and beautiful stained galss windows

There we have it, folks; seventeen fantastic things to do whilst exploring beautiful York – one of the top attractions in North Yorkshire!

Where is York?

York is located in Northern England, in the large, rural county of North Yorkshire. The city is around 2 1/2 hours from London by train and 3 hours from Edinburgh by train.

What is York famous for?

York is best known for its magnificent 12th century Minster – the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. It’s also regarded as the most haunted city in Europe.

Chocolate was the most significant industry in York until recently, with almost every family in the city connected to the world-famous chocolate brands.

York is also known for the huge number of pubs in the city, many of which are quirky and historical, including the Guy Fawkes Inn, where Guy Fawkes was born in the shadow of York Minster, and the Golden Fleece, which is reputed to be the most haunted pub in York 💀

🥃 Best Pub Tour in York

Visit the most fascinating pubs in York, with a knowledgeable local guide on this Guided Historic Pub Tour .

Foodies will love a trip to the medieval Shambles, where foods from around the globe await hungry visitors. If you’re wondering, “what food is York famous for?” the answer is the Yorkshire pudding !

If time allows, putting on your finery for a day out at the York races or taking a day trip to the North Yorkshire Coast is a must.

A few more reasons why York is worth visiting include the historic (and reputedly haunted) Treasurer’s House and the Merchant Adventurers Hall – the oldest guildhall in Great Britain.

York is a bustling, active city that will not disappoint visitors.

Take a stroll along the York City Walls and get the best view of York Minster

Best Time To Visit York United Kingdom

The best times to visit York are Easter, during the summer when the weather is warm and pleasant, Halloween, and Christmastime.

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy Cherry Blossom in the city – look out for the beautiful trees below the City Wall by the train station and those near York Minster.

Summer is ideal for romantic picnics in St. Mary’s Abbey’s ruins, riverside strolls, and river cruises. Hiring one of York’s little red boats for a potter along the river is fun.

York is certainly worth visiting for Halloween , with plenty of ghost tours to pick from. The leaves will be changing colour, and the nights drawing in, and while the real chill of winter won’t have arrived yet, you’ll want to dress warmly.

Christmas in York is spectacular, with award-winning festive markets, pretty lights and an unbeatable ambience. If you want to experience the magic of a carol service at York Minster (and you really should), you’ll need to book early, as these events sell out fast. Consider staying a few extra days to really soak it all in.

No matter when you visit, York is a fabulous city that’s always bustling with activities.

How Many Days In York Is Enough?

You could easily spend a week in York and still find things to do. However, 3-4 days are enough to see the city’s main sights if you’re short on time.

If you only have one day to spare, a single day in York is doable. We recommend buying a one-day York City Pass and focusing on the city centre to see the most highly-rated attractions.

The most popular things to do during one day in York include:

Walking along the City Walls from the train station to Bootham Bar
Exploring York Minster (don’t forget to book the tower tour when you arrive)
Visiting Jorvik or the York Chocolate Story
Finding somewhere to eat (Guy Fawkes pub or Gert’s Fish & Chips in the Shambles are great options)
Wandering through the Shambles
Climbing Clifford’s Tower for superb city views
Taking an evening river cruise for incredible views of the city at sunset, or going on a spooky ghost walk

Where To Stay In York

York has great accommodation options within the city and nearby. For a hotel close to the city’s main tourist attractions, you’ll want to stay in the centre of York to make the most of the best restaurants, shopping, and nightlife options.

Our favourite hotel in York is the Grand Hotel . This luxury 5 star hotel offers a peaceful oasis of calm and refinement after a day of city exploration. The Grand Hotel is a very short walk from York train station, with fabulous views of the city walls.

➡️ Top Luxury York Hotel: Grand Hotel ➡️ Top Mid-Budget York Hotel: The Dean Court ( 200m from York Minster )

How To Get Around York

Getting around York on foot or by bicycle is easy, and the city’s bus system is efficient. You should avoid driving into the city centre, as the streets are congested, and parking is expensive .

