City Sightseeing York: Explore Historic York on an Open-Top Bus Tour
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.
A brief summary to York City Sightseeing
- Exhibition Square, Bootham Tower, York, YO1 7EW, GB
- +447525912458
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Purchase your ticket online to benefit from the Rainy Day Guarantee, allowing rescheduling if weather disrupts your tour day.
- Use your 24-hour ticket to complete a full loop first, then hop off at key attractions like York Minster and Clifford’s Tower.
- Ask your driver for a Transdev Treats voucher to access discounts at local shops, restaurants, and attractions.
- Take advantage of the kids’ commentary to keep younger travelers engaged with fun historical stories.
- Wear layered clothing and bring a camera to capture panoramic views from the open-top deck throughout the tour.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Bus
City Sightseeing York buses depart every 15 minutes from Exhibition Square between 9:08 AM and 4:38 PM daily. Tickets cost approximately £17 for adults and are valid for 24 hours, allowing flexible hop-on hop-off travel.
-
Train and Bus
From York Railway Station, take local bus services or a 20-minute taxi ride to Exhibition Square, the main departure point. Bus services run frequently during the day with fares around £2-£4.
-
Walking
If staying nearby, a 10-15 minute walk through York’s historic center leads to Exhibition Square. The terrain is mostly flat and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
York City Sightseeing location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
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.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bootham Bar
0.1 km
Explore Bootham Bar, York’s medieval gateway with Roman roots, historic portcullis, and stunning views of the city’s ancient walls and Minster.
Anglian Tower
0.1 km
Discover York’s rare Anglo-Saxon watchtower, a unique stone relic woven into ancient Roman walls and shrouded in centuries of history.
York Gifts and Souvenirs
0.1 km
Explore York Gifts and Souvenirs for locally crafted treasures and unique gifts that capture the essence of York's rich history and culture.
Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours (formally BOBH)
0.2 km
Discover the enchanting landscapes and rich heritage of Yorkshire with personalized tours from Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours.
St. Leonard's Hospital
0.2 km
Explore the evocative ruins of York’s largest medieval hospital, where healing met faith in a grand historic sanctuary.
The Norman House
0.3 km
Discover York’s oldest medieval house, a Norman stone residence with rare surviving walls and a Norman window hidden behind Stonegate.
The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York
0.3 km
A soaring Gothic masterpiece in the heart of York, where 1,400 years of faith, history, and light-filled architecture converge in one of England’s greatest cathedrals.
Medieval Walls
0.3 km
Walk England’s longest medieval walls, tracing 2,000 years of York’s history with stunning city views and iconic fortified gateways.
Roman Column
0.3 km
A 7.6-metre Roman column where Constantine may have been declared Emperor, standing in the shadow of York Minster since 1971.
Sundial Column
0.4 km
An elegant 18th-century sundial column on stone lions, quietly marking time just east of York Minster in a peaceful corner of the cathedral precincts.
The York Cat Trail
0.5 km
Explore the York Cat Trail: A delightful journey through York's streets, where whimsical cat sculptures blend art, history, and fun.
Visit York Information Centre & Gift Shop
0.5 km
Discover York's rich history and vibrant culture at the Visit York Information Centre & Gift Shop, your gateway to unforgettable experiences.
Bedern Hall
0.5 km
Experience the enchanting Bedern Hall in York, a perfect venue that beautifully blends history and elegance for unforgettable weddings and events.
Monk Bar
0.5 km
Medieval fortress and gateway guarding York's northeastern entrance since the 14th century.
York's Chocolate Story
0.5 km
Explore the rich history of chocolate at York's Chocolate Story, where sweet indulgence meets captivating storytelling.
Unmissable attractions to see
Invisible Cities - Walking Tours York
0.0 km
Alternative walking tours of York led by local guides with lived experience of homelessness, blending history, personal stories, and social impact.
York Art Gallery
0.0 km
Discover centuries of British art and vibrant contemporary exhibitions in York’s historic and beautifully restored art gallery.
Association Of Voluntary Guides Meeting Place
0.0 km
Starting point for free, expert-led walking tours revealing York’s rich history and vibrant culture every day except Christmas.
William Etty
0.0 km
A dignified granite statue in Exhibition Square honoring York-born William Etty, a pioneering painter of nudes and historical scenes.
Exhibition Square
0.0 km
A historic and vibrant cultural square in York, blending art, architecture, and community in the city’s heart.
King's Manor - University of York
0.1 km
A historic Tudor and Stuart manor in York city centre, blending royal heritage with academic excellence since the 15th century.
Petergate House
0.1 km
Explore Petergate House, a stunning historical landmark in York, where rich heritage meets architectural beauty, perfect for every tourist's journey.
Hole In The Wall
0.1 km
Experience the charm of Hole In The Wall in York, a historic pub offering local ales, traditional British dishes, and a warm atmosphere.
York Theatre Royal
0.1 km
Discover York Theatre Royal, a historic gem blending medieval roots with Victorian Gothic and modernist design, alive with over 270 years of theatrical heritage.
