York City Sightseeing, York Travel Guide
Free Guide: Discover York’s 2,000 years of history aboard an open-top bus with live guides, hop-on hop-off freedom, and multilingual commentary.
A brief summary of York City Sightseeing
Discover York’s 2,000 years of history aboard an open-top bus with live guides, hop-on hop-off freedom, and multilingual commentary.
City Sightseeing York offers a flexible hop-on hop-off open-top bus tour that lets you discover York’s rich heritage spanning 2,000 years. With 21 stops including iconic sites like Clifford’s Tower and Monk Bar, live guides and multilingual audio commentary bring the city’s Roman, Viking, and medieval past to life. Tickets are valid for 24 hours, allowing you to create your own itinerary and enjoy discounts at local attractions.
On-site amenities
Restrooms
Drink options
Food options
Seating areas
Information boards
- Address
- Exhibition Square, Bootham Tower, York YO1 7EW
- Phone
- Website
Getting there
Bus
Train and Bus
Walking
Discover more about York City Sightseeing
A Journey Through York’s Timeless Heritage
City Sightseeing York invites you to embark on a captivating tour through one of England’s most historically significant cities. York’s story stretches back over two millennia, from its Roman foundations through Viking invasions to medieval grandeur. This open-top bus tour allows you to experience this rich tapestry firsthand, passing landmarks such as Clifford’s Tower, the only Barbican on a city wall in Britain, and the medieval Monk Bar. The live guides and multilingual audio commentary enrich your journey with tales of monarchs, local legends, and York’s unique architectural heritage.
Flexible Touring with 21 Convenient Stops
The tour features 21 strategically placed stops around the city, including Exhibition Square, The Stonebow, and Fishergate. This flexibility means you can hop off to explore attractions like York Minster, the Jorvik Viking Centre, or the York Castle Museum at your own pace. The ticket’s 24-hour validity encourages a relaxed exploration, allowing you to complete a full loop before delving deeper into the sites that capture your interest. The buses run every 15 minutes from 9:08 AM to 4:38 PM daily, ensuring convenient access throughout the day.
Engaging Commentary for All Ages
Whether you prefer live narration or audio guides, City Sightseeing York caters to all visitors. Commentary is available in seven languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Mandarin, and Japanese, plus a special kids’ guide called Time Travellers that makes history fun for younger passengers. The guides share fascinating anecdotes, such as spotting the city’s famous cats or stories about Dick Turpin’s grave, adding layers of intrigue to your sightseeing experience.
Accessibility and Comfort on Board
The buses are designed for comfort and accessibility, featuring low floors for wheelchair users and stroller-friendly spaces. Both indoor seating and open-air decks are available, so you can enjoy York’s changing weather in comfort. Even on rainy days, the Rainy Day Guarantee allows you to reschedule your tour within the week if booked online, ensuring your experience is never spoiled by the weather.
Discounts and Local Partnerships
Your City Sightseeing ticket also acts as a key to savings around York. Present your ticket to receive discounts at numerous local attractions and eateries, including 10% off entry to the Jorvik Viking Centre and £3 off York Boats. The Transdev Treats voucher offers additional perks, making your exploration both enriching and economical.
York’s Vibrant Urban Landscape and Cultural Richness
Beyond historical sites, the tour passes through York’s vibrant streets, markets, and university areas, showcasing the city’s lively contemporary culture. From quaint tearooms like Betty’s to bustling shopping streets, the tour offers a panoramic view of York’s blend of past and present. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, family traveler, or casual visitor, City Sightseeing York provides a comprehensive and engaging way to experience this remarkable city.
Evendo Review Centre
Guest reviews
Best time to go
Quietest: Jan, Feb & Nov · before 8am or from 8pm
Busy times are Evendo estimates for a typical year, to help you plan. Actual crowds vary with events, school holidays and the weather.
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