York’s rich culture and history can be experienced in a weekend. You will be captivated by the ancient city walls, York Minster and its quaint cobbled street.
York’s well-preserved heritage makes a perfect itinerary for travelers looking to experience both the old and the new over a short visit. To experience the true essence of York, you need to plan a weekend trip in advance.
Perfect 2 Day York Itinerary
You should plan your itinerary to include the most important attractions, while still leaving time for leisurely exploring. The typical itinerary includes a visit to the National Railway Museum, the Shambles and a walk along the River Ouse.
A perfect weekend in York is a balance of structured tours and spontaneous discoveries. It’s ideal for shopping, relaxing, and sightseeing. A weekend in York is enhanced by a visit to traditional tea rooms and a ghost tour.
You can make the most out of your visit to York by planning ahead.
Day 1: Historic York
The first day in York is dedicated to exploring the rich historical canvas of the city, with visits to iconic landmarks and a step back to the city’s Roman past.
Evening
It is recommended that guests start their historic York journey with a trip to the majestic York Minster. One of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe, it boasts architectural elements such as the Great East Window – the largest single expanse of medieval stained glass in the country
Morning light streams through the stained-glass windows of this architectural wonder, bringing a sense of awe to your day. Climb the staircase to appreciate the architectural splendor of this architectural marvel. Central Tower For a panoramic view.
- York Minster, Deangate, York YO1 7HH
- Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Admission: from £18 adults, child under 17 free
Afternoon
After a pleasant morning, guests can stroll along The Shambles. A narrow medieval road. The wooden buildings lean on the cobblestones. The Shambles resembles Diagon Alley, from the Harry Potter films. This makes it an ideal photo opportunity.
The journey continues in the cultural capital of York’s Chocolate Story, where you’ll uncover York’s confectionery history and sample some treats. This popular visitor attraction highlights York’s importance in the chocolate industry.
You can make chocolate lollies or sample the different types of chocolates. There is also a museum shop where you can purchase chocolates. This multi-sensory experience is designed to teach visitors about chocolate by using sight, smell and sound. It is recommended that you make reservations in advance.
- York’s Chocolate Story, 3 – 4 King’s Square, York YO1 7LD
- Open Hours 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tour Fees: from £18.50 adults, £16 child, under 4s free
Evening
The Rise The restaurant in York offers a stylish dining experience with a heated patio in the summer. The restaurant features modern British food, including signature dishes like The Grand Scotch Egg. There’s a Junior Diners menu and a wide selection of wines and cocktails for adults.
Post-dinner, visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s spine-tingling past with a ghost tour revealing the haunting stories of Old York.
- Dinner TimingPlan to eat from 5:30 PM
- Ghost TourStarts at around 8 PM and lasts for approximately 1.5 hours
The day concludes with a restful stay at your hotel – see our suggestions for where to stay below.
Day 2: Culture & Leisure
The second day in York offers a blend of cultural immersion and leisure, capturing the essence of Viking York and the tranquility of the city’s gardens.
Evening
Start your day with a visit to the National Railway Museum YorkThe collection is the largest in Britain. Over 100 locomotives as well as almost 200 items of rolling material will be on display. This experience provides a fascinating look at the history of UK rail transport.
- National Railway Museum York. Leeman Rd. York YO26.
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Admission: free – book your ticket in advance on their website.
Afternoon
The journey continues after lunch at Jorvik Viking CentreIt is an interactive journey into the Viking Age of York. It is a great experience for both adults and children. The sights, sounds, and smells of that time period are brought to life. We enjoyed every moment!
- JORVIK Viking Centre19 Coppergate, York, YO1-9WT
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Admission: £16.50 adult, £11 child, under 5s free
Explore the Next Step Yorkshire Museum in Museum Gardens, where the city’s rich history from the Roman era through to the times of the Vikings and beyond, is on display. At this York museum, we were especially impressed by the Four Seasons Mosaic as well as the Statue of Mars.