Yorkshire Museum
0.2 km
Explore Yorkshire’s rich history from prehistoric fossils to Viking treasures in York’s iconic Greek Revival museum nestled in tranquil gardens.
York Oratory
0.2 km
A Gothic Revival masterpiece and spiritual heart of York’s Catholic community, rich in history, art, and enduring faith.
York Explore Library and Archive
0.2 km
York’s central library and city archives in a striking 1920s building, with books, study spaces, a café and regular free community events.
The Red House Antique Centre
0.2 km
Discover a treasure trove of antiques and collectibles in York’s historic Red House, where over 60 dealers offer unique finds for every budget.
Multangular Tower
0.2 km
Explore York’s iconic ten-sided Roman tower blending ancient military might with medieval defense, nestled in serene Museum Gardens.
Grand Yorkshire - Day Trips and Tours
0.2 km
Exclusive small-group day tours from York featuring vintage steam train rides and immersive journeys through Yorkshire’s scenic countryside and heritage.
Essential places to dine
Brew & Brownie
0.2 km
Cozy family-run café in York serving locally inspired breakfasts, artisan coffee, and indulgent brownies in a rustic, welcoming setting.
Guy Fawkes Inn
0.3 km
Historic inn with cozy period rooms, lively pub, and unbeatable central location near York Minster.
The Star Inn The City
0.3 km
Elegant riverside dining in York offering seasonal British cuisine with a rustic countryside charm and stunning views of the River Ouse.
House Of The Trembling Madness // Stonegate (No table bookings)
0.3 km
A medieval ale house with a vast craft beer collection, quirky charm, and hearty Yorkshire fare in the heart of historic York.
The Botanist York
0.3 km
A vibrant botanical bar and restaurant on York’s historic Stonegate, blending fresh seasonal cuisine with live music and lush, nature-inspired interiors.
Roots York
0.3 km
Discover Roots York, a Michelin-starred gem offering seasonal farm-to-table tasting menus in a historic 19th-century setting with warm, refined ambiance.
Kennedy's Bar & Restaurant
0.3 km
A vibrant York hotspot blending modern British cuisine, live music, and expertly crafted cocktails in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Forage Kitchen & Bar
0.3 km
Refined fire-cooked dishes and inventive Yorkshire cocktails in a lush, intimate setting on York’s historic Little Stonegate.
Côte York
0.3 km
Experience authentic Parisian brasserie dining with classic French dishes and warm hospitality in the heart of historic York.
Tomahawk Steakhouse York
0.3 km
Savor Himalayan salt dry-aged steaks and vibrant cocktails in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Tomahawk Steakhouse.
Fat Hippo York
0.3 km
Savour bold, creative burgers and dirty fries in York’s historic Low Petergate, where casual meets flavour-packed indulgence.
The Ivy St Helen's Square York
0.4 km
Elegant British brasserie in York’s historic heart, offering modern classics, vibrant interiors, and a lively yet refined atmosphere.
Forest
0.4 km
Charming Georgian hotel in York’s historic heart with cozy rooms and acclaimed Forest Restaurant, perfect for exploring medieval streets and local culture.
Los Moros
0.4 km
Experience authentic North African cuisine with vibrant flavors and a rustic charm in the heart of historic York.
Turtle Bay York
0.4 km
Experience authentic Caribbean flavors and vibrant island vibes in the heart of historic York at Turtle Bay.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Snowhome
0.2 km
Discover Snowhome, York’s premier independent lifestyle store blending exquisite stationery, niche perfumes, and sustainable home accessories since 2001.
The Imaginarium
0.3 km
Discover York’s enchanting Victorian-style curiosity shop filled with unique art, vintage-inspired homewares, and affordable luxuries.
The Yorkshire Soap Company - York
0.3 km
A fragrant, playful haven of handmade soaps and scented treats in the heart of York – perfect for gifts and a little indulgence.
York Minster Shop
0.3 km
Discover authentic souvenirs and specialist books celebrating York Minster's medieval heritage.
Shared Earth
0.3 km
Discover ethically sourced treasures and handcrafted fair trade gifts in the heart of historic York.
Fairer World
0.3 km
Discover unique fair trade treasures and support global artisans at York’s dedicated ethical gift shop on historic Gillygate.
Käthe Wohlfahrt
0.3 km
Experience authentic German Christmas magic year-round in York’s historic Tudor townhouse on Stonegate.
Rookscroft
0.3 km
Discover handcrafted treasures and local charm at Rookscroft, York’s cozy gift shop on historic Stonegate.
The Cat Gallery
0.3 km
York's iconic independent gift shop celebrating all things feline since 2001.
SOCTOPUS
0.3 km
Discover York’s playful sock boutique blending British humour, culture, and quirky style in every colourful pair.
Paper Doll
0.4 km
Discover unique, colourful fashion and artisan jewellery in York’s charming Paper Doll boutique, a hidden gem for stylish and distinctive finds.
York Souvenirs and Gifts
0.4 km
Authentic Yorkshire souvenirs and handcrafted gifts in the heart of historic York’s medieval streets.
