Yorkshire and the Humber · England
Top 10 places in York
Ranked from Google ratings and review counts, not VacationGuide reviews. Sights and landmarks are weighted above restaurants and stays so the list shows you what makes York worth visiting.
- 1Attraction
National Railway Museum York
Photo from Google Maps · Stefan Keleshev
Google rating 4.7(32,341 Google reviews)
Located in York, the National Railway Museum showcases a remarkable collection of railway history and engineering brilliance. Visitors can explore 200 years of railway heritage, featuring iconic locomotives and various artefacts. It is home to an unrivalled collection of vehicles, including the famous Mallard, and is part of the Science Museum Group.
Leeman Rd, York YO26 4XJ, UK
Official website - 2Attraction
York Minster
Photo from Google Maps · Andrew Starmer-Allen
Google rating 4.7(24,967 Google reviews)
Constructed between 1220 and 1472, this magnificent Gothic cathedral stands at the heart of York and houses an extraordinary collection of medieval stained glass, including the 15th-century Great East Window. Visitors can explore two millennia of history and Roman remains in the interactive Undercroft Museum, or scale the Central Tower for expansive views across Yorkshire.
Deangate, York YO1 7HH, UK
Official website - 3Attraction
Shambles Market
Photo from Google Maps · Victor Yates
Google rating 4.6(15,177 Google reviews)
Located on Silver Street in York city centre, Shambles Market is a long-established outdoor market that operates seven days a week. Visitors can browse a diverse selection of stalls offering local crafts, clothing, and fresh produce.
5 Silver St, York YO1 8RY, UK
Official website - 4Attraction
JORVIK Viking Centre
Photo from Google Maps · dave robinson
Google rating 4.6(14,773 Google reviews)
Situated on Coppergate in York, this underground attraction brings the past to life with a detailed reconstruction of a Viking-era village, complete with historical sights and smells. Visitors can glide through the realistic scenes on an automated ride before browsing artefacts in the adjoining museum.
19 Coppergate, York YO1 9WT, UK
Official website - 5Restaurant
Designer Outlet York
Photo from Google Maps · Designer Outlet York
Google rating 4.4(25,509 Google reviews)
Situated on St Nicholas Avenue, Designer Outlet York is an undercover shopping centre offering discounts on international designer labels, high-street clothing, and homeware. The bright, glass-roofed complex houses a wide variety of popular brands alongside a dedicated food hall. Drivers can also take advantage of substantial free on-site parking with convenient park-and-ride links into the historic city centre.
St Nicholas Ave, York YO19 4TA, UK
Official website - 6Landmark
York City Walls
Photo from Google Maps · olrummun
Google rating 4.7(2,749 Google reviews)
Originally erected in 71 CE around a rectangular fortification, the York City Walls are the surviving remnants of a historic stonework enclosure. This landmark is completely free to visit and open daily for walks from approximately 8.00am until dusk.
York YO1 7LJ, UK
Official website - 7Café
Bettys Café Tea Rooms
Photo from Google Maps · nattapon Intalap
Google rating 4.6(9,253 Google reviews)
Situated on St. Helen’s Square in York, Bettys Café Tea Rooms is an iconic mainstay serving classic British fare. Visitors can choose between casual café dining and a formal afternoon tea experience in a traditional setting.
6-8 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP, UK
Official website - 8Restaurant
Valhalla York
Photo from Google Maps · Valhalla York
Google rating 4.7(4,487 Google reviews)
Situated just off the Shambles in York, Valhalla is a cosy, rustic venue featuring a distinctive Viking aesthetic complete with timber and faux-fur décor. Visitors can enjoy a selection of ales and mead alongside meat, cheese, and fish boards in an old-world setting. The atmospheric interior is complemented by a lively rock and metal soundtrack across its seating areas.
4 Patrick Pool, York YO1 8BB, UK
Official website - 9Pub
House Of The Trembling Madness // Stonegate (The Original)
Photo from Google Maps · House Of The Trembling Madness // Stonegate (The Original)
Google rating 4.7(5,110 Google reviews)
This distinctive medieval ale house, located on York's historic Stonegate, is renowned for its extensive collection of beers and its unique taxidermy decor. Housed in a building dating back to 1180AD, it offers a quirky atmosphere alongside its impressive selection of drinks and food.
48 Stonegate, York YO1 8AS, UK
Official website - 10Restaurant
Fat Hippo York
Photo from Google Maps · Fat Hippo York
Google rating 4.6(3,752 Google reviews)
Situated on Low Petergate in York, Fat Hippo is a restaurant renowned for its hearty comfort food and indulgent burgers. Diners can tuck into generous portions of smash burgers and loaded fries in a fun, relaxed setting.
52 Low Petergate, York YO1 7HZ, UK
Official website
Planning a longer stay? Read our full York destination guide for neighbourhoods, itineraries and where to stay.Where to stay in YorkWhere to eatThings to do