England, UK, United Kingdom · Trip plan

2 days in York

The Shambles, York Minster and St Nicholas Fair.

Best time: Nov – Dec, Apr – Sep
Ideal length: 2 days
A day, mid-range: $240 per person
Trip for two: about $960

Planning a 2-day trip to York? Here's a day-by-day York itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

York's St Nicholas Fair Christmas market and the medieval Shambles under lights make it one of England's most festive cities in December.

York is a walled medieval city in northern England, founded by the Romans and ruled by the Vikings.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr: a good time to go
May: a good time to go
Jun: a good time to go
Jul: a good time to go
Aug: a good time to go
Sep: a good time to go
Oct
Nov: a good time to go
Dec: a good time to go

December: 1–7°C.

Create my York trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in York

01
York Minster
One of Europe's largest Gothic cathedrals.
02
The Shambles
A crooked medieval street said to inspire Diagon Alley.
03
City walls
The most complete medieval walls in England.
04
Jorvik Viking Centre
York's Viking past brought to life.

Day by day

York itinerary for 2 days

D1
Day 1: Minster and the Shambles
Morning
Visit York Minster and climb its central tower's 275 steps.
Afternoon
Walk the Shambles and the St Nicholas Fair Christmas market.
Evening
Join a ghost walk and dinner in a medieval pub.
Ghost walks start outside the Minster in the evening.
D2
Day 2: Walls and Vikings
Morning
Walk the city walls, the most complete in England.
Afternoon
Jorvik Viking Centre, then tea at Bettys.
Evening
Train home.
Bettys queues are long; go early.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

York in 1, 2 or 4 days

1 day in York

Follow days 1 to 1 above and leave out “Walls and Vikings”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

4 days in York

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Bath.

What it costs

York trip budget

Style	Per person, a day	2 days for two
Budget	$120	$480
Mid-range	$240	$960
Luxury	$550+	$2,200

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to York is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in York for every budget

Budget
Hostels near the station
Centre
Walkable.
from $50 /night
Prices
Mid-range
Hotels inside the walls
Centre
Historic buildings.
from $180 /night
Prices
Luxury
The Grand, York
Station Rise
Edwardian railway HQ.
from $400 /night
Prices

What to eat

Food to try in York

Yorkshire pudding
With a Sunday roast.
Fat Rascal
A fruit scone from Bettys.
Afternoon tea
At Bettys Tea Room.

Getting there

How to reach York

Travel: Trains from London King's Cross take about 2 hours.
Getting around: Walk.

Climb the Minster's central tower (275 steps).
Book Jorvik in advance.

Before you go

What to pack for York

Power bank and charging cables
Passport and visa printouts
Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
A forex card or some local cash
Travel insurance

Good questions

York trip FAQs

How many days are enough for York?

2 days are enough to see the highlights: York Minster, The Shambles, City walls. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 2-day York trip cost?

Roughly $120 a day per person on a budget, $240 mid-range and $550+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $960 for 2 days.

What is the best time to visit York?

Nov – Dec, Apr – Sep. York's St Nicholas Fair Christmas market and the medieval Shambles under lights make it one of England's most festive cities in December.

Where should I stay in York?

Budget: Hostels near the station (Centre), from about $50 a night. Mid-range: Hotels inside the walls (Centre), from about $180 a night. Luxury: The Grand, York (Station Rise), from about $400 a night.

How do I reach York?

Trains from London King's Cross take about 2 hours.

Is 1 day enough for York?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 1 of the itinerary above and skip "Walls and Vikings". 2 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in York?

December: 1–7°C.

What food should I try in York?

Yorkshire pudding: With a Sunday roast. Fat Rascal: A fruit scone from Bettys. Afternoon tea: At Bettys Tea Room.

How do I get around York?

Walk.

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Best things to do in York

York Minster

The Shambles

City walls

Jorvik Viking Centre