If you stay in the city centre, most places are within walking distance; however, if you want the freedom to explore more of North Yorkshire, renting a car or looking at guided tours are good options.

FAQs – Is York Worth Visiting

This collection of questions people often ask should help you plan your trip if you’re still asking yourself the question “is York worth visiting?”:

What is the York Pass?

The York Pass includes admission to York Minster, City Cruises York, JORVIK Viking Centre, The York Dungeon, Van Gogh Immersive Experience, York City Sightseeing, and much more! Each York Pass also comes with a free 24 Hour hop-on hop-off bus tour plus a choice of three pasta or pizza dishes at ASK Italian Restaurant, York.

Is the York Pass worth it?

Yes, the cost of a York Pass is less than the cost of individual admission charges to the city’s main tourist attractions.

How far is York from London?

York is around 220 miles from London. Driving from London to York takes around 4 hours (depending on traffic conditions), whereas the London to York train journey takes from 2 to 3 hours.

How many days do you need in York?

While you can see some of the most popular tourist attractions in one day, York is worth visiting for 3 to 4 days to see more of the city.

Is York a good city break?

Yes, York is one of the best city breaks in the UK, thanks to the wide variety of things for visitors to do, and the high quality of accommodation and restaurants in the city.

Is there a lot to do in York?

York is packed with things to do and see. Whether you love history and culture, independent shops, romantic breaks, city cruises or great pubs and restaurants for evenings out, York has plenty to offer!

Is York a walkable city?

The historic city centre is best explored on foot. It’s compact and very walkable.

Is a day in York enough?

Is York worth visiting for one day? Absolutely! If you only have one day to spare, you can get a good introduction to York in one day, and see a number of the main attractions, as they are all located close together.

Is York a cheap city?

In general, York is far less expensive than many other UK cities, such as London and Edinburgh; however, one person’s idea of cheap can be another’s idea of expensive!

Is York a beautiful city?

York is stunning and worth visiting for the Instagram-worthy sights at every turn. Don’t forget to charge your phone/camera fully to take plenty of photos!

Can you get around York without a car?

Absolutely! In fact, you should try to avoid driving into the city and use public transport instead, as York is a small city, and it’s easy to get around on foot or by bike. If you visit York for the first time, a guided walking tour will help you get your bearings around the narrow streets and historical landmarks.

Is York a friendly city?

Absolutely, Yorkshire folk are very welcoming and friendly.

Is York a safe city?

York is one of the safest cities to visit in the UK and a brilliant tourist destination.

Is York cheaper than London?

In a word, yes! The cost of living in “the north” is considerably lower than it is in London, and this means you’ll pay less for hotels, restaurants and more in York.

Was Harry Potter filmed in York?

York station was a film location for Harry Potter; however, the Shambles was NOT the film location for Diagon Alley (although it REALLY should have been!). There are plenty of fabulous Harry Potter themed stores in York to keep any Potterheads happy though, including the Shop That Must Not Be Named.

Is Diagon Alley based on the Shambles in York?

While JK Rowling confirmed on Twitter that Diagon Alley was not based on any location in the UK, we think that the Shambles is exactly what she had in mind, with it’s quirky winding streets, ancient buildings and incredible atmosphere.

What cities are near York?

The nearest cities to York are Leeds , Bradford, Sheffield , Manchester and Edinburgh.

Is York a safe night out?

York is a popular and safe city for a night out. As many of the city’s streets are cobbled, you’ll probably not want to wear high heeled shoes though!

Is York Minster worth visiting?

Absolutely yes! It’s one of the most beautiful and most ancient cathedrals in the world and one of the York must see places.

Look out for the incredible Rose Window and the beautiful “Heart of Yorkshire” window when you visit.

How many people visit York a year?

