The city of York, after London and Manchester, is one of the most visited cities in the U.K. It is also one of the oldest in Europe, as it dates back to Roman times, and therefore has many historic buildings – and some of the best preserved in the Western world.A city with many years of history, yet very modern, with a very lively social life… and although relatively small, it has many charms and treasures hidden among its streets: its Gothic architecture, impressive museums and many cultural festivals that are organized throughout the year.
The best areas to stay in York are the areas around the city centre and the Holgate district. Both areas are perfect for family trips, as the main tourist spots are just a few minutes walk away.In the proposed areas you will find the best museums, monuments and recreational activities, along with an excellent selection of bars, restaurants and hotels to choose from.
If you are interested in knowing where to stay in York , you may also be interested in knowing where to stay in Oxford and where to stay in London.
Downtown and Holgate
Downtown York rivals, in terms of beauty, many other beautiful cities in the world.Wherever you go in the city centre, you are never more than three steps away from a remarkable example of the city’s medieval architecture, and so it is not surprising that York is almost as popular as London. Another beautiful thing about the city centre is that it is where the rivers Ouse and Foss meet.
If you want to stay in areas with a rich culture, one of the best museums to see in the city centre is the Railway Museum, which houses 200 years of railway history.It is really instructive, and you can see real examples of steam trains, the Japanese bullet train, and many more. For those traveling with the little ones the museum also offers many fun activities to do: interactive science shows, train rides… If you don’t like the railroad, another great museum in the city center is the Yorkshire Museum, which is home to many discoveries in Europe, and will give you a clear idea of the county’s origin and history.
For building lovers, this area is home to one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe, which towers over the city’s skyline and is one of York’s most popular attractions and one of the oldest, dating back to the 8th century.Once you have visited the cathedral, Clifford Tower is the next important building on the list, as it marks the centre point of York and is one of the iconic symbols of the city.the building – which dates back to the 13th century – was built by William the Conqueror, and stands as a symbol of the power of the medieval kings of England.if you also like photographs, there are excellent photo opportunities with panoramic views of the city from here.Also visit the Viking Centre JORVIK, a great place where archaeologists made outstanding discoveries: you can see the remains of houses, workshops and backyards of the Vikings, more than 40,000 objects and artifacts were found in the area, and after some years they managed to create the Viking City, a fairly perfect replica of what is believed to have been at the time.It’s very curious to see the shape of the houses, and they even copy the tongue and the smells of the kitchen!
York is an ideal place for family trips, and there are plenty of activities for children to participate in.It will give you a moment of relaxation and tranquillity, as you can simply sit and contemplate the impressive architecture around you… and it will give you a different perspective of the city.Another fun tourist attraction for the whole family is the York Dungeon, which revives the city’s turbulent past with theatre actors and unique scenes that will make you feel like you have stepped back in time. You will also have the possibility of doing all kinds of shopping in the centre, in the small independent shops or in the large chain stores boutiques , which sell all kinds of souvenirs , food and clothes.
For night owls looking to stay in places where they can stay overnight, the centre of York is also their place. If they are travelling with children they can go on one of the ghost walks organised every day: they are very popular because York is a very mysterious city, with intriguing stories to discover.There are several promoted tours through secret passages and alleys, guided by sinister characters dressed in black cloaks and top hats. If you are afraid, you can go to one of the theatres to see a wonderful production, and even watch a movie in one of the many cinemas. If you prefer to party, you can choose from a long list of bars: the streets with the best pubs are Rougier Street and Coney Street.Along the same stretch there is a wide range of restaurants serving traditional English cuisine, but also Thai, Chinese and many more. This area has the best hotels in York where to stay, most of them with spectacular views of the city, although you can also find some hotels and bed & breakfast for those on a smaller budget.
Hotels in Downtown York
North York
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, North York is the place for you. For those who like walks and quiet, the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey – the main attraction of the area – are a beautiful place to sit and enjoy a day in the country.
There are also a number of shops in the area, but the bars, restaurants and hotels are more limited than in the centre, and you will still have no problem finding simpler accommodation, often run by locals with whom you can have a pleasant conversation.