National Trust Gift Shop
0.4 km
Discover unique National Trust gifts and local crafts in a historic York setting supporting conservation and heritage.
The Knutti Store, a Viking Trading Post
0.5 km
Step into York’s Viking past at The Knutti Store, where authentic craftsmanship meets legendary tales in a charming trading post setting.
Pandora
0.5 km
Discover elegant, hand-finished jewellery crafted with care and inspired by timeless style at Pandora on Low Petergate, York.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Eagle & Child
0.1 km
Historic 17th-century timber-framed pub in York offering craft ales, good food, and a charming beer garden in a quaint, lively setting.
Ye Olde Starre Inne
0.3 km
Historic and welcoming pub on York’s Stonegate, serving hearty British classics in a charming medieval setting.
Evil Eye
0.3 km
Quirky cocktails and lively entertainment blend seamlessly in York’s vibrant Evil Eye Lounge on historic Stonegate.
House Of Trembling Madness // Lendal (No table bookings)
0.3 km
Step into York’s medieval gem where historic ambiance meets an extraordinary craft beer selection in a quirky, lively setting.
The Punch Bowl
0.3 km
A historic York pub blending traditional charm, eclectic ales, and hearty British fare in a cozy, welcoming setting on Stonegate.
Lendal Cellars
0.3 km
Historic underground pub with a quirky atmosphere, diverse menu, and a rare city-center beer garden in York.
Bobos Cocktail Bar York
0.4 km
York’s vibrant two-floor cocktail bar with tropical drinks, heated shisha terrace, lively DJs, and unbeatable drink deals in the historic Quarter.
Slug & Lettuce - Swinegate York
0.4 km
A lively cocktail bar and casual dining spot in York’s historic centre, perfect for social drinks, events, and weekend late nights.
Oscar's Wine Bar & Bistro
0.4 km
A lively and welcoming wine bar in York offering quality food, diverse wines, and a charming atmosphere for all occasions.
Dusk
0.4 km
A quirky and welcoming bar in York’s city centre, perfect for lively nights and casual drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
Revolution York
0.4 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York’s historic centre with multiple bars, garden terrace, and a vibrant atmosphere for all occasions.
The Maltings
0.4 km
A quirky, friendly pub in York offering a wide beer selection and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Tanner's Moat.
Victor J's
0.4 km
Eclectic art-inspired bar and restaurant in York’s heart, offering cozy seating, creative vibes, and lively weekend nights.
Vudu Lounge
0.5 km
York’s eclectic after-hours lounge blending quality cocktails with a lively, quirky nightlife vibe until the early morning.
Pitcher & Piano York
0.5 km
Lively riverside bar on Coney Street blending modern British cuisine, vibrant social events, and scenic views of the River Ouse in York.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
BlueBox
0.4 km
York’s premier late-night nightclub, BlueBox pulses with House, Tech House, and Disco beats until dawn in a vibrant city-center setting.
Flares - York
0.5 km
Experience York’s ultimate retro nightclub with decades-spanning hits, vibrant dance floors, and an inclusive party atmosphere.
Club Salvation
0.5 km
York’s vibrant nightclub with dual music rooms, lively atmosphere, and fair-priced drinks for an unforgettable night out.
Popworld York
0.6 km
York’s vibrant pop music nightclub with a unique revolving dancefloor and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights out.
Ziggy's Bar & Nightclub
0.6 km
York’s iconic student nightclub offering energetic dance floors, affordable drinks, and a lively atmosphere since the 1980s.
Bar 55 York
0.6 km
York’s exclusive strip club offering sophisticated adult entertainment and premium nightlife in a stylish, historic setting.
Kuda
0.7 km
York’s vibrant nightclub offering diverse music, live DJs, and a lively late-night atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Karaoke Rooms (KTV)
1.6 km
Experience lively private karaoke rooms in the heart of York’s vibrant nightlife at Chuandao Karaoke Bar.
Big Fellas Nightclub
33.7 km
A lively and casual nightclub in Pontefract offering energetic late-night dancing and drinks in a central urban setting.
Arabian Night Lounge
34.0 km
Dive into Arabian enchantment on Leeds' nightlife scene: shisha, beats, and opulent vibes await at this Cherry Row gem.
Quadrophenia Night
34.6 km
Rev up for mod anthems, live ska-soul bands, and 60s film vibes at Leeds' ultimate Quadrophenia tribute night—pure energy and rebellion on the dancefloor.
The Lab Nightclub Leeds
34.8 km
Experience Leeds' electric nightlife at The Lab Nightclub, where music flows smoothly and the party never stops in the heart of the city.
Disco Stu's
34.8 km
Pulse-pounding beats and sticky-floored euphoria on Vicar Lane—Disco Stu's delivers unfiltered Leeds nightlife with affordable drinks and all-night energy.
The Key Club
35.0 km
Intimate, no-frills live-music club in central Leeds where punk, indie and alternative acts play close and loud beneath Merrion Street.
PRYZM
35.0 km
Leeds' multi-themed superclub where futuristic beats meet quirky rooms in the heart of Arena Quarter nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Family Friendly
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Family Friendly
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly