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Top 10 attractions in York

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Shambles
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in York

Shambles

7.2
4.6/5
149 reviews
Shambles is one of the best-preserved medieval streets in York. As early as 1086, the area was recorded in documents as a meat market, and from the 14th century, it gradually became a hub for butcher shops. Records show that in 1830, there were 25 butcher shops operating along the street, until they gradually disappeared by the early 20th century. The street retains timber-framed, overhanging buildings constructed between the 14th–15th centuries. The upper floors overhang the street, with the eaves on either side almost touching, and in the narrowest parts, the walls on both sides can almost be touched simultaneously. This overhanging design was not just for aesthetics—in the Middle Ages, the projecting floors shaded the meat below to keep it fresh longer, and the gutters between the raised stone slabs on either side of the road made it easy to wash away waste from slaughtering. Today, you can still see the original meat hooks and wide window ledges used to display meat on many of the shop exteriors, which are important traces identifying the street's historical identity. Today, the scene of butcher shops operating in the Shambles is gone. Walking through the ancient alleys, you will find antique shops, craft stores, bakeries, and specialty restaurants on both sides, with several narrow lanes branching off to the nearby open-air market.York · 462m from downtown
York City Walls
No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Northern England

York City Walls

5.9
4.7/5
173 reviews
York City Walls are located in the heart of York, North Yorkshire, England, and encircle the historic city center, making them one of the area's iconic urban landmarks. The existing structure spans approx. 3.4 km and is primarily constructed of magnesian limestone. Some sections of the wall were built atop earlier earthen defensive embankments, with architectural details such as gates, towers, battlements, and arrow slits preserved along the route. Its walkway connects major gates such as Bootham Bar, Monk Bar, Walmgate Bar, and Micklegate Bar. Along the walk, you can enjoy elevated views of York Minster, the city's rooftops, streets, and surrounding green spaces. Parts of the route pass through the Museum Gardens, where you can see remnants of the Roman-era walls and a polygonal tower.York · 243m from downtown
National Railway Museum York
No. 6 of Best Things to Do in York

National Railway Museum York

5.8
4.9/5
118 reviews
National Railway Museum York is located near York railway station and is a museum that focuses on railway vehicles, engineering technology, and railway transport. The museum features multiple exhibition spaces that house and display steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, railway carriages, and related equipment from different eras. Among them, the Great Hall displays steam locomotives, a replica of Stephenson's Rocket, and a Japanese Shinkansen train, allowing visitors to observe the appearance, structure, and technical features of different trains up close. Other exhibition halls use historical carriages, station facilities, signage, and exhibits to present the operation of railway stations and the passenger travel experience, making it suitable for railway enthusiasts, families, and visitors interested in transport engineering.York · 1.5km from downtown
York Museum Gardens

York Museum Gardens

3.7
4.5/5
25 reviews
The beautiful Museum Gardens are located next to York Museum, in the northern part of the city, on the banks of the River Ouse. Its main entrance is on Museum Street. Within the gardens is a Victorian Gothic cottage, part of the famous Roman wall, and the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey. Although now in ruins, St. Mary's Abbey was once a wealthy and powerful monastery in northern England.York · 929m from downtown
River Ouse

River Ouse

3.5
4.0/5
22 reviews
The River Ouse is located in North Yorkshire, England. It is the sixth longest river in the United Kingdom along with the Hungry River in the same county, with a total length of 84 kilometers. It divides York into east and west, with the main part on the east. The most concentrated place for Yorkers is the River Us, especially after 3:00 pm, people gather by the river in twos and threes. There are tables and chairs placed by the restaurant on the riverside. Everyone buys beer and sits by the river to drink. Some people even pull their suitcases and come directly to the river to bask in the sun.York · 14km from downtown
York Theatre Royal

York Theatre Royal

3.1
5.0/5
7 reviews
York · 747m from downtown
The British Museum
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

