York : book your hotel

There's no city on earth that has the iconic appeal of the Big Apple. New York, New York - it's a cacophony of architecture, art, shopping, dining, and a wealth of well-known sights. From the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building, the bright lights of Broadway, and the sprawl of Central Park, this city will keep you young.

Before you can start enjoying your time in York, you'll need to figure out how to get there. As a major UK city, there is no shortage of transport options that can take you to central York. Frequent trains run from Leeds and Manchester to York. While from London's King's Cross Station it's just two hours ride. To save a little money on transport, why not take the coach to York? Or add convenience to your trip and drive here. There are plenty of central hotels with parking in York, so you won't need to worry about leaving your car overnight. Heading to York from overseas? The city is within reach of four international airports in Leeds, Manchester, Humberside and Sheffield.

York is one of the most popular weekend break destinations in the UK. It should come as no surprise that there's plenty to see and do. There's something for everyone here, from historical sites to modern-day attractions, excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment. Wondering what to do during your visit?

You simply can't visit York without seeing its iconic cathedral. York Minster is the Gothic-style Cathedral of York, one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe. The Minster has been at the heart of English Christianity since the 7th century. Today, visitors head here to marvel at the cathedral's towering stone architecture and colourful Medieval stained glass. Whether you're visiting York for a weekend or longer, York Minster is a must. Pass through and admire the building or set aside a couple of hours to tour, learning more about the unique cathedral.

The JORVIK Viking Centre is one of the most loved attractions in the UK. Discover the history of this once-Viking city when you visit the interactive museum experience at its heart. When you visit the centre, you're standing on the site of some of the most exciting discoveries in modern archaeology. Today, the JORVIK Center is home to reconstructions of Viking-age streets with all the sights, sounds and smells of days gone by. Experience life in 10th-century York when you spend a few hours at this one-of-a-kind attraction.

When you think of York, you might picture narrow cobbled streets lined with overhanging timber buildings. You're thinking of The Shambles, one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. A stroll along York Shambles is like stepping back in time. Some sagging buildings date back to the 14th century, giving this part of the city its charming fairytale atmosphere. Many Harry Potter fans draw a connection between The Shambles and the story's famous Diagon Alley! Enjoy a scenic stroll around this part of York and dip into many independent cafes, pubs and characterful shops.

York is home to an eclectic range of pubs, restaurants, tea rooms and food markets. There are many exciting things to eat and drink here, including nine beautiful spots that make the Michelin Guide. Whether you're looking for cheap eats, a casual lunch with family or friends or a memorable meal to celebrate an occasion, you're sure to find it in this walled city. Where to start?

Let's start with Skosh. This sleek restaurant takes global cuisine to new heights, combining ideas and flavours from around the world in its ever-changing menus. Le Cochon Aveugle is another elegant choice for special occasions, with a sister natural wine bar just down the road. Melton's is a York staple for modern British cuisine in an intimate setting. The five-course tasting menu might be pricey, but it's worth it. If you want a more casual meal, head to Partisan for lunch and great coffee. This spot serves dinner three nights a week, an ideal choice if you can get a table. Source is another laid-back cafe serving American-style comfort food, perfect for visiting with friends.

Whether you fancy a quick pint in the afternoon or cocktails into the small hours, York is home to many bars and restaurants to suit any occasion. Pivni is just off Little Shambles, perfect for popping into while you're exploring the historical lanes. It's a beautiful double-storey pub, where drinks have been served since the 16th century. Head to Market Cat for craft beers in the city centre. Or try Evil Eye, an award-winning gin bar with an enormous cocktail menu.