Exhibition Square: The Heart of York's Cultural Scene