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A Weekend in York Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Days in York England

Last updated: October 30, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - Leave a Comment

The beautiful walled city of York, England is the perfect location for a weekend break. It’s easily accessible from most of the UK, there’s plenty to see and do, and it’s compact enough for walking around.

We’ve visited York many times, and in this guide we’re going to share with you how to spend the perfect weekend in York. From what to see and do, to where to stay to how to get around.

This guide can be used for any two-day trip to York of course, it doesn’t have to be over a weekend. You can also extend it easily for a longer stay, as there’s a lot to see both in the city and in the surrounding area!

Let’s get started with this York weekend itinerary.

Weekend in York Itinerary

Our weekend York itinerary has you visiting many of the main sights in the city. Of course, as with all our itineraries, it’s a starting point for you to plan from. So feel free to adjust it based on your interests and sightseeing pace.

We like to see a lot when we travel, but if you prefer a slower pace, just adjust the itinerary to see fewer things per day.

If you are visiting over a weekend, you can either arrive in York on the Saturday morning and depart on the Sunday evening, or extend your stay to arrive on the Friday evening and depart either on the Sunday or Monday. It’s up to you.

Day 1 in York

For your first day in York you’re going to learn about the history of the city, explore some of the medieval walls, and visit the UK’s largest railway museum.

Note that if you are arriving by train on your first day in the city, you might consider re-ordering this itinerary so you start in the railway museum as it’s next to the railway station. There are left luggage facilities just next to the railway station to save you carrying your bags.

For getting around, we have a section on getting around after the itinerary. York is very walkable, but you might also choose to take a Hop on Hop off bus. If you do the hop on hop off bus (included on the York City Pass ), you’ll likely want to set up your sightseeing so it follows the route of the bus.

• York Minster

The gorgeously Gothic York Minster is a highlight of a visit to the city, and the imposing construction is visible from around York.

Two large towers dominate the western side, with a large central tower in the middle. It’s actually the largest Gothic style cathedral in the UK (yes, it’s bigger than Westminster Abbey!), and the second largest in Europe.

A church has been in this location since at least 627 AD, however; the present building was largely built between the 13th and 15th centuries.

There is plenty to see if you visit inside the Minster, which we recommend you do. For example, there is a lovely chapter house, the beautiful Great East Window (the largest medieval stained glass window in the world), a tower you can climb, and there’s even a crypt you can visit.

A highlight has to be a trip up the tower. At 235ft, the Central Tower is the highest point in the city, meaning you get wonderful panoramic views of the city around you. It costs a bit more to climb the tower but we think it’s well worth it for the view. There are 275 steps to the top, and there’s no lift option.

York Minster is normally open every day except Tuesdays and there’s a fee to visit. At last check, you needed to book online or by phone in advance to visit due to COVID restrictions. You can see prices and opening hours on the website here . Entry is included on the York City Pass .

Expect to spend around 90 minutes here, although this will depend if you choose to climb the tower and how fit you are if so! From York Minster to the Yorkshire Museum it’s a 5 minute walk.

• Yorkshire Museum and Gardens

York was founded in 71AD, when a Roman fortress was built here. For a period of time, it was actually the capital of Roman Britannia, and over the years it’s been everything from a Roman garrison town, a Viking stronghold, a trading centre, a Victorian engineering hub and even a confectionary powerhouse!

That is a lot of history to learn about. For those of you who love learning about the history of an area, then a visit to the Yorkshire Museum is in order.

This is found in the York Museum Gardens, situated next to the River Ouse. The 19th century gardens have a number of interesting sights, including Roman ruins, an 11th century ruined abbey, a 14th century Hospitum, and a 19th century observatory. You can read more about the sights in the garden and opening hours here , and it’s well worth taking a bit of time to wander around before or after your museum visit. The gardens are free to visit.

Of course, the highlight is going to be the actual Yorkshire Museum . Here you’ll be able to learn about the history of the city, from prehistoric times through to the arrival of the Romans and Medieval times. There’s an entry fee to visit, and you can read more about opening times and prices here . It’s included on the York City Pass.

Medieval Wall Walk

One of my favourite free things to do in York is wander along the walls. These walls have surrounded the city since Roman times, although they’ve been restored and improved upon over the years. Today, the majority of the walls you can see and explore date from the 12th to the 14th century, with major restorations taking place in Victorian times.

The walls are the most complete set of city walls in the UK, encircling large parts of the city centre. You can walk along the top of them on the wall walk, which elevates you above the city streets and gives some lovely views across the city. If you were to follow the whole route, you’d be looking at around a 2 hour walk of around 2.6 miles.

Of course, you don’t have to do the whole route and there are many sections you can walk. If you are following this itinerary, from the Yorkshire Museum simply cross over the River Ouse and join the city wall trail to the south of the river. You can follow it around to Micklegate Bar, one of the medieval gateways in and out of the city. It was traditionally the gate that monarchs would use for entering York.

It is about a 15 minute walk from the Yorkshire Museum to Micklegate Bar via the city walls.

You can also go inside the gate at Micklegate Bar to visit an exhibition about the history of the city walls, and their evolution from Roman times to the present day. This is a new experience, opened in 2022, and it’s also included with the York City Pass .

There are a number of pubs, restaurants, and shops around Micklegate , so this can be a good place to have lunch or stop for coffee before heading to the next stop on the itinerary.

For those interested in religious history, The Bar Convent is located next to Micklegate and is the oldest living convent in England. It is a museum and living heritage center and you can visit the exhibition for a small fee (included as part of the York Pass). But there is also a cafe here that serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea Monday to Saturday. We visited here and found it really interesting.

From Micklegate Bar to the National Railway Museum is a 12 minute walk.

National Railway Museum

If you are into trains (and even if you’re not!) we can highly recommend a visit to the National Railway Museum in York. This free museum is found right next to York railway station.

The museum is the largest museum dedicated to all things rail in the UK. It’s home to some of the most significant locomotives in railway history, including the Mallard, which still holds the record for the fastest steam locomotive ever built. There are usually around 100 locomotives or rolling stock on display, which when we visited included a Japanese bullet train and a Eurostar train.

Having the museum in York makes a lot of sense from a historical standpoint. First, York was famous in the 19th century for the production of railway carriages. In addition, direct trains were running from York to London as early as 1840, and the railway essentially saved York from years of decline. York was firmly on the railway map, and mass tourism took off. Yes, people have been visiting York for the weekend for quite some time!

Note that if there is a particular train or object you are interested in seeing, you should definitely check their website to be sure it is on display. Sometimes trains or other items are sent on mobile exhibitions, or put in storage.

The National Railway Museum is free to visit although donations are greatly appreciated. There’s also a shop and cafe on site, as well as a number of paid ride attractions including a fun Mallard simulator and miniature train rides. Lots of fun here for the whole family!

We’d recommend spending a couple of hours here. You can see more, including opening times and days, on the official website here . You should also check to see if you need to book tickets in advance.

From the National Railway Museum to city cruises departure is around a 15 – 20 minute walk, depending on which cruise you take.

• River Cruise

By now you have probably spent enough time on your feet and would like a bit of a break. Well, a popular option for visitors to York is to take some form of boat cruise. These usually run from April through to the end of October.

These will take you up and down the River Ouse which runs right through the centre of the city, affording you a unique view of the city from the water. Most cruises feature live commentary, and they also often have drinks available for purchase.

There are a variety of boat cruise options in York, from self-drive boat hire  through to short excursions , amd sunset cruises .

They vary in duration from 45 minutes up to 2.5 hours. You can see all the options and book in advance here . Note that a city cruise option is included with the York City Pass .

If you’re visiting from November through to March, most of the boat cruises are not operational. There are however a number of bus tour options to consider.

Evening Ghost Tour / Shambles Walk

As the day starts to fade to night, it’s the perfect time to learn a bit more about the darker past of the city. York is well known for its ghost tours, and the authentic medieval streets around the Shambles are an amazing backdrop to these tales and stories.

Of course, you can explore the area around the Shambles on your own. However, the ghost tours are a lot of fun, led by entertaining costumed guides who are going to shock, thrill, and humour you.

The two tours we suggest you check out are this 90 minute tour or this 90 minute tour , both are led by costumed guides. Both tours have excellent reviews and have won awards.

Of course there are also other tours, including this one and this one . So you have no shortage of choice.

We also recommend you spend a bit of time walking the streets around the Shambles at night, as it is remarkably pretty and photogenic. The actual street with the name “Shambles” is our favourite, with the leaning houses that look like they are straight out of a Harry Potter film set .

Out of all the streets in the UK that have been said to look like they are Diagon Alley out of Harry Potter (we’ve been to all of them), this is the one that looks most like it.

If you’d prefer a bus tour rather than a walking tour, there is also an evening ghost bus tour you might consider.

That wraps up your first day in York! Time for some food and rest, before heading on to your second day!

Day 2 in York

For your second day in York you’re going to do some more sightseeing, learn about York’s Viking and Victorian history, and even try some chocolate. Then there’ll be time for a bit of retail therapy before you wrap up your weekend in York.

Again, everything on our list today is easily walkable, or on the York Hop on Hop off bus route. Let’s get going!

• York Castle Museum

Despite the name, the York Castle Museum is not in a castle, nor is the museum about a castle. It is built on the former site of York Castle, which was largely rebuilt as a prison in the 18th century. The only really obvious remnant of the castle is Clifford’s Tower, which is found on the hill opposite the York Castle Museum.

So, now that your expectations around the lack of a castle have been managed, you might be wondering what this is a museum of.

Well, in the early 20th century, a Yorkshire physician by the name of John Kirk decided to start collecting objects that he felt reflected the time, in an effort to capture a glimpse of life in late 19th century Yorkshire. His collection grew prodigiously, and in 1931 he asked if anyone would want to display it.

In 1934, his collection was purchased by the city, and in 1938 the York Castle Museum opened to display the objects. A highlight of the museum on opening, and still a highlight today, is the recreated late Victorian street known as Kirkgate. This was a first of its kind in the UK, and is still popular with visitors today.

There’s lots more to see in the museum, which is maze-like and sprawling, and not laid out in any particularly logical order that we could discern. Exhibits include information on the prison, the Great War of 1914-1918, the Swinging Sixties, and fashion over the last 400 years. There is also a Victorian mill that is sometimes open to visitors.

It’s a lot of fun with a lot to see and do, and you could easily spend 2 to 3 hours exploring. There’s a fee to visit, and you can see opening times and prices here . Also included on the York City Pass.

• Clifford’s Tower

Directly opposite from the York Castle Museum sitting atop a large mound is Clifford’s Tower . This was the keep of York’s original castle.

A keep has been in this location since the time of William the Conqueror in the 11th century, but the present stone version dates from the mid 13th century. It’s the only really visibly obvious surviving part of York Castle that you can visit.

The tower itself is largely a shell, with the impressive walls surrounding a courtyard. A highlight of a visit is to go up to the top of the walls, from where you get good views across the rooftops of York and York Minster.

Clifford’s Tower is operated by English Heritage and there’s a fee to visit, although it’s free for English heritage members. You can see opening times and prices here . It’s also normally included on the York City Pass .

Note when we got our photos of Clifford’s Tower it was in the middle of a renovation project. The tower is open as of April 2022, and now has an interior structure and a new roof deck from where you can appreciate the views!

From Clifford’s Tower to Jorvik Viking Centre it’s a 4 minute walk.

• Jorvik Viking Centre

In the 9th and 10th centuries, York and a large swathe of northern England was captured and ruled by the Vikings. They called the city Jórvík, and turned the city into an important centre of economy.

A fun way to learn about life in York during Viking times is to visit the popular Jorvik Viking Centre . This attraction consists of two parts.

First, there’s an ride which takes you through a reconstructed Viking village, where you’ll see many scenes of life in Viking times. This was created by the York Archaeological Trust, and based on excavations in the area. In addition, some of the mannequins are based on facial reconstruction technologies using skulls found from the time.

Following the informative and fun ride, there’s a museum area, which has many objects of interest and further explanations of life in Viking times. In addition, there are costumed staff who demonstrate crafts from the time, such as coin making.

A trip to Jorvik Viking Centre is definitely worth including on your visit to York, and it’s a very popular family attraction as well. Expect to spend around an hour to 90 minutes visiting. There’s an entry fee, and it’s also included on the York City Pass .

From the Jorvik Viking Centre to York Cocoa House is a 1 minute walk, and to York Chocolate Story it’s a 4 minute walk.

York Chocolate Story or York Cocoa Works

In the 19th century confectionary and cocoa making became major industries in York. The railway improved the ability to transport goods, and major producers like Rowntree’s produced their products in York. In fact, after the railways, cocoa manufacturers were the second largest employer in York at this time.

Chocolate is still very much an important part of life in the city. Nestlé’s UK confectionary business is based here, as is their global R&D centre for confectionary. Rowntree’s still make their iconic KitKat bar in York, over four million of them a day!

If you have a sweet tooth, or simply want to learn a bit more about the history of chocolate making in the city, then you have a couple of options. These are York’s Chocolate Story , or the York Cocoa Works . Both these locations feature shops where you can buy chocolate. However, more importantly, they also both an educational experience and you can do a tour at each for a fee.

York’s Chocolate Story takes you on a journey through the history of chocolate in York. You’ll learn about the people and companies that put York on the chocolate making map, as well as the process for how chocolate is made. You’ll also get to make your own chocolate and of course, eat some chocolate as you go!

York Cocoa Works focuses more on the chocolate product process. Whilst the tour does share the history of chocolate making in York, the experience is more about visiting a working chocolate factory and learning how chocolate is made from bean to bar. A variety of tours are available, with the standard tour included on the York City Pass .

So, which to choose? Well, if you’d like to get more into the history of chocolate in York, we’d probably recommend York’s Chocolate Story . If you want to learn more about chocolate making, flavours and so on, then we suggest the York Cocoa Works . Of course, you could also do both, although there is going to be some overlap!

If you have a York City Pass then the York Cocoa Works would probably make more sense as the tour is included.

From either of these attractions to the Shambles Market is less than five minutes walk.

Shambles Shopping

We’re going to finish up your last day in York with a bit of shopping in the Shambles. As well as lots of independent retailers in this area, you’ll also find the Shambles Market itself. This historic market has over 70 stalls to choose from, with everything from arts and crafts to clothes and food available to buy.

We’re pretty sure you’ll find something to buy in the Shambles Market and shopping area, be it a souvenir of your time in York or a gift for someone else. If you’re not into shopping, you’ll also find cafes and bars throughout, and the lovely medieval streets are well worth wandering around anyway.

If you are looking for something to do in the evening after dinner, there are of course a number of bars, clubs, and cinemas. But you could also check out what is playing at York’s performing arts venues, such as the York Theatre Royal , Joseph Rowentree Theatre , and Grand Opera House , as there is often theater shows, operas, concerts, pantomimes, etc.

York Weekend Itinerary Summary

Here’s a quick overview of this 2 day York itinerary.

• Day 1 – York Minster, Yorkshire Museum and Gardens, Medieval Wall Walk, National Railway Museum, River Cruise, Evening Ghost Tour / Shambles Walk
• Day 2 – York Castle Museum, Clifford’s Tower, Jorvik Viking Centre, York Cocoa Works, Shambles Shopping

Of course, there’s plenty more to see and do in York, so you could extend this itinerary to more days or swap some of these sights with others to suit your interests and time.

Map of 2 Day York Itinerary

Attractions Near York

If you’re planning on spending a bit more time in York, there is of course many more things to do in central York. But there is also a lot to do around York. Many of these attractions will definitely be easier to visit with a car.

• Castle Howard – one of the UK’s most impressive stately homes is just eight miles outside of York
• Harewood House – another spectacular country house, around 20 miles from York
• Yorkshire Dales – gorgeous countryside and plentiful walks can be found in this National Park,
• Harry Potter Filming Locations – there are two Harry Potter filming locations within 90 minutes drive of York. See our guide to find out which ones!
• Wentworth Woodhouse – one of the largest stately homes you can visit is around an hour from York. See our complete guide to visiting for more!

Of course, there’s plenty more to do in the area around York, but this should give you some ideas for what to see and do!

Where to Stay in York

York has a wide range of accommodation options ranging from hostels and apartments through to high end hotels, and everything in between.

Our recommendation for York is definitely to stay near to the centre so you are within easy walking distance of all the sights, restaurants and attractions. We’ve put together some recommendations for York across all budgets. These are approximately ordered by price, however do check for your dates as prices vary.

• Astor York Hostel – if you’re looking for a hostel, this is one of the best options in York. Set in a grade II listed building, the property features both shared and private accommodation. There’s also an on-site bar as well as kitchen, dining and lounge areas. It’s 15 minutes walk from the train station and 20 minutes to most city attractions.
• Gillygate Guesthouse – This very well reviewed and popular 4* guesthouse is found just 3 minutes walk from York Minster. Rooms are en-suite and a good value full English breakfast is available.
• The Bar Convent – how about staying in a working convent during your time in York? This quiet location features private and shared accommodation in an actual convent, which is also some to a fascinating living heritage centre which is well worth visiting. Breakfast is included, and it’s 15 minutes walk to the main sights, and only five minutes from the train station.
• Roomzzz York City – just to the south of the city centre, around a 15 minute walk from most attractions, this is a well reviewed aparthotel option. En-suite rooms have kitchenettes.
• 23 St Mary’s – we stayed at this luxury guesthouse on a recent visit to York and loved it. It was just 15 minutes walk from most attractions, and the rooms were wonderfully spacious with luxury amenities.
• The Grand – this five star hotel is found in York’s former railway headquarters, so as you might imagine it’s very close to the railway station. Rooms are spacious and en-suite, there’s on-site dining and a bar, as well as a spa and pool. If you’re looking for luxury in York, this is an excellent option, and you can get some great deals depending on when you stay as well.

If you’re looking for an apartment, we recommend the Plum Guide . They offer a selection of curated properties that have to meet a high standard to be listed, and we’ve always had a positive experience when we’ve stayed with them. See their listings for York here .

How to Get to York

York is a well-connected city which is easy get to from around the UK.

First, you can of course reach York by car. If you opt for this option, make sure to check the parking options at the hotel you choose, as parking can be tricky to come by. If the hotel doesn’t have parking, you might need to take advantage of the park and ride options into the city. Once you’re in York, you are unlikely to need a car.

York is around a 4-hour drive from London, 90 minutes from Manchester , 45 minutes from Leeds and four hours from Edinburgh.

Another excellent option for reaching York is to take a train. York is on the east coast mainline, with fast train services linking it with the rest of the country. London is just under 2 hours away by train, and Edinburgh is around 2.5 hours by train from York.

You can check train times and book tickets online in advance here . With rail tickets, booking in advance is nearly always going to land you the best deals.

You can also travel to York by long-distance bus, although this will take a bit longer and so might not be suitable for a weekend trip. From London to York is between 6 and 7 hours by coach for example. You can check times and prices on National Express here and Megabus here .

York doesn’t have an airport. If you want to fly to York, the closest airport is Leeds Bradford Airport, which is around 30 miles away. This offers domestic and some international flight connections.

How to Get Around York

York has a compact city centre which is very easy to get around on foot. Most attractions are within 20 minutes’ walk of each other in the city centre, so getting around on foot is usually our preferred option.

Of course, there are other options for getting around the city centre, including public buses and taxis. iTravel York is an excellent resource for route planning, with everything from walking maps to cycle maps to information on parking.

Another good option for getting around the attractions in York, as well as learning about the sights, is to take a hop on hop off bus tour. You can buy tickets for these individually here , and there are also Hop on Hop off bus tours included as part of the  York City Pass .

York Sightseeing Passes

When we visit a city, we always check if there’s some kind of sightseeing pass that includes the attractions we want to visit. If so, we will invest in the pass if it’s going to save us money, which is often the case.

For York, the only pass available that we were able to find is the York City Pass . This includes more than 40 attractions and activities in the city and beyond, as well as some discounts and even some food. The pass is available for one to six days.

To decide if a pass like this will save you money you need to look at the attractions you plan to visit, the costs of those, and then compare the total cost to the pass cost.

For our itinerary for example, the following attractions are currently covered by the York City pass. This covers nearly every attraction and activity we recommend (note that inclusions can change, see full list of attractions here ):

• City Walls Experience
• Bar Convent Museum (optional)
• Railway Museum Road Train
• York Cocoa Works
• 24 hour sightseeing bus ticket (optional)

If you paid individual adult entry to all these attractions, it would cost around £112.

If you did all the attractions but skipped the Sightseeing bus, you’re looking at around £96.

The pass also includes lots of other attractions as well.

A two-day York City pass costs £75 as of April 2023, although it can sometimes be found at a discount. So you are looking at good savings if you plan to visit a number of attractions. It’s also available for longer and shorter durations, as well as in a child version.

We recommend checking what the pass includes and comparing the inclusions to what you plan to visit. Then you can decide if the York City Pass is good value for your trip.

You can buy the York City Pass on the official website for the pass here .

In addition, you can sometimes get the York City Pass with a discount. We recommend comparing the price on Tiqets here , GetYourGuide here and the official website here to see if there are any offers.

Further Reading

That’s it for our guide to spending two days in York, perhaps over a weekend or perhaps not. We hope you found it useful. Before you go, we wanted to share a few of our other guides to help you plan your trip to York as well as the rest of the UK, as well as some third party resources we think you’ll find useful.

• For wider UK trip planning, we have suggested  one week  and  two week UK itineraries
• York is close to Manchester, check out our guide to things to do in Manchester here .
• If you’re driving in the UK for the first time, check out my  tips for driving in the UK  for some advice. We also have a  guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK .
• We have guides to many other cities in England. See our guide to things to do in Stratford upon Avon ,   things to do in Bristol ,   things to do in Portsmouth , tips on Visiting Oxford on a Day Trip , and things to do in Cambridge
• If you’re heading to Scotland, check out our  2 day Edinburgh itinerary , our  Glasgow and Loch Lomond itinerary , our guide to the  best day trips from Glasgow , our guide to  things to do in Edinburgh , our  itinerary for Skye and the Highlands , our guide to the  best day trips from Aberdeen , and our guide to the best  day trips from Edinburgh  to get you started. We also have a guide to getting from  London to Edinburgh .
• We have a guide to  10 of the best Stately Homes in England

And that’s it! Have you ever visited York? Do you have anything you’d add to the above? Just let us know in the comments below!

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Travel Information

Getting to York couldn’t be simpler. York is ideally positioned in the heart of the country with direct rail links bringing you from London, Edinburgh and Manchester in around 2 hours. Manchester, Newcastle and Leeds/Bradford airports are all within easy reach and the ports of Hull and Newcastle are both within a two-hour drive. Enjoying the benefits of excellent rail and motorway networks, and direct cycle routes from neighbouring areas, York is undoubtedly one of the most easily accessible cities in the UK.

Plan ahead and check the i-Travel York website for the most up-to-date public transport and travel information.

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The 11 best things to do in York on your next visit

Jan 1, 2022 • 7 min read

A narrow laneway of 'The Shambles', which is a centre piece of historic York © Chris Lawrence Travel/Shutterstock

With its Roman and Viking history, and hurly-burly medieval core, York is one of England’s must-see cities. Don’t be fooled, though, this isn’t a place stuck in the past. Its walkable center is filled with indie restaurants , quirky shops and inventive drinking dens – a testament to York’s vibrant present-day pulse.  

Arrive at the handsome station (it’s around two hours from London) and dive into our suggestions of the best things to do in York; you’ll soon be swept off your feet by the city’s picture-postcard sights as well as its fun, maverick side. 

Let York Minster draw your gaze towards the heavens

One of York’s great treats is how often, when turning a cobblestone corner or squeezing down an age-old alley, you bump into its soaring cathedral, York Minster . Renowned as one of the world’s medieval Gothic masterpieces, it’s worth getting up close to the interior craftsmanship. Here you’ll find 700-year-old vaulted ceilings and nose-picking gargoyles illuminated by the building’s 128 stained-glass windows.

A trip to the interactive museum in the undercroft reveals details of York’s 2000-year-old history and its tower reaches dizzying heights above the city's rooftops. You can climb to the top for some stunning views of York but be warned – the ancient stairwells are claustrophic and those with a fear of heights should probably stick to admiring the stained-glass windows from the inside.

Step back in time in the Shambles

One of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe, many of the Shambles’ wonky timber-framed houses date back to the 15th century. Despite its much-photographed charm, this street once housed the city’s butchers and slaughterhouses. The overhanging buildings, which in places almost kiss above the narrow cobbled lane, were designed to shelter shelves of meat from the sun. Nowadays, it’s worth visiting to briefly become part of the hubbub and browse the eccentric collection of independent shops. Slip down an alleyway for lunch in Shambles Market .

Hunt for ghosts

With a centuries-old history littered with turmoil and treachery, it’s little wonder York has a penchant for ghost stories. Even skeptics will be hard-pressed not to enjoy one of the city’s highly rated ghost walks. Led by knowledgeable performers, The Bloody Tour of York , Shadows of York , and The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour all promise plenty of macabre fun. Like your phantoms a little more tangible? As an antidote to mass-produced knickknacks, York Ghost Merchants sell diminutive handcrafted spooks from its theatrical shop on the Shambles.    

Spot trains at the National Railway Museum

Until the 1960s, the vast exhibition halls of the free-to-enter National Railway Museum were part of York’s busy railway works. Now they tell the story of extraordinary engineering feats and house gleaming locomotives and plush royal carriages. Young rail enthusiasts will delight in discovering you can climb aboard many of the exhibits, including a Japanese bullet train. For a small charge, take a ride on the world’s fastest steam locomotive. You can explore more of North Yorkshire and beyond by train if the idea of gazing upon beautiful countryside from the comfort of a reclining seat is right up your track.

Head down the pub for a quick drink (or two) 

Famed for its diverse drinking dens, it would seem rude not to pop into one of York’s many pubs. Some of the city’s oak-paneled taverns have been serving up booze since Tudor times, although if you want to time warp back to the 12th century, take a pew at the House of the Trembling Madness on Stonegate. For a more contemporary feel, and a selection of 40 taps, there’s Brew York’s mural-festooned beer hall. Fancy a pint with a view? At the Lamb and Lion Inn , you can spy the Minster from the beer garden; the King’s Arms overlooks the meandering River Ouse. 

Walk the city walls

Perfect for history buffs, couples and snoopers alike, a stroll along York’s City Walls allows you to peer down onto timeworn snickleways (alleyways) and courtyard gardens from atop the longest medieval ramparts in England. Free to walk, and containing four grand ‘bars’ or gates to the city, these 13th-century fortifications are, in fact, the new kids on the block; the Roman walls lie underneath, protruding briefly in York’s tranquil Museum Gardens . 

It takes a couple of hours to wander the 3.4-kilometer loop, peeping through arrowslits and digesting information boards. You can even pause for a flat white at the cafe within the cannon-scarred Walmgate Bar. Alternatively, ramble a shorter section; the portion between Bootham and Monk bars has superb Minster views. 

York Art Gallery offers Old Masters, modern wonders and ceramics

York Art Gallery offers a welcome respite from the city clamor. The main exhibitions are free to admire; in The Burton Gallery, artworks by Italian Old Masters rub shoulders with 20th-century abstract paintings. Look out for L.S Lowry’s depiction of York’s handsome Clifford’s Tower surrounded by his distinctive matchstick mob. The real draw, though, is the gallery’s Centre for Ceramic Art . Here, prehistoric pots through to glazed delftware are curated to form a 17-meter-long ceramic rainbow. 

Learn more about Vikings and Victorians at York’s museums

Championing immersive experiences long before that was a thing, York’s museums excel at transporting you into the past. At the JORVIK Viking Centre , you’re treated to a smells-and-all ride through the cultural melting pot that was 10th-century York. The animatronic dioramas are based on evidence unearthed while excavating the Viking settlement below the building. 

At the York Castle Museum , visitors are likewise encouraged to see artifacts in context: cue a stroll down a dimly lit Victorian Street and hear what life was like for captured highwayman Dick Turpin in the cell that held him (the building was once York’s notorious prison). 

For a more refined slice of history, the Fairfax House is a rarified gem. Padding through this restored Georgian townhouse gives a glimpse into the lives of 18th-century gentlefolk, as well as a few lessons in interior design. Touring the Treasurer’s House , on the other hand, feels like falling down a rabbit hole into a curious oversized doll’s house, filled with furnishings through the ages.

Enjoy afternoon tea

York has no shortage of places to dine on dainty sandwiches and cream-laden scones, washed down with a fragrant brew. At The Grand , tiers of nibbles are served in 5-star surroundings, whereas afternoon tea at Forest at Galtres Lodge involves a tea pairing menu and miniature Yorkshire puddings. It’s even possible to enjoy a sophisticated cuppa aboard a restored train carriage at the National Railway Museum. 

Most locals, though, would cry sacrilege if Bettys wasn’t on your list of locations to sate a mid-afternoon peckishness. Be prepared to queue, but wolfing down one of their fat rascal fruit scones amid scurrying, white-aproned staff is something of a York rite of passage. 

Get a taste for York’s chocolate past

While other northern cities were busy with textiles and steel, York’s Victorian industrialists were building confectionary empires; Kit-Kat and Terry’s Chocolate Orange were both created in the city’s sweet-smelling factories. 

While not inexpensive, York’s Chocolate Story does a good job at immersing visitors in this history: the interactive tour includes plenty of toothsome treats. At York Cocoa House there are workshops and tasting tours. This independent factory aims to carry the baton for York’s chocolate heritage, with a modern-day focus on eco-conscious and fair-trade practices. 

Sample street food at Spark:York

It’s hard not to fall for Spark:York’s inclusive community feel. This split-level market, created from brightly daubed shipping containers, brings together local indie restaurants and bars on a once disused civic space. Groups can mix and match their orders, choosing from hand-stretched pizzas, incredible fried chicken, and plant-based tacos and burgers. Kids will love the ice-cream cookie sandwiches served by Melk ; their parents may opt for a craft beer. 

You might also like:  Yorkshire's best castles, cathedrals and stately homes Gin, rum and vodka: Yorkshire’s best distillery experiences Say cheese! How the Yorkshire Dales are reviving cheesemaking traditions  

This article was first published October 2021 and updated January 2022

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York Travel Guide (including essential travel tips, itinerary + map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: December 6, 2022

Our York Travel Guide includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for one of the most beautiful of England’s cities. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to York!

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO YORK

Located in the county of Yorkshire York is a popular city for visitors from around the globe. With a historical legacy from the Romans and Vikings and medieval streets of cobblestones, this walled city is the perfect place for a weekend visit or to break the journey by train from London to Edinburgh .

If you are visiting York you will find everything you need to plan your trip in this guide plus information about the county of Yorkshire.

What you will find in this complete York Travel Guide

Map of York

Things to do in York (and Yorkshire)

Discover the best things to see and do in York with my guide to the city, itinerary suggestions plus guide to the best day trips from York.

THINGS TO DO IN YORK

YORKSHIRE TRAVEL GUIDE

BEST DAY TRIPS & TOURS FROM YORK

Places to visit in York include

York Minster

The Shambles

National Railway Museum

JORVIK Viking Centre

Clifford’s Tower

York City Walls

York Castle Museum

York’s Chocolate Story

Bettys Tea Rooms

Listen to our Podcast about visiting York

Accommodation in york.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN YORK

Find more accommodation options in my Accommodation Guide for England.

How to get to York from London

York is easily accessible from London. If you are based in the capital there are a number of options to get to the city.

Option 1 – By car

York is located 200 miles to the north of London.

Plan at least 4 hours to drive between the 2 cities (this will vary depending on traffic but it can be a busy route). Other English cities you will pass along the way are Leicester, Nottingham, Sheffield and Leeds.

Directions can be found here.

If you are planning a short day trip to York I recommend parking in one of the Park & Ride car parks and taking the free bus into the city.

Option 2: By train

York is easy to reach by train from any major city in the UK.

York train station is a 10 minute walk from the centre of the city.

The trip takes an average of 3 hours from London and 2 hours from Edinburgh

It is possible to take a direct train from London to York. Click here for train times and tickets.

Option 3: By bus

It is possible to take a bus from Victoria Coach Station to York. The journey takes approximately 6 hours.

This is the cheapest way to travel to York from London though so if you are on a budget this may be your best option. Click here for coach times and prices from National Express.

Read more – Complete transportation guide to the UK

Experiences, tickets and tours in York

With so many things to do and places to visit in York I recommend planning your itinerary and purchasing tours, tickets and experiences as soon as you can to avoid disappointment especially during the busy summer months.

A York city pass is a great option and includes entrance to 25 popular York attractions including the JORVIK Viking Centre, York Minster, York Castle Museum, York’s Chocolate Story. Click for more information about the York City Pass.

• River Ouse City Cruise – Spend a relaxing hour on the River Ouse and see the sights of York from a different perspective.
• York’s Chocolate Story: Guided Tour – Explore York’s chocolate history and learn about the origins of chocolate and about York’s founding confectionery families.
• York Minster and City Walking Tour – This 2-hour walking tour provides you with fantastic insights into the most historic and world-famous sites in York. Start with the Romans then explore the ‘Snickelways’ of York and complete your tour at the magical York Minster.

> Click here for more tickets and tours in York

Best Yorkshire day trips from York

York is the perfect base to explore the surrounding Yorkshire countryside, seaside towns along England’s eastern coast, areas of natural beauty and places of historical significance.

The Yorkshire Dales, the coastal town of Whitby, the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Saltaire, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden are all easy day trips from York.

If you are considering hiring a car and taking a day trip from York these are my top 5 destinations to consider:

• Castle Howard
• Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Read more: 10 best places to visit in Yorkshire

If you prefer to join an organised day trip from York these are just some of the destinations you can explore. *

(*Find more suggestions in my article which focuses on ALL the best day trips and tours from York)

• The Yorkshire Dales day tour from York
• The Bronte’s Parsonage Tour
• Steam train, Whitby and North Yorkshire Moors

Where to eat in York

There are many wonderful teahouses, cafes, gastropubs and restaurants in York.

Betty’s Tea Rooms

No visit to York is complete without a visit to Bettys Tea Rooms. Open since 1936 the beautiful interiors are inspired by the Queen Mary liner.

Visit for afternoon tea and sample the delights of Bettys for yourself.

Where – 6-8 St. Helen’s Square York YO1 8QP

Shambles Market

Enjoy York’s growing street food scene at the Shambles Market. There are plenty of options to suit all tastes including Indian, Thai, Mexican.

Don’t miss the burritos from Smokehouse which are priced from just £6.50.

Where – The Shambles Market, 5 Silver St, York YO1 8RY

Tips for visiting York & Yorkshire

• If you want to see the highlights of York consider joining this best of York guided walking tour or take the hop-on hop-off bus around the city.
• If York is just one of the places you wish to visit in Yorkshire don’t underestimate the size of the county! It is England’s largest county and is roughly half the size of Belgium. It can be divided into 4 smaller areas – North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and South Yorkshire.
• There are are some large cities in Yorkshire such as York, Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford and Ripon but also lots of charming towns and villages too.
• The Yorkshire Dales National Park covers thousands of square miles (in fact most of the county) and includes moors, valleys, hills, waterfalls and villages within its boundaries.
• There are numerous hiking trails in the park including the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, Yorkshire Three Peaks and Malham Cove and Gordale Scar. If you are planning a hike ensure you prepare thoroughly.
• There are two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in North Yorkshire which are the Howardian Hills and Nidderdale.
• Our guide to 19 of the best day trips in Yorkshire has lots of great ideas too.

Tips for driving in Yorkshire

• If you are planning to hire a car and drive in Yorkshire it is important to pick the right rental car. In rural areas the roads may be single lane with no central line so don’t choose a large SUV or saloon car if there are only 2 of you.
• If you wish to stop to admire the views ensure it is safe to do so.
• In winter the weather conditions can change rapidly and snow can often make the roads impassable. There may also be no mobile signal in more isolated spots so ensure you share your travel plans before setting out.
• If you prefer to avoid driving there are a number of tours which you can join to enjoy the sights of the Yorkshire Dales.
• While there are 15 public car parks available around the city of York I recommend accessing one of the 6 Park & Ride services which allow you to park for free in a secure car park and complete your journey into the city by bus. You can find out more about this scheme here .

Books to read about York

More uk travel guides.

• 10 Places to visit in Yorkshire
• Things to do in Whitby
• Peak District Travel Guide
• Chester Travel Guide
• Liverpool Travel Guide
• Durham Travel Guide

Looking for more inspiration for your travels in England? Check out my England Travel Planning Guide which has loads of ideas, tips and resources to plan your itinerary.

• 1.1 Orientation
• 1.2 History
• 1.3 When to visit
• 1.4 Visitor information and York Pass
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 2.5 Luggage
• 3.1 On foot
• 3.2 By bike
• 3.4 By taxi
• 4.1 Landmarks
• 4.2 York Archaeological Trust
• 4.3 York Museums Trust
• 4.4 Churches
• 4.5 Further out
• 5.1 Attractions
• 5.2 Tours and trips
• 5.3 Theatres
• 5.4 Cinemas
• 5.6 Events and festivals
• 6.1 Higher education
• 6.2 Language schools
• 8.1 Local specialities
• 8.2.1 Budget
• 8.2.2 Mid-range
• 8.2.3 Splurge
• 8.2.4 Afternoon tea
• 9.1 Brewing and distilling
• 9.2 Traditional pubs
• 9.4 Nightclubs
• 9.5 Live music and comedy venues
• 10.1 Budget
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Splurge
• 10.4 Camping
• 11.1 Nightlife
• 11.2 River safety
• 11.3 Flooding
• 12.1 Late-night pharmacies
• 13.1 Worship
• 13.2 Toilets
• 15.1 Vale of York
• 15.2 Further afield

The ancient cathedral city of York has a history dating back over 2000 years. Romans, Saxons, Vikings, and Britons from all eras have each left their mark. It is home to some of Europe 's best-preserved historical buildings and structures, including York Minster and dozens of other churches, the Shambles medieval shopping street, countless handsome townhouses, and the city's walls and gatehouses. Other popular attractions on the bucket lists of York's eight million annual visitors include the Jorvik Viking Centre and Britain's National Railway Museum.

York is in North Yorkshire , England , and is the unofficial capital of the entire region of Yorkshire . The city is a perfect base for exploring "God's own county", having some of the finest hotels around, and all the comforts and amenities of a large city, while retaining the atmosphere and scale of a small town. York's shops, markets, pubs, and restaurants delight in offering Yorkshire-made produce, so you will find it difficult not to overindulge.

A UNESCO City of Media Arts, York has a festival for every occasion, celebrating everything that has shaped the city's culture over the centuries: music, dance, chocolate, theatre, literature, horseracing, digital media. Whatever time of year you come, you're sure to find a gig, show or exhibition that tickles your fancy.

So, plunge forward, and discover York!

Understand [ edit ]

Navigate to: Orientation , History , When to visit , York Pass

Orientation [ edit ]

York city centre is a compact and dense warren of mostly pedestrianised streets lined with centuries-old buildings in a mix of architectural styles, from Roman and Viking remnants, through timber frame medieval structures, to much grander stone and brick edifices from later periods. The centre straddles both banks of two rivers - the Ouse (pronounced ooze ) and the Foss - which merge just south of the castle. At the city's heart stands the imposing York Minster , one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, and the mother church for northern England's Anglican community. The Archbishop of York (Stephen Cottrell, since 2020) holds the third-highest office in the Church of England, after the King and the Archbishop of Canterbury. York's old town is completely encircled by a series of defensive medieval walls . At just over 2 miles (3.2 km) long, 13 feet (4 m) high, and 6 feet (1.8 m) thick, they are the UK's most extensive and best-preserved city walls.

Most visitor attractions are within or just outside these walls, so you will seldom find yourself venturing into York's outer neighbourhoods. However, if you do, you will find them pleasant and residential, mostly containing red brick houses from the 19th and 20th centuries. There is a modern university campus around Heslington in the south-eastern suburbs, a large racecourse called the Knavesmire in the south-west, and extensive parks along the Ouse's journey through the northern and southern suburbs. This urban sprawl is bounded by a modern day city wall of sorts: the ring road separates York from its rural surroundings, the well-endowed farmlands and villages of the Vale of York .

History [ edit ]

York has played a crucial role in many eras of English history, and the city's own story closely mirrors that of the country as a whole.

Evidence of human settlement in York dates back to 8000 BC, but the city wasn't founded until 71 AD by the Romans , who named it Eboracum , as a Latinisation of the Celtic Eburākon , meaning "yew tree place". Eboracum began as little more than a military outpost at the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Foss, but quickly became one of the most important cities in Roman Britain, and from 211 was the capital of the Britannia Inferior province; Emperors Hadrian, Septimius Severus and Constantius I all visited during their military campaigns against the native Britons and Picts. The latter of the three actually died during his stay, and his son, the future Constantine the Great, was first proclaimed Emperor in the city by his generals. Constantine later converted to Christianity , and legalised freedom of religion throughout the Empire. Eboracum was prosperous and particularly attracted merchants and retired veterans of the Emperors' wars. Why said retirees apparently chose the damp and chilly Yorkshire climate over the Empire's many Mediterranean provinces remains one of history's great mysteries.

After Rome, the 5th century brought the arrival of the Angles - the first Englishmen. This period saw the expansion of the city's trading prowess, the founding of York Minster as a small wooden church, and a spell of political prominence under the Kings of Northumbria. By 735, the Minster was already important enough to be the seat of an archbishop. But Eoforwic ("place rich in boar"), as it was now known, proved too much of a success and quickly caught the attention of avaricious Norsemen: Vikings had been harrying and raiding the north of England since the 700s, but why sail for days just to snatch a pig and a bracelet and rush back to sea, when they could harvest this rich farmland for their own? So, in 866, a huge army of Danes captured Eoforwic and, realising that name was a hopeless mouthful, rechristened their new city Jórvík (pronounced "Yor-vik"). From here, they controlled pretty much all of northern and eastern England, in a region known as the Danelaw. Jórvík was pretty perfect as a Viking capital, since its inland location offered defence and shelter, while the Ouse provided their longboats easy access to the sea via the Humber. Even though Viking power waxed and waned over the centuries, large numbers of Scandinavian people settled permanently in the region, meaning Jórvík was a bilingual (Old English and Old Norse) city at the time of the Norman Conquest .

By 1066, the Vikings had once again been ousted by the Saxons, but nursed ambitions to return. Harold Godwinson was crowned King of England, but faced a combined invasion by his exiled brother Tostig and the Norse king Harald Hardrada. The invaders won a battle at Fulford just outside York, but King Harold marched north and defeated them at Stamford Bridge 15 mi (24 km) east. Yet, while his back was turned, William the Conqueror's Normans invaded from across the English Channel. Harold's exhausted army marched south again, this time to crippling defeat at Hastings . England came under Norman rule, and the Anglo-Saxon/Norse society that the country had developed, and York exemplified, was dismantled swiftly and brutally.

The Harrying of the North was a violent campaign of oppression against rebellious northerners in the years after the Conquest. From his castle in York, King William ordered the mass murder of civilians, demolition of numerous villages and burning of crops across the north of England, and York was also heavily damaged. As in the rest of the country, Normans became the new aristocracy, with the English and remaining Norse people reduced to serfdom. From this point on, the Normans consolidated their rule with the construction of castles, monasteries and great cathedrals. York Minster's Gothic design first took shape in the 12th century, while the present city walls, their gates (known as bars ), and Clifford's Tower also cemented the Normans' impact on York's cityscape.

The late Medieval period produced much important architectural and cultural heritage, which are still evident today. The centuries-long construction of the Minster finally wrapped in 1472, while the higgledy-piggledy timber-frame shops of the Shambles mostly date from the 14th and 15th centuries. York's Mystery Plays , performing weird and wonderful Bible stories, were begun in the same era and continue to the present day. Then, in 1455, England was consumed by civil war: rival royals from York and Lancaster fought a brutal series of campaigns for control of the crown. Yorkist armies marched under the banner of a white rose, while their enemy Lancastrians followed the red rose, hence the name of this conflict, the Wars of the Roses . The last Yorkist king, Richard III, was finally defeated in combat at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, 30 years after the wars began. The Lancastrians' leader, Henry VII, became the first monarch of the Tudor dynasty, and both York in general and King Richard in particular were subsequently demonised.

The city's economy and status went into a long decline which wouldn't be recovered until after England's second Civil War, during which Royalist York was again on the wrong side of history, and besieged by the ultimate victors (Parliament) for 10 weeks in 1644. The siege and subsequent storming of the city destroyed many medieval buildings, but paved the way for fashionable new brick townhouses to be built as York regained its mojo in the late 17th and 18th centuries.

This resurgence in the city's wealth may have been what saved York's ancient streets from the smoke-stack industry which sprang up in many other northern towns from the late 18th century onwards. However, the industrial revolution didn't bypass York completely. In the 1840s, the first long-distance railway raced north from London to Edinburgh, and York's station was constructed as a cathedral of sorts in homage to the great connecting power of trains, while the locomotive yards next door kept the country's engines moving. The city found its other manufacturing niche soon after when the Rowntree family opened their chocolate factory. Many of their creations - among them KitKat, Aero and Smarties - are still staple snacks in the UK and around the world. The Rowntrees, known for their philanthropy, were Quakers, a religious group which has had a strong presence in York for three centuries, and whose members have done much to shape its development - they were also behind the burgeoning rail industry.

While its prominence and relative size in comparison to other cities have dwindled since the 19th century, and its status as capital of the north credibly challenged by the likes of Manchester and Leeds, York remains prosperous and lively; in 2018, it was named the best city to live in the UK by The Sunday Times . In 2021, the city celebrated its 1,950th anniversary, and today's visitor will easily recognise and marvel at just how well York has preserved aspects from every major episode of its history, as much in the way of culture and traditions as in the built environment.

When to visit [ edit ]

Summer brings very long days and the best chance of sun and warmth, and is thus the finest time to make the most of the city's squares, parks and rivers. If you really like flat caps and whippets, then be sure to be in town on 1 August for Yorkshire Day, when a procession of proud Yorkshiremen march their white rose flags all through the streets. Summer visitors may also get the chance to see festivals dedicated to chocolate, early music and folk dance, and the really lucky may even catch a mystery play - although these follow an irregular schedule and don't take place every year.

On the other hand, summer is when everyone visits, so is not the best time if you don't like mingling with thousands of your fellow tourists. Besides, nobody comes to North Yorkshire for the weather, and summer washouts are just as likely as heatwaves, so why not take a punt on autumn or winter ? Some of the city's key annual events, such as the Viking Festival and Christmas celebrations, take place in the chillier half of the year. What's more, you need short days in order to experience the magical atmosphere of a twilit evensong in the Minster, and you need to get cold to fully appreciate the cosiness of a hearty meal and pint next to a roaring fire in one of York's pubs.

By the way, if you're planning to use York as a base to explore the wider region's countryside and coast, then spring is the season for you. The fields and trees are at their greenest, wildflowers are in bloom, visitor numbers are fewer, and the late spring weather is often better suited to hiking and walking than high summer. And honestly, who doesn't love the sight of spring lambs gamboling about joyfully?

Visitor information and York Pass [ edit ]

• Visitor information from Visit York
• 53.9612 -1.0852 1 Visitor Information Centre , 1 Museum Street, YO1 7DT , ☏ +44 1904 555 670 , [email protected] . M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su, bank holiday 10AM-4PM . A first port-of-call for maps, hundreds of leaflets, attraction discounts and impartial advice from local experts. ( updated Nov 2022 )

If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing, you can save money by purchasing the Visit York Pass , a ticket which gives you access to almost 40 attractions in York and its region. The pass also includes a 24-hour ticket for the City Sightseeing bus tour, discounts on meals, car hire, taxis and more.

You can get passes for one, two, three or six days. The pass is digital and issued via email to your smartphone; buy online or at the Visitor Information Centre.

The pass is valid for 12 months after purchase and is activated once you enter your first attraction. The one-day pass is valid for one calendar day, not a 24-hour period . Two- and six-day passes are valid for consecutive calendar days. Three-day passes can be used for any three days out of six. Passes cover the entry fee of every participating attraction, but do not allow you to queue jump or to have privileged access. As with every tourist pass, the more attractions you visit, the more money you'll save; a downside to this approach is you might find yourself rushing around town instead of taking everything in.

Get in [ edit ]

Navigate to: By train , By bus , By car , Luggage

By plane [ edit ]

• 53.3539 -2.275 1 Manchester Airport ( MAN  IATA ), 85 mi (137 km) south-west of York, has global direct connections, including from North America , Africa , the Middle East , Pakistan , East Asia , the Caribbean and pretty much everywhere in Europe . A direct train to York, operated by Transpennine Express , runs every 30 min, taking 1 hr 50 min. By road, from the airport, follow the M56 onto the M60 Manchester Ring Road (east/anticlockwise), then at junction 18 take the M62 towards Leeds. This takes you across Saddleworth Moor, the highest section of motorway in Britain; in good weather, it's very scenic, but snow and extremely dense fog can badly affect or even close the route any time of the year. At junction 29, take the M1 north. This soon merges onto the A1 (M), and from here you take the next exit for the A64 towards York.
• 53.865 -1.66 2 Leeds-Bradford Airport ( LBA  IATA ) is the closest airport to York, 31 mi (50 km) away by road. It has decent connections across western Europe, and is mostly served by budget carriers. Aer Lingus and KLM connect to their respective hubs at Dublin and Amsterdam Schiphol . The airport is north of Leeds , so you can mostly dodge the city traffic by following the A658 past Harrogate to the A59, where you pick up signs to York. By public transport, take bus A1 from the airport into Central Leeds. From here, you can take the train: Crosscountry, LNER and Transpennine Express all operate trains to York, taking 25 min and offering a 'turn-up-and-go' frequency.
• The London airports obviously have a huge range of flights, especially Heathrow ( LHR  IATA ) and Gatwick ( LGW  IATA ). However, by public transport you have to travel into central London before heading north to York from King's Cross Station: from Heathrow use a combination of the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express and London Underground; from Gatwick take the Thameslink train to St Pancras, adjacent to King's Cross. LNER trains depart King's Cross every 30 min and take roughly 2 hr. Alternatively, with a car you have to endure a long journey (at least 5 hours in good traffic) around the M25 ring road and up the A1.

By train [ edit ]

Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in Great Britain .

York is on the East Coast mainline, with LNER trains running every 30 min or so from Doncaster (20 min), Durham (50 min), Edinburgh Waverley (2 hr 30 min), Leeds (25 min), London King's Cross (2 hr) and Newcastle upon Tyne (1 hr). Hourly Crosscountry trains link to York from Birmingham New Street (2 hr 45 min – 3 hr 15 min), Bristol Temple Meads (4 hr 10 min), Plymouth (6 hr 15 min) and Sheffield (45 min – 1 hr). Transpennine Express trains run twice-hourly from Manchester Airport (1 hr 45 min), Manchester Piccadilly (1 hr 30 min) and Manchester Victoria (1 hr 15 min), via Huddersfield (47 min) and Leeds, and hourly from Liverpool Lime Street (2 hr 10 min). Transpennine and Northern branch lines run from Scarborough (50 min) and Hull (1 hr 10 min) on Yorkshire's east coast, and from Harrogate (40 min) and Knaresborough (30 min) in the west of the county. Although there are multiple train companies, times and prices for all can be found on the National Rail Planner or by calling ☏ +44 845 748 4950 (non-geographic) .

King's Cross in London is adjacent to St Pancras International, the British terminus for high-speed Eurostar trains from the near continent. This very easy interchange brings York within 4 hr 30 min from Paris and Brussels , 3 hr 30 from Lille , and under 6 hr from Amsterdam .

By bus [ edit ]

National Express operate daytime and overnight coaches from Birmingham , Hull , Leeds , London , Middlesbrough , Milton Keynes , Sheffield , and Sunderland . The coaches call outside the railway station, at 53.957 -1.091 4 bus stop RC for northbound services, and at 53.958 -1.092 5 bus stop RG for southbound services. Megabus do not serve York, but do call at Leeds.

Coastliner run two different bus routes (840 and 843) through York from Leeds (840, 843), Tadcaster (840, 843), Malton (840, 843), Pickering (840), Scarborough (843) and Whitby (840) every 30 minutes during the daytime and every hour in the evenings. Both routes have two calling points in York city centre: outside the railway station at stops RC and RJ, and on 53.959 -1.076 6 The Stonebow . The last buses to York depart Leeds at 10:15PM, Scarborough at 8:25PM, and Whitby at 5PM. However, daytrippers from Leeds can get the last bus back from York at 11:05PM. Enjoy the view: Coastliner's 840 service has won the prodigious title of "Britain's most scenic bus route".

By car [ edit ]

Wikivoyage has a guide to Driving in the United Kingdom .

From the south, take the M1 north to junction 32, then the M18 east to junction 2, A1 (M) north to junction 44 and finally the A64 east to York. Or you can stay on the M1 all the way to the A64, but it gets very congested around Sheffield and Leeds in rush hour. Lighter traffic may be found by taking the A1 all the way from London . From the north, approach via the A1 (M) onto the A59 east, or take the A19. If you're coming from the urban north-west , follow the M62 east onto the M1; from the Yorkshire Dales and Lakes , use the A59. Approach from Leeds using the A64, and from Hull (for ferries from Rotterdam ) by the A1079.

The old city is not designed for driving and is positively hostile to parking. If you are just visiting York for the day, don't try to park in town. Instead, use one of the park and ride sites, located close to the ring road and well signposted from the main roads. Each site is connected to the city centre by a unique colour-coded bus route, generally every 15 minutes, seven days a week. A day's parking is free, and a return bus fare costs £3.60 (May 2023) . However, you can't use the park and ride overnight, so if you are staying in York, make sure that your accommodation offers parking, or consider leaving your car at home.

Luggage [ edit ]

• 53.962355 -1.084287 2 Yorbag , 20 High Petergate, YO1 7EH , ☏ +44 7561 852 654 (mobile) , [email protected] . Daily 9AM-7PM, last drop 5PM . Centrally-located Visit York-endorsed left luggage service. No overnight service. Small bag (55cm x 35cm x 25cm or smaller): £4 up to 10 hr. Large bag: £4 up to 2 hr, £6 up to 10 hr . ( updated May 2023 )

Get around [ edit ]

Navigate to: By bike , By bus , By taxi , By car

The City of York Council have a website named i-Travel York , which provides unbiased information for travelling around the city on foot, by bike, by bus and by car.

On foot [ edit ]

The best way to discover York: the city centre is small enough to walk from one side to the other in 20 minutes, and there is only a short distance on flat terrain between most of the sights. That said, the winding, narrow streets can be confusing and aren't always well-signposted, so a map is handy.

Some streets within the old city (i.e. inside the city walls) are pedestrianised during the day, closed to all cars except disabled drivers and emergency vehicles between 10:30AM and 5PM daily. You can see a map of these roads, locally known as footstreets , on i-Travel York . Some streets are subject to additional controls, for instance the Shambles is pedestrian-only at all times. Take care walking around the city centre when the roads open to car traffic at 5PM, as they fill up quickly with delivery vehicles servicing local shops and businesses.

If you enjoy walking, you must do the 2-mile (3.2-km) city wall circuit (see below for details), which offers views all around and should give you a feel for York's layout. Additionally, footpaths line the River Ouse for most of its journey through the city north to south, and there is a lot of parkland to discover alongside with the promise of wildlife sightings - see i-Travel's wildlife walks booklet for ideas.

By bike [ edit ]

York is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the UK - there's an extensive network of cycle routes in and around the city, and most of the traffic controls have been set up to give cyclists priority. There are no significant hills in or around the city centre, which is a big help. The river path along the Ouse contains some wonderful bike routes out of the city. Also beware that police and CCTV operators take a very dim view of cycling without lights after dusk, or cycling in the city centre pedestrianised area before 5PM, and will hand out an on-the-spot £60 fine for doing so. Download your York Cycle Route Map for free from iTravel York .

• 53.945 -1.077 3 Get Cycling , 22 Hospital Fields Road, YO10 4DZ ( 1 mi (1.6 km) S of city centre, via riverside walk or buses 7, 18, 25, 26, 36, 42, 200, 415 ), ☏ +44 1904 636812 , [email protected] . M-F 8:30AM-5:30PM, Sa 8:30AM-5PM, closed Su and bank holidays . Cycle hire shop with a range of conventional, electric, tandem and cargo bikes available. Also rents out disability-adapted and children's bikes. Maps and route suggestions available on request. Conventional/electric/kids' bikes: 4 hr £20/£35/£10, 8 hr £25/£40/£23, 24 hr £30/£45/£26, 3 days £65/£75/£35, 7 days £90/£110/£70. Other tariffs for tandem, cargo and disability bikes. 10% discount for groups of 10 or more. Helmets, locks and lights free . ( updated May 2023 )

Bus services connect all the points of interest in the city. Download a PDF of the city's network map here . A variety of operators run the individual routes, but thankfully you can still buy a ticket which works on every company and line in the city within a set period: All York comes in three flavours, one day (£4.90), one week (£19) and one month (£66) passes (May 2023) . The day tickets are not 24 hour passes, rather they are valid until midnight on the day of purchase. If you are staying a week or longer, consider getting a smartcard , onto which you can load your All York ticket. Some operators accept contactless payment by credit and debit card. These tickets are only valid on public bus services, and not on sightseeing tours.

That said, the majority of bus routes are operated by First York , a private company. Adult single fares are £2 (May 2023) , but increase for longer journeys. You can purchase your ticket with cash or contactless. For groups looking for a discount, here's a corker: if you are in a group divisible by five, you can get a ticket which gives five people unlimited travel in York for a whole day, valid every day of the week after 9AM Monday to Friday, and anytime weekends and bank holidays. You can only buy this ticket via the First Bus app [dead link] , but each five-person ticket costs £9 (May 2023) , so as long as you travel everywhere as a group it is great value compared even to the All York pass.

By taxi [ edit ]

Like everywhere else in the UK, all taxi services are provided by private companies, but the fares are metered and strictly regulated by the local government authority. In this case, it is the City of York Council which sets the rates, the details of which you can download from the city's website . During the daytime (7AM-10PM), the base fare is £2.90, while the nighttime (10PM-7AM) base fare is £3.70. To these, 10p is added for every 80 metres travelled. Higher rates exist at Christmas, New Year, on bank holidays, and for travelling to/from the Knavesmire on race days. There are small additional charges for pets and extra passengers. (May 2023)

All four of the following companies have apps for iOS and Android:

• Fleetways , ☏ +44 1904 365 365 . ( updated May 2023 )
• Getaway Cars , ☏ +44 1904 707 070 . ( updated May 2023 )
• Streamline Taxis , ☏ +44 1904 656 565 . ( updated May 2023 )
• York Cars , ☏ +44 1904 765 765 . ( updated May 2023 )

The best advice for driving in York is don't . The roads were designed for carts pulled by oxen, and the city council is actively discouraging car use through a combination of high parking charges and traffic-calming measures. If you are bringing a car to York, your best bet is to leave it in a park and ride , at your hotel, or if absolutely necessary, a city centre car park.

If you're using York as a base from which to explore the Yorkshire countryside, you will find all the major car hire companies in town, mostly by the railway station.

See [ edit ]

Navigate to: York Archaeological Trust , York Museums Trust , Churches , Out-of-town sights

There's plenty to see in York, but if you leave without visiting the Minster and either the Jorvik Viking Centre or the National Railway Museum , you're doing it wrong. If you only have a day, prioritise two of these.

Aside from these three standout attractions, the joy of York is in wandering the ancient streets and coming across surprising buildings and beautiful views all by yourself. You might find old churches, timber-framed shops, the ruins of an abbey, or the leftovers of medieval defences.

Landmarks [ edit ]

York Archaeological Trust [ edit ]

The York Archaeological Trust run four attractions, which can be visited on various individual or combined tickets. The most useful of these is the Triple Ticket , valid for 12 months, and allowing you entrance to three of the Trust's attractions: Jorvik, Barley Hall and DIG. This is available for £18 per adult, £14.50 per concession, and £12.50 per child.

• 53.955836 -1.090876 17 Micklegate Bar ( City Walls Experience at Micklegate Bar ), Micklegate, YO1 6JX , ☏ +44 1904 615 505 . Daily Apr-Oct 10AM-4PM, Nov-Mar 10AM-3PM weather dependant . Micklegate Bar was first recorded in the 12th century, but reuses stone from an earlier Roman gate. It has long been the official entrance to the city of York for royalty, and welcomed Queen Elizabeth II during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012. Since 2022, the bar has hosted an exhibition about York's two millennia of being a walled city. Adult £5, child 5-16 years £3, concession £3.50 .  

The fourth attraction, DIG , is listed in the Do section below.

York Museums Trust [ edit ]

The York Museums Trust operate several civic museums and galleries.

Churches [ edit ]

As well as the Minster, York has a number of parish churches which are of architectural or historical interest:

Further out [ edit ]

For other nearby attractions, see North York Moors and North Yorkshire .

Do [ edit ]

Navigate to: Tours and trips , Theatres , Cinemas , Events

Attractions [ edit ]

• 53.9597 -1.0797 1 GR8escape ( escape rooms ), 4a Colliergate, YO1 8BP , ☏ +44 7897 122 834 . Daily, pre-booked time slot. No guaranteed entry if you turn up without a reservation . Email via online contact form . Your team is put in one of three themed rooms (Atlantis, NYPD, Ministry of Wizards), and you have 60 minutes to solve a series of puzzles and codes in order to escape. Teams from 2 to 6 players, ages 8 years and up with accompanying adult. M-F £48-78, Sa Su £54-88. Prices are per team and vary according to the number of players . ( updated Jul 2020 )

• 53.93874 -0.98685 6 York Maze , Elvington Lane, YO19 5LT ( 5 miles (8 km) east of city centre on the B1228. Bus: 36, X36 (M-Sa); timetable and details here . ), ☏ +44 1904 607 341 , [email protected] . Summer . The largest 'maize maze' in Europe. Each year is different; the 2018 maze was shaped like two giant Jurassic Park dinosaurs. There are numerous other activities, such as mini-mazes for children, quadbiking, games such as crazy golf, and funfair-style fun like pig racing (seriously), stage shows and rides. Grill restaurant and café on-site. Be prepared for an assault of corny puns about how 'a-maize-ing' everything is. Adult £16, senior/child £15, under 3 years free. 50% off all prices for disabled visitors and their carers. £1 discount when bought online in advance . ( updated Mar 2021 )
• Hallowscream ( Will provide private bus shuttle from Memorial Gardens, YO26 4ZF ), ☏ +44 1904 607 341 , [email protected] . Autumn . In autumn, things get gory at the York Maze: five night mazes stalked by insane scientists and bloodthirsty monsters, plus scary sideshows and seasonal food and drink. Wrap up warm, wear suitable footwear and prepare to get wet - regardless of whether it rains. £20-£42, depending on date and type of ticket. Add £8 for bus return ticket. Tickets by online reservation only. Aged 14 and over only, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult . ( updated Mar 2021 )

Tours and trips [ edit ]