The British Museum

9.9
4.8/5
3.7k reviews
The British Museum is one of the largest and most renowned museums in the world. The British Museum houses over 8 million cultural relics and treasures from around the globe, with its vast quantity and diversity of collections being rare among museums worldwide. Rich collection of treasures Due to its vast collection, The British Museum can nearly showcase the entire course of world civilization. Despite spatial limitations, it still displays approx. 50,000 items simultaneously. The main collections date from the medieval period, with particular renown for ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman artifacts, alongside a wealth of precious cultural relics from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. Many cultural treasures from around the world can only be seen in their authentic form here. Ancient Greek-style main building The main building emulates ancient Greek architecture, featuring a grand entrance with a tall colonnade flanked by eight thick and towering Roman-style columns on each side, topped by a pediment roof adorned with reliefs. Entering through the main door leads to the great court, which is connected to over 100 galleries of various sizes surrounding it. Inspired by the Louvre Pyramid, the great court is bright, spacious, and elegantly minimalist. Bright central atrium The great court was originally part of the British Library. After the library moved out, it was transformed into a covered square with a white color scheme. The square's massive semi-transparent roof is composed of many uniquely shaped glass panels, combined with white stone, ensuring excellent lighting even on gloomy days in London. The sculptures displayed in the court are genuine treasures, such as the marble lion and Easter Island statues. Additionally, artists from around the world occasionally perform here, adding a relaxed atmosphere to the solemn museum. At the center of the grand atrium is the reading room, displaying art literature and books open to the public, where travelers can admire the dome and quaint circular bookshelves up close. The entrance of the reading room is marked with the names of notable figures to commemorate their time spent reading here. Cafés and restaurants are located on both sides and above the grand atrium, offering dining options with a view overlooking the entire space. Along the outer edge of the reading room lies the museum shop, where visitors can purchase souvenirs after their tour. Three iconic treasures The Rosetta Stone: Originally from Egypt, this stone bears three different script versions of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh's decree. Through comparing these scripts, archaeologists gradually unlocked the key to deciphering ancient Egyptian civilization. However, the Rosetta Stone displayed at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo is a replica. Admonitions scroll: The scroll consists of 12 paintings in total, with The British Museum housing 9 Tang dynasty replica versions. The Admonitions scroll ranks 39th in BBC's "A History of the World in 100 Objects," highlighting its immense cultural and historical value. Throughout history, the scroll has been collected by numerous emperors and high-ranking officials. The Elgin Marbles: These are sculptural fragments from the Parthenon, with a history of over 2,500 years. They have been housed in the museum for over 200 years since the British royal family purchased them at great expense. Specialty exhibition halls Asian pavilions: Halls 33 and 95. Hall 33 features artifacts from China, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, including collections from countries like India. Hall 33B is dedicated to Chinese jade artifacts, while Hall 95 showcases Chinese ceramics. The British Museum is one of the museums with the largest collections of lost Chinese artifacts, housing over 25,000 pieces, with approx. 2,000 on long-term display. The exhibition is meticulously designed, organizing Shang and Zhou dynasty bronzes along a chronological sequence, displaying artifacts from the Shang and Zhou, Qin and Han, to the Republican era. The major kilns of porcelain are divided into different curated sections by Ru, Ge, Jun, Ding, and Guan styles, presented professionally and systematically. Recommended artifacts to admire include large Tang tri-color ceramics, the Song Cizhou kiln "circus pillow," the Yuan blue-and-white fish and algae pattern large plate, Ming Xuande cloisonné, and Dunhuang mural Buddha statues. Ancient Egypt exhibition hall: halls 4, 61-66. One of the popular spots in the museum. The exhibits include mummies. The ancient Egypt hall is also one of the most visited exhibition halls, and almost all visitors to The British Museum make it a must-see. Ancient Greek and Roman galleries: rooms 11-23, 69-73, 77, 78, 82-85. The entire Parthenon is truly awe-inspiring, along with numerous ancient Greek marble sculptures and exquisite artifacts like vases. Don't miss the Portland Vase in room 70. Some exhibits are not suitable for long-term display and are only open during specific periods each year (including the mentioned Admonitions scroll). If you plan to visit, check the schedule on the official website in advance.United Kingdom · London
Edinburgh Old Town
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