According to Make it York , over 8 million people visit York each year, contributing almost £800 million to the local economy. York loves visitors!

Conclusion: Is York Worth Visiting?

If you’re looking for a charming and historic city with plenty of unique attractions and much history, York is worth visiting. It’s one of the UK’s best cities for a long weekend break.

This beautiful city has something for everyone, from the ancient York walls and stunning Minster to quirky shops and lively pubs. And let’s not forget the delicious food !

Just make sure you bring your walking shoes (or rent a bike) to explore all York offers.

Love It? Pin Is York Worth Visiting For Later

Is York worth visiting? Beautiful 12th century York Minster benath a cloudy sky, the atmospheric York pub known as the House of the Trembling Madness and the atmosphric narrow streets of the Shambles are just some of the reasons to visit York

Image of the York Ghost Merchants - one of the most unusual things to do in York

19 Fun & Unusual Things To Do In York, UK (From A Local)

On a London to York day trip you can explore lots of York's tourist attractions, including York Minster, The Shambles, Yorvik and more

How To Have The Best London to York Day Trip: Tips From a Local

York’s Calendar: A Local’s Guide to the Best Time To Visit York 🗓️🔍

Image of tour guide for the Best Ghost Walks in York Ghost Tour, dressed in a long black cape and a black top hat, in an atmospheric old cobbled street

Whispering Walls: Discover the 7 Best Ghost Walks in York 👻

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Coralie Thornton, the owner and author of Grey Globetrotters, has been a traveller for more than four decades. Today, she helps others experience the UK, Europe and bucketlist destinations with meticulously crafted guides and affordable luxury itineraries, Her passion for adventure has led her through over 40 countries, seeking cultural experiences, delicious foods, and hidden gems.

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, Russia

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

Interior of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscos

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

GUM, a popular department store in Moscow

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve, former residence of Catherine the Great

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

The floating bridge of Zaryadye Park in Moscow

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

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Haiti’s Leader, Under Growing Pressure, Says He Will Resign

With violence overrunning his country, Prime Minister Ariel Henry said he would step down once a transitional council was established. But it was unclear when that would happen.

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Three police officers wearing camouflage, heavy vests and carrying rifles on the street.

By Andre Paultre , Emiliano Rodríguez Mega and David C. Adams

Andre Paultre reported from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Emiliano Rodríguez Mega from Mexico City and David C. Adams from Miami.

Haiti’s prime minister, who has come under growing pressure to resign as gangs have overrun the country, said late Monday that he would step down once a transitional council had been established, to pave the way for the election of a new president and help restore stability.

“The government that I lead will withdraw immediately after the installation of this council,” Prime Minister Ariel Henry said in a speech posted on social media . Referring to the chaos in Haiti, he said, “It hurts us and it revolts us to see all these people dying. The government that I lead cannot remain insensitive to this situation.”

But it was far from clear when Mr. Henry, who had been under growing pressure to step down both in Haiti and abroad, would actually do so.

Leaders from Caribbean nations, who have led the push to create a transitional council, met for discussions in Jamaica on Monday but said no plan had been finalized. Guyana’s president, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who leads Caricom, a union of 15 Caribbean countries, said that “we still have a long way to go.”

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, who attended the meeting in Kingston, Jamaica’s capital, announced that the United States would provide an additional $100 million in aid toward a United Nations-backed multinational security mission planned to deploy to Haiti. He also pledged an additional $33 million in humanitarian aid, bringing the U.S. commitments to $333 million.

“We can help. We can help restore a foundation of security,” Mr. Blinken said. “Only the Haitian people can, and only the Haitian people should determine their own future, not anyone else.”

Mr. Henry left Haiti for Kenya in early March to finalize an agreement for the multinational force, led by the East African nation, to deploy and take on the gangs. Since then, he has been stranded outside his country while gang members wreak havoc and demand his resignation.

