Where to Stay in York → 4 Best Areas for Tourists in 2024

Ready to explore one of the oldest cities in Europe? Then let’s start this guide on where to stay in York, England! 

I lived in England for a few years and I’ve been visiting the country regularly! Each time I came back with more tips, which I also included in this guide, along with the top areas in the city and some of the best hotels in each neighborhood. 

In short, the City Centre is the best place to stay in York, as that’s where you’ll find the main attractions and some of the best hotels. But make sure you also check out the other areas as well. 

I’d recommend booking your hotels in York in advance! This is a popular holiday destination and all the good hotels always sell out first. 

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Below you have a short list of the best hotels, all located in the top area to stay in York, the City Centre:

Check out the map below which will take away some of the confusion and help you visualize all the areas that I’ll mention in this post:

1. City Centre – where to stay in York for the first time

If you’re fascinated with history and a real hunter of the oldest places to visit in the UK, then you made the right choice when you picked York as your next destination!

And what better place to start your time-traveling journey than York’s City Centre? 

The minute you arrive here you’ll fall in love with the medieval architecture, the vibrant atmosphere and all the cobbled stress.

York’s city walls (map) are the longest and best-preserved in England, stretching over two miles.

You definitely won’t need a car in York as most attractions are set here and even if you get a hotel in one of the other areas that I mention below, you can just walk from there to the City Centre.

You can start your explorations on Shambles Street (map), one of the most popular streets in town where you’ll find countless souvenir shops. And not too far from it, there’s also the 

Shambles Market (map) where you can find everything from clothes to food and crafts!

Then you can visit all the amazing attractions here like the York Castle Museum, Clifford’s Tower, where you can climb up and admire the views and of course, there’s the beautiful York Cathedral, which is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe! 

Another fun place that you shouldn’t miss out on is Jorvik Viking Centre, where you can see how a Viking village looked back in the day! 

Other accommodation options in the City Centre

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As I mentioned earlier, finding great hotels in York’s City Centre is definitely a challenge if you’re booking last minute. Most of the ones in the main list above will be long gone! So that’s why I thought I’d offer 4 extra York hotels which are just as good and may be on the market even a bit longer, so let’s have look:

• Judge’s Lodging – set in a historic Georgian House just within walking distance of all the attractions, this super elegant hotel offers such a unique setting and a lovely dining room where you can enjoy the usual afternoon tea and breakfast!  
• Hotel Indigo York– I love the mix of old and new decor of the rooms at this City Centre hotel! The accommodation has a bar where you can try lots of local beers and it also offers private parking.   
• Galtres Lodge Hotel – cozy and so comfortable! With a perfect location near the attractions and vintage shops, this great hotel offers a restaurant and family rooms. 
• Hampton by Hilton – if you’re looking for something a bit more modern in York City Centre then check out this hotel. With lots of contemporary features and cool facilities like a fitness center, this place can’t be missed!

Things to do in the City Centre

• Travel back in time at Jorvik Viking Centre
• Climb up to see Clifford’s Tower (Central Tower)
• Enjoy the views from the York City Walls
• Grab a drink at Valhalla York (map)
• Don’t get too scared at York’s Dungeons
• Visit the gothic-style York Minster
• Enjoy some yummy drinks and sweets at York Cocoa Works (map)
• Feel like you’re in a Harry Potter movie on York Shambles Street

2. City Centre West – best place to stay in York for travel links

If you’re planning to visit more places in the Yorkshire area, or maybe you’re touring the UK and want to be close to the train station (map), then City Centre West is for you.

NOTE: You should know that rail strikes are pretty common in the UK. This may affect your train journey at times but generally, you should be fine. 

By the way, if you’re thinking of doing a big trip around the country check out this UK itinerary, where you’ll find all the top tourist destinations and towns! 

York train station has become super popular after it made an appearance in the Philosopher’s Stone movie when Harry and Hagrid were crossing the bridge (supposedly in King’s Cross station) to get to Platform 9¾.

City Centre West is set just across the river from the City Centre, and it’s just as beautiful and historic as the first area. And yes, just as busy. Since York Railway Station is located here, many tourists opt to stay in the West side of the city.

It’s true, the main and most important attractions are set in the City Centre, but you’ll also find some here as well like the National Railway Museum York, the Micklegate Bar stone gate (map) and the Memorial Gardens (map). You can also enjoy lots of pubs like the The Priory (map) and the Nags Head (map).

But let’s not forget that York offers impeccable architecture all around the city, so fear not! You’ll be just as mesmerized by your surroundings if you choose to stay here.

By the way if you’re thinking of going bar hopping at night I’d definitely bring someone with me. Apparently York is one of the most haunted cities in the world! They even estimated there are around 500 ghosts in this town! Spooky!

Other accommodation options in City Centre West

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Since the City Centre West had so many great hotels, I couldn’t just leave you just with the options above so I’ve decided to add 2 more and share these amazing accommodations with you as well:

• The Lawrance – these family-friendly aparthotels are located in a traditional courtyard and they come equipped with everything you need for your stay including a small kitchen and free Wi-Fi.
• The Bar Convent – enjoy a yummy breakfast at this cheap hotel that’s set in a super old building. Don’t worry though you’ll get all the contemporary features like free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen tv. 

Things to do in City Centre West 

• Visit the award-winning Railway Museum
• Explore the Memorial Gardens
• Admire the views of River Ouse 
• Grab a drink at The Priory
• Join the spooky York ghost bus tour

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3. Bootham – where to stay in York for budget travelers

Set right near the City Center, this neighborhood is more residential and not so popular with tourists who visit York.

And you know what that means?

Yep, low prices! If you were looking for a place to stay that’s not super far from the main attractions like the City Walls and York Dungeon and also offers some affordable hotels, then you’ve hit the jackpot!

Bootham is perfect for those of you who want a mix of touristy York but also some tranquility as well. The City Center can get super busy at times since everyone is spending their time there, so this area can definitely be that breath of fresh air that you need!

And don’t think that you won’t find things to see here! Besides the fact that you’ll get to see a more authentic part of this historic city, you’ll also stumble across many vintage shops, pubs, art galleries, and museums.

Some places that you should check out here are St. Mary’s Abbey and its gardens (map), Yorkshire Museum where you’ll find lots of archeological jewels on display and York Art Gallery. 

I told you, no matter where you’ll go in York, you’ll find something to love! Now let’s check out the best hotels in York, Bootham!

Other accommodation options in Bootham

Things to do in Bootham 

• Visit the 11th century St Mary’s Abbey
• Check out the paintings at York Art Gallery
• See archeological treasures at Yorkshire Museum
• Explore the Foss Fairy Trail (map) in the Heworth area
• Grab a drink at Minster Inn pub (map)
• Catch a play at the York Theatre Royal
• Enjoy the usual afternoon tea at Café FeVa (map)

4. South Bank – best area to stay in York, UK for nature

Yorkshire is absolutely packed with natural areas and York has some lovely green spots as well but a bit further away from the City Center.

If you are looking for something closer to the woods and walking paths then I’d recommend booking your hotel in South Bank, an area located a 30 min walk away from Central York.

PRO TIP: You can also use buses to get to the City Centre, from South Bank. The journey usually takes around 15 min. 

Perfect for those of you who aren’t big fans of the crowds and city atmosphere, South Bank is a tranquil, peaceful neighborhood where you can relax and unwind.

As you can imagine there aren’t many attractions here, since the main one is the beautiful nature, however, you will find the York Racecourse! 

Oh yes, this is where they hold horse racing competitions usually in the spring – summertime. So if you’re a fan make sure you drop by!

When you’re not too busy taking long walks and enjoying the scenery you can check out the pubs around, there are a few and even a Cricket Club (map) if you’d like to try the country’s famous sport.

Other accommodation options in South Bank

Things to do in South Bank 

• Visit the York Racecourse
• Stop for a drink at The Knavesmire pub (map)
• See a game at the Ovington Cricket Club
• Walk around the Knavesmire Grasslands (map)

BONUS 1: Best hotels in York with parking

Doing a road trip around Yorkshire and you need a great hotel that offers parking spaces? Well, I’m here to help you with that! I’ve looked around for hours and found the best hotels in York that offer just that.

So let’s have a look:

• Grays Court Hotel – this unique hotel in the City Center is so elegant and apparently it was once the home of King James I! Every little detail is so well-thought-out, and the furniture is definitely my favorite part, and also the fact that you get a nice sight of the city walls. Make sure you grab dinner at their AA Rosette restaurant, the food is delicious!
• No 1 by GuestHouse – a beautiful boutique hotel that offers such a nice combination of old and new designs. The soft-colored furniture will create a super cozy environment and just wait until you see their luxurious spa!
• The Heworth Inn – clean, comfortable, and equipped with everything you need for your stay! This affordable hotel comes with family rooms that have a flat-screen Tv and parking spaces.

BONUS 2: Best hotels in York for couples

Planning a romantic getaway with your significant other in York? Well, this medieval town has a romantic vibe at times and the old houses can definitely make you feel like you’re in a Jane Austen novel.

But it’s not just that, you’ll also find lots of unique hotels where you and your partner can enjoy your holiday in peace. I’ve looked through the lists and found 3 amazing ones for all budgets so let’s have a look:

• Middlethorpe Hall & Spa – peace, privacy, and award-winning food? Sounds like the perfect romantic getaway to me! This fabulous hotel that was built in the 1600s overlooks the York Racecourse and it has such stylish rooms. There’s also a spa where you guys can relax and unwind with a massage.
• Principal York – set in an iconic building, this amazing hotel has a swimming pool and beautifully-decorated rooms. After exploring York you can end your day with a romantic candlelight dinner at their restaurant.  
• Best Western Kilima Hotel – this affordable hotel is so cozy! You’ll never want to leave its comfortable four-poster beds and rooms! During your stay, you’ll have access to a swimming pool and a nice lounge area where you can enjoy some drinks.

FAQs about hotels in York

🏨 What are the best luxury hotels in York?

Some of the best luxury hotels in York are The Dean Court and The Grand. These accommodations have amazing facilities including fancy restaurants and bars.

👪 Which hotels in York are good for families?

🤔 What is the best area to stay in York, UK?

City Centre is one of the best places to stay in York, UK! There you’ll find the main attractions, the best hotels like Judge’s Lodging, and lots of cool restaurants.

💰How much does it cost to stay in a place in York?

You can expect to pay around US$180 for a luxury hotel, US$130 for a mid-range one, and US$80 for budget accommodation. 

📅 How many days do we need in York?

I’d say 2 full days are enough to explore York. Maybe 3 if you’re thinking of taking a day trip. 

Final thoughts on where to stay in York 

Who’s already looking forward to visiting York’s spooky streets and meeting some ghosts (or maybe let’s skip the ghosts bit). 

I hope that this guide on where to stay in York, UK, helped you decide which area and hotel to pick!

If you’re still not sure, here are my favorite top-rated hotels in York, England, both set in the City Centre: 

• The Dean Court Hotel – housed in a beautiful building this hotel has a modern decor and it offers views of York Minster
• Hedley House Hotel –  a lovely mid-range option that has super comfortable rooms and a hot tub where you can relax

Don’t forget to book your hotel in advance. York is a popular tourist destination and the good hotels always sell out first!

Have fun exploring York and don’t hesitate to drop me any questions that you may have about York or other destinations in the UK, in the comment section below!

Safe travels, 

Victoria

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