• Lucky Cat Trail ( start on the Shambles ), ☏ +44 1904 541 122 . Cats have been considered good-luck omens in York for centuries, and cat statues were once placed on buildings throughout the city to ward off rats, mice, and the plague they were thought to carry. A mummified cat was even found concealed in the Mansion House. The original statues have now all long-since weathered away, but the concept was resurrected by a local architect in 1979. Since then, more and more buildings have added sculptures of cats clinging to walls or perched on balconies. Today, you can follow a trail around the old town in an attempt to find 22 cats, and spot plenty of landmarks while you're doing so. Download the trail map for free . ( updated Mar 2021 )
• 53.95711 -1.08316 11 The Original Ghost Walk of York , Depart the King's Arms pub, Ouse Bridge , ☏ +44 1904 764 222 . Nightly 8PM . Email via online contact form . No gimmicks, tricks or jumpscares, just experienced storytellers doing what they do best, helped by the atmospheric background of this ancient city and a very real gruesome history to draw from. Adult £6, child/concession £4; no need to book . ( updated Mar 2021 )
• City Sightseeing York ( You can embark at any stop along the route, but the most logical places would be on Station Road or from the tourist office on Museum Street. ), ☏ +44 1904 633 990 , [email protected] . Late Feb-early Nov: daily 9AM-3:30PM, every 30 min . Double-decker open-top bus tour of the city, with commentary in nine languages, plus a kids' commentary and bonus Yorkshire dialect narration. Operates a continuous hop-on/hop-off service in a circuit; the full loop takes 60 minutes. Adult £16, child £9, concession £13, under 5s free, valid for 24 hr from activation. Offers discounts to some attractions en route. Bus tour free with York Pass . ( updated Mar 2021 )
• 53.9585 -1.0916 12 The Ghost Bus Tours , Station Road, YO24 1AA ( departs from bus stop RE next to the Principal Hotel, 100 m from the railway station ), ☏ +44 844 567 8666 (premium) , [email protected] . Tu-Th 7:30PM; F 7:30PM, 9PM; Sa 6PM, 7:30PM, 9PM; Su 7:30PM . Approximately 75-minute comedic horror tour of the city in a black routemaster bus, with onboard actors and technical wizardry creating an experience you're unlikely to forget. Adult £16, child £12, concession £13 . ( updated Mar 2021 )
• 53.961788 -1.084147 13 Road train ( Duncombe Place by the Minster / National Railway Museum ), ☏ +44 33 0058 0058 , [email protected] . Daily 11AM–3:45PM. Departs every 30 min from the museum on the hour and half-past, from the Minster at quarter-past and quarter-to . A fun way to travel between the centre of York (Duncombe Place, next to York Minster) and the Railway Museum. Adult £3 one-way, child £2 one-way. York Pass accepted . ( updated Dec 2021 )

• Go cruising on the River Ouse:
• 53.9603 -1.086883 14 City Cruises , Lendal Bridge, YO1 7DP / King's Staith, YO1 9SN (check where your cruise departs from) , ☏ +44 1904 628 324 , [email protected] . Daytime city cruise: Feb-Nov daily, regular departures 10:30AM-3PM, takes 1 hr. Early evening cruise: Mar-Nov nightly, departs 6PM (Mar, Oct-Nov) / 7:30PM (Apr-Sep), takes 1 hr. Floodlit evening cruise: May-Sep nightly, departs 9:15PM, takes 1 hr 10 min . Various boat trips along the Ouse. The three listed here are the most popular, but there are many other cruises throughout the year, including lunchtime and dinner cruises, Halloween ghost tours and Santa specials; check website. Daytime: adult £10.50, child 5-15 years £6, concession £9 ( York Pass accepted). Early evening: adult £11.50, child £6.50, concession £10. Floodlit evening: adult £15, child/concession £13. Online discounts available . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 53.9562 -1.0828 15 Motor boats for hire ( Red Boats ), King's Staith, YO1 9SN , ☏ +44 1904 628 324 , [email protected] . 1 Apr-31 Oct from 10AM until late afternoon . 8-seater red motor launches for you to explore the Ouse under your own steam, river conditions permitting. Full training and lifejackets are provided. The person hiring the boat must be an adult and be in possession of valid ID. From £20 for half an hour, from £30 for one hour + £40 refundable deposit. Online discounts available . ( updated Mar 2021 )
• York Skiff Hire , ☏ +44 7742 669 107 , [email protected] . Rowing boats for hire. A skiff is a traditional wooden rowing boat from the Thames in London. You will receive coaching if needed, then get free rein to take either Amelia or Belle Époque for a leisurely trip along the Ouse. £50 for 4 hr, £80 for 1 day. £100 refundable deposit . ( updated Jul 2019 )

Theatres [ edit ]

Cinemas [ edit ]

All cinemas are open daily from around 9:30AM until midnight or just after.

• 53.99071 -1.102496 22 Vue Cinema , Clifton Moor Centre, Stirling Road, YO30 4XY ( On the A1237 ring road, 3 miles (5 km) NW of town. Bus: 6 ), ☏ +44 345 308 4620 . The city's largest multiplex with 12 screens. £4.99 p.p . ( updated Mar 2021 )

Sports [ edit ]

• York Knights play Rugby League (13-a-side) in the Championship, the game's second tier. Their home ground is York 53.98432 -1.0529 23 Community Stadium , capacity 8500, shared with the soccer club and now sponsored as LNER Community Stadium; it's 3 mi (4.8 km) northeast of city centre off Malton Rd. The women's team York Valkyrie play in Super League, their top tier, at the same stadium. The RL playing season is Feb to Sept. In 2022 the stadium hosted games in the Rugby League World Cup Finals, postponed from 2021.
• York City FC were promoted in 2022 and now play soccer in the National League, England's fifth tier. They too play at Community Stadium.

Events and festivals [ edit ]

There is a very full series of events in York. The most important are listed below, January to December; events taking place in the latter half of the current year are listed near the bottom.

• Jorvik Viking Festival ( 11-19 Feb 2023 ), ☏ +44 1904 615 505 , [email protected] . A city-wide celebration of all things Norse; the largest Viking festival in Europe. There are 'living' Viking encampments, guided walks and talks. This festival holds lots of appeal for children, with dressing up, have-a-go activities and combat performances on the cards, and it's all backed up with the serious educational purpose of the Jorvik Centre. Prices vary; lots of free events . ( updated Nov 2022 )
• At other times of the year, scandiphile visitors should check out the York Anglo-Scandinavian Society , which put on regular talks, activities and film screenings with a Nordic slant, mostly at the University of York's Norwegian Study Centre.
• York Literature Festival ( March 2023 ). Email via online contact form . Takes place annually for a week and a half in March. This city-wide festival promotes the arts in York, with an emphasis on literature, spoken word and poetry. It also features music, comedy, cinema and theatre. Prices vary; some free events . ( updated Nov 2022 )
• York Chocolate Festival ( 6-10 Apr 2023 ), Parliament Street / Shambles Market , ☏ +44 1904 635 149 , [email protected] . A city-wide celebration of the chocolate industry with a chocolate market, artisan chocolatiers and attractions which share a piece of York's chocolate history. ( updated Nov 2022 )
• York Festival of Ideas ( mid-June 2023 ), [email protected] . Held at venues across the city, the festival encompasses talks, theatre, music and film, with innovation as the unifying theme. ( updated Nov 2022 )
• Day of Dance ( 1 July 2023 ). Email via online contact form . A festival of traditional Morris dance in the streets of the city centre, with local and national groups performing in all their colourful regalia. ( updated Nov 2022 )
• York Food and Drink Festival ( 22 Sep-1 Oct 2023 ), Parliament Street / Shambles Market / St Sampson's Square , [email protected] . The food element majors on Yorkshire food, while the drinks programme has a worldwide and wine-oriented theme. The range of events is very wide, with demonstrations, tastings, recipe hunts, markets and dinners everyday. Big 'slow food', Fairtrade and other worthy projects allied with lots of hands-on cooking for kids at the Food Factory. Or, if you want to get exploring the city's culinary prowess, pick up a Taste Trail booklet for £5 which pays for all the samples you'll be gorging on. Markets and demos free. Other events ticketed at various prices . ( updated Nov 2022 )

• York Beer & Cider Festival ( Sep 2023 ), The Knavesmire ( A steady 25-min walk from York Station; also served by an hourly festival bus service opposite the station. ), [email protected] . W 5-11PM, Th-Sa noon-11PM . Yorkshire's biggest beer festival, run by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) serving up over 500 beers (including 300 which are produced in Yorkshire), 100 ciders and perries, plus a large foreign beer bar, wine and soft drinks. There is live music and an extensive range of world foods from numerous caterers and other stalls. Seating is in a huge beer garden or under massive marquees if it’s wet. Children welcome (accompanied) until 8PM. W £7, Th £8, F Sa £9.50. Prices include £3 deposit for glass, refundable upon return of glass. CAMRA members £2 discount on these prices . ( updated Nov 2022 )
• York Christmas Festival ( 17 Nov-23 Dec 2022 ). The streets of York come alive in the run up to Christmas. Carol singers and buskers flock to perform to thousands of festive shoppers. The St Nicholas Fair has market stalls and wooden chalets on Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square, specialising in gifts, crafts, and local yuletide foods. Elsewhere, the Barley Hall presents a special insight into how people celebrated Christmas in the Middle Ages. ( updated Nov 2022 )
• York Early Music Christmas Festival ( 8-17 Dec 2022 ), St Margaret's Church, Walmgate, YO1 9TL and other venues , ☏ +44 1904 658 338 , [email protected] . The Christmas sister festival of the summer event presents a series of concerts with internationally-renowned artists performing seasonal music from the 18th century and earlier. Various prices; under 35s get ridiculously generous discounts . ( updated Nov 2022 )
• Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland ( 18 Nov 2022-8 Jan 2023 ), York Designer Outlet, St. Nicholas Avenue, Fulford, YO19 4TA . Skate: daily 10:30AM-9:30PM. Funfair: until 16 Dec M-F 3PM-8PM, Sa Su 10:30AM-8PM, from 19 Dec daily 11AM-8PM. Santa: daily 9:30AM-5PM . The main attraction is The Ice Factor , which is the North's largest seasonal ice rink with a giant Christmas tree as centrepiece. Surrounding the rink is an excellent little vintage funfair, log cabin stalls, and of course Santa's Grotto. Skate: adult £13.50, child/concession £12.50 for 1 hr. Skate hire included. Santa: £6, including wrapped gift . ( updated Nov 2022 )

Learn [ edit ]

York is an excellent place to be a student; it's friendly, compact, walkable and beautiful, with a lively cultural scene to rival cities many times its size. You'll find York a cheaper place to live and study than other historic cities down south, such as Bath, Cambridge or Oxford, though certainly pricier than other, less desirable, parts of the North. Being on the East Coast Main Line, it's within easy reach of most parts of England and Scotland.

Higher education [ edit ]

Language schools [ edit ]

All three of the language schools listed here are accredited by the British Council, and each are set in large former townhouses.

• 53.9596 -1.0832 3 British Study Centres York ( formerly English Language Centre York ), 5 New Street, YO1 8RA , ☏ +44 1904 672 243 . Email via online contact form . With 20 years' experience, this school is open to students aged 16 and over, though the average age of its students is 30 years old and there is a course specifically catering to the over-50s. Course lengths vary 1-48 weeks. ( updated Apr 2021 )
• 53.9601 -1.0765 4 English in York Language School , Peasholme House, St Saviours Place, YO1 7PJ , ☏ +44 1904 636 771 , [email protected] . Established in 1985, this school caters only to over-16s and has a variety of courses such as general English, business English and intense programmes. For most courses, you have to commit to a minimum of one week, but some are shorter or longer. ( updated Apr 2021 )
• 53.9542 -1.1039 5 Melton College, York , 137 Holgate Road, YO24 4DH , ☏ +44 1904 622 250 . Email via online contact form . Almost 50 years old, Melton College caters to students of all abilities and from ages 11 up. Older learners may be pleased to enrol in an age 40+ class. Course lengths vary 1-36 weeks. ( updated Apr 2021 )

Buy [ edit ]

York comes highly recommended for its unique shops and boutiques. There's the usual range of high street stores, but York is also a great place for independent shops, especially if you're looking for gifts, high-end English and Italian fashion, books, or - it has to be said - tourist tat! Shops in York change from year to year, but the beautiful old-fashioned shop fronts, both medieval wood and Victorian red brick, haven't changed much since they were first built. The extensive pedestrianisation and interesting architecture make shopping and spending a pleasure for even the most miserly Yorkshireman.

• 53.9589 -1.0838 1 Coney Street . Along with Parliament Street, this is the place in the city centre to head for the chain high street shops you can find all over the UK: Boots, H&M, TK Maxx, Zara et al. ( updated Apr 2021 )
• 53.95777 -1.07802 2 Fossgate . Assorted specialist fashion shops selling bowler hats, smart gentlemen's outfits, and clothing and accessories specifically for tall women. 53.9564 -1.0743 3 Walmgate , which it leads onto, has a number of homeware stores, a cycling shop and a modelling shop. ( updated Apr 2021 )
• 53.9656 -1.0802 4 Gillygate . Several interesting shops to fill your home with mementos of your time in York, plus an independent bookshop, cheesemonger and retro gaming store. ( updated Apr 2021 )
• 53.9615 -1.0824 5 High Petergate and Low Petergate . A hub of small fashion and jewellery stores with a mix of high-end brand names and independents. Those with a sweet tooth should check out the Fudge Kitchen. At the point where the two Petergates meet is 53.961 -1.0831 6 Stonegate , where you'll find several fashionable independent retailers and the original House of Trembling Madness, which stocks 900 bottled beers. ( updated Apr 2021 )
• 53.959 -1.0813 7 Parliament Street . One of very few wide and straight roads in the centre is this very attractive tree-lined boulevard mostly home to larger chain stores such as Disney, M&S, and most high street banks and building societies. The row continues northwest onto the much narrower 53.9598 -1.0832 8 Davygate , which has high street fashion giants such as New Look, Pandora and Superdry. ( updated Apr 2021 )
• 53.9596 -1.082 10 York Farmers' Market , Parliament Street, YO1 8SG , ☏ +44 1904 550 099 . First Friday of the month 9AM-4PM . An excellent place to buy and discuss food, drink and crafts with local producers. Meat, eggs, organic veg, cheese, pies, fudge, honey, pottery, wool - it's all here. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 53.95927 -1.08052 12 Shambles Market , 5 Silver Street, YO1 8RY ( Between Shambles and Parliament Street ). Daily 7AM-5PM . A permanent outdoor market with more than 85 stalls of which some sell fresh local produce, some the ubiquitous world street food, others clothes and accessories, and others still arts, crafts, fabrics and ceramics. ( updated Apr 2021 )

Eat [ edit ]

Navigate to: Budget , Mid-range and Splurge options, and places for afternoon tea

Local specialities [ edit ]

As capital of Yorkshire , the county's cuisine is front and centre on many of York's menus. This is honest and rustic fare, in which generous portions are the norm, and large tasting platters are common. Yorkshire puddings, pies, local game, lamb and beef are all prized by restaurateurs, as are the local cheeses: wensleydale from the Dales , shepherd's purse blues from north of Thirsk and St Helen's Farm hard goat's cheese, produced in the Vale of York. The fish and crab in restaurants is often landed at East Coast ports such as Grimsby and Whitby , while the county's Norse connections are maintained by the serving of Yorkshire-made gravadlax.

The city itself has two famous products: ham and chocolate.

York ham has been produced within the city walls for hundreds of years, and far-fetched local legend states that the first hams were smoked with sawdust generated by the building of the Minster. Made with the meat of the large white pig, in taste the ham is mild, salty, smoky and often breaded, and in appearance a delicate pink. When served hot, it is traditionally accompanied by Madeira sauce. Disaster struck in the mid-2000s, when the last curer in town went out of business, and for 10 years there was no ham produced in York. Appleton's Butchers had a shop on Lendal from 2016, marking the return of York-cured hams, but closed down in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic . As a result, traditional York ham is no longer regularly produced in the city, though specialist butchers around Yorkshire do cure large white hams to a similar or identical recipe.

While other northern towns busied themselves manufacturing useful but boring things like steel and cotton , 19th-century York took a sweeter path. Rowntree's created Aero bars, Fruit Pastilles, Kit-Kat, Smarties and Yorkie bars, among other internationally-known sweets. Although bought out by Nestlé in the 1980s with most products rebranded, the original factory has been maintained and expanded, and the Rowntree's brand lives on with Fruit Pastilles and newer products brought out since the acquisition such as Rowntree's Randoms. The other large York company, Terry's (of Chocolate Orange fame) has had a less rosy time: upon acquisition by Modelez, production was moved overseas. But alongside Nestlé's investment, a number of small independent chocolatiers have appeared in York: Choc Affair , Guppy's , Monk Bar and the York Cocoa House .

Eating out [ edit ]

As diverse as York's restaurant scene is, there are some generalities that apply to many of the city's addresses. No matter the cuisine on offer, they have a sense of place and like working with local ingredients; even if you never eat a Yorkshire pudding, you'll be hard pressed to find a good café or restaurant not cooking food produced in the county. In addition to the aforementioned platters, many restaurants seem to be gripped by an obsession with "tasting menus": multi-course extravaganzas of small dishes, often with suggested drink pairings at a hefty premium. While this can be good for sampling variety, it's not so fun for cash- or time-poor travellers to be roped into spending hours eating and drinking expensively. On the other hand, at many places, you can get high-quality food experiences on the cheap if you plum for a weekday lunch or early evening meal, rather than waiting for dinner.

Coronavirus - All the listings posted here and marked as up-to-date June 2021 have been verified to be still in business. Opening hours are as up-to-date as possible, but double check with the business before you go.

Budget [ edit ]