Mr. Henry, who has been staying in Puerto Rico, did not attend Monday’s meeting, and it was unclear if he had taken part remotely in the discussion.

After months of delays, Haiti and Kenya signed an agreement this month to move forward with the deployment of 1,000 Kenyan police officers to the Caribbean nation. President William Ruto of Kenya said his country had a “historic duty” to press ahead because “peace in Haiti is good for the world as a whole.”

Kenya’s interior minister, Kithure Kindiki, announced Monday that the mission was in the “predeployment stage” and that all other programs and enforcement measures related to the deployment were already in place.

So far, however, there is no clear timeline for when the multinational force will deploy.

“We are deeply distressed that it is already too late for too many who have lost far too much at the hands of criminal gangs,” said Andrew Holness, the prime minister of Jamaica. “The fear of the situation in Haiti worsening to become a civil war is now a real one. We are all agreed that this cannot be allowed to happen, not in our hemisphere.”

Haiti has spiraled into a state of extreme unrest since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 led to widespread gang violence. To date, the country has no president nor any other elected national officials.

Mr. Henry was sworn in as prime minister only two weeks after Mr. Moïse’s killing. But Haitians have not yet been able to choose a democratically elected successor.

The current unrest is on a scale not seen in decades. The recent escalation of violence, gang attacks on police stations and even coordinated assaults on two prisons have left Haitians to deal with a humanitarian disaster as access to food, water and health care has been severely curtailed.

Over the weekend, U.S. forces evacuated nonessential U.S. citizen workers from the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince and added more security personnel, according to a statement from the Defense Department’s Southern Command. It said no Haitians were included in the airlift.

Emiliano Rodríguez Mega is a reporter and researcher for The Times based in Mexico City, covering Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. More about Emiliano Rodríguez Mega

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Discover York Minster’s hidden spaces

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Take a journey with our expert tour guides to see hidden spaces normally closed to public access. Hear untold stories about how parts of the Minster were built and the people who made it happen.

Chapter House and Mason’s Loft

Go above the rooftops of York and explore one of York Minster’s architectural gems with our hidden tour of the Chapter House roof and old Mason’s Loft.

Learn how 13 th century Masons used a revolutionary engineering technique to create a structure that is one of the wonders of medieval carpentry. View the centuries-old design drawings still visible on the Tracing floor, see Victorian wooden templates and touch timber believed to be nearly 1,000 years old.

These tours take place on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11am.

Scaffolding and Meet the Masons Tour

800 years of craftsmanship have gone into making our Cathedral, come and see how our artisan craftsmen maintain the building using the same techniques as were used originally. You will meet the Masons, and climb to the top of the scaffolding, where you will get amazing views over the City of York. See the new grotesques and pinnacles recently carved by our Masons and how they are added to the Minster.

These tours take place from April onwards.

Crypts of the Early Minster

A rare opportunity to delve behind the walls of the present-day Crypt, where your expert guide will reveal the foundations of three spectacular cathedrals, built on this site over nearly 1,000 years.

These tours take place on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11am.

Prices and booking

Scaffolding and Meet the Mason’s Tour – £22. Book Now
Chapter House and Mason’s Loft – £28 – £30, which includes general admission and a 12 month pass for York Minster (£12 for York residents, as entry to the cathedral is free all year round with a valid York Card or proof of address). Book Now
Crypts of the Early Minster – £22 – £24, which includes general admission and a 12 month pass for York Minster (£6 for York residents, as entry to the cathedral is free all year round with a valid York Card or proof of address). Book Now

Booking in advance is recommended as spaces are limited to eight people per tour, but tickets may be available on the day. Hidden Minster Tours are only available to those aged 18+, who can meet the following Health and Safety guidelines:

Chapter House and Mason’s Loft Health and Safety guidelines
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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

City life: Moscow

With a resurrected trainline, a high-concept park, edgy art spaces and changing attitudes, in moscow old and new are starting to dance — and it's a fascinating show to watch.