Edinburgh Old Town

9
4.9/5
132 reviews
Edinburgh Old Town refers to the old town area of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. The district preserves many buildings from the European Middle Ages and the Scottish Reformation, including notable landmarks such as St. Giles' Cathedral, the General Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotland, the Surgeons' Hall, the National Museum of Scotland, the University of Edinburgh, and the Scottish Parliament Building. Strolling through the streets of Edinburgh Old Town, exploring the unique architecture, pubs, restaurants, and shops on either side, with the occasional sound of beautiful Scottish bagpipe music in the air, is a truly relaxing and enjoyable experience.United Kingdom · Edinburgh
River Thames
No. 2 of Fall Viewing Attractions in United Kingdom

River Thames

8.7
4.6/5
969 reviews
The River Thames is the mother river of the UK, stretching 346 km and flowing through London and more than 10 cities along its course. The riverbanks are dotted with numerous attractions, making it well worth exploring whether by walking along the shore or taking a cruise. For a comprehensive view of the river, a River Thames cruise is highly recommended, offering panoramic sights of both banks. There are several major piers along the river, where you can board at Westminster Pier and disembark at St. Katharine Pier. Key attractions near Westminster Pier include Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben. As the cruise slowly heads east, you can admire landmarks such as Hungerford Bridge, Waterloo Bridge, the London Eye, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, St. Paul's Cathedral, Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge, the Monument, HMS Belfast, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge. This stretch showcases the highlights of the river's scenery. Past Tower Bridge, the attractions become fewer, and the cruise concludes at St. Katharine Pier. Most cruises are equipped with rain shelters, and some even have air conditioning, making them suitable for all weather conditions. However, clear days are ideal for the best views. Some cruises offer multilingual guide broadcasts, so you can move closer to listen and learn about the riverside attractions. If taking an open-top cruise in winter, especially in the evening, dressing warmly with a thick coat and scarf is advisable. Some boats have restrooms, so you may inquire with the cruise company in advance for convenience. Of course, you can also stroll along the river like the locals, enjoying the scenery up close or even sitting on the embankment for a leisurely time while watching street performers. Additionally, many restaurants along the riverbanks set up outdoor seating, allowing you to dine by the water in the evening, savoring both the cuisine and the views.United Kingdom · London
The National Gallery
No. 15 of Best Things to Do in England

