How to Spend 1 Day in York

One of England’s greatest ancient and medieval cities, York boasts a rich Roman and Viking heritage and long lineup of historical monuments, all entangled in a web of cobbled streets and narrow lanes. If you only have a day to experience this sight-packed city, here’s how to see and do it all.
Morning: Round Up the Sights
Make the most of the morning with a York Pass: a sightseeing card that covers entry to 30 top attractions, including York’s medieval showpieces. Buy a 1-day pass and use it to visit must-sees such as 13th-century York Minster or Clifford’s Tower, the last remaining turret of York Castle. The pass also includes a hop-on-hop-off-bus ticket, which lets you cruise easily between the city’s sights and hop off at any of the 20 stops of interest. If all this sounds overwhelming for a single morning, keep things simple with just a hop-on hop-off tour, walking or cycling excursion, or a cruise on the River Ouse.
Afternoon: Walls, Dungeons, and Chocolate
This afternoon, focus on the city’s second-tier attractions, perhaps using a York Pass—if applicable—for free entry. Prebook a skip-the-line visit to York Dungeon and trace the city’s dark history through exhibits that spotlight its violent Viking era, plague outbreaks, executions, and more. Alternatively, stride along York’s centuries-old walls on a private tour, or uncover its Norse heritage on a Viking-themed walk. Otherwise, lighten the tone at York’s Chocolate Story: unwrapping the city’s chocolate-making credentials and sampling the creations of its chocolatiers.
Evening: Scenic Boats and Spooky Buses
After a busy day’s sightseeing, slow the tempo with a sundown cruise along the River Ouse. Sail this historical waterway as it winds in and out of the old city: passing medieval towers and peaceful countryside as the sun sinks below the horizon. Otherwise, add a spooky twist to the evening by jumping on a vintage-bus ghost tour. Settle onto a lantern-lit double-decker to seek out York’s creepy corners, such as highwayman Dick Turpin’s grave, all as you learn about eerie local legends and ghoulish sightings.
9 Tours and Activities | All York Tours

Ghost Bus Tour of York

York Walls Private Walking Tour

Private Viking Walk of York

Ouse River Sightseeing Cruise in York

York Walking Tour including York Minster

Ouse River 1-Hour Early Evening Cruise from York

City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Guided Bike Tour in York