A wind orchestra plays in the small park beside Red Square

Inside the moodily lit Moskovsky Bar in the Four Seasons hotel, Ilya, the barman, is making me a Moscow Mule. It's a quiet evening and the ground-floor watering hole is almost empty, but Ilya is performing with a panache that suggests an audience. In goes the vodka with an arc of the arm, lifting the bottle like a ballerina in flight. The ginger beer is added with a splash. Then, like a magician unveiling an assistant who, it transpires, has not been sawn in half, he reveals the secret ingredient: kvas, the Russian version of coca cola, glugged from St Petersburg to Vladivostok in the Soviet era. The final touch has come from just as far. "The ice is from Lake Baikal, in Siberia," he tells me, producing a cube the size of a brick. As he hands me the copper mug I half expect him to say "ta-dah!"

I take the cocktail from him, noticing his tattoos as I do so. Snakes coil their way around his wrist, poking out from underneath his crisp white shirt. For a moment, they throw me, seeming to posit this cool cat of a cocktail maker in Shoreditch, Brooklyn, Kreuzberg or some other hip area of a city that has embraced the 21st century. Not in the Russian capital, where, some might argue, the 20th century is still alive and glowering.

Outside, Moscow is keeping up appearances. Two minutes walk south west, the soldiers who protect the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — the monument dedicated to Russia's dead from the Second World War — are ending the day in a choreographed march back to barracks. Above them, the wall of the Kremlin looms. Behind this stark red barrier, the lights are on in the Senate building where the Russian president has his office. There's rain on the breeze, and the city is lost in a gloom redolent of Bond films and Le Carré novels. Back in Moskovsky Bar, Ilya reaches for the apricot brandy and asks: "How about a Pavlovan Mystery?" There'll be no frosty relations tonight. At least, not in here.

Despite its old-fashioned elements, however, in Moscow old and new are starting to dance — and it's fascinating to watch the show. On a Saturday morning I glimpse their faltering steps, their unsure foxtrot. It's 22 April, Lenin's birthday and a fortuitous time to be in Red Square. A crowd of well-wishers has congregated at the revolutionary icon's tomb to mark the anniversary. The red flags of the Russian Communist Party are waved in the misty air. Three elderly gentlemen, stooped and frail, are assisted by a son or daughter towards the tomb. Adjacent on the slippery cobbles, millennial Moscow looks on in bemusement and then passes by. There are selfies to be taken, smartphone conversations to be had and trainers to be bought in GUM, a department store that faces the mausoleum. Mirroring the trio of septuagenarian soldiers saluting their hero, metres away three teenage girls skip through the shop's giant entrance, arms linked, giggling in unison.

But it's too simplistic to say that Russia in 2017 is witnessing a schism between yesterday and tomorrow. Moscow is being pulled slowly and subtly in all manner of directions — by financial changes; by a glacial infrastructure overhaul; by cultural undercurrents; by the motion of youth and social media. Each tugs at the moorings of tradition, politics and ingrained attitudes. The process isn't tearing the city apart, but it's certainly stretching the stitches.

Some of the signs are obvious. Moya Ulitsa ('My Street') is an ambitious, overdue programme that began in 2014 to remove the city's electrical cables from overhead pylons and bury them beneath the pavement. In a metropolis of 13 million residents, it has only added to the traffic chaos — jams are constant. Some of the gridlock has been eased by the resurrection of the Moscow Central Circle, a 34-mile ring railway line around the centre. It was initially constructed in 1908, closed to passengers in 1934, and reconfigured as a fast commuter service last September. Travellers can ride it to Delovoy Tsentr station and the Moscow City business district, an image of 'new Russia', where buildings like the 1,227ft-tall Federation Tower scratch at the heavens.