The National Gallery

8.7
4.8/5
724 reviews
The National Gallery, located on the north side of Trafalgar Square, was founded in 1824. The museum houses numerous fine artworks from the 13th to the 19th centuries, covering almost all typical representative works from all periods in European art history, from the late Middle Ages, the Renaissance, to the French Impressionist period. Overview of the Museum The museum displays famous paintings by renowned artists including Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh, Monet, Raphael, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, etc. The entire art museum is divided into four wings: the southeast, the southwest, the northeast, and the northwest, with exhibits arranged in chronological order. The interior decoration of the museum is extremely classical and magnificent. People flock here all day long, so it is recommended to arrive early for entry. Before the visit, you can rent a Chinese-language audio guide for £4 at the entrance of the main entrance colonnade or on the second floor of the Sainsbury Wing, which provides detailed explanations of over 40 artworks in the collection. The collection is mainly displayed on the second floor of the art museum, where dozens of exhibition rooms are located. The Sainsbury Wing, added in 1991, is connected to Room 9 on the second floor of the main building and houses early Renaissance works, with Leonardo da Vinci's "The Virgin of the Rocks" and "The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne and Saint John the Baptist" being among the most well-known. The West Hall of the main building displays Italian and German paintings from the High Renaissance, including some of the rare large-scale works in the museum. The North Hall houses paintings from the 17th - 18th centuries by Dutch, Italian, French, and Spanish artists, with two dedicated exhibition rooms for Rembrandt's works. The collection in the East Hall includes Venetian, French, and British paintings from the 18th century to the early 20th century, with landscape paintings as a major feature, and also many masterpieces of the Romantic and Impressionist schools. The National Gallery houses numerous treasures, and even those with limited knowledge of art can directly feel the impact of art here. A general visit takes at least two hours, and if you have ample time, you can set aside half a day. Popular Exhibit Recommendations The following recommends some popular exhibits that should not be missed even if you just take a quick look, and often require queuing for a visit. Michelangelo's The Entombment is located in Exhibition Room 8. Rembrandt's Self Portrait at the Age of 34 is located in Exhibition Room 24. Monet's The Water-Lily Pond is located in Exhibition Room 43. Van Gogh's "Sunflowers" is located in Exhibition Room 45. Leonardo da Vinci's The Virgin of the Rocks is located in Exhibition Room 57. Botticelli's "Venus and Mars" is located in Exhibition Room 58. Raphael's The Madonna of the Pinks is located in Exhibition Room 60. Please note that the exhibited paintings may be relocated daily, and the exhibition booths are not fixed. After entering the museum, you can first visit the Help Desk to inquire about the specific location of the paintings and pick up a guidebook. During your visit, some paintings may not be on display due to maintenance, loan, or other reasons. You can visit the official website or contact the museum's Information Department (information@ng-london.org.uk) in advance to check whether a specific painting is currently on display.United Kingdom · London

Experiences you can't miss in York

Featured Food & drink in York

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Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works
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4.5/5
· 74 reviews
Duration: 75 mins
English
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York: Introduction to Chocolate Making Experience
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Duration: 2.5 hrs
English
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5% off
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From€ 73.22€ 77.08
York Historical Gems Tour & A Taste of York Chocolate
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4.9/5
· 30 reviews
Duration: 70–75 mins
Free cancellation
30 consecutive positive reviews
From€ 20.53
York: Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works
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4.9/5
· 164 reviews
Duration: 1 hr
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100 consecutive positive reviews
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From€ 29.78€ 31.35
York: Historical Gems Tour & A Taste of York Chocolate
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4.9/5
· 72 reviews
Duration: 75 mins
Free cancellation
72 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
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From€ 19.10€ 20.11
York: Gin Tasting Experience at York Distillery
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
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York: Villainous History & Rum Tasting Experience
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 30 mins
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York: Fish and Chips Cruise
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4.4/5
· 13 reviews
Duration: 45 mins
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Featured Cultural experiences in York

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City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
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4.5/5
· 258 reviews
Free cancellation
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From€ 20.43
Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting
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Duration: 75 mins
English
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From€ 43.46
York Audio Tour: Bishophill Echoes-Minsters, Markets & Mysteries
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
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20% off
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Original Harry Potter Locations Tour : Guided Tour of York
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4.7/5
· 333 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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93.7% of travelers recommend
From€ 18.72
Best of York small group walking tour
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 90 mins
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From€ 10.68

Featured Outdoor experiences in York

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The Yorkshire Dales Tour from York
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4.9/5
· 94 reviews
Duration: 8.5 hrs
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45 consecutive positive reviews
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From York: Whitby, North York Moors & Steam Railway Day Trip
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4.9/5
· 145 reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
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100 consecutive positive reviews
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From York: Day Trip to Whitby and The North York Moors
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5.0/5
· 36 reviews
Duration: 8.5 hrs
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36 consecutive positive reviews
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North York Moors and Whitby Day Tour from York
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4.9/5
· 254 reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
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96.9% of travelers recommend
From€ 67.60
From York: Full-Day Yorkshire Dales Tour
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4.9/5
· 40 reviews
Duration: 8.5 hrs
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97.5% of travelers recommend
5% off
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Moors, Whitby & The Yorkshire Steam Railway Day Trip from York
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4.8/5
· 152 reviews
Duration: 495 mins
Free cancellation
97.4% of travelers recommend
From€ 94.16
Day Tour from York, UK: North York Moors National Park + Whitby Town
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 7.3 hrs
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Featured Day tours in York