• 53.96036 -1.08563 2 House of the Trembling Madness (Lendal) , 14 Lendal, YO1 8AA , ☏ +44 1904 848 998 , [email protected] . Daily 10AM-11:30PM . Email via online contact form . An ale house which promotes the pairing of good beer with quality food. The menu is bursting with regional produce, from bread baked in the city, to platters of locally-smoked meats and rich, savoury pies. Schnitzel, salchichón, and other continental comfort foods complete the picture. The same company has a much smaller venue on Stonegate . Mains £9-£10 . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 53.96228 -1.0727 3 Hungry Horace , 39 Layerthorpe, YO31 7UZ , ☏ +44 1904 622 629 . M-F 8AM-12:30PM . Classic working men's cafe for breakfast or brunch. Greasy and tatty but the food is of a very high standard. The staff are very friendly and may refer to you as love or flower. Mains from £4 . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 53.9606 -1.0845 4 Ippuku Tea House , 15 Blake Street, YO1 8QJ , ☏ +44 1904 671 311 . M-F noon-9PM, Sa 11AM-9PM, Su 11AM-8PM . Authentic Japanese restaurant with vegan and gluten-free options, and an enormous tea menu to accompany your meal. Mains £7-£13 . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 54.0166 -1.0778 5 Millers Fish & Chips , 55 The Village, Haxby, YO32 2JE ( 4½ miles (7.2 km) north of town up Haxby Road. Bus: 13 ), ☏ +44 1904 769 169 , [email protected] . Tu-Th 4PM-9PM, F Sa 11:30AM-2PM, 4PM-9PM . Award-winning family-run chippy with takeaway and restaurant. As good a plate's worth as you'll get in York, so it's worth the trip. Gluten free and halal options available. Haddock and chips £7.20 (takeaway) . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 53.959825 -1.081422 6 Mr Chippy , 2 Church Street , ☏ +44 1904 672 888 . M–Th 11AM–8:30PM, F Sa 11AM–10PM, Su noon–8:30PM . Fish and chips with the usual sides. Offers delicious vegan options (including vegan fish and chips, with the "fish" made from banana blossom) and outdoor seating. £9–12 . ( updated Jul 2021 )
• 53.9583 -1.0787 7 Spring Espresso , 45 Fossgate, YO1 9TF , ☏ +44 1904 627 730 . Daily 8AM-5PM . Snazzy artisan sandwiches and paninis (think York ham, goat's cheese, pastrami, hummus...) for lunch, and a selection of toasts, pancakes, and pastries for all day breakfast or brunch. Excellent fresh coffee, made Seattle -style. Another identical café is at 31 Lendal. Food items £3-£8; full or vegetarian English breakfast £10.75 . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 53.959 -1.0793 8 St Crux Church ( St Crux Parish Hall ), Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, YO1 8BL , ☏ +44 1904 621 756 . Daily 10AM-4PM . Part jumble sale for second-hand books, part cafeteria selling good cheap homemade sandwiches, cakes and hot drinks in a tiny deconsecrated church - eat on the grass outside. £3 for bacon butty and tea . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 53.9591 -1.0806 9 The Taylor Made Kitchen , Shambles Market, 5 Silver Street, YO1 8RY , ☏ +44 7702 120 504 (mobile) . Su-Th noon-4PM, F Sa noon-8PM . Email via online contact form . Excellent fast food wagon serving burgers, burritos, and dirty fries in epic portions using fresh local ingredients. Meals £5-£9 . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 53.9595 -1.0802 10 Shambles Sausage & Pie Company , 45 Shambles, YO1 7LX , ☏ +44 7488 370 552 . Tu-Sa 8AM-4PM . Pick up some truly divine pork pies in a plethora of flavours, both traditional and exotic, to munch on outside. The husband-and-wife duo also dry-cure their own bacon on-site, and make a selection of sausages, some of which, in a pleasant surprise, are more French than British. £2-£8 . ( updated Jun 2021 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 53.9579 -1.0781 11 Ambiente , 31 Fossgate, YO1 9TA , ☏ +44 1904 638 252 , [email protected] . Daily 11:30AM-10PM . Tapas restaurant with a semi-industrial interior design channelling the modern Madrileño look. On the menu is a cool mix of classic favourites such as albóndigas and patatas bravas, alongside innovative creations like the Yorkshire morcilla. They have a second, much smaller, restaurant at 14 Goodramgate. £4-£8 per tapa . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 53.961 -1.0848 12 ASK Italian , The Grand Assembly Rooms, Blake Street, YO1 8QG , ☏ +44 1904 637 254 . Su-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F Sa 11:30AM-11PM . Come for the setting rather than the food (which is fine for a chain, just nothing special): 18th century marble-columned Palladian assembly rooms with 40 ft (12 m) ceilings and plaster cherubs. Extremely busy at weekends and tourist periods. Mains £11-£15 . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 53.958 -1.0779 13 The Blue Barbakan , 35 Fossgate, YO1 9TA , ☏ +44 1904 672 474 , [email protected] . M 9AM-3PM/5:30PM-9PM, Tu-F 9AM-3PM/5:30PM-10PM, Sa 9AM-4PM/5PM-10PM, Su 10AM-9PM . Hearty Eastern European food given Western panache. The resulting roast meats, soups and pies are not a million miles away from English cuisine, but with an intriguing Polish or Hungarian twist. Lunch mains £7-£11, dinner mains £15-£20 . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 53.9571 -1.0769 14 The Chopping Block at Walmgate Ale House , 25 Walmgate, YO1 9TX , ☏ +44 1904 629 222 , [email protected] . W 5PM-10PM, Th-Su noon-10PM . Formerly known for its quirky modern British cooking, a change of chef has brought a new menu serving French classics such as beef bourguignon and duck confit. Yorkshire ingredients are still key, and the setting is as pubby as ever. Lunch mains £10-£12, dinner mains £14-£22, set menu £7.95 for two courses, £19.95 for three courses . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 53.96016 -1.08088 15 Double Dutch Pancake House , 7 Church Street , ☏ +44 1904 658728 . M Tu Th F Sa 9AM–5PM, Su 9AM–4PM, closed W . Dutch pancakes, savoury or sweet, with a variety of creative variations like "Mexican" and "Independence Day". They make a delicious breakfast, lunch, or afternoon snack. Extensive vegan menu and gluten-free options. £9–13 . ( updated Jul 2021 )
• 53.960664 -1.082272 16 Phranakhon , 19 Grape Lane, YO1 7HU , ☏ +44 1904 636366 . One of three restaurants (all in Yorkshire). Thai tapas in a historic, low-ceilinged building. Two or three dishes per person should be about right. £8-£9 per dish . ( updated May 2023 )
• 53.9603 -1.0865 17 Pizza Express , 17 Museum Street, YO1 7DJ , ☏ +44 1904 672 904 . Daily 11:30AM-11PM . A chain which needs no introduction, but this one is worth a look for the setting - a spectacular 19th century gentlemen's club perched on the bank of the River Ouse. Summer evenings on the terraces are pleasant, and their toilets are marble temples of Victorian excess - it's worth eating there just for the chance to use a solid brass-and-marble urinal. Mains £11-£16 . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 53.9568 -1.0895 18 Skosh , 98 Micklegate, YO1 6JX , ☏ +44 1904 634 849 , [email protected] . W-Sa noon-2PM / 5:30PM-10PM, Su noon-4:30PM . You choose a series of small dishes, and the staff are on hand to advise you on what order to eat them. Think of it as a tapas or meze place, but without the constraints of a single cuisine. The dishes themselves are ambitious, imaginative and memorable, with distinctly Japanese flavours and making excellent use of British produce. Reservation recommended. Has held Michelin's bib gourmand since 2018. Dishes £4-£18. Count on 6-8 dishes to share between two . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 53.9602 -1.0844 19 The Ivy , 2 St Helen's Square, YO1 8QP , ☏ +44 1904 403 888 . M-Th 9AM-10:30PM, F Sa 9AM-11PM, Su 9AM-10PM. Set menu M-F 11:30AM-6:30PM . A national chain serving modern British and European cuisine. While there are no knock-out unique dishes on the large menu, the cooking is of high quality and there are extensive vegetarian and vegan options. One speciality is their version of an English classic - shepherd's pie with slow-braised shoulder of lamb and cave-matured cheddar. Mains £14-£25, set menu 2 courses £16.95, 3 courses £21.50 . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 53.954 -1.0773 20 The Masons Arms , 6 Fishergate, YO10 4AB , ☏ +44 1904 541 479 . M-Th noon-11PM, F Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-11PM. Last food orders 8:30PM nightly. . Email via online contact form . Quality pub grub favourites with daily specials for soup, homemade pie, local bangers and mash, and curry, plus separate steak and risotto menus. Mix things up a bit with a spicy lamb stew or a slow-roasted belly porchetta. Very limited choice for vegetarians. Mains £11-£16, Sunday roast £12.45 for one course, £14.95 for two courses, £15.95 for three courses . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 53.9567 -1.0897 21 The Rattle Owl , 104 Micklegate, YO1 6JX , ☏ +44 1904 658 658 , [email protected] . W-F 6PM-9:30PM, Sa noon-2PM / 6PM-9:30PM, Su noon-6:30PM . Thoughtfully-crafted seasonal menu drawing from what's available locally. Each course has very limited options, so you'd really hope the chef's knowledge of his cooking and attention to detail would be there, and on these counts the Rattle Owl aims high. Full marks, too, for the sympathetic restoration of their 17th century building and bonus points for the Roman archaeological remains in the wine cellar! Mains £19-£23; Sunday lunch two courses £27, three courses £33; tasting menu six courses £60 + £15 pp deposite . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 53.9633 -1.0773 22 The Viceroy ( part of small local chain, Jinnah Restaurants ), 26 Monkgate, YO31 7PF , ☏ +44 1904 622 370 . Daily 5:30PM-midnight . Email via online contact form . Always busy even in early evening, this long-established North Indian (Kashmiri) restaurant is a favourite of York residents who keep returning time after time for its excellent food and friendly atmosphere. As they say - when in Rome. Mains £10-£16 . ( updated Jun 2021 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 53.9605 -1.0754 23 Arras , The Old Coach House, Peasholme Green, YO1 7PW , ☏ +44 1904 633 737 , [email protected] . Tu 6-9:30PM; W-Sa noon-2PM, 6-9:30PM . Despite the name, the French influence on Arras's set menu is not overly pronounced. Instead, focus is on unloved ingredients that most chefs stay away from: offal, Brussels sprouts, eel; this could be a recipe for disaster, but somehow it works. The dishes are refined and flavoursome, and the service knowledgeable and personable. They save the best to last, in the form of a bumper British cheese board introduced by chef himself. Lunch £22.50 for two courses, £27.50 for three courses; dinner £39.50 for two courses, £49.50 for three courses, £60 for five courses, with wine pairing £100 . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 53.9632 -1.0849 24 Café No.8 Bistro , 8 Gillygate, YO31 7EQ , ☏ +44 1904 653 074 , [email protected] . W-Sa 5-10PM, Su noon-5PM . Refined food which has Yorkshire in its soul: lamb from the Wolds, fish from the North Sea, cheese from Thirsk, and rhubarb and custard for pudding! The intimate indoor space is complemented by a small dining garden at the rear. Dinner mains £14-32, Sunday lunch mains £14-18 . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 53.9569 -1.0763 25 Le Cochon Aveugle , 37 Walmgate, YO1 9TX , ☏ +44 1904 640 222 , [email protected] . Dinner service W-Sa sitting at 7PM and 8:30PM, lunch Sa sitting at 12:30PM and 1:30PM. Arrive up to 30 minutes ahead of sitting for apéritifs . Closed for half the week, limited sittings when it is open, no children or special diets allowed and a ruthless cancellation policy: "The Blind Pig" is like a parody of a stuffy and inflexible French restaurant. In this regard, the food completely subverts expectations: while based in the Gallic tradition and with an impressive cave à vin to match, it is not afraid to do its own thing and draw from diverse influences. Expect creative, bold and expressive dishes across a 4-course blind tasting menu (with the expectation that you, the diner, fill the role of pig). With room for only 20 covers, reservation is essential. Four-course lunch £75, with wine pairing £135; four-course dinner £95, with wine pairing £175 . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 53.9508 -1.0858 26 Melton's , 7 Scarcroft Road, YO23 1ND ( 1 mi (1.6 km) south of the city centre. Bus: 11, 26 ), ☏ +44 1904 634 341 , [email protected] . W-Sa noon-1:45PM, Tu-Sa 5:30-9:30PM . Promoting fine dining without the formalities, and run by the York Food Festival's director, this is yet another place in town proving the worth of modern British gastronomy. Try the East Coast cod, or else the wild garlic gnocchi. Scrummy. Vegetarian and vegan tasting menus available. Set menu (dinner only): £42 for two courses, £50 for three courses; both include canapés and bread. Six-course tasting menu (lunch and dinner): £62, with cheese course £70. Add wine pairing for £38 . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 53.9606 -1.0854 27 The Judge's Lodging , 9 Lendal, YO1 8AQ , ☏ +44 1904 638 733 , [email protected] . M-Th 9AM-9PM, F Sa 9AM-9:30PM, Su 9AM-8PM . Fine cuisine in rococo splendour. Actually, most of the main dishes - a range of posh burgers, plus a nice collection of salads, platters, meat and fish dishes - belong firmly in the mid-range bracket, but it's the steak and the shellfish - and the drinks - that will lighten your pockets. Mains £13-30 . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 53.9585 -1.0889 28 The Rise , Station Rise, YO1 6GD ( within the Grand Hotel ), ☏ +44 1904 894 580 , [email protected] . Daily 12:30PM-9:30PM . Don't be fooled by the posh hotel setting, this is essentially pub food at a premium. If you're paying £22 for a burger, you'll want it to be the best damn burger you've ever eaten, but it won't be. Couple this with variable customer service, and it's hard to believe this and the Grand are run by the same people. Mains £17-34 . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 53.9605 -1.0872 29 The Star Inn the City , Lendal Engine House, Museum Street, YO1 7DR , ☏ +44 1904 619 208 , [email protected] . M-Th noon-9PM, F-Su 9:30AM-9PM . Dine on seasonal Yorkshire produce beside the Ouse within a warm velvet and tartan décor. Cook has a knack for making trad dishes look like intrepid new creations - or for overworking and needlessly 'cheffing up' old favourites, depending on your perspective. That said, the Star's sister restaurant in Helmsley has a Michelin star, so this is definitely one to watch. Mains £15-32, brunch £9-12 . ( updated Jun 2021 )

Afternoon tea [ edit ]

York is known for its decadent afternoon teas : a pot of tea to a blend of your choice, served with dainty sandwiches with the crusts cut off, finger cakes and patisseries, and of course fruit scones with clotted cream and jam. Your food will arrive on a stacked metal stand, with three-tiered platters containing each course of the meal. To this can be added a glass of champagne or some other alcoholic beverage, for those who really want to indulge in luxury. If this sounds like a lot of food and drink, that's because it is; afternoon tea will typically replace lunch, and you may not feel like your dinner until much later on, if at all! The price of a full afternoon tea is fairly high; count on spending at least £20 per person, and add up to £10 more if you're having champagne too. Take into account that the venue itself is often as much a part of the experience as the tea, with Bettys, the Garden Room and the Countess of York arguably offering the most luxurious surroundings.

A less indulgent and cheaper option can be just to have a cream tea , that is jam-and-cream scones plus a pot of tea, which should cost no more than £10. Most cafés in York, though not listed here, will serve this, plus a selection of other traditional cakes.

• 53.96 -1.0956 31 Countess of York , Leeman Road, YO26 4XJ ( within the National Railway Museum ), ☏ +44 1904 686 295 , [email protected] . Tea served at noon, 2PM, 4PM . Railfans rejoice! You can get your afternoon tea fix in the NRM's opulently-restored train carriage, the Countess of York . There are a dozen blends of Harrogate tea to choose from, and a seasonal selection of sandwiches and cakes, with the highlight being traditional Yorkshire scones, vanilla cream and homemade jam. As capacity is constrained by the size of the carriage, it is recommended to book weeks in advance. Free parking token for the museum's car park. Traditional afternoon tea £26, with champagne £36 . ( updated Dec 2021 )
• 53.9583 -1.0785 32 The Cake Shop and Tea House , 24 Fossgate, YO1 9TA , ☏ +44 1904 671 199 . Tu-F 10AM-4PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 11AM-4PM. Afternoon tea: 12:30PM-3PM . Step into the 1940s for a slightly more economical afternoon tea that is certainly less refined than other options in the city, but is nonetheless still tasty, filling and satisfying. The advantages of going to a much smaller tea house like here is that you can be sure all the food is freshly made on-site, you don't need to make a reservation and you won't have to queue upon arrival. The place does some quirky house rules (no children under 10, no devices out at tables) and somewhat temperamental owners. Tea for two £35 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 53.9586 -1.0916 33 The Garden Room , The Principal York, Station Road, YO24 1AA , ☏ +44 1904 688 677 , [email protected] . Daily noon-4PM . A grand and comfortable lounge with armchairs and sofas, and views across the lawns to the Minster. . Traditional afternoon tea £23.50, incl. champagne £30.50 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 53.9585 -1.0888 34 The Grand Hotel , Station Rise, YO1 6GD , ☏ +44 1904 899 521 , [email protected] . Daily noon-6PM (must be seated by 3:45PM) . Take a four-course tea in the hotel's swish Rise restaurant, which offers views over the city walls. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus available. There's also a special menu for kids. Grand afternoon tea £25.50, incl. sparkling wine £30.50, incl. gin and tonic £33.50, incl. champagne £34.50, children £17 . ( updated Jul 2020 )

Drink [ edit ]

Navigate to: Pubs , Bars , Nightclubs , Live music and comedy venues

Brewing and distilling [ edit ]

The city of York is the site of three breweries, one combined with a vineyard, and one distillery.

Beer , that is ale , has been brewed within the city walls for centuries, and the latest iteration of this tradition is York Brewery [dead link] , which brews a range of three pale ales, the award-winning dark ruby ale Centurion's Ghost , and their signature golden ale Yorkshire Terrier . There is also a constantly changing selection of limited-edition creations, which adds a touch of FOMO-fuelled uniqueness to any beer-lover's visit to York. You can also visit the brewery; see the ' Do ' section for details.

The new kid on the block is Brew York , which eschews tradition by selling its brews by can. They specialise in U.S.-style craft beers, with hipsterish names such as Cereal Killa (a gluten-free citrusy pale ale), Goose Willis (gooseberry fool in beer form), and Tonkoko (the "9th best stout in the world!"). Periodically, they mix things up by discontinuing their entire range and releasing a new selection; there's even an IPA which changes its hops with each batch. You can drink at their achingly trendy "tap room" (see below ), or else look out for the odd brew of theirs in pubs.

Wine: Yorkshire has no fewer than six vineyards. The closest is Yorkshire Heart at Pool Lane, Nun Monkton YO26 8EL. They also have a brewery and a campsite, and offer tours.

And then there's gin . Running with the established zeitgeist of stunningly unimaginative names, the York Gin Company launched its range in March 2018. It has already become a fixture in the local drinks culture, being stocked by dozens of shops, bars and hotels in and around the city, and is now making a splash in international industry awards. The varieties available include the classic London-style dry gin which was at its peak popularity in York in the 18th century; Old Tom , imbued with the white rose of Yorkshire; and the imperial-red juniper, apple and berry-infused Roman Fruit — all nod to the city's heritage. For Yorkshire whiskey you'll have to visit Filey on the coast.

Cider is not made in York, and indeed has never been hugely popular up north, but if you like your apple tipple, then look out for Ampleforth Abbey Cider from nearby Thirsk .

Traditional pubs [ edit ]

York has perhaps the most pubs per square mile of any city in the country; supposedly there's one for every day of the year.

• 53.9567 -1.0871 1 The Ackhorne , St Martin's Lane, YO1 6LR ( Tucked down a very narrow streetlet off Micklegate, past the church ), ☏ +44 7977 190 297 , [email protected] . M-F noon-9PM, Sa Su 11AM-9PM . Cosy locals' haunt that is too well hidden to be a major tourist trap. Think pub quiz, pork pies and Yorkshire ales and ciders. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 53.9629 -1.0781 3 The Keystones , 4 Monkgate, YO31 7PE , ☏ +44 1904 656 202 , [email protected] . Daily noon-10PM . Popular with a younger crowd for its live sports on telly at the weekends, pool table, variety of board games and free Playstation 4. Beer garden at rear. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 53.9599 -1.0849 5 Lendal Cellars , 26 Lendal, YO1 8AA , ☏ +44 1904 623 121 , [email protected] . Su-Th noon-10PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM . A standard Greene King chain pub in all ways but one: the building. To access, the visitor must leave the street via a passageway, then descend into this arch-ceilinged underground bar, which was the Lord Mayor's personal wine cellar in the 18th century. An atmospheric venue for drinks, but avoid the food. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 53.95927 -1.08802 6 The Maltings , Tanner's Moat, YO1 1HU , ☏ +44 1904 655 387 , [email protected] . Daily 11AM-11PM . Absolutely cracking real-ale free house. The resident beer is Yorkshire's famous Black Sheep bitter, and there is a constant rotation of six other guest beers and four traditional ciders. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 53.9559 -1.0905 7 The Micklegate , 127 Micklegate, YO1 6LB , ☏ +44 1904 541 656 . Su-Th 10AM-11PM, F Sa 10AM-midnight . Good for a noisy couple of hours. If there's no live football with eager fans staring at the multitude of screens, then the music will be playing loud. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 53.95635 -1.09007 9 The Priory , 103 Micklegate, YO1 6LB , ☏ +44 1904 653 231 . M-Th 3PM-midnight, F Sa 11AM-1AM Su 11AM-midnight . Part of the Wear Inns chain, this pub has a pool table, jukebox and live sport on the telly. There is better beer to be had in York, and frankly better places to drink it, but the late-night opening makes The Priory stand out from the crowd. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 53.96221 -1.0843 11 The Three Legged Mare ( The Wonky Donkey ), 15 High Petergate, YO1 7EN , ☏ +44 1904 638 246 , [email protected] . W–Sa noon–midnight, Su noon–10:30PM, M–Tu noon–11PM . Black Sheep Brewery pub which serves their ales and bar snacks, it has quite an active social week, with a Monday quiz, Thursday open mic night, Friday live folk music and various live music acts on Saturday nights. Dogs welcome. ( updated Dec 2021 ) .

Bars [ edit ]

In this section, you'll find a selection of the most recommended bars in town, with a bit of everything from brewery tap rooms to cocktail bars, and places to nab a Viking brewski.

• 53.95757 -1.07619 12 Brew York , Enterprise Complex, Walmgate, YO1 9TT , ☏ +44 1904 848 448 , [email protected] . Beer hall: Tu-Sa noon-11PM, Su noon-9PM. Tap room: W, Th 6PM-11PM, F 4PM-11PM, Sa noon-11PM, Su noon-9PM. Brewery tours (duration 45-60 min): F 5:30PM, Sa 1:30PM, 3:30PM . This craft brewery's 200-seater beer hall and tap room are right alongside the brewing machinery; the beer couldn't be fresher! They also have a nice small open-air seating area in the back facing the River Foss. Burgers and Korean sides will help soak up the alcohol. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 53.9595 -1.0837 13 Dusk , 8 New Street, YO1 8RA , ☏ +44 1904 634 851 , [email protected] . Daily 10AM-2AM. 2-for-1 cocktails M-Th all night, F-Su until 10PM . A great place for cocktails, that describes itself as a "laid-back café bar by day, den of iniquity by night." While it does indeed get busy of an evening, especially when there's a live music act, you can usually find some space upstairs. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 53.9611 -1.083 14 Evil Eye , 42 Stonegate, YO1 8AS , ☏ +44 1904 640 002 , [email protected] . W Th 4PM-midnight, F 4PM-1AM, Sa noon-1AM, Su noon-midnight . Colourful cocktail bar tucked behind a gin shop owned by the same people. You may have to queue to enter, as the place is very small. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 53.9612 -1.0829 15 House of the Trembling Madness (Stonegate) , 48 Stonegate, YO1 8AS , ☏ +44 1904 640 009 , [email protected] . Daily 10AM-midnight . Email via online contact form . If the name doesn't put you off, then presumably neither will the taxidermied lion's head hanging over the bar, or the wax-encrusted candlesticks on the tables. Work your way through their encyclopedic collection of Belgian beers, and then soak up the booze with some maddeningly superior barsnacks. The same company has a much larger venue on Lendal . ( updated Apr 2021 )
• 53.9573 -1.0853 16 Jalou , 2 Micklegate, YO1 6JG , ☏ +44 1904 466 502 . Su-W 4PM-1AM, Th-Sa noon-2AM . Email via online contact form . Geordie glam meets medieval York: lavish and pricey cocktails served to an RnB soundtrack in a grade II-listed Gothic church with an impressive 'neon chandelier' centrepiece. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 53.9602 -1.0817 17 The Biltmore , 29 Swinegate, YO1 8AZ , ☏ +44 1904 610 075 , [email protected] . Tu-Th 5PM-midnight, Fr 3PM-at least midnight, Sa Su noon-at least midnight . Housed in a converted historic church, this New York-inspired swish champagne and cocktail bar is relaxed in the week and buzzing at the weekend with the house DJ's music. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 53.95842 -1.09265 18 The York Tap , York Station, Station Road, YO24 1AB , ☏ +44 1904 659 009 , [email protected] . M-Th 10AM-11PM, F Sa 10AM-11:40PM, Su 11AM-11PM . Housed in a smartly converted Edwardian tea room, this is the place for a decent (if not cheap) pint while waiting for a train. True to its former life, you can still get hot drinks, pies, and homemade cakes here too. ( updated Aug 2019 )
• 53.9619 -1.0796 19 Vahe Bar , 31-33 Goodramgate, YO1 7LS , ☏ +44 1904 628 344 . W Th 5PM-11PM, F 10:30AM-midnight, Sa 12:30PM-midnight . Lovely relaxed bar overlooking York Minster serving British ales and Belgian draughts, plus over 200 bottled continental beers and 300 spirits. ( updated Mar 2021 )
• 53.9598 -1.0807 20 Valhalla , 4 Patrick Pool, YO1 8BB , ☏ +44 1904 653 999 . Su-Th noon-11:30PM, F-Sa 11:30AM-12:30AM . Anyone versed in Norse mythology will love this bar, which offers proof if it were needed that the Viking spirit is alive and well in York. A place for loudly drinking mead, cider and ale from a big horn, and feasting from platters stuffed to bursting with quality Yorkshire and Scandi produce. ( updated Jul 2020 )

Nightclubs [ edit ]

The weak link in York's nightlife offering. If you're legally or mentally 18, you'll probably love the singularly awful half-dozen offerings which are aimed squarely at the city's population of students (and underage teens), but if you want any kind of sophistication or musical variety, then you should heed the call of Leeds .