A mile south west of the Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour encapsulates Russia waltzing between old and new. It was originally built between 1839 and 1883 in thanks for Russia's deliverance from Napoleon, but was obliterated by dynamite on Stalin's orders in 1931, in the epoch of state atheism. Its replacement was built between 1990 and 2000 under the more benevolent eyes of Mikhail Gorbachev and Boris Yeltsin, a looming giant of white walls and gold domes that admires its reflection in the River Moskva.

And yet, though a child in years, the cathedral belongs to a Russia of unflinching centuries. It was here, on 21 February 2012, that the all-female rock band Pussy Riot played a guerilla gig, an act of political defiance aimed at Vladimir Putin that would see three of its members tried on charges of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred, and jailed for nearly two years in the harshest case. Watch the YouTube video of the incident and it appears utterly innocuous, but standing in the same vast space on a Saturday lunchtime, I'm suddenly not surprised that it provoked such a severe response. This cathedral represents the Russia of fervent Orthodox faith and extreme devotion. Elaborate mosaics and frescoes adorn the walls. The aroma of incense floats on the air. Women in headscarves rub tirelessly at brass candle stands, quietly angered by the wax that drips from burning wicks.

It's beautiful but stifling, an improbable context for protest, and I feel the need to flee to the roof, where an observation deck offers views of a shapeshifting conurbation. Moscow City is visible in the distance, but the past is also swarthily insistent. In the distance I spy the Seven Sisters, the septet of colossal gothic skyscrapers, commissioned by Stalin between 1947 and 1953 and an inalienable part of the Moscow skyline. They are magnificent in size and scope, serving as (among other things) Moscow State University, the five-star Hotel Ukraina and its luxury sibling the Hotel Leningradskaya. But with clouds gathering behind them, they also resemble hands clawing their way up from a grave.

Going underground The sense of a Russia braced against dissent is amplified by a ride south-west on the tube. The Moscow metro is a masterpiece, surely the planet's most spectacular subterranean transit system, but it pledges visual allegiance to the Soviet straitjacket. Park Kultury station, on Line 1, is a Stalinist celebration of Russian prowess, the concourse between its platforms peppered with marble statues of godlike youths, carved between 1931 and 1935: gorgeous boys reading literature, aspiring actors performing, athletic girls triumphing at tennis. It was carved out between 1931 and 1935, and does not seem too concerned that the world has moved on.

But a defiant flame flickers above ground. At first glance, Gorky Park — Moscow's prime green enclave — would seem to toe the party line as well, named after Russian literary giant and Stalin's favourite author Maxim Gorky, and featuring an enormous seven-archway entrance that booms with Soviet grandeur. The year 1955 is imprinted on its facade next to Lenin's face.

Yet inside, the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art is a clever question mark, probing at the fabric of the society around it. Its moniker is a red herring, referring to the former bus depot in which it was originally housed. It now occupies the shell of the Vremena Goda ('seasons of the year') restaurant, the park's culinary focal point in the Soviet decades. A mosaic of a female autumn clad in orange still adorns the main hall. The whole gallery, in fact, might be an act of misdirection, showcasing art that could be considered critical of the status quo, yet which wraps its barbs in ambiguity. 'Numbers', a 2015 work by the 28-year-old Chechen artist Aslan Gaisumov examines the destruction of his home city of Grozny by Russian forces in 1999. It reconstructs a street via the silent device of fixing salvaged house numbers — one to 99 — to a board. The reasons for the gaps' placement, in a pattern that approximates a mouth of broken teeth, are left to your interpretation. Similarly, photos by Anastasia Bogomolova capture the bleak mundanity of life in the city of Bakal (1,000 miles east of Moscow), without explicitly stating that it was born out of slavery, the site of one of Stalin's Gulags from 1941 to 1943.

