Are you looking to spend a weekend in York? Here’s the perfect way to spend 2 days in the city, brought to you by a local!
Having lived in York for 5 years now, I’ve had plenty of time to discover the best of York. It is one of my favourite cities in the world and gives me a sense of peace just wandering its streets. In my (very biased) opinion, York is the most picturesque city in the UK, filled with medieval buildings and cobbled streets. Plus, the fair share of traditional English pubs York has to offer is a great bonus.
This 2 day itinerary for York is perfect for a weekend trip away. I’ll be giving you all my insider tips as a local to make sure you get the most out of the time here. 2 days might seem pretty short, but with a careful plan, you can see all of York’s highlights. From where to stay, what to do and where to eat, I have it all.
So here I have the perfect weekend guide to York, brought to you by a local.
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Is 2 Days Enough Time to See York?
2 days is absolutely enough time to see and experience York to its fullest. York is a compact city with all the major sights within walking distance of each other. You might miss seeing some of the smaller museums and won’t be able to try all the amazing restaurants York has offer, but with this itinerary, you won’t leave feeling disappointed. You will be walking everywhere on foot so bring some good walking shoes!
Read: Where to Stay in York: Best Hotels, Areas, and Accommodations
How to Get to York
Train
If you are currently in the UK, the most convenient way to reach York is by train. I’ve taken trains to York from various parts of the country, and I find it to be the simplest and most efficient way to travel. Fortunately, York is centrally located and serves as a stop on many major railway lines
To get to York, it takes just 2 hours from London, 1.5 hours from Manchester, and 2.5 hours from Edinburgh.
Once in York, it’s just a 5-minute walk from the station to the city centre. If you need a taxi to your accommodation, there’s a taxi rank outside the front entrance. Alternatively, Uber is available in York.
I book all of my train travel through Trainline. I’ve found it to be the most convenient and efficient platform in the UK!
Flying
The nearest airport to York is Leeds Bradford Airport, but I don’t suggest flying there. It’s better to go to Manchester Airport. Even though Leeds Bradford Airport is closer, getting to York via public transportation is much more challenging. Unless you intend to rent a car, it’s not a practical choice.
Instead, there are direct trains from Manchester Airport to York train station. It takes only 2 hours and is a much simpler journey. This is my preferred way to fly to and from York and have done the journey many times without any issue.
When looking for cheap flights, I like to use Skyscanner to see what’s available. Use it to book your flights to York here!
Driving
If you’re planning on renting a car or embarking on a road trip, York is very easy to drive to. It takes about 4 hours to drive to York from London, 1 hour 40 minutes to drive from Manchester and about 2 hours from Edinburgh.
I would only recommend driving to York if you’re planning to explore further out of the city, or if your weekend trip to York is part of a larger holiday. Since York is relatively small, you won’t require your car for this two-day itinerary. In my view, train travel is more convenient and environmentally friendly, so bringing your car along isn’t worthwhile.
If you’re looking to rent a car in the UK, check out Discover Cars. This is a great rental comparison website that will help you find the best deal on your rental car!
Money Saving Tip: The York City Pass
If you want to go into all the attractions and museums in York, check out the York City Pass. With the city pass, you can get free entry to 20 attractions in York, including the York Minster, Jorvik Viking Centre and the hop-on and hop-off bus tour.
The pass is £59 so if you only plan on doing one or two of these activities, it won’t be worth it. I’d take some time and use this itinerary to work out exactly what you want to do. If you end up doing everything on this 2 day itinerary, you will make a saving by using the pass.
Grab your York City Pass here to save on 20 top attractions in York!
2 Days in York Itinerary
With this weekend itinerary of York, you’ll get to see the city’s top sights. From medieval banquet halls and walls to reconstructed Viking homes and an entire Victorian street, there is so much to see.
It is a pretty jam-packed itinerary as I love to do a lot when I’m on a weekend trip away but it’s a great starting point. Feel free to adapt the itinerary to suit you and your way of holidaying. Take things out or swap them around with some other great things available to do in York to make it just right for you.
Day 1 in York
Morning
Whether you’ve just arrived in york or decided to stay the night before, it’s time to dive right into the best of York.
Begin your weekend in York by fuelling up at one of the city’s best cafes: Brew and Brownie. You’ll want to head here for opening at 9 am as the queues begin to build pretty quickly. They serve an array of breakfast dishes from classics such as eggs benedict to avocado on toast to something a bit different with their unique and tasteful specials. My most recent favourite was the lemon posset french toast. And, of course, they have delicious coffee.