• 53.9582 -1.0873 21 Club Salvation ( Salvo ), 3 George Hudson Street, YO1 6JL , ☏ +44 1904 635 144 , [email protected] . University term time: W F 10:30PM-4AM, Sa 11PM-4AM. University holidays: Sa 11PM-4AM . Essentially for boozed-up undergrad students, Salvo has cheap drinks, chart music and absolutely no class. The bouncers have a bad attitude, but a strict policy against drugs. Free entry before 10PM, then £5 (combo ticket with Society) . ( updated Aug 2019 )
• 53.9568 -1.0818 22 Kuda Bar and Club , 12 Clifford Street, YO1 9RD , ☏ +44 1904 647 947 , [email protected] . M-W, F 11PM-3:30AM, Sa 9PM-3:30AM . Split over two floors and three rooms, including a tiki bar complete with hula girls, and a cocktail lounge. VIP booths available. Drinks are pricey. Entry from £3 . ( updated Aug 2019 )
• 53.9574 -1.0867 23 Popworld , George Hudson Street, YO1 6JL , ☏ +44 1904 645 161 , [email protected] . F Sa 9PM-2AM . Describing itself as "cheese with style", Popworld is deeply proud of how uncool it is. This chain club is smaller than most of its sister venues, but has a revolving dancefloor on which you can bust out your worst moves to music as sugary as the floor's sticky coating. Entry generally free, some events £3 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 53.9573 -1.0821 24 The Stone Roses , 4 King Street, YO1 9SP , ☏ +44 1904 670 696 , [email protected] . M-F noon-1AM, Sa Su 11AM-1AM . A 90s-themed rock/britpop bar which steadily morphs into a club as the night goes on. Decent atmosphere and bargain bevvies. Free entry except for gigs . ( updated Jul 2020 )

Live music and comedy venues [ edit ]

• 53.9574 -1.0897 25 Fibbers , 3-5 Toft Green, YO1 6JT , ☏ +44 1904 848 558 (general), +44 8444 771 000 (tickets - premium rate) , [email protected] . Most shows 7:30PM-10:30PM . Long running music venue which has hosted many of the UK's biggest acts since the 1990s. Gigs several nights a week. 14-16 year olds must be accompanied by an adult (18+). No under 14s. As of summer 2019, facing an uncertain future - enjoy it while you can. ( updated Aug 2019 )
• 53.9591 -1.0848 26 The Basement , 13-17 Coney Street, YO1 9QL ( Under the City Screen Picturehouse ), ☏ +44 871 902 5747 (premium rate) , [email protected] . Most gigs 8PM-11PM, most other events 7:30PM-10PM . 100-seater underground venue for live music (especially jazz), comedy, film, poetry, workshops and discussions. One of two venues for the Laugh Out Loud comedy club. 16+ only. ( updated Aug 2019 )
• 53.9549 -1.0936 27 The Crescent , 8 The Crescent, YO24 1AW , ☏ +44 1904 622 510 , [email protected] . Daily 4PM-midnight (Sa Su until 1AM) . Working men's club turned community events venue. Tuesdays are for retro gaming, Wednesday is open decks night, and there are music gigs several times a week. ( updated Aug 2019 )
• 53.9471 -1.0736 28 The Fulford Arms , ​121 Fulford Road, YO10 4EX ( Bus: 7, 25, 26, 415 ), ☏ +44 1904 620 410 , [email protected] . M-Th 4PM-midnight, F Sa 11:30AM-1AM, Su 11:30AM-midnight . Real ale pub with a relaxed 'suburban local' atmosphere by day, but with live music and other events such as charity fundraisers nearly every night. ( updated Sep 2019 )

Sleep [ edit ]

Navigate to: Budget , Mid-range , and Splurge options, places for camping

York has everything from humble hostels and cosy guesthouses, to some of England's grandest historic hotels. The usual chains are present in abundance, but there are also plenty of unique independents worth seeking out. Most accommodation listings here are in the heart of the city, within easy walking distance from attractions and services, but some are situated in quieter residential neighbourhoods or just on the fringes, though nowhere is very far apart in compact York. And while most people don't associate city breaks with camping opportunities, there are a surprising number of places to pitch a tent or park a campervan both in town and a little way outside.

• 53.9543 -1.1018 1 Astor York Hostel ( Holgate Hill Hostel ), 124 Holgate Road, YO24 4BB ( Bus: 1, 5, 5A ), ☏ +44 1904 653 786 , [email protected] . Small, basic rooms. Wi-Fi signal not great. Nice communal areas, including a bar. Unbeatable £1 breakfast. From £10 . ( updated Aug 2019 )
• 53.9482 -1.085 2 Diamonds Guest House , 114 Bishopthorpe Road, YO23 1JX ( Bus: 11, 26 ), ☏ +44 7717 941 122 , [email protected] . Cosy but basic B&B in a Victorian house, offering a continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi. No alcohol on premises, but there are good pubs and restaurants close by. Diamonds also has three other guesthouses in period properties around York. From £38 . ( updated Sep 2019 )
• 53.9686 -1.0799 3 Park View Guest House , 22 Haxby Road, YO31 8JX ( ½ mile (800 m) north of city centre. Bus: 1, 5, 5A, 6, 40 ), ☏ +44 1904 611 396 , [email protected] . Check-in: 11:30AM , check-out: 10AM . Victorian-era villa with a range of en-suite rooms, including an accessible ground floor double room. Full English and continental breakfast. Private parking. Wi-Fi. From £20 pppn . ( updated Sep 2019 )
• 53.9648 -1.092 4 Queen Anne's Guest House , 24 Queen Anne's Road, YO30 7AA ( Bus: 2 ), ☏ +44 1904 629 389 , [email protected] . Check-in: 11:30AM-1:30PM or 4:30PM-7:30PM , check-out: 10AM . Traditional B&B run by a friendly husband-and-wife team. Has a mix of en-suite rooms and a few with shared bathrooms. From £30 pppn, incl. very tasty full English / vegan breakfasts . ( updated Sep 2019 )
• 53.957 -1.0891 5 Safestay York Hostel , 88-90 Micklegate, YO1 6JX , ☏ +44 1904 627 720 , [email protected] . Handsome Georgian townhouse right in the centre of York's nightlife: free earplugs available if you find it noisy. A mix of shared dormitories (4-12 people, some female only) with bunk beds and private rooms (2-4 people). Free Wi-Fi, bar, breakfast £3.50. From £10 . ( updated Sep 2019 )
• 53.9606 -1.0834 6 The Fort Boutique Hostel , 1 Little Stonegate, YO1 8AX , ☏ +44 1904 620 222 , [email protected] . Five individually-decorated rooms created by five up-and-coming UK artists and designers. Also several dorms for 6-8 people. Common room with microwave, fridge and toaster. Two bar-restaurants on-site. Breakfast £4-£9. From £10 . ( updated Sep 2019 )
• 53.9686 -1.1027 7 YHA York Hostel , Water End, YO30 6LP ( 1 mi (1.6 km) north of city walls. You can walk along the river. Bus: 2 ), ☏ +44 345 371 9051 (non-geographic number) . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 10AM . This youth hostel is clean and has good showers. Good family rooms for four. Adequate breakfast is included in the price, and they'll pack you a breakfast if you're leaving especially early. Free Wi-Fi. Free parking. Dorm from £15, private room from £25 pppn . ( updated Jul 2020 )

• 53.9549 -1.0764 8 Holiday Inn York City Centre ( formerly Hotel 53 - beware, as the old website is still active as of Aug 2019 ), 53 Piccadilly, YO1 9PL , ☏ +44 1904 559 000 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 11AM . Modern design 6-storey hotel, with stylish contemporary interiors. The standard Holiday Inn experience (gym, air conditioning, good breakfast); there's also another one a bit further out of town on Tadcaster Road. From £55 . ( updated Sep 2019 )
• 53.9533 -1.0939 9 Ibis York Centre , 77 The Mount, YO24 1BN ( Bus: 1, 4, 5, 5A, 12, 13, 840, 843, ZAP ), ☏ +44 113 396 8032 (Leeds number) . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: noon . The setting in a large brick townhouse means the rooms are a bit smaller than with other Ibis hotels. Onsite restaurant and bar. Pets welcome. From £49 . ( updated Sep 2019 )
• 53.9673 -1.0918 10 Marmadukes Hotel , 4 St Peter's Grove, YO30 6AQ ( Bus: 2 ), ☏ +44 1904 640 101 , [email protected] . Boutique 4-star hotel in a Victorian property. All 21 rooms have en-suites and free Wi-Fi. Dogs welcome. From £69 . ( updated Sep 2019 )
• 53.9547 -1.0842 11 Middletons , Skeldergate, YO1 6DS , ☏ +44 1904 611 570 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 11AM . 56 rooms spread across a complex of listed historic buildings - Charlie Chaplin was once a guest here - and pleasant outdoor space, Middletons features a restaurant, bar and fitness centre including a small pool. From £89. Parking £10 pn . ( updated Sep 2019 )
• 53.994 -1.1317 12 Mercure York, Fairfield Manor Hotel , Shipton Road, YO30 1XW ( 4 mi (6.4 km) northwest of centre on A19. Bus: 19, 29, 30, 30X, 31, 31X ), ☏ +44 1904 225 012 , [email protected] . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: noon . 18th century manor house with some original features, set in 6 acres (2.4 hectares) of private grounds, offering countryside views. On-site restaurant. July 2020: temporarily closed . From £60 pppn. Pets £15 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 53.9553 -1.0918 13 Premier Inn York City ( Blossom Street North ), 20 Blossom Street, YO24 1AJ ( Sat-nav: YO24 1AD ), ☏ +44 333 321 9198 . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: noon . Features an art deco clocktower. Standard rooms have a king-size bed and excellent showers. Two kids can sleep in the same room on pull out beds, and they get breakfast for free with a paying adult. There is another Premier Inn, "Blossom Street South", just down the street. From £33 pppn . ( updated Sep 2019 )
• 53.9547 -1.077 14 Travelodge York Central , 90 Piccadilly, YO1 9NX ( Bus: 1, 3, 4, 5, 5A, 12, 13, 59, 840, 843, ZAP ), ☏ +44 871 984 6187 (premium) . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: noon . Rooms are comfortable and private, and are good value for the location. But don't take the breakfast, as the Wetherspoons next door is better value. There are two other central Travelodges in York - at Layerthorpe and Micklegate. From £30 pppn . ( updated Sep 2019 )

• 53.9583 -1.0851 18 Park Inn by Radisson York City Centre , North Street, YO1 6JF , ☏ +44 1904 459 988 , [email protected] . From the outside, this is a hideous mid-20th century cornflakes box that sits awkwardly on the Ouse riverfront. Once you're inside, of course, the building's memory quickly fades as you admire unhindered views of the river and the attractive medieval surroundings. There's also a swimming pool, bar, grill restaurant and large conference space. From £64 pppn . ( updated Sep 2019 )
• 53.96201 -1.08405 19 The Dean Court Hotel ( Best Western ), Duncombe Place, YO1 7EF , ☏ +44 1904 625 082 . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 11AM . An imposing Victorian pile, this hotel is lauded for its comfortable rooms and suites, and its views of the Minster, which towers over on the opposite side of the street. Free Wi-Fi, on-site bar and restaurant. From £80 pppn. Valet parking £20 pn . ( updated Sep 2019 )
• 53.9658 -1.0911 21 The Grange Hotel , 1 Clifton, YO30 6AA ( Bus: 2 ), ☏ +44 1904 644 744 , [email protected] . In a Regency town house, it's gone for the country-house-chic look - all deep sofas, open fires and unobtrusive service. There are three restaurants ranging from a seafood bar, through contemporary cellar bar to the full-on French silver service. Not cheap, but deeply luxurious, and a real change from the standard pre-packaged international chain hotels. From £89 pppn. Breakfast £15.95 pp. Parking £10 pn. Dog £20 including treats . ( updated Sep 2019 )

Camping [ edit ]

Unusually, York has an inner city campsite:

• 53.9507 -1.0797 24 York Rowntree Park ( Caravan Club ), Terry Avenue, YO23 1JQ ( Bus: 11, 26 ), ☏ +44 1904 658 997 . Check-in: 1PM . Camp in the city! Next to both Rowntree Park and the River Ouse, this is mostly a site for caravans and motorhomes, though there are pitches for tents too. Washroom, laundry room, electricity and gas hook-ups, Wi-Fi. Disability friendly. Barbecues and dogs allowed. Non-members welcome. Tariffs are seasonal: adults £8-£12 pppn, children £1-£3 pppn, extra charges for hardstanding with awning, tent pitch £6-£11 pn. CC members' discounts available . ( updated Sep 2020 )

There are several campsites on the outskirts of York or in the near hinterland. The following three have been chosen for their locations just outside the city ring road and for their high ratings:

• 53.9365 -1.1465 25 Nurseries Caravan Park , Askham Bryan Lane, YO23 3QY ( 4 mi (6.4 km) south-west of city centre, off A1237 ring road and 1½ miles (2.4 km) from A64. Bus: 37 - infrequent ), ☏ +44 1904 797 427 , [email protected] . Pitches for tourers and tents in a 7 acres (2.8 hectares) park. Heated washroom with hot showers, launderette, small shop for camping essentials. Dogs welcome on a lead. Tariffs are seasonal: 2 adults with car and power hookup £19-£21, £5/£3 per extra adult/child . ( updated Sep 2019 )
• 54.0027 1.0922 26 The Little Hide ( Adult-only glamping ), Willow House Caravan Park, Wigginton Road, YO32 2RH ( On B1363, 3 mi (4.8 km) north of city, off A1237 ring road. Bus: 40 - hourly all day until 7PM ), ☏ +44 7713 194 299 (mobile) , [email protected] . Check-in: 1PM , check-out: 10AM . Two-person wooden 'pod' cabins, three-person yurt. All units are heated and lit and have beds, sofa, table and chairs. Bring your own kitchen appliances, plates and cutlery, and a gas stove if you intend to cook. BBQs provided. On-site washing and laundry, café. From £41 pn. Over 18s only, dogs welcome . ( updated Sep 2019 )
• 53.9988 -1.0305 27 Wagtail Park , 23 North Lane, YO32 9SU ( 4 mi (6.4 km) north-east of city centre, off A1237 ring road. No public transport access ), ☏ +44 7970 643 777 (mobile) , [email protected] . Check-in: 1PM-8PM , check-out: noon . A quiet campsite on the edge of town; just pitch up with your vehicle, trailer or tent, or you can try one of the site's four 'pods', snug two-person cabins with heating and electricity. There's a fishing pond on site, but no facilities or activities specifically for children. Washroom with wet room showers. Dogs welcome. Tent, caravan or campervan pitch from £17 or from £20 with electricity hookup. Pods from £40 . ( updated Sep 2019 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

York is a safe city with no significant crime problem. It is consistently ranked one of the best places to live in the whole UK, and high safety levels help to influence this. Unlike certain other European cities popular with tourists, visitors to York are not a particular target for scams and crimes. Terrorism is locally unheard of, though the nationwide threat level remains high. There are, however, some precautions worth taking.

Nightlife [ edit ]

Take care on weekend evenings in York. Plenty of local youngsters overestimate their capacity for alcohol and the city centre can seem to be awash with lager louts, mainly in the Micklegate area. If you are approached just keep on walking and they will find another victim to pester. Aim for Wikivoyage's recommended pubs, though, and you'll find that safe socialising in the company of affable locals is still possible!

Try to avoid secluded cycle paths and ginnels (alleyways) at night as it is not unknown for robberies to take place in these parts, however this tends to be away from the main city centre.

River safety [ edit ]

Be careful near and on the River Ouse, as it is deep and cold, and the current is surprisingly strong. If you have been drinking, avoid going near the river altogether, especially at night. The bankside paths can be slippery and poorly lit, and if you do fall in, there may well be no-one around to help you out. Several people drown in the Ouse every year, and alcohol and darkness play a role in the majority of deaths.

Flooding [ edit ]

In spite of elaborate defences, York floods pretty much every winter. All it takes is a few days of sustained rainfall somewhere upstream, and the houses and businesses nearest to the Ouse are submerged. There's about 30 mi (48 km) of Pennine moors, from Harrogate to Richmond , where the pouring rain has only one way out. If it keeps raining, then 48 hours later the river at York is brimming; another day of rain and riverside properties start to become inundated.

Aside from providing the press with a dependable annual news story, the only upside to York's frequent inundations is that locals know what to do. If you're caught in a flood, follow their lead. You can also access the city council's flood advice portal . While water damage to property is often serious, flood-related injuries and deaths are extremely rare. Follow the authorities' advice, and you'll be fine.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Late-night pharmacies [ edit ].

• 53.9626 -1.0784 5 Monkbar Pharmacy , 3 Goodramgate, YO1 7LJ ( By Monk Bar ), ☏ +44 1904 626 181 , [email protected] . M-Sa 7:30AM-10:30PM, Su 8:30AM-6:30PM . ( updated Sep 2019 )
• 53.9492 -1.1994 6 The Priory Pharmacy , Priory Medical Centre, Cornlands Road, YO24 3WX ( 2⅓ miles (3.6 km) south-west of city in Acomb ), ☏ +44 1904 404 101 . M-Sa 8AM-11PM, Su 10AM-8PM . Email via online contact form ( updated Sep 2019 )

Cope [ edit ]

Worship [ edit ].

York has dozens of Christian churches, including of the Anglican , Catholic , Baptist , Methodist , Quaker , Presbyterian , Russian Orthodox , and Latter Day Saints denominations. Muslims can worship at the city's first and only mosque on Bull Lane (YO10 3EN). The Buddhist Centre is at 17 Walmgate. The Quaker meeting house on Friargate (YO1 9RL) also hosts York's Liberal Jewish community. Adherents of other faiths and denominations will generally find their nearest place of worship to be in Leeds .

Toilets [ edit ]

There are numerous public toilets around York city centre. These are open daily 9AM-7PM and nearly all charge a fee of £0.40 (July 2021) ; various coins are accepted but no change is given. Three handy locations include:

• 53.9567 -1.0794 1 Castle Walk WC , 31 Castle Walk, YO1 9WT ( close to Clifford's Tower, Fairfax House, Jorvik, York Castle Museum )
• 53.9595 -1.0813 2 Silver Street WC , 32C Parliament Street, YO1 8RS ( centrally-positioned for most shopping and eating. Often if not always dirty with urine on the floor despite being staffed and charging for entry. )
• 53.9629 -1.0852 3 St Leonard's Place WC , YO1 7HB ( next to Bootham Bar and close to the Minster and York Art Gallery )

Free public toilets are available in the railway station, on the first platform from the ticket office, right of the York Tap.

Connect [ edit ]

As of March 2024, York and its approach highways have 5G from all UK carriers. Wifi is widely available in public places.

Go next [ edit ]

York is centrally located in Yorkshire , making it a great base for days out in any direction.

Vale of York [ edit ]

The Vale is a prosperous agricultural country sandwiched between the Pennines and the East Coast. Peppered with medieval monasteries, castles and stately homes, it also has a selection of attractive small towns:

• Harrogate is the obvious next move from York, being an elegant Regency-era spa town 21 mi (34 km) west on the A59, or 33 min on the train, and home to the original Bettys Tea Rooms. Worth a stop on the way is Knaresborough (25 min on the train), to see the 12th century castle and visit a witch's lair.
• Ripon is a village-sized city that still packs in an impressive Early English cathedral, the haunting ruins of Fountains Abbey, and a host of justice-themed museums. It's 25 mi (40 km) north-west via the A59 and A1 (M), or bus 22 takes an absurd 1 hr 20 min. On the way, why not check out the Roman villa at Aldborough ?
• Selby 's 11th century abbey is worth the 14 mi (23 km) journey south on the A19, or 20-30 min on the train.
• Tadcaster is a brewery town noted for its Sam Smiths beers 10 mi (16 km) south-west on the A64, or 25 min on buses 840, 843, or 845.
• Thirsk is a small market town 23 mi (37 km) north on the A19, or 15-20 min on the train, with a museum dedicated to the vet James Herriot.

Further afield [ edit ]

• Hull is a major East Coast seaport in the midst of long-awaited urban renaissance, having successfully reinvented itself from a synonym for dull into the UK's 2017 City of Culture. It's 41 mi (66 km) south-east via the A1079 and A63, or 1 hr 5 min by train.
• Leeds is the biggest and most cosmopolitan city in Yorkshire, known for its palatial shopping arcades and fantastic for clubbing, drinking and dining. It's 25 mi (40 km) south-west on the A64, or 25 min by train.
• Rural Yorkshire's apotheosis, the Dales National Park , sits west of Harrogate. Drive as far as Bolton Abbey on the A59, then up the Wharfedale road into the heart of the park: the majestic Ribblehead Viaduct, Yorkshire's Three Peaks, cheese town Hawes , and bucolic Swaledale await. Access via public transport is easiest in summer, as there are some seasonal bus routes . Journeys at other times of the year will likely take you via Leeds, but you can equally get a bus up Nidderdale from Harrogate; see Yorkshire Dales#Get in for details.
• The heather expanses of the North York Moors National Park stretch north of Pickering (26 mi (42 km), best accessed by the A64, turning off near Malton ). The National Trust property Nunnington Hall , English Heritage ruin Rievaulx Abbey and baroque magnificence of Castle Howard are within the park. Coastliner bus 840 runs from York through the moors.
• Bridlington (via the A166), Filey (via the A64) and Scarborough (via the A64) are all Victorian seaside resorts, and all 41 mi (66 km) from York, via different routes. The scenic coast road north of Scarborough leads past little coves and windswept moors to Whitby , where you can contemplate Count Dracula, while eating possibly the best fish and chips in the world. The train from York to Scarborough takes 55 min, and you can then catch onward trains or buses to the other destinations mentioned here

See the main Yorkshire article for many more ideas.