Russia's left field is also identifiable two miles east of the Kremlin at Winzavod, another contemporary art hub cocooned in a onetime brewery and wine factory. Travelling to find it feels like a journey beneath the city's skin. Line 5 of the metro goes both above and below ground, surfacing next to Kurskaya railway station, from which drab armies of carriages trundle off in search of Moscow's southern suburbs. Further on, it passes through narrow roads lined with warehouses and splattered with graffiti. The gallery is entirely at home in this post-industrial realm. Since 2007, its brick outhouses have displayed the work of many of the country's brightest young visionaries and will continue to do so this summer via its Farewell to Eternal Youth exhibition. Video artist Evgeny Granilschikov will take centre stage until 16 July, and sculptor Irina Korina will come into focus for two months from 15 August. Both will enjoy audiences larger than you might expect of so scuffed a location. Hidden in the corner of the compound, diner-drinkery Kraftwerk is testament to Winzavod's popularity. A chalkboard behind the bar lists 29 beers, with titles as evocative as Red Sonya and Fucking Perfect. A DJ booth promises loud, late nights. I ask the waitress dashing between tables what time it closes. "We're open until our last customer leaves," she says with a shrug that suggests she is used to lengthy shifts.

A fragment of a less introverted, more expressive Russia? Maybe. And maybe Zaryadye Park, Moscow's current big creative project, is part of the same thing. Here is a flight of fantasy — a green lung. Due for completion in 2018, the space will incorporate everything from ecological zones that represent the flora of the Russian landscape to an orchestral concert hall and a half-bridge made from glass that will jut partially out over the Moskva River. That this will be the first new park in Moscow in 50 years is remarkable. That it's being crafted to the blueprint of Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the New York design team who created Manhattan's iconic High Line walkway, is even more so. That this place of public promenade will sit directly next door to the Kremlin, on the footprint of the demolished Rossiya Hotel, the 3,000-room kraken that became an emblem of squat Soviet sixties architecture, seems almost impossible to conceive.

"Part of the idea is to open up the city for pedestrians," Timur Bashkaev, one of the architects responsible for the interiors of some of Zaryadye's futuristic buildings, tells me as we examine a scale model of the site at his office in the shadow of Christ the Saviour. "People will walk out of Red Square and into the park. It will alter the centre."

Later that day I take a stroll to inspect it, peering over wooden barricades to spy on the work in progress. All around, 20-something Muscovites are scurrying into the dusk, aiming for the shops of the Okhotny Ryad mall, a retail temple wedded to American capitalism with such enthusiasm that it offers Dunkin' Donuts. But around the corner, guards are still statuesque at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Mother Russia watching her children, uncertain where the future will carry them.

Getting there & around British Airways flies direct from Heathrow to Moscow's Domodedovo Airport, which lies 26 miles south east of the city centre. Russian national carrier Aeroflot serves Heathrow and Gatwick from Sheremetyevo Airport, 18 miles north west of the Kremlin. The Moscow Metro covers the city in depth and, including the Moscow Central Circle, it incorporates 15 lines, 245 miles of track and 237 stations. Single journeys are R55 (75p). The Aeroexpress aeroexpress.ru train service links Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo airports to the centre (the Belorussky and Paveletsky train terminals respectively), from R420 (£5.75) one way.

When to go The Russian winter can be notoriously fierce, but Moscow can hit temperatures of 23C in July and August. September, with average temperatures of around 16C, is also an ideal month to visit.

Places mentioned Bolshoi Theatre Cathedral of Christ the Saviour Four Seasons hotel Garage Museum GUM Kraftwerk Kremlin Museum Winzavod

More info visitrussia.org.uk

How to do it Steppes Travel , a Russia specialist, offers five-day breaks at the Four Seasons hotel, B&B, from £1,975 per person, including British Airways flights, a private guide, transfers and visa assistance.

Follow @LeadbeaterChris

Published in the Jul/Aug 2017 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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Irish Prime Minister Says He’s Stepping Down in Shock Resignation

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Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar made an emotional speech Wednesday to announce he was stepping down, telling reporters outside government buildings in Dublin he was leaving office for “personal and political, but mainly political” reasons.