Just a short walk across the road, you’ll find the York Museum Gardens. With birds of prey, the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, and the Yorkshire Museum, there’s a lot to see here.
At the Yorkshire Museum, you’ll go back 150 million years to find out about the lost giants discovered in Yorkshire. You can see the dinosaurs and sea creatures that once roamed, with a life-size plesiosaur, rare fossil remains including that of embryonic ichthyosaurs, and CGI techniques to bring the exhibition to life.
The museum costs £8 online for an adult (£9.50 walk-up price), with a discount for children and students. However, if you have the York City Pass, it will be included in your ticket.
Also Read: 13 Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in York
Outside of the park, you’ll find an entrance to the medieval walls that surround York’s city centre. It takes about 2 hours to walk the walls, and it’s a great way to see the city from a different angle. There are 4 sections of the wall for you to explore, but make sure you follow a map. It dips down onto the street at points and you might miss where to reenter the walls. Check out this map and audio guide to make the most out of your walk.
Afternoon
After your walk, it’s time to refuel. Once you’ve done a full loop of the walls, you should finish your walk near Bootham Bar, making the Fat Badger York the perfect lunch stop.
In the summer, you can enjoy their fantastic beer garden, ideal for unwinding with a refreshing drink in the Yorkshire sunshine. In the winter, the cosy interior offers a traditional English pub experience. They offer high-quality food with a unique artisan touch on classic pub dishes.
After enjoying a satisfying lunch, it’s time to discover the stunning and renowned York Minster. This magnificent cathedral is the largest of its kind in northern Europe, taking more than 200 years to build. With so much to explore inside, I suggest maximizing your visit by joining one of the complimentary guided tours. These tours are available from Monday to Saturday, between 10 am and 3 pm.
The York Minster’s Central Tower is also the highest point in York. If you have time, and the energy, I’d highly recommend climbing the 275 steps to the top. With incredible panoramic views of the city, you’ll get up close to the Cathedral’s medieval stonework and gothic grotesques.
Check ticket prices and opening times here. Entrance to the York Minster is free with the York City Pass!
To wrap up your afternoon, make your way to the Jorvik Viking Centre. Named after the Viking term for York, this renowned museum is a must-visit in York. Delving into the fascinating yet brutal Viking history, the Jorvik Viking Centre offers an engaging interactive journey suitable for all. Explore reconstructed homes and workshops from 10th century York, but brace yourself for authentic, albeit unpleasant, odours that truly enhance the immersive experience!
Book your ticket to the Jorvik Centre here! Note, that the Jorvik Centre is included in the York City Pass!
Evening
For dinner, make your way to one of my favourite restaurants: Sotano. This hidden gem of a tapas bar is nestled above the vibrant Kennedy’s bar, often overlooked by many tourists. Look out for an unassuming door marked simply as Sotano next to Kennedy’s on Little Stonegate.
Whilst they regularly update the many to keep with the season, you can always expect high-quality food, great service, and a wonderful atmosphere. In winter, the cosy inside dining is perfect for a romantic meal, whereas the open outdoor terrace is perfect during the warmer summer months.
For me, my favourite dishes are the refreshing pan con tomate and the moreish patatas bravas aliolí. I’ve taken many friends and family with me here, and everyone has left with glowing reviews.
As the night is still young, it’s time to experience some of York’s nightlife. Whilst the main bars and clubs can get lively with tourists, York has an abundance of quieter pubs waiting for you to enjoy. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, head towards High Petergate and step into the Hole in the Wall. A quintessential English pub, the Hole in the Wall has a cosy atmosphere with friendly staff.
Also Read: 15 Best Day Trips from York
Day 2 in York
Morning
For breakfast, head to Goodramgate. A lovely street in central York, it is filled with little independent shops and cafes, perfect for starting your day. One place to stop by for breakfast is the Habit. With some of the friendliest staff, a relaxed atmosphere and a traditional breakfast menu, it has all you could ask for.
If you like the Habit, pop back in the evening to enjoy the bar and live music they often have playing. Check out their Facebook page to see what live events are happening during your stay.
Next, head over to The Shambles. York’s most famous street, you can’t spend a weekend here without visiting. Known for its crooked houses towering above the cobbled streets, it’s filled with independent shops such as the Tiktok famous Ghost Merchants, The Alchemist, which is home to a large sleeping dragon and, my favourite, Roly’s Fudge Pantry. If you’re lucky, you can watch them make the fudge through the window.
The Shambles is thought to be the inspiration for the set of fictional streets in Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, so expect to find a lot of magic-themed stores here too.
Because it is so famous, the Shambles becomes incredibly busy so make sure to get here early on! It’s busiest on Saturdays which is why I’ve put it early on in your Sunday itinerary.
Next, it’s time to head back to the station for another popular museum in York: The York Railway Museum. Perfect for any train or history enthusiast, the Railway Museums is home to many legendary items from the past 200 years.
It has the only high-speed Japanese bullet train outside of Japan, the Shinkansen. Also have a look at the Mallard, a notorious engine that achieved the steam speed record in 1938, which still hasn’t been beaten today! After you’re finished at the museum, why not hop on the small road train back into the city centre?
Afternoon
In the afternoon, head to the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall. A historic Grade 1 listed building, this medieval guildhall is located in the centre of the city. Built in the 14th century, the half is incredibly well preserved, with timber frames and beautiful stained glass windows. It is one of the most picturesque spots in York.
Entrance is free with the York City Pass or costs £7 for adults, £6 for concessions, and children go free with a full-paying adult. You don’t need to book in advance, just turn up on the day!
Note: the hall can sometimes be closed for private functions. If you want to be sure it’s open, make sure to contact them in advance to double-check opening times.
The final museum on your weekend itinerary of York is the York Castle Museum. The museum is home to the famous reconstructed Victorian street, Kirkgate, and is built inside old prison cells.
It will take you around 2 hours to fully explore the museum. Entrance is free with the York City Pass or book online to get the discounted price of £14.50 for adults, £8.75 for children, and £13 for your adults and students. It is free for under 5s.
Grab your ticket for the York Castle Museum here or get in free with the York City Pass!
Evening
As your 2 days in York come to an end, it’s time to get a little spooked out. One of the best things to do in York is a ghost tour. York has a dark history from plagues to vicious Vikings to butchery and murder.
On your ghost tour, your guide will completely immerse themselves in character and take you through the streets of York to find the city’s most haunted buildings. They’ll tell you all the gruesome stories of York’s history, showing you the darker side of the beautiful city.
Book your Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York here!
For your final meal in york, make your way to Cresci Pizzeria. A traditional Neopolitan pizzeria, Cresci’s was created by two Italians who have a passion for creating authentic and delicious pizza. You won’t get better pizza anywhere else, with traditional ingredients and combinations.
Inside, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Italy. With small tables, tiled walls, and fairy lights glowing in the windows, it’s the perfect place to spend an evening, especially if you’re travelling to York as a couple.
Make sure to book in advance, especially on the weekend. Cresci’s gets incredibly busy and whilst they do take walk-ins, you might be waiting a while.
Where to Stay for a Weekend in York
Astor York Hostel
Just a 10-minute walk from the city centre, Astor York Hostel is perfect for anyone on a budget in York. The hostel is built inside a beautiful Grade II listed building with a cosy living room and two large dining rooms perfect for socialising with fellow travellers.
With single, double, and mixed dormitory rooms, everyone is catered for from solo travellers to couples. The hostel also has a large kitchen, each room has an ensuite bathroom, and a bar for you to start your evening off right.
Clementine’s Town House
Clementine’s Town House is a boutique hotel a few minutes walk from the city walls. Decorated with Parisian chic, you get to experience a bit of luxury for a decent price.
I’ve stayed here multiple times and always loved the impeccable service and beautiful room. Each room has stunning ensuites and deep mattresses perfect for a good night’s sleep. Downstairs, there’s a small bar and lounge area that is perfect for a final drink after a day exploring York.
The Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel is a luxury 5-star hotel located next to the train station in York. It offers impeccable service and an indulgent experience for anyone looking for a little bit more from their accommodation
The rooms and suites are designed to be spacious and elegant for a relaxing stay. But you might not spend that much time in your room with the luxury spa that has a 13-metre swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room ready for you to enjoy.
There are also 2 restaurants, a bar, and a fitness centre available to all guests. But what really makes the Grand is the staff, who go above and beyond to make sure you have the best stay possible.
The Wrap-up for The Perfect Weekend in York
So there we have how to spend a perfect weekend in York. York promises a perfect blend of history and charm. As a city filled with medieval walls, Vikings, quaint shops, and delicious restaurants, it’s a destination everyone should visit.
Having lived in York for 5 years now, I know how to spend 2 days in the city. I’ve devised an itinerary that has all the best things York has to offer, including where to eat, what to do, and where to stay for every budget.
If you’re tempted to stay longer in York (I would be too!), don’t forget to check out even more of what York has to offer!
