Top 10 Best Things to Do in York
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Top 10 Best Things to Do in York

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  • York Minstertop_1
    󰺂8.4
    York534m from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoYork Cathedral time-travel tour
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Night Attractions in York
    Highlights:
    󱓊Climb 275 steps & view York
    Climb 275 steps & overlook York
    󱨠Saved by 209 users󱨠181 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    M49***48M49***48

    The following reviews of York Minster, based on search results, may provide some helpful information: York Minster: A Gothic Poetry Through Time Entering York Minster is like opening a door that has lain dormant for seven centuries. As England's largest Gothic building, its soaring dome and dramatic flying buttresses instantly immerse you in the faith and ambition of the Middle Ages. The cathedral's most captivating aspect is the marvel of light and shadow. The Great East Window and the Five Sisters Window house the world's largest collections of medieval stained glass. When sunlight filters through, biblical stories are illuminated in a dazzling display, like the whispers of the gods. If you're physically fit, climb the 275 stone steps to the summit. The steps are narrow and arduous, but upon arrival, the panoramic view of York's red-brick rooftops and the winding River Ouse will transform any fatigue into awe. Come at dusk, and you'll encounter the ethereal voices of the choir and the roar of the organ. Echoing the stone walls is not only music, but also the lingering memory of millennia. Note: There's no elevator in the tower, so consider your physical fitness. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but advance reservations are recommended during peak season. Here, history isn't just a cold exhibit, but a dialogue with time and space.

  • Shamblestop_2
    󰺂7.1
    York462m from downtown
    Highlights:
    Well-preserved medieval shopping street
    󱓊700-year-old medieval wooden street
    󱨠Saved by 143 users󱨠36% positive reviews
    4.6/5
    苏河家园苏河家园

    York Meat Shop is a historic street, one of the best preserved medieval streets not only in Britain but also in Europe. Its wooden structures, goose soft stone lanes, and is known as a Harry Potter filming site. Now the streets are both exquisite personalized shops, with a strong literary atmosphere, attracting countless tourists to visit.

  • Clifford's Tower, Yorktop_3
    󰺂6.6
    York737m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Overlook ancient buildings & river
    󱓊Ancient Roman-style castle ruins
    4.0/5
    ElbikElbik

    My first time visiting this tower ,all the staff was extremely friendly and helpful .We really enjoyed visiting this beautiful piece of history and we adore york. Was so happy to know it is english heritage so everytime we go somewhere we try and make use out of our membership.Was a wonderful structure been made for the stairs nice and strong. We enjoyed the roof top being able to have a clear 360 view was magnificent well worth all the climbing up both stairs .

  • York City Walls
    4
    󰺂6.3
    York243m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊View York Minster's majestic scenery
    󰋄Historic gates & ancient walls
    󱨠Saved by 106 users󱨠36% positive reviews
    4.6/5
    苏河家园苏河家园

    York is a city full of historical charm, known as the "heart of England". Not only has a rich cultural heritage, but also spectacular architecture and charming scenery, ancient city walls, narrow old streets, exquisite cathedrals, condensed the essence of historical heritage.

  • The York Dungeon
    5
    󰺂6.2
    10.28
    York720m from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoThe York Dungeon - Ghost Tour Revealed
    Highlights:
    󰀆Explore medieval dungeon opposite Clifford's Tower
    󱓊Dark history of Yorkshire revealed
    4.4/5
    梦露夫人梦露夫人

    Is this a dungeon? I really don’t know, I just thought the house was pretty so I took a few photos.

  • National Railway Museum York
    6
    󰺂5.9
    York1.5 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Explore a real train engine
    󱓊Near York Minster & attractions
    󱨠42% positive reviews
    4.8/5
    好香好香女侠好香好香女侠

    It takes about five minutes to walk from York Station to platform 11, cross the overpass, and there is a sign, which is easy to see. There were not many people, so I went in without an appointment. There were many local elderly people and children, but they watched quietly. The history of trains is clear at a glance, and I learned a lot. Half of the confidence of European railways comes from Britain. The trains and train technology more than 150 years ago are really admirable.

  • JORVIK Viking Centre
    7
    󰺂4.3
    York611m from downtown
    Highlights:
    Show 9th-century Viking poop fossils
    󱓊Craft Viking artifacts & tools
    4.3/5
    _TI***8z_TI***8z

    A must-visit when visiting York. The Time Warp ride takes you back to the early days of a Viking settlement where you can smell the food, hear the talking and the singing and feel the vibes.

Best things to do in York (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in York? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, York offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in York

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full York experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

York Minster

• York | 534m from downtown

• : Climb 275 steps & view York,Climb 275 steps & overlook York

Shambles

• York | 462m from downtown

• : Well-preserved medieval shopping street,700-year-old medieval wooden street

Clifford's Tower, York

• York | 737m from downtown

• : Overlook ancient buildings & river,Ancient Roman-style castle ruins

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near York

If you want to explore attractions just outside York, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of York, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in York special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in York

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in York

Ready to explore the best of York? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in York?
These are all Best Things to Do in York:York Minster, Shambles, Clifford's Tower, York, York City Walls, The York Dungeon
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in York?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in York include:York Minster:4.6, Shambles:4.6, York City Walls:4.6, The York Dungeon:4.4, National Railway Museum York:4.8
At what locations in York can Best Things to Do in York be found?
The Best Things to Do in York are mainly located in:York Minster:York, Shambles:York, Clifford's Tower, York:York, York City Walls:York, The York Dungeon:York
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