It’s a shock move by Varadkar, who just last week traveled to the U.S. and met with President Joe Biden during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza . He’s Ireland’s first openly gay taoiseach and the youngest ever to hold the position, having been first elected in 2017, when he was 38.

Now 45, Varadkar said its time for him to leave public office. He conceded he didn’t have a “real reason” for the move but insinuated that the nastiness of politics had pushed him to a breaking point.

“I’ve learned so much about so many things, met so many people who I’d never have got to meet, been to places I would never have seen both home and abroad,” he said. “And I am deeply grateful for it—and despite the challenges, would wholeheartedly recommend a career in politics to anyone who’s considering it.

“However, politicians are human beings and we have our limitations. We give it everything until we can’t anymore. And then we have to move on.”

NOW - Ireland's prime minister Leo Varadkar resigns. pic.twitter.com/7b0I9FqtBj — Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) March 20, 2024

Varadkar’s announcement comes on the heels of a testy few weeks in Irish politics, with Varadkar’s administration losing two referendums to change what it called “sexist” language in the constitution.

Varadkar, the son of an Indian-born father and Irish mother, became a doctor before he joined the Irish parliament at 27. As a leader, he pushed to liberalize Ireland, including campaigns to ease its strict anti-abortion laws and to legalize same-sex marriage.

“I’m proud that we have made the country a more equal and more modern place,” he said Wednesday.

As for what’s next, Varadkar says he has “nothing lined up” and no concrete plans but that he’s “really looking forward to having the time to think about them.”

Varadkar’s departure will not automatically trigger an election. Instead, the next prime minister will be chosen by his Fine Gael party by April 6, allowing them to take office during parliament’s Easter break.

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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In this section. Plan your visit. Families. School visits. Groups. FAQ. Accessibility. Explore one of the world's most magnificent cathedrals. Experience our vast spaces and breathtaking medieval architecture, discover our Roman roots and learn about the Minster's role in Viking York.
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The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York. York Minster is one of the world's most magnificent cathedrals. Since the 7th century, the Minster has been at the centre of Christianity in the north of England and today remains a thriving church rooted in the daily offering of worship and prayer. The Minster was built for the ...
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At least two million people a year visit York Minster in the medieval city of York. The 800-year-old cathedral that took 250 years to build is just the tip of the iceberg. It occupies on a site that has been connected with history and faith for almost 2,000 years. Its Great East Window, as big as a tennis court, is the largest expanse of ...
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The Minster remains a thriving church and everyone is invited to join our daily services, including choral Evensong sung Tuesday to Sunday during term time by the Choir of York Minster, visit to pray or light a candle or simply spend time absorbing the atmosphere of the cathedral. Exhibitions for 2024
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Exploring York Minster: A Visitor's Guide. Written by Bryan Dearsley. Updated Jun 23, 2021. Dedicated to St. Peter, one of the 12 Apostles, imposing York Minster stands testament to the monks who converted the locals to Christianity in the 3rd and 4th centuries. So important was York Minster in the Christian faith's early years - and so great ...
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Discover nearly 2,000 years of history. From the remains of a Roman barracks, to 1,000-year-old artefacts still used in the cathedral today, we've selected some of our favourite objects and stories from the Undercroft museum to help you explore nearly two millennia of York's history. Explore the Undercroft.
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York Minster, formally the "Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York", is an Anglican cathedral in the city of York, North Yorkshire, England.The minster is the seat of the archbishop of York, the third-highest office of the Church of England, and is the mother church for the diocese of York and the province of York. It is administered by its dean and chapter.
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York Minster, York, England. The main building was started in 1220 and was built from local magnesium limestone. Although the Nave, Quire, central tower and transcepts were completed within 60 years the whole building wasn't completed fully completed until 1472. It has remained largely unchanged ever since.
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