York may be one of England’s smaller cities, but don’t let its size fool you. Behind its medieval walls lies a city packed with history, charming cobbled streets, quirky independent shops, impressive landmarks, and just the right amount of spooky atmosphere. It’s the perfect destination for a long weekend, especially if it’s your first time visiting.

I spent three days exploring York and managed to see many of the city’s highlights without ever feeling rushed. One of the things I loved most was how incredibly walkable everything is. From centuries-old city walls to hidden alleyways and cosy pubs, almost every attraction is within easy walking distance.

Here’s exactly how I’d recommend spending three days in York if it’s your first visit.

Day 1: The Shambles & Finding Your Own York Ghost

No first trip to York would be complete without spending time exploring The Shambles. Often described as one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe, it’s easily York’s most famous attraction. With its crooked timber-framed buildings, narrow cobbled streets and quirky independent businesses, it almost feels like walking through a film set.

Many people compare it to Diagon Alley from Harry Potter, and while it wasn’t the official inspiration, it’s very easy to see why. The street is filled with magical shops, cafés and bakeries that make it one of the most enjoyable places to simply wander around.

I’ve already written a full guide to my favourite shops in York, so if you’re looking for Harry Potter-inspired stores, magical souvenirs and hidden gems, make sure to check out that article too.

Planning to do some shopping while you’re in York? I’ve put together a guide to my favourite quirky and magical shops in The Shambles and around the city. You can read it here: 6 Unique Shops You Need to Visit in York.

Pick Your Own Ghost at The York Ghost Merchants

One of the most unique experiences I had in York wasn’t actually visiting a famous landmark, it was choosing my very own ghost at The York Ghost Merchants.

These handcrafted little ghost figurines have become incredibly popular collectors’ items, and after seeing them in person I completely understood why. Every single ghost has its own personality, colours and tiny details, making it surprisingly difficult to choose just one.

The experience becomes even more memorable when you purchase your ghost. The staff, dressed in their iconic costumes, turn the checkout into a theatrical performance with a fun little story before carefully wrapping your chosen ghost to take home. It’s such a small touch, but it really adds to the magic.

A little tip from me: the shop on The Shambles almost always has a very long queue. When I visited, the wait was around 45 minutes. Instead, I walked to their second location at St Anthony’s Garden, which is less than a ten-minute walk away, and there wasn’t a queue at all. Unless you’re specifically set on visiting the original shop, I’d definitely recommend heading there instead. I’d honestly say this is one of the most unique souvenirs you can bring home from York!

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Day 2: York’s Historic Highlights

York’s history stretches back nearly 2,000 years, so today is all about exploring some of its most iconic landmarks.

York Minster

Start your morning at York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe and without doubt one of York’s most impressive buildings.

General admission currently costs around £18.20 for adults, and your ticket is valid for multiple visits within twelve months, making it excellent value if you’re staying longer or planning to return. Tickets can be purchased online or at the cathedral itself.

Inside, you’ll find breathtaking stained-glass windows, beautiful stonework, impressive vaulted ceilings and a small museum that helps bring the cathedral’s long history to life. An excellent audio guide is also included, making it easy to explore at your own pace.

For an additional fee, you can climb the famous Central Tower for panoramic views across York. I personally skipped this because I’d already planned on enjoying city views elsewhere during the day, but it’s a popular option if you don’t mind climbing several hundred steps.

Walk the York City Walls

After visiting the Minster, continue your day with a walk along York’s medieval city walls. Best of all? They’re completely free.

Stretching for around 3.4 kilometres (2.1 miles), York’s city walls form the longest continuous stretch of medieval town walls in England. Although parts of the walls date back to Roman times, much of what you see today was built during the 13th and 14th centuries to help defend the city.

These are some of the best-preserved medieval city walls in England and offer fantastic views over both the historic centre and the modern city beyond. Along the way you’ll pass impressive gateways, known as bars, including the famous Bootham Bar, Monk Bar, and Micklegate Bar, each with its own fascinating history.

You don’t necessarily need to walk the entire circuit; even completing one or two sections gives you a great perspective of York and makes for some lovely photographs. I particularly enjoyed seeing the rooftops of the city from above while looking back towards York Minster, which creates one of the most iconic views in the city!

One thing to keep in mind is that the walls aren’t fully accessible, as you’ll need to climb several sets of fairly steep stone steps to get on and off them. I’d recommend wearing comfortable shoes, especially if, like me, you’re planning to combine the walk with a full day of sightseeing.

Clifford’s Tower

Finish the afternoon at Clifford’s Tower, one of York’s most recognisable landmarks.

Originally built by William the Conqueror before later being rebuilt in stone, the tower has witnessed centuries of English history. Admission is around £10, and after climbing to the top you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views across York’s rooftops. It’s not the largest attraction in the city, but it’s certainly one of the most iconic and well worth adding to your itinerary.

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Day 3: Art, Witches & One Final Cocktail

For your final day in York, slow the pace down a little before ending your trip with what turned out to be my absolute favourite experience.

York Art Gallery

Begin the day at York Art Gallery, home to an impressive collection of paintings, ceramics and decorative arts.

Admission for the gallery is around £9 for adults. Even if you’re not a huge art lover, I found it to be a lovely museum to wander around for a couple of hours. The exhibitions range from historic paintings to contemporary works, while the gallery is perhaps best known for housing one of Britain’s most significant collections of studio ceramics. The exhibitions change regularly too, so there’s often something new to discover.

I also really liked that the museum never felt overcrowded, making it a peaceful place to escape the busy streets outside for a little while. The building itself is beautiful, with bright gallery spaces that make it easy to enjoy the artwork at your own pace.

After your visit, I’d definitely recommend taking a short stroll through the neighbouring Museum Gardens. This lovely public park is one of York’s nicest green spaces and is home to the atmospheric ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, making it the perfect place to enjoy a quiet walk before continuing the rest of your day.

The York Witches Tour

Without a doubt, The York Witches Tour was my favourite activity of the entire trip.

Rather than being a scary ghost tour, this guided walk focuses on York’s fascinating witchcraft history while mixing in plenty of humour. Your guide arrives dressed in a traditional witch’s outfit, complete with broomstick, cape and pointy hat and immediately brings the city’s streets to life.

As you wander through York after dark, you’ll hear stories about witches, local legends and historical events, all told in a fun and theatrical way that kept our entire group entertained from start to finish.

I’d highly recommend booking one of the evening tours if possible. Once darkness falls, York’s medieval streets become even more atmospheric, making the whole experience feel that little bit more magical.

One Final Cheers at The King’s Inn

After the tour, you’ll conveniently find yourself back near The Shambles, making it the perfect opportunity to end your York city break with one last drink.

I stopped by The King’s Inn, a cosy pub known for its fun themed cocktails. I couldn’t resist ordering one of their quirky creations (yes, there was even a Peppa Pig-themed cocktail on the menu!), and it turned out to be the perfect way to toast the end of a fantastic trip.

Sometimes it’s the little moments like this, laughing over a colourful cocktail after three days of exploring, that become some of your favourite travel memories.

Looking for a hotel in York? Book your stay here.

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York completely exceeded my expectations. It manages to combine nearly 2,000 years of history with a wonderfully quirky personality, where medieval streets sit alongside magical shops, cosy pubs and unique attractions you won’t find anywhere else.

Whether you’re walking along the ancient city walls, admiring the incredible architecture of York Minster, choosing your own handcrafted ghost, or following a witch through the city’s winding streets after dark, there’s something special around almost every corner.

If you’re visiting York for the first time, three days is the perfect amount of time to experience the city’s biggest highlights while still leaving plenty of room to simply wander and soak up its unique atmosphere. I already know I’ll be back someday… and next time, I’ll probably come home with another York ghost statue too!

Xo Bug Girl

Instagram: @thebuggirladventures

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Other Posts to Help You Plan Your Trip to York

6 Unique Shops You Need to Visit in York – Bug Girl Adventures