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York awarded additional £100,000 towards i-Travel York scheme

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Posted: 23 April 2014 | City of York Council | No comments yet

City of York Council has been awarded an additional £100,000 from the Department of Transport, towards the city’s i-Travel York initiative…

City of York Council has been awarded an additional £100,000 from the Department of Transport, towards the city’s i-Travel York initiative.

One of only nine local authorities to receive the funding, York successfully won the financial backing following a bid in November 2013 to deliver the government’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund project (AKA the i-iTravel York programme).

This council’s i-Travel York initiative was launched in 2011, made possible by £4.6 million of government funding which the council successfully bid for in 2011.

Additional funding will allow advisors to extend the free door-to-door travel advice exercise, carried out in 2011/12, to 2,500 homes in the North of the city.

Over 12,000 homes in the North of York have already benefitted from the exercise which was made possible by the funding and is the most extensive ever carried out by City of York Council.

Travel advisers provided tailored travel advice in wards to encourage residents to consider using more sustainable and active modes of transport including walking, cycling, public transport, car sharing and smarter driving

Businesses are set to also benefit from the funding which will enable i-Travel advisors to develop personal travel planning in the workplace during 2014/15.

Cllr David Levene, Cabinet Member for Transport at City of York Council, said: “This is excellent news for York. i-Travel York has already proved to be a successful project with hundreds of residents already benefiting from this initiative and trying out new travel options, which is a completely free service. By supporting even more people to walk, cycle, use public transport, or car share across the city this will help to reduce traffic congestion, improve health, and meet our aims of increasing levels of cycling by 20 per cent and walking by 10 per cent by 2016.”

David Short, i-Travel York programme manager at City of York Council, said: “This additional funding was awarded to us in recognition of the excellent programme of work supporting sustainable travel in York and what has been achieved so far. Our bid was described as ‘exemplary’ by the Department of Transport.”

Related organisations City of York Council , Department of Transport

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New York for First Time Visitors: Everything You Need to Know for Your Trip (70+ pages)

Best Way to Travel in New York

Finding your way around New York is quite easy, even if it doesn’t look like it at first. The streets’ checkerboard pattern makes finding your way around easy. These are the best ways to get around New York:

Metro / Subway: If you have longer distances ahead of you, then the Subway is your friend, because here you can travel really cheap. It’s easy to use! The MetroCard is available at every Subway station. You can buy single rides or the popular MetroCard for 7 days; that way you can travel for a week in New York at a fixed price. You can learn more about using the  Metrocard in New York here.

Taxi:  In New York, you can choose between the Yellow Cab and Uber. You can check out our tips and all the information you need to know in our following blog:  Taxi in New York City .

By bike: With many of the New York sightseeing passes (you can find out more about this budget tip in my New York Pass comparison ), the bike rental is included. We ourselves really love using New York’s Citi Bikes. This city bike program has over 1,000 stations throughout New York City, and it’s super-cheap. We’ll show you how it works in the Citi Bike New York article.

On Foot: You’ll be surprised how much walking you’ll do in New York. After all, there’s something to see on every corner. So be sure to bring comfortable shoes!

Where to Stay in New York?

Which neighborhood is best for you depends on several things: your interests, how close you want to be to the attractions and what your travel budget is. In the image below, I’ve drawn you my favorite neighborhoods of New York including the main attractions nearby.

And, on the subject of safety: In all of Manhattan, the Bronx , Brooklyn, and large parts of Queens, you don’t have to worry about being out and about in the evening. New York City is one of the safest cities in the world!

More than 100 hotels and over 70 neighborhoods to choose from –and after just 4 quick questions, I’ll show you which hotels in New York are best suited for you!

Where Should you Stay in New York?

Manhattan – it doesn’t get more central than this: Manhattan is the most famous borough of them all. Plus, it contains 95% of all the attractions New York is known for. Everything is within easy reach, and you are right in the middle of it all. On the other hand, the hotels are a bit more expensive than in Brooklyn or Queens .

Here, you can find my 33 hotel tips for Manhattan .

Brooklyn – urban and relaxed: For a long time, Brooklyn was the insider’s tip: now it’s “completely” normal neighborhoods. However, you’ll quickly notice one thing: life is much more normal, because it’s more of a residential area. It’s super relaxed, pleasant, and just as diverse as Manhattan. Above all, you can enjoy the Manhattan skyline from here!

Here, you can find my 20 hotel tips for Brooklyn .

Queens – the new trendy neighborhood: Queens is a bit more “normal” than Brooklyn is, but, lately, we’ve noticed that it is getting more and more gentrified. The hotels in Long Island City (not to be confused with Long Island!) are especially popular because they are cheaper compared to Manhattan—and they have a perfect connection to the Subway, which makes Queens a great alternative to Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Here, you can find my 20 hotel tips for Queens .

What to See in New York?

One thing to know in advance: just because there is so much to see in New York, a little planning makes absolute sense. For highlights like the Empire State Building ( here ), the Edge Hudson Yards observation deck ( here ) or the One World Observatory ( here ), I recommend buying the tickets online in advance. This will not only save you waiting time on site, but you can also be sure that you will actually be able to visit your desired sights.

👉 These are our 33 best attractions in New York .

These are my tips after more than 20 visits to New York:

• Observation decks:  New York City has no less than five (!) major observation decks to offer, and each one is a dream in itself. My two favorites are The Edge Hudson Yards and the One World Observatory , because from here you have a sensational view of New York from above and you can see the Empire State Building . From the end of 2021, another cool option will be added with the glass One Vanderbilt . One more thing about the Empire State Building: It’s the most visited observation deck in New York, so it’s always busy. Avoid the crowds in the morning – and if you really want to go to the Empire State Building in the evening, choose Thursday, Friday or Saturday. During those times, a saxophonist plays on the observation deck. Important: book the Skip-the-Line-Tickets (you can do that here). Then, you can easily save 1-2 hours of waiting time!
• Visit the Statue of Liberty : The trip from Battery Park to the Statue of Liberty is super-popular. To save yourself long waiting times, make sure you take the first ferry of the day. Here, you can find the best Statue of Liberty Cruises right now.
• Definitely take a boat tour , because seeing New York from the water is like being on vacation. Choices range from the free Staten Island Ferry or the NYC Ferry ($2.90 each way) to sailing tours (gorgeous) and the classic sightseeing tours that are included with all major New York passes.
• Walk along the High Line from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards .
• Visit Times Square in the evening – that’s when it’s at its most impressive.
• Relax in Central Park or Bryant Park .
• Plan a maximum of three attractions per day . After all, you don’t want any sightseeing stress.

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With the right New York sightseeing pass , you can easily save a lot of money on up to 100 tours and attractions. To find out if a New York Pass is worth it (or not), check out our free New York Pass Advisor to find out which New York Pass is best for you.

And on this page you’ll find our New York Pass comparison .

Itineraries in New York

You don’t know where to start? Then let us inspire you! We have some suggestions for you. By the way, the most popular is the 1 week New York itinerary .

The Perfect Itinerary For Your New York Trip

This itinerary contains over 50 spots and highlights of the city, including a map that shows you the best way to travel each day, taking you to or past the many big attractions. In addition, we‘ve added our favorite places, from great breakfast spots to start your day right to small bars and restaurants and hidden insider spots.

What awaits you here now is the perfect New York week, because this is what my itinerary would look like if I were visiting the Big Apple for the first or second time right now!

What to Do in New York?

For me, an unforgettable New York trip includes the following things in addition to visiting the main sights:

Go Shopping

New York is also really good for shopping. There are many small shopping spots and addresses, but also the big brands can often be found with flagship stores. If that’s not enough, you can go shopping in one of the outlets and flea markets of New York.

The best shopping areas in New York are Broadway, SoHo , Chelsea, the Meatpacking District, and Williamsburg in Brooklyn. And, of course, 5th Avenue!

Avoid Times Square for shopping!

A real tourist trap are the stores around Times Square – they are not only overpriced, but also the quality is not right in most cases!

Here you can find our Guide to Shopping in New York  with everything you need to know!

Shopping in New York: The Ultimate Guide 2024

The Best Outlets in NYC – The Ultimate Guide for 2024

The 15 Best Flea Markets in NYC – Shop Vintage and Rare to Find Items

Shopping in SoHo NYC: The 25 Best Stores Right Now

Visit a rooftop bar.

I love the rooftop bars of New York . You can sit and relax, enjoy a sensational view of the city and listen to relaxing music. All this mixes with the so-typical sounds of the city in the background, and if you have something delicious to drink or eat on top of that, it can’t get any better! You can see where we like to go in our article on the 43 best rooftop bars in New York .

By the way, if you want to experience the view of New York when you get up early in the morning, check out my list of the 26 best New York hotels with a view !

Visit a Broadway Show

New York is known for its many musicals and Broadway shows – most of which are performed in the Theatre District around Times Square. Here are our tips on the  best Broadway Shows in New York . If you already know which Broadway show you want to see, I recommend ordering the tickets in advance ( here ). If you’re still flexible, you can buy leftover tickets at TKTS in Times Square, for example.

Attend a Parade or Special Event

OK, hotel is booked, attractions are on the list, the myNY itinerary is ready, shopping spots are sighted and the first restaurants and bars are also noted. Now comes the last step on the list to the perfect travel planning for New York: the events, parades, and holidays.

They are the icing on the cake of every New York vacation and, therefore, could not be missed in our New York Travel Guide! Just check out our monthly specials that are relevant to you:  January , February , March , April , May , June , July , August , September , October , November and December .

Enjoying the Gastro Scene (in the Evening)

Now comes one of my favorite parts of planning our New York trips: the city’s many bars, restaurants, rooftop bars, and food markets. In our travel guide and insider guides on the website, we put a lot of emphasis on finding the best gastro spots and rooftop bars. So, feel free to browse through them, and if you like something, just add it to your myNY itinerary. Just click on the heart symbol, and you’re done!

The 24 Most Beautiful Bars in NYC Right Now

The 12 Best Food Markets in NYC

The 23 Best Waterfront Restaurants & Bars in New York Right Now

The Best Burger in New York City

Marvel at grand central station.

Be sure to take the time to see Grand Central Station . Not only is it the setting for many series and movies set in New York, it’s also very impressive and has a fantastic ceiling!

The 50 Absolute Best Things to Do in New York (90+ pages)

Walking through DUMBO and Soho

The neighborhoods of DUMBO in Brooklyn and Soho in Manhattan are among the most iconic neighborhoods in the city and are fascinating for their combination of old New York with new New York.

Things to Do in DUMBO

The 15 Best Things to Do in SoHo NYC – The Complete Guide 2024

What to eat in new york.

What should I start with first? With the New York pizza slice, the New York cheesecake, the wonderful pastrami sandwiches at Katz’ Delicatessen, or at the Pastrami Queen? In addition, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse and Luger are two really good steak restaurants waiting for you and if you want to eat really good burgers: go to J.G. Melon, the hidden Burger Joint or Shake Shack!

Get personal tips & tricks, specifically tailored to your trip!

We will provide you with individual tips & tricks as you prepare for your trip. How to plan, save money and make sure you experience the most of NYC are only some of the topics covered!

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I hope my New York Travel Guide helped you plan your first trip to New York. Was there anything missing? Feel free to write it in the comments!

I wish you a wonderful time in New York City!

New York on a Budget: The 19 Best Money-Saving Tips for 2024

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

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33 Best Things to Know Before Traveling to NYC (Tips from a Local)

Written by Becca

Updated on April 15th, 2024

Are you thinking, “What do I need to know before traveling to New York?” Check out these New York City tips for first-timers, and the best tips for traveling to and visiting NYC.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Posted in New York

Table of contents

• NYC is not just Manhattan (and not just Midtown and Downtown Manhattan)
• Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island are all really, really big
• NYC has three airports, actually
• The subway has both “local” and “express” trains
• If you try riding a bike, do so with caution
• The best pizza is the type for one dollar
• Dining out doesn’t have to cost a fortune in NYC
• Where to stay
• There’s more to the theatre scene than Broadway
• Expect to pay tax and tip on sit-down meals and any time you receive service
• Taxis, Ubers and Lyft ride shares don’t come cheap
• Summer can be really hot, and winter can be really cold
• There’s a lot to do in NYC completely for free
• Bathrooms can be a little hard to come by
• If you plan to come for more than 4 days, get a weekly Metrocard pass
• You can travel the world within NYC: see how
• NYC is one of the best places to exercise and work out
• Traveling by foot is one of the best ways to see and experience NYC
• Don’t be scared to check out the Bronx
• The Staten Island Ferry is the world’s best free ride
• You can visit NYC’s only forest, in the heart of Brooklyn
• NYC is in fact very, very safe
• Don’t be surprised if you see rats, mice or roaches
• In addition to English, NYC speaks Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Korean, Arabic, Polish, Yiddish and Haitian Creole
• The NYC subway runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Watch out for flash flood warnings: they are no joke!
• NYC can get blizzards between October and March
• The best time for fall foliage in NYC is mid October to early November
• NYC has some great beaches!
• NYC is also a great jumping-off point for lots of day trips, weekend getaways and side trips
• Book your accommodation in advance, as holidays, weekends and all of summer are high season
• New Yorkers are very helpful, so never hesitate to ask questions
• The best places to see the NYC skyline are from New Jersey, Brooklyn and Queens
• If you only have a few days, pick a few NYC bucket list items and play the rest by ear
• No matter how your NYC trip goes, it’ll be worth remembering

There’s no perfect answer for what to know before traveling to New York, but I’ll bring it to you straight: visiting NYC is one of the best trips you can take, and there are a bunch of tips to know for traveling to New York City.

My best New York tips for first-timers include everything from what to know, to what to avoid, and all these funny things to know about New Yorkers like the local secrets about pizza, safety, getting lost and how to save money taking the subway.

If you’re asking, “What do I need to know before traveling to New York?” and “How do I not get ripped off as a tourist?” then you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s start off with my favorite top tips for your first trip to New York City with my guide to insider recommendations for traveling in NYC.

NYC is not just Manhattan (and not just Midtown and Downtown Manhattan)

If you’ve watched lots of TV and movies that take place in New York City, usually they’ll focus on Manhattan.

It’s for a good reason! Manhattan is the densest and most crowded part of NYC, and it’s the borough that gets the official name “New York, NY.” But, I recommend getting out to the “outer boroughs” to see a wider slice of attractions, which you can see in our photo guide to Coney Island and a short trip to the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx .

Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island are all really, really big

Did you know that if Brooklyn were its own city, it would be tied with Chicago? Brooklyn on its own would be the biggest city in the USA.

NYC is huge, and if you come from a smaller city in the United States, it is hard to imagine just how many people live and work in NYC, and how big in terms of physical size all the boroughs within the confines of the NYC city borders are.

Never underestimate the amount of time it will take to get from JFK Airport to Midtown Manhattan (it’s far), or from Flushing, Queens, to the Upper West Side. We’re talking lots of miles and sometimes between one and two hours, just to travel within NYC.

NYC has three airports, actually

No matter which airport you’ve heard of first, consider that NYC in fact has three international airports, and they are LaGuardia (LGA), John F. Kennedy (JFK) and Newark, NJ (EWR).

If it’s your first time, consider that taking a taxi from JFK and Newark will cost the most, if you’re going to Manhattan, and if you’re staying in Manhattan, Newark may be your best bet because it is a short train ride on the NJ Transit trains.

JFK is most accessible by the NYC subway, but will take a l-o-o-o-ng time, and LGA will typically be the shortest ride by taxi if you’re in Manhattan or most parts of Queens. As a bonus, there is a convenient city bus that’ll take you right to LGA, but you have to account for traffic.

Here’s our ultimate guide to how to choose which NYC airport to fly into , with a rundown of the difference between LaGuardia, JFK and Newark Airport.

The subway has both “local” and “express” trains

Many out-of-town-ers and first-time NYC visitors are challenged by the extremely efficient subway trains we have here underneath NYC. These subway trains take us everywhere in NYC, from Riverdale at the top of the Bronx, to the Rockaway Beaches in Queens.

If you’re going far distances, look for an express train. These trains will skip local stops, so they go faster.

If your destination is a “local stop,” then you’ll have to be on a local train, or your tran will skip the stop if you’re on an express line. If you have questions, you can always ask someone on the platform, or pay close attention to directions in Google Maps.

If you try riding a bike, do so with caution

Many first-time visitors to NYC and tourists like to rent bicycles and ride around Manhattan or Brooklyn Bridge Park; however, beware! As for cycling in NYC, it is the law to abide by vehicle regulations, which means riding with the flow of traffic, abiding by stop lights and not riding a bicycle on sidewalks.

Breaking these rules will actually get you fined by the police! We also suggest wearing a helmet for safety, as many cars in NYC still don’t watch out for cyclists. If riding at night, it is crucial to have good bike lights (CitiBikes, which we recommend in the NYC budget guide have great lights and reflectors).

We discuss biking and what to expect in our guide to safety in NYC .

The best pizza is the type for one dollar

Within NYC, a city known for pizza, there is pizza at every price range.

Whether you’re short on cash, or even if you’re not, treat yourself to some ‘dollar slice.’ For $1, while it lasts, this is the best meal in the city.

And for honorable mention, the street carts with hot dogs, halal meat and gyros aren’t bad choices for eating on the cheap in NYC, either.

Dining out doesn’t have to cost a fortune in NYC

Many people describe dining in NYC as going to the top restaurants and bucket list places for eating. This isn’t the case at all, and some of the best food is on the street, in food trucks or in hole-in-the-wall shops that you can get for takeaway and eat in a park.

Plus, there’s SO much variety in food in NYC that you really can’t go wrong eating just about anywhere you see first.

Where to stay

NYC is home to LOTS of excellent hotel options. When traveling to NYC, where you stay is less important (in my opinion), unless the hotel is part of the thing that you want to experience. Because your days will be jam-packed, and NYC hotel rooms are known for being small, pick a place that is somewhat central and has a lot of different train options near by.

Where to stay in New York City

• Staypineapple Check Availability
• Soho Grand Hotel Check Availability
• The Greenwich Hotel Check Availability
• Courtyard New York Manhattan Check Availability
• The Algonquin Hotel Times Square Check Availability
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Check Availability
• Residence Inn New York Check Availability
• 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge Check Availability

There’s more to the theatre scene than Broadway

Of course Broadway is the creme de la creme when it comes to theater, but if you’re looking for some last minute tickets, you can try Off-Broadway shows, or Off-off-Broadway shows, or comedy shows or improv shows. NYC has the best of everything when it comes to theatre, dramas and comedies.

Expect to pay tax and tip on sit-down meals and any time you receive service

Remember that sitting down and receiving service will incur tax and tip in NYC, where the tax rate is 8.875% and tips are standard at 18-20%. For excellent service, you can tip your server 25%.

Tips are expected for the following services:

• Being served at a restaurant
• Being served at a cafe or coffee shop
• Being served a drink at a bar
• Getting a haircut, or other beauty service (nails, massages, etc.)
• Taxi / Uber / Lyft
• Technical services like fix-it repairs
• People who help you with your luggage in a hotel

Taxis, Ubers and Lyft ride shares don’t come cheap

You’ll see as soon as you take your first taxi, the fare starts increasing and increasing and hardly stops, and then add tax and tip and you’re in for quite a fee.

Keep in mind that taking any type of ride at rush hour or in Manhattan might even be slower than taking the subway, and when going far, unless flat fee to JFK airport, taxis will be on the expensive side, relative to most other major cities.

Summer can be really hot, and winter can be really cold

Summer can be a scorcher in NYC, especially with humidity! The hottest months are July and August, when a standard temperature is the mid-80s to low-90s (Fahrenheit) and in the past few years, summers have even been in the high 70s at night.

Beware of taking the subway in the heat of summer: the steamy temperatures stay locked down underground so you’ll probably find yourself in a sweat as you wait for a train.

Still confused about the best and worst times to visit NYC? Let us outline which time of year to visit NYC when planning your trip.

There’s a lot to do in NYC completely for free

There is SO much to do in NYC for free, despite the lists of tours, excursions, private experiences and other entertainment types you may be bombarded with before your first trip to the Big Apple. To push all the noise aside, visit our guide of some free things to do in NYC .

Bathrooms can be a little hard to come by

NYC is notorious for not having public restrooms. If you’re looking for a bathroom on the fly, the best places for that are a public park (Bryant Park on the 42nd Street side has a nice public restroom, actually), a playground or a Starbucks (sort of a joke, but also true).

If you’re out and about looking for a friendly cafe where you can have a coffee and find a restroom at the same time, I suggest taking a look at my list of the best cafes in Manhattan with WiFi , where I’ve made notes about which ones have bathrooms and which don’t.

If you plan to come for more than 4 days, get a weekly Metrocard pass

If you plan to be in NYC for more than three or four days, buy a weekly Metrocard, which will give you the freedom to ride the subway multiple times per day (even for 1 stop!) all for a flat fee and unlimited rides.

Planning to come for a month? Get a monthly Metrocard for the same type of freedom and deal.

You can travel the world within NYC: see how

One of our favorite local secrets for visitors to NYC is that you can travel the world without leaving New York City. And how? Visit all the “little” neighborhoods, and by this I mean Little India (Jackson Heights), Little Mexico (Sunset Park), Little China/Chinatown (Flushing, Queens), Little Russia/Odessa (Brighton Beach) and Little Greece (Astoria).

NYC is one of the best places to exercise and work out

If you think NYC is all urban jungle, think again! NYC has miles of coastline, parks and green spaces, where you can work out, do yoga, go biking, attend a workout class and more.

See our guide to the best places to run in NYC , which is also a great guide for bikers.

Traveling by foot is one of the best ways to see and experience NYC

Even as a local, I love traveling by foot in NYC, and that is why I’m recommending it to you as one of the best things to know as a first-time visitor to NYC. Traveling by foot and walking endlessly is one of the best ways to see a cross-section of the city, traveling slowly to take in the sights, sounds and smells of this beautiful metropolis.

Don’t be scared to check out the Bronx

Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens receive shares of NYC’s annual tourism, in that particular order, and many people forget about the Bronx; however, if you’re staying in the Upper West Side or Upper East Side of Manhattan, the Bronx might be only a few blocks away.

Here are a few places to check out in the Bronx for first-timers:

• The Little Italy neighborhood at Arthur Avenue
• Yankee Stadium
• The NY Botanic Garden (NYBG)
• The Bronx Zoo
• Orchard Beach
• Van Cortlandt Park

The Staten Island Ferry is the world’s best free ride

For $0, you can get million-dollar views of the New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty, just by taking New York City’s most free mode of public transit, the Staten Island Ferry!

The ferry leaves from Whitehall Ferry Terminal (also known as South Ferry) in Manhattan.

You can visit NYC’s only forest, in the heart of Brooklyn

Think NYC is full of concrete and brick? Not so fast. Know this: NYC has a forest, and it is in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. If you’re looking for a natural respite, check it out as it’s one of our favorite photo spots in Brooklyn .

NYC is in fact very, very safe

Unless you flash money and jewels in the dead of night in a not-so-great neighborhood, you will find that NYC is one of the safest cities, with crime rather reserved to farther-flung areas away from where tourists would hang out.

I recommend NYC for family trips without hesitation in my guide to how to plan a trip to NYC with a baby !

Of course, be mindful of your pockets, especially in large gatherings like concerts, the subway, buses and indoor shopping areas, but in terms of being worried about safety, there are much bigger things of concern (like where your next slice of pizza will be).

Interested in jumping into the topic of safety in NYC? We answer the question of, “ Is NYC a safe place to travel to right now?”

Don’t be surprised if you see rats, mice or roaches

The rats, mice and roaches you see are just part of NYC’s excellent wildlife collection. If you’re lucky, you may see squirrels, raccoons, birds, ducks or turtles, though (turtles can be found in Prospect Park, Brooklyn).

In addition to English, NYC speaks Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Korean, Arabic, Polish, Yiddish and Haitian Creole

English may be the official language of the USA, but once you step foot in NYC, you’ll be appreciative of all our public signage in a smattering of world languages from Chinese to Yiddish, depending on which neighborhood you’re in.

If you’re a language enthusiast, or if you’re bilingual, check out the PSAs in the subway, which often list safety advice in any of these 8 major tongues.

The NYC subway runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Know this: the subway never stops (and neither should the action on your epic NYC trip).

Watch out for flash flood warnings: they are no joke!

In recent years, NYC’s seaside location has made it a magnet for flash floods. If you get a “flash flood warning” or worse, an “emergency” warning pinged to your phone, get to a safe place and wait out the storm! The subways can get really messy, wet and flooded.

NYC can get blizzards between October and March

True story: everyone has their own “vision” of a perfect NYC day, and if you come between the prime winter months, your trip could get hit with snow or a blizzard.

For some people, it’s a dream to see NYC in the snow (and if you ask locals, they can’t wait til the snow is plowed and slush puddles are gone).

The best time for fall foliage in NYC is mid October to early November

This one’s an easy explainer: did you know that New York City has GORGEOUS fall foliage? Look no further than a prime example of this in our photo gallery of Fort Greene Park in autumn .

NYC has some great beaches!

Buildings and density aside, NYC has great beaches and they are all free. From the Bronx to Brooklyn to Queens, I highly recommend visiting NYC’s beaches as a first-timer or someone who is constantly coming back to the city. They are great escapes from urbanity and are all accessible on the subway.

NYC is also a great jumping-off point for lots of day trips, weekend getaways and side trips

There is oh-so-much to say about all the places you can get to easily from NYC if you’re here for a week or month and have some time to go out for a side trip. See our guide to essential side trip ideas from NYC here .

Book your accommodation in advance, as holidays, weekends and all of summer are high season

Book in advance for where to stay in NYC. Hotels, hostels, Airbnbs (in the good locations) and other accommodations do sell out, especially in summer and around the holidays, so book as early as possible.

We do have a favorite place to stay for first timers (with a roof deck!) and it’s The Local, in Long Island City, Queens .

New Yorkers are very helpful, so never hesitate to ask questions

New Yorkers are (contrary to popular long-held belief), very friendly and helpful. Ask anyone on the street for directions, and you’ll not only get several people answering, but you’ll get several people offering you their opinions on the best directions out there.

The best places to see the NYC skyline are from New Jersey, Brooklyn and Queens

Shhh… the best places to “see New York” are from spots on the Hudson River and East River, along with a nice spot perched at the top of Sunset Park.

Our favorite spots for seeing the NYC skyline are:

• Long Island City (Gantry Plaza State Park), Queens
• Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn
• Brooklyn Heights Promenade , Brooklyn
• The waterfront in Hoboken, NJ

For more inspiration, follow these NYC Instagrammers and influencers who have lots of tips on the best spots.

If you only have a few days, pick a few NYC bucket list items and play the rest by ear

As mentioned above, NYC is huge, and getting from place to place is definitely a factor if you have limited time. For example, if you’re staying in Queens (like at one of our favorite hotel-hostels, The Local ), consider that going out to Coney Island will take over an hour.

If this is a bucket list item for you, base the rest of your trip around the time it’ll take to get there and back so that you’re not in for any surprises in terms of how your itinerary pans out.

No matter how your NYC trip goes, it’ll be worth remembering

There is no right or wrong way to take a trip to NYC whether for the first time or 100th time, so go with the flow, take in all the sights, sounds and tastes, and enjoy every moment!

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What’s the cheapest way to live in New York City? To find out how to save money in NYC, and how to live frugally in NYC, use these best NYC lifestyle tips and hacks.

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We lived in Brooklyn Heights, which is arguably one of the most beautiful and charming NYC neighborhoods. We're going to tell you a few local secrets in Brooklyn Heights.

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Everything you need to know about visiting New York — city etiquette, when to go, and the latest COVID-19 advisories

• If you're planning a trip to New York, here's what you should know for a smooth and enjoyable stay.
• Brush up on your city etiquette, and pack wisely depending on what time of year you're visiting.
• Visit Insider's hub for travel guides, tips, and recommendations.

If you're planning a visit to New York City, here's everything you need to know to stay safe while traveling, including city etiquette, the latest COVID-19 advisories, and tips on when to visit.

COVID-19 advisories

New York City was hit early and hard by COVID-19, but the city has since fully reopened with regularly updated safety protocols.

Face coverings are no longer required at indoor public places, although they're still mandatory on mass transit, including the subway, and at Broadway shows and other performing arts venues. Private businesses can decide whether or not to enforce their own mask requirement, and some still do, so it's best to keep one handy just in case.

Businesses are also no longer required to ask patrons for proof of vaccination, whether for indoor or outdoor activities. However, in response to an increase in cases, on May 16, the health commissioner's office issued a new advisory that people wear medical masks during public indoor gatherings.

It's important to remember that the situation is fluid, and we recommend following the guidelines of the CDC, WHO, and other reputable agencies.

Related stories

New York is a true four-season city, so the weather will vary dramatically depending on when you visit. Snow season generally starts in December, but is usually heaviest in January and February and can also continue in March. April and May see a fair amount of rainfall interspersed with overcast and sunny days.

The year's hottest months are typically July and August, and high humidity levels often carry through part of September before tapering off to cooler temperatures in October. 

If you want to come in the summer, June is a solid option for generally warm, sunny weather with a chance of rain. Late September and October are the most mild, which makes them a great time for a lot of walking and sightseeing. We also recommend late November and early December as one of the loveliest times of year to visit New York — although it will be colder, it won't be January cold, and that's when the city begins to buzz with holiday markets, window displays, ice skating rinks, and more festivities.

However, if you're looking for a snow-filled holiday, we'd recommend aiming for early- or mid-January, as the snow gets more slushy and wet (aka not fun to trudge through) in February. Just remember to bring a good coat and water-resistant boots, and you can pick up gloves or scarves if needed from the many street vendors that sell winter-weather accessories that time of year.

NYC etiquette

New Yorkers have a reputation for being blunt, some might even say rude, but that attitude usually comes down to the fact that everyone in the city is busy and has somewhere to be. Here are some quick tips to fit in smoothly with locals and enjoy your stay.

• Walk to the right on the sidewalk. If you're in a big group, be courteous and don't take up the whole sidewalk walking side by side.
• Don't stand still in the middle of the sidewalk or on busy street corners where foot traffic is coming from all directions. If you need to pause to check your phone for directions or after exiting a store, simply stand against the side of a building.
• Be aware of your surroundings and don't keep valuables like your phone or wallet in back pockets. 
• On the subway, let riders exit the train first before you get on.
• If you need directions, rather than asking someone walking by (who may not have time to stop or might not live in the area), we recommend running into a bodega or shop and asking someone working inside. 

View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting New York City.

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Watch CBS News

Man dies after setting himself on fire near Trump trial courthouse in NYC

By Graham Kates , Pat Milton , Jericka Duncan

Updated on: April 20, 2024 / 8:38 PM EDT / CBS News

A man who set himself on fire outside the New York City courthouse where former President Donald Trump's hush money trial is underway has died, police said. 

Witnesses said that they saw the man — who the New York Police Department identified as 37-year-old Max Azzarello — pour liquid over his head and set himself on fire at 1:39 p.m. local time on Friday. 

In a briefing immediately after the incident, the NYPD said Azzarello, a Florida resident who had arrived in New York City earlier in the week, walked into Collect Pond Park, opened a book bag, and scattered papers and pamphlets on the ground before setting himself ablaze. Police described the materials as "like a conspiracy-theory type of pamphlet." 

Azzarello then fell on a police barrier. Civilians and court officers used coats and extinguishers to try to put out the fire, the NYPD said, and the New York City Fire Department responded, finally extinguishing the fire. 

The FDNY said that Azzarello was transported to New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center, which has a burn center, in critical condition. 

The NYPD confirmed to CBS News overnight that Azzarello had died on Friday night. 

Four officers who responded to the fire suffered minor injuries.

Azzarello had also posted a statement on social media, officials said. Although the incident took place close to the court where Trump's trial is taking place, officials said Azzarello did not appear to be targeting any particular person or group and added that he seemed to be a conspiracy theorist.

One witness described pamphlets that Azzarello threw, apparently while making allegations about New York University.

 "I heard this clattering, and it was those papers that he had flung up in the air," the witness said. "That caught our attention and — caught my attention, anyway ... then he pulled out a can and he poured it over himself. And at that point, I thought, 'Oh ... this is gonna be awful." 

"It happened so fast — what do you do?" another witness said. 

Allie Weintraub contributed to this report.

Graham Kates is an investigative reporter covering criminal justice, privacy issues and information security for CBS News Digital. Contact Graham at [email protected] or [email protected]

More from CBS News

Full jury seated at Trump trial on third day of selection process

End of jury selection in Trump trial caps frenetic first week

NY attorney general opposes company holding Trump bond in civil fraud case

Trump campaign, RNC aim to send 100,000 volunteer vote-counting monitors

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Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the United States.

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Can I travel to the United States without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter the United States without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter the United States?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering the United States.

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Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

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The Maya Train Will Get You to All of Yucatán’s Best Spots. But Not Yet.

In December, the train began running on its first route through Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. On a five-day journey a few months later, the author encountered enthusiasm, and scheduling hiccups.

By Elisabeth Malkin

Elisabeth Malkin has been visiting the Yucatán Peninsula for three decades.

I stepped off the platform at the gleaming new Maxcanú train station, eager to see the magnificent Maya archaeological site of Uxmal. All I needed was a taxi to take me there, a trip of about 30 miles away.

There are no taxis, said the stationmaster, as we stood on the polished limestone floors of the high-ceilinged station, which was cool and breezy despite the brilliant late-morning sun outside. And I was the third person in two weeks to get off at Maxcanú expecting to reach Uxmal, he said.

I was midway through a five-day trip to explore the brand-new Maya Train and several of its destinations in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico . Designed to run 965 miles (1,554 kilometers) around a loop of 34 stations when completed, the train will whisk passengers in cool comfort through colonial cities, archaeological sites, splashy resorts and tropical forests.

Now I was stunned. Wrangling a taxi has never been a problem in Mexico. But the drivers gathered in the main square of Maxcanú offered only beat-up vans that hopscotch through small towns, where I might or might not find a taxi to Uxmal. The next van was leaving in 45 minutes.

Yucatán’s layers of history have long held me spellbound. During earlier car trips, I have clambered up deserted Maya temples and palaces, stepped into the cool naves of massive 16th-century churches and visited restored haciendas, testaments of the ostentation — and hardship — of the peninsula’s 19th-century plantation economy. Traveling by train, I thought, would allow me to steep myself in more of that history.

But as I found in Maxcanú, a train won’t necessarily get you to where you want to go.

During my February trip, I traveled on the only route then available, an east-west leg that opened in December and runs from Cancún to Mérida, and then south through the port city of Campeche to the Maya site of Palenque (a short route between Cancún and Playa del Carmen opened last month, with three trains a day). I encountered scheduling confusion, unfinished stations and a dearth of trains — just two operating daily each way between Cancún and Campeche, and only one to Palenque. Overnight sleepers and special dining trains seem years away.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador considers the Maya Train his showcase development project, and wants to inaugurate the rest of the train before he leaves office on October 1. Based on my experience, that goal seems elusive.

A $29-billion route through the jungle

I started my journey in Cancún, where in the pre-dawn gloom the station hovered like a glowing spaceship. An attendant scanned the ticket I had bought online and a half-dozen more pointed me toward my tourist-class car, which was about a quarter full. I planned to go to Campeche, about 300 miles away, stopping once each day. At 120 kilometers (about 75 miles) an hour, the train covers the route in about six hours, the same as a car. (When construction is complete, the train’s speed should increase to 160 kilometers an hour.)

The car’s wide windows looked out at a wall of low jungle. The blue-green seats were comfortable and there was ample space between the rows. I bought a very good cappuccino at the snack bar, but declined the plastic-wrapped sandwiches. The rest of the merchandise was fruit cups, milk boxes and junk food.

The train will ultimately cost much more than the $29 billion budgeted so far, and it’s not the first time ambitious planners have alighted on the region. Cancún was once a tiny fishing village, selected half a century ago as a tourist hub. Last year 10 million international tourists flew into its airport, more than the airports of Mexico City, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta combined.

But uncontrolled growth has stressed the Caribbean coast’s fragile environment. The Maya Train, scientists warn , will push those problems south, threatening the area’s water supply, its unique system of underground limestone caves and its vast nature reserves.

Mr. López Obrador has charged ahead, handing the train over to the military , and arguing that it will spread Cancún’s wealth and attract new visitors. Mexico received more than 42 million overseas tourists last year and they spent almost $31 billion .

Local governments see an opportunity. “The train will allow people to disperse throughout the peninsula,” said Michelle Fridman, the tourism secretary for Yucatán state, which promotes dozens of attractions far beyond highlights like Mérida and Chichén Itzá .

Now that the train is operating, transport companies will begin to connect stations with lesser-known sites nearby, she said.

It’s fair to ask whether the train is the most effective way to develop the peninsula’s tourism. Tour companies already run trips to many sites from major cities, which are well served by buses. Driving a rental car through most of the area is considered safe , according to U.S. State Department travel guidance .

Route of Mexico’s Maya Train

Canceled trip.

It took two hours (and one time-zone change) to reach Valladolid, a colonial city of handsome streets and ancient churches, where I bought the rest of my tickets at the station. A tourist-class ticket from Cancún to Valladolid costs 472 pesos (around $28) for foreigners and 355 pesos (around $21) for Mexicans. First class, with wider seats, costs 755.50 pesos and 566.50 pesos, and discounts are available for older travelers and residents of the five states along the train’s route. (A first-class bus from downtown Cancún to Valladolid costs between 222 and 344 pesos, depending on the time of day, and takes half an hour longer.)

It was impossible to run the new Maya Train tracks into dense city centers and the Valladolid station, like the rest, was outside the urban core. A waiting bus took disembarking passengers downtown, a 15-minute ride for 35 pesos.

That day I toured Ek Balam , the site of a ninth-century Maya kingdom that is dominated by a 100-foot palace distinguished by a facade of carvings depicting winged warriors, stylized animal features and geometric patterns bordered by giant fangs. Admission to the site includes entry to the X-Canché cenote, one of thousands of limestone sinkholes that were sacred to the Maya.

Later that afternoon, I was wandering through the Museum of Ethnic Clothing, a private collection of traditional dress, embroidery and hats, when a WhatsApp message from the ticket office blinked on my phone. My train scheduled for the following day was canceled.

I decided to deal with the problem in the morning and enjoy the city. As I wandered past the antique shops and boutique hotels of the elegant Calzada de los Frailes, it was clear that Valladolid’s tourism, and the infrastructure to handle it, was well established. The Maya Train is simply an alternative way to reach a city that tourists discovered years ago.

‘We’re on the Tren Maya!’

In the morning, I found that my train had not been canceled, but the station for which I had a ticket, Tixkokob, was closed. I got off instead one stop earlier at Izamal, known for its ocher streets and the giant Franciscan convent of San Antonio de Padua, built atop the ruins of a pyramid.

During the 90-minute ride, I heard widespread enthusiasm among fellow travelers who expressed a willingness to give the train time to work out the kinks. “We’re an experiment,” said Oliva Escobedo Ochoa, 64, who was vacationing from her home in central Mexico.

Leticia Iliassich, 57, who is Mexican, was traveling with her Croatian husband along with relatives from Mexico and Croatia. They had initially been scheduled on an earlier train to Mérida that had been canceled. “We knew that it was a new project,” she said. “We don’t mind.”

The group had already sent a video to friends declaring, “We’re on the Tren Maya!”

At the Izamal station I hitched a 15-minute ride into the town center with a man who had asked me to take his photo alongside the train and his father. From there I negotiated a taxi to Hacienda San Lorenzo Aké, a working hacienda that still turns the fiber from an agave plant called henequén into coarse rope. Global demand for henequén, known as Yucatán’s “green gold,” brought fantastic wealth to the region in the mid-19th century, speckling the peninsula with more than 1,000 haciendas. ( Many are now sumptuous hotels.)

Where geometry, nature and the divine merge

It was during my third day that I found myself stuck in Maxcanú, after a 90-minute train ride from Izamal. The stationmaster, an army captain, offered me a ride to Uxmal, just as he had to the stranded tourists before me.

Eying Uxmal’s 4 p.m. final ticket sale, I accepted.

My situation made it clear just how distant the Maya Train’s promises are for tourists seeking to explore more of Yucatán. In time, that will change, said Ms. Fridman, the tourism secretary. “The idea is to have more hotels along the train line,” she said. “That will happen little by little.”

But Uxmal , among the most stunning of the Maya sites, made up for the inconvenience. Uxmal’s grand buildings are faced with intricate decorative masks as well as friezes in which geometry, nature and the divine merge. New plaques at each structure offer detailed information in English and Spanish, part of the government’s investment in improving displays at Maya sites for the train project.

Most tourists either take day trips by car or bus to Uxmal from Mérida or stay at one of three nearby hotels. As I finished dinner at my hotel, the dining room began to fill up: 47 Polish tourists had arrived.

Panama hats and a cramped van

My plan for the day was to go by taxi to Bécal, a town where Panama hats are woven in limestone caves to keep the fibers soft, and then pick up the afternoon train in nearby Calkiní for the port city of Campeche.

But I spent so much time watching the hat-making demonstration and then fitting my new hat and buying gifts that we set off with little time to reach the station. To my chagrin, I missed the train, the last one of the day.

On Calkiní’s central square, I found a van that was leaving for Campeche. Cost: 65 pesos. Time: about 1 hour and 20 minutes, similar to what I would have spent on the train. Of course, I was trapped in a cramped seat and had to listen to the driver’s choice of sentimental ballads, but I was dropped off in downtown Campeche, close to my hotel.

The next day, I toured the Museum of Maya Archaeology , an expertly curated collection that included haunting jade funeral masks, glyphs and delicate ceramic figures.

José Madrigal, 45, an engineer from Fremont, Calif., was trying to make Maya pottery interesting for his twin sons. The boys had just turned 5 and their birthday present had been a ride on the Maya Train. “They love trains,” Mr. Madrigal said. Then the family moved on, keeping up a brisk clip through the museum. They had another train to catch.

Should you take the train?

Yes, if you are traveling between larger stations. The train also offers a way to get to Palenque, which is harder to reach and has roads with security concerns. Travelers can stow bicycles on board.

To see train times, check the destinations on the website . You cannot buy tickets online more than a week in advance. But when you finally board, the ride is smooth — and the coffee is excellent.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .