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City

York is regularly named one of the best places to live and visit in the UK.

With a population of 200,000, it’s big enough to feel lively and small enough to walk or cycle around.

York is known for its history, with significant remains of its Roman and Viking past. Impressive architecture and historic buildings are scattered all over the city.

With its compact size and cobblestone streets, York is packed with atmospheric cafés, mouth-watering restaurants and independent shops. In a city filled with history, there's always something new for you to discover.

A foodie's heaven with over 200 pubs and restaurants

2,000 years of history to explore

Visit York 2023

Thriving nightlife voted best in the UK

Get Licensed study 2022

Feel right at home in one of the most welcoming cities

booking.com 2023

The city of York is just a swift bus ride or leisurely walk away from the University. With its variety of historical sites, eateries and plenty of open spaces, there’s always something to do. Whether it be visiting Cliffords Tower, having afternoon tea at Betty’s, or chilling out in the Minster Gardens. The city is a lively place to spend your time.

Kabeer, Physics

Let us give you a tour...

Mi Chelle, Ciya, Amy and Tania take you on a tour of the route from campus into the city and round the city centre (4 mins).

Video

Student tour of York

... or take one of your own!

If you've already downloaded our Visit UoY app, it also allows you to take a self-guided tour of the city centre, from home or in-person.

Google Play Store - get the app

Apple App Store - get the app

For more information see our FAQs page.

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Our city in pictures

Spark:York is a popular location in the city featuring bars and eateries in upcycled shipping containers. York has so many bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants so there's always somewhere exciting to visit.
Walking around the city walls is a fantastic way to explore York's rich history.
The York Art Gallery houses prints, watercolours, drawings and ceramics from the medieval to contemporary periods. It's just one of the city's many cultural hubs among museums, galleries and theatres.
The Shambles is one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe, with overhanging timber-framed buildings, some dating back as far as the fourteenth century. Some claim it was also the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series.
The River Ouse runs through York, as does the River Foss. It's a beautiful place to go for a walk and there are lots of bars and restaurants that offer a brilliant view. Image from www.visityork.org.
Our best known landmark, York Minster, is one of the largest cathedrals in northern Europe and well loved by York residents. As a student it's free to enter and a lovely, quiet place to explore in your free time.
Campus meets city in the beautiful and historic King's Manor, the medieval home of Henry VIII’s Council of the North. Our Department of Archaeology, Centre for Medieval Studies and Centre for Eighteenth Century Studies are based here.
York has hundreds of shops to explore, from independent boutiques to our designer outlet. You’ll find everything you need. Image from www.visityork.org.
There’s plenty of green space to relax around the city. Take a serene walk by the river or enjoy the historic surroundings in one of our parks.
There’s always delicious food to enjoy whether that’s in one of our acclaimed restaurants or many food markets. Image from www.visityork.org.
The Christmas spirit really does take over the city with loads of events to get involved in. From carols at York Minster, to the Christmas markets on Parliament Street. You’re bound to feel festive. Image from www.visityork.org.
Immerse yourself in York’s unique Viking history. We’re the proud home of the Jorvik Centre that also hosts an annual nine day festival of Viking themed events which take over the city. 
There’s often quirky events and exhibitions happening in York. From the Micklegate Run Soapbox Race, to York Fashion Week, and light art installations. 
We’ve got the York Barbican, York Theatre Royal, Joseph Rowntree Theatre and The Grand Opera House where you can enjoy renowned shows and see famous performers all year round. Image from www.visityork.org.

The UK's best night out

Industry body, Get Licensed, have named York as the best and safest place in the UK for a night out (2022). We're also awarded 'best in category' for people being least concerned about night-time crime in York and feeling safe to walk alone at night.

Learn more

Are you an international student?

We know that you'll experience a warm welcome from the people of York - and before long you'll feel like one of the locals yourself (1 min).

Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tph79jOKrH4 on YouTube
Chloe
The City of York is renowned for its historic feel and tourist sights, from the Shambles Market to Clifford’s Tower, but also has an amazing student life!
Chloe, Psychology. Read Chloe's blog post.
Tim
One of my favourite things about York is all of the green spaces available. Coming from the countryside, I was worried that I would find it hard to adjust to living in a city but I’ve found the transition surprisingly easy. York has previously been named the greenest city in the UK as well as one of the best cities to live in. Even when you are in the city centre, you’re never far away from nature.
Tim, Bioarchaeology. Read Tim's blog post.

Find out more

York city guide

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