Rise Restaurant, The Grand Hotel offers a delicious tea in the afternoon. There’s a lovely selection of savouries, sandwiches, scones and sweet treats.
- Yorkshire Museum, Museum Gardens, Museum Street, York YO1 7FR
- Open Hours 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Admission: £9.50 adult, £4.75 child, under 5s free
You can also visit Van Gogh Immersive York Experience. Visitors can step into the vibrant, swirling world of Vincent Van Gogh.
This exhibition combines video projection, audio, and virtual reality to create a unique encounter with the artist’s work. It takes place in St Mary’s ChurchFormer church listed in Grade I
- Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience York, St Mary’s Church, Castlegate, York YO1 9RN
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed on Wednesdays)
- Admission: £15 adult, £9 child
Evening
Relax in the evening at The Fat BadgerThe classic pub of York offers a wide selection of regional ales and traditional British food. Try the luxury salmon pie or the dark chocolate orange cheesecake.
Additional York Attractions
York offers a wide range of activities that will appeal to all kinds of people, whether you are interested in historical landmarks or retail therapy.
For those who are interested in seeing the city from a different perspective, Clifford’s Tower This is a place you must visit. The tower stands as a proud remnant of York’s past. Climbing to the top of the tower Steps to the Top This is a great way to enjoy the view while gaining a deeper understanding of history.
York City Walls encircle the city and offer a picturesque walk with views of the city’s ancient architecture and bustling modern life. The circuit, which takes approximately two hours to complete, is filled with informative signage detailing the city’s history.
The Wizarding World is alive and well in the shops, experiences and attractions on the Shambles. This historic street is often thought to be an inspiration for Diagon Alley, although JK Rowling has said that wasn’t the case. You can explore the cobbled road and find magical things or take part in themed tours.
York Castle Museum It is one of the things we love to do most in the city. One of the highlights includes a Victorian street complete with shops and pubs, as well as a policestation.
This vast museum vividly recreates York’s Victorian life. Visitors can also experience the Georgian prison cells that were recreated to show what conditions prisoners faced centuries ago.
Plan your itinerary so that you can include some of these attractions for a memorable and well-rounded York weekend. If you’ve got a little more time to spare, you might also want to include a day-trip to Castle Howard, Whitby, and the North York Moors Steam Railway.
Nightlife and Dining
York is a city with a rich history and an abundance of dining choices. It also has a vibrant scene for nightlife. York is a great place to start your culinary adventure. The city offers an array of food, including traditional British cuisine and international cuisines.
The restaurant is a great place to enjoy a meal in the evening. The RiseThe Grand in York houses the restaurant. The restaurant is known for its innovative British cuisine and offers a sophisticated atmosphere. They offer a combination of à la carte options and set menus, focusing on locally-sourced ingredients.
For those who are seeking the traditional pub experience. The Fat Badger It’s a good choice. This pub in York is famous for its classic interiors, and real ales. Locals and tourists alike enjoy the hearty pub fare served by The Fat Badger. Fish and chips at Fat Badger are highly recommended. They have authentic British flavor.
If you’re looking for a quick snack whilst walking around, head to The York Roast Co. You can find them at 78 Low Petergate and 4 Stonegate. The wrap is a famous one! Head to Partisan Cafe on Micklegate offers delicious cakes and coffee.
York has a nightlife that caters for all tastes. There are many pubs and bars. Live music is played in many establishments, ranging from jazz and indie to provide a relaxed atmosphere.
Visitors who want to extend their night can choose from a variety of late-night venues, which offer dance floors and lounges.
- Must-try Pubs & Bars:
- The Last Drop Inn – old school pub on Colliergate.
- Pivni York – award-winning beers in a 16th century townhouse.
- Evil Eye Lounge – a fun cocktail bar and gin house on Stonegate.
- Brew York – at Walmgate for craft beer.
You can’t miss the charm and character of York after dark, where the blend of old-world pubs and modern bars creates a unique and memorable experience.
York: Where to Stay
There’s a range of good places to stay in York to suit various preferences. There are a few notable options:
The Grand, YorkIt is a renowned five-star hotel with a rich history. The Splendid Hospitality Group operates this hotel in York’s centre.
The Grand was built in 1906 and has a beautiful Edwardian architecture. Many original features remain, such as oak wood panelling or marble floors.
The bedrooms have been decorated in an elegant, classic style that is fitting of the historic property. The hotel’s sumptuous beds ensure a peaceful night’s sleep, replenishing guests for another day of exploration.
There’s a great range of dining options like The Rise Restaurant Terrace & Bar, Legacy You can also read about the The 1906 Bar. As well as a luxury spa with indoor pool, there’s a popular cookery school and several meeting and event spaces.
- AddressStation Rise, York (YO1 6GD), United Kingdom
- Amenities: Spa, Indoor Pool, Fitness Centre, Meeting Rooms
- Book a RoomReservations are recommended in advance
Hotel Indigo York is an IHG hotelSplendid Hospitality Group also manages this boutique hotel, which has a unique personality. It aims to provide a locally-inspired experience by incorporating York’s industrial chocolate-making past into the hotel’s decor.
Hotel Indigo’s central location makes it convenient for exploring York’s key sights. The guest rooms combine a stylish, modern feel with vintage touches.
The chocolates that were provided in our room as a complimentary gift was a nice touch. You can enjoy rustic pizzas and bar snacks, as well as a variety of cocktails and ales, York Gin and York gin, in the dining area on the ground floor.
- Address88-96 Walmgate York, YO1-9TL
- AmenitiesFitness Centre, Meeting Room
- Book a RoomReservations are recommended in advance
Plan Your Visit to York
It is important to plan your weekend trip in York by considering the logistics, the timing of your visit, the accommodation options, the transport within the city and the benefits of buying a York Pass.
How to Get to York
This beautiful city located in Northern England can be easily reached by a variety of transport options.
Train: York is a major railway hub, with frequent services from London King’s Cross, Edinburgh Waverley, and Manchester Piccadilly, among others. It is a great option for a two-day itinerary.
By car York is also accessible by car via the A64, which connects to the M1 (M1) and A1(M).
The Best Time to Visit York
The timing of your visit is essential to enjoy York’s best. Visit York during shoulder seasons. Spring (March to Juniembre) The following are some examples of how to get started: Autumn (September – November).
You will enjoy a moderate climate and less crowds. Long weekends provide a perfect opportunity for a 2-day York itinerary, allowing visitors to explore the city’s delights without rushing.
Getting Around York
York is a compact city, with many attractions within walking distance. There are many public transport options for travelling longer distances.
- Buses : An extensive network covering the whole city.
- Taxis are available to help you travel more directly.
There are many parking lots for those who prefer to drive. It’s wise to be aware that the city centre has many pedestrian zones.
York Pass Benefits
Purchasing a York Pass can be an economical way to see the city’s attractions. Benefits include
- Enjoy Free Shipping Enjoy over 30 attractions.
- Shop, dine, and tour for special deals
Visitors who plan to spend the weekend in York will benefit from a York Pass, as they can make the most out of their two-day York itinerary.
Last Thoughts about a Weekend Itinerary in York
York is a perfect weekend destination for anyone looking to get away. The city’s well-preserved architecture and bustling streets provide an ideal backdrop for a memorable weekend break.
A perfect 2-day itinerary in York is a blend of relaxation and knowledge. York is a great place to spend a holiday.
Weekend Itinerary Highlights
- York MinsterThe stunning Gothic architecture makes this a must visit.
- Shambles: Iconic medieval street for a unique shopping experience.
- York City WallsThe walk gives you a panoramic view of the city.
- National Railway MuseumFor train enthusiasts who want to take a trip through history.
For the purpose of this review, we were guests at The Grand York Hotel Indigo York.