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Ghost Bus Tour of York
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4.5/5
· 625 reviews· 38 booked
Duration: 60–75 mins
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Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around York with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems
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4.9/5
· 94 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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The Deathly Dark Tour of York
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4.9/5
· 2.8k reviews· 26 booked
Duration: 90 mins
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97.8% of travelers recommend
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York: Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Live Commentary
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4.4/5
· 362 reviews
Duration: 45 mins
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Travel Curious - Private Walking Tour of York
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Duration: 24 hrs
English
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Comedy Horror Show: York Ghost Bus Tour
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4.7/5
· 687 reviews
Duration: 75 mins
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21 consecutive positive reviews
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What travellers say about York

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도저언25 May 2023
5.0
I heard that Shambles Street is a good place to visit, and when I actually went there, there were a lot of shops to visit, so it was nice! I heard that it is famous for its ghost shops, but there was a long line in front, so I couldn't go in.

Shambles

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Chloe Yuen18 May 2023
5.0
There is a round arched entrance at the city gate that says York Wall 🏰 Entrance, there is no charge. The city wall is centered on York Cathedral ⛪️, we spent about 1 hour around the city wall, and after going up to the end to walk back down, requires a little physical strength 💪🏻, if there are young children with you have to think Clear. The road along the city wall is slightly narrow. If you are facing someone, you have to give way before you can continue🥲. But the view from the city wall is beautiful✨, looking inside is more beautiful like a fairy tale🌷. The walls of York, which have existed since Roman times, are still quite intact.

York City Walls

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大头happy22 January 2021
5.0
The memory of Jinan's old railway station is in the Jiaoji Railway Museum, but few people know about it. The museum is really worth a visit. There are many real objects after the old railway station was demolished on the top floor.

National Railway Museum York

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CINDY likes10 October 2023
4.0
Yorkshire Museum is is situated in York Museum Gardens, an idyllic haven with an array of plant species, wildlife, and historical features to explore.

York Museum Gardens

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suifeng201915 April 2020
4.0
The River Ouse runs through the center of York Old Town, and the houses on both sides of the river are very close to the river. When we came to the River Ouse near sunset, the golden afterglow sprinkled on the river and the roofs, the picture was really beautiful.

River Ouse

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coo***an17 August 2019
5.0
I went to the York Theatre Royal with my friends at night. It was a great feeling. The building itself is a historical work of art. There are many shows in the theatre. You can come out in advance to watch them. The staff will help you make an appointment. The overall experience is good, retro and exquisite.

York Theatre Royal

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Chelsea小星10 October 2026
5.0
I visited the British Columbia University 10 years ago and found it quite challenging. This time, I decided to opt for a guided tour, and the experience was immediately different. The guide was very knowledgeable, providing excellent depth and breadth in their explanations, and answered my questions very well.

The British Museum

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M Ahem3 May 2025
5.0
Awesome place! Had an amazing experience—highly recommended for everyone to visit!

Edinburgh Old Town

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Anonymous user28 October 2025
5.0
It was a very pleasant experience. The onboard service and etiquette were very professional, and the cruise was on schedule. The scenery along the coast was also beautiful, especially the night view. Singers performed throughout the meal, adding to the atmosphere, creating a wonderful atmosphere.

River Thames

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jan***171 August 2026
5.0
Our guide, Wang Napao, has a very solid academic background and knows each painting very well, from the artist to the school to the background of creation, as well as the small details on the painting. He explains it very well and in a very interesting way!

The National Gallery

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in York?

Don't miss these attractions in York: Shambles, York City Walls, and National Railway Museum York. If you like Food & drink, try Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works. If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour.

You can give Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works and York: Introduction to Chocolate Making Experience a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Ghost Bus Tour of York, Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around York with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems, and The Deathly Dark Tour of York. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 17 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in York is around EUR 16.9 – EUR 517.22. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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