Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in York?
Most visitors spend two to four days in York when visiting. The historic city offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the historic old town, the food, the museums and landmarks, and the nightlife.
York is an entertaining city that makes light of its medieval history and whimsical personality. The influences of Harry Potter are far reaching, with shops and references to the story throughout the old town. There are world class museums, a diverse culinary scene, and plenty of activities that will fill your days.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit York? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in York?
Three days is the perfect amount of time in York, as many people prefer to spend two to four days here. You'll be able to browse around the old town, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, browse through museums, and take advantage of the local nightlife. We have some suggestions for what to do and where to start your adventure below.
How to spend 3 days in York
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.
A few tour suggestions include:
- York Small-Group Evening Walking Tour with Guide ($19)
- Christmas Guided Walking Tour in York ($15)
- Time Travelers Walking Tour of York ($21)
The culinary scene in York is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Chocolate Manufactory Tasting Journey at York Cocoa Works ($12)
- Breakfast Food Tour in York ($52)
The public transit in York is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.
Don't miss the Shambles during your trip to York, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in York, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Castle Howard House and Grounds Entrance ($36)
- Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise ($19)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in York.
Is 4 days enough time in York?
Four days is more than enough time to see everything that York has to offer. After all, it's not such a huge city. Many visitors prefer to spend two to four days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the historic old town, the food, the museums and landmarks, and the nightlife at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
York Castle Walls, England
How to spend 4 days in York
If you have more than 4 days in York, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
Shopping in York is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in York?
Five days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in York, as it's not as large as some other cities. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. Browse around the old town, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, browse through museums, and take advantage of the local nightlife. You could also use York as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.
How to spend 5 days in York
Having 5 days in York will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
After you've explored most of York, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Herriot and Yorkshire Dales Day Trip from York ($93)
- Yorkshire Dales Day Trip from York ($93)
- Moors, Whitby & The Yorkshire Steam Railway Day Trip from York ($93)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in York.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about York, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
- Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in York?
- Is York Worth Visiting?
- York Travel Costs
- Hotel Prices for York
