York’s medieval center demands smart touring choices. The City Sightseeing bus tour, while convenient for orientation, feels touristy and rushed. Instead, we love the intimate 2-hour History City Tour – it’s the perfect introduction to York’s 2,000-year story, with guides who really know their stuff. The 1.5-hour walking tour is our top pick for travelers short on time, hitting York Minster and the city walls efficiently. For something special, the small-group City Highlights tour lets you dodge the crowds and access hidden corners that big groups miss. Skip the standard Minster tours and opt for a private guide – you’ll appreciate the extra attention at England’s most impressive Gothic cathedral. These are our favorite tours for experiencing the best of York.
Key Points
- The City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour offers a comprehensive 24-hour tour with 20 stops and 21 points of interest.
- The York: History City Tour by J&M provides a 2-hour English-language tour led by a highly-rated guide, covering 6000 years of history.
- The York City Walking Tour – History Chronicles is a 1.5-hour walking tour showcasing iconic landmarks and lesser-known gems, with a 94% recommendation rate.
- The York: City Highlights Small Group Walking Tour explores key sights like York Minster and Shambles, with expert guides providing insights into the city’s history.
- The Private Walking Tour: York City Highlights and York Minster offers a personalized experience with a Blue Badge guide, including skip-the-line access and a flexible, family-friendly itinerary.
City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
One of the most popular ways to explore the historic city of York is the City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour.
With 20 stops and 21 points of interest, this 24-hour tour allows passengers to create personalized itineraries. The buses run every 20-30 minutes, offering audio commentary in 10 languages.
Key highlights include Clifford’s Tower, Monk Bar, and Museum Gardens. Passengers can choose between indoor or open-air seating for unobstructed views.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with tickets valid for 12 months. While entrance fees aren’t included, a discount booklet is provided for local eateries and attractions.
Read our full review: City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Review
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York: History City Tour by J&M
For those seeking a comprehensive historical tour of York, the York: J&M’s City Sightseeing and History Tour offers an engaging and informative experience.
Priced at $15.27 per person, the 2-hour English-language tour takes visitors through 6000 years of the city’s history, covering key landmarks like the York Minster, Shambles, and Jorvik Viking Centre.
Led by the knowledgeable and storytelling guide Nick, the tour boasts an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 191 reviews.
Wheelchair accessible and with free cancellation, the tour provides an excellent opportunity to explore York’s rich Celtic, Gothic, and medieval heritage.
Guests can also opt to add a ghost walk for an additional $5.
Read our full review: York: History City Tour by J&M Review
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York City Walking Tour – History Chronicles
The J & M York City Walking Tour – History Chronicles immerses visitors in the captivating past of the historic city.
With over 390 reviews and a 94% recommendation rate, this 1.5-hour walking tour covers 3-4 km, showcasing York’s iconic landmarks and lesser-known gems. Knowledgeable guides share quirky facts and historical context, enhancing the overall experience.
The tour’s highlights include visits to the wall entrance, small churches, and Clifford’s Tower.
While there are no free inclusions, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.
Travelers appreciate the engaging pace and friendly guides, though some suggest clearer communication for non-native English speakers and a more polished guide appearance.
Read our full review: York City Walking Tour – History Chronicles Review
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York: City Highlights Small Group Walking Tour
Embarking on the York: City Highlights Small Group Walking Tour, visitors enjoy the captivating history and iconic landmarks of this medieval city.
The 1.5-hour tour, limited to 8 participants, guides them through key sights like the exterior of York Minster, the Shambles, and Snickelways.
Exploring the Museum Gardens, they’ll discover the remains of a Roman fortress and St Mary’s Abbey.
The tour delves into York’s past, from the dawn of Christianity to the birth of the Kit Kat.
With an expert guide, guests gain insight into the city’s Viking influences and the 900-year history of the magnificent Minster.
This highly-rated, wheelchair-accessible experience offers excellent value for money.
Read our full review: York: City Highlights Small Group Walking Tour Review
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The Heart of York Walking City Tour
Explore the heart of York on the captivating Heart of York Walking City Tour. This highly-rated walking tour takes you on an immersive journey through the city’s rich history and captivating stories.
Led by enthusiastic guides, you’ll discover the Shambles, York Minster, King’s Manor, and other hidden gems, learning about local myths, legends, and connections to Harry Potter.
With a maximum of 20 travelers, the experience offers a personalized and intimate exploration of York’s highlights. Accessible and suitable for most, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking an insightful and engaging way to uncover the city’s charm.
Consistently receiving 5-star reviews, it’s an unmissable opportunity to explore the heart of this historic English city.
Read our full review: The Heart of York Walking City Tour Review
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York: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Visitors to the historic city of York can easily and conveniently discover its rich heritage with the York: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour.
Priced from $20.36 per person, this 24-hour tour offers unlimited hop-on hop-off access to over 20 stops, including key sights like York Castle, Monk Bar, and the iconic York Minster.
With an audio guide available in 10 languages, travelers can enjoy panoramic views from the open-top deck as they explore the city’s medieval streets and attractions.
The tour’s flexible booking and free cancellation policy make it a hassle-free way to experience the best of York.
Based on 695 reviews, the tour earns an impressive 4.6/5 overall rating.
Read our full review: York: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Review
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Private Walking Tour: York City Highlights and York Minster
Travelers seeking an immersive and personalized experience in York can opt for the Private Walking Tour: York City Highlights and York Minster.
This tour provides a Blue Badge guide who offers engaging storytelling and historical insights into the city’s rich heritage. Guests are guaranteed to skip long lines and enjoy a flexible, family-friendly itinerary tailored to their interests.
With a moderate fitness level required, the tour is wheelchair accessible and operates in all weather conditions. Reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, who bring the history of York to life through their captivating narratives.
At $288.85 per person, this private tour offers a memorable experience for visitors exploring the city’s highlights, including the iconic York Minster.
Read our full review: Private Walking Tour: York City Highlights and York Minster Review
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The Sum Up
York offers a variety of engaging city tours that cater to different interests and preferences. From hop-on hop-off buses to walking tours, visitors can explore the city’s rich history, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems. Whether you’re interested in a rundown or a deep dive into York’s past, there’s a tour that’s sure to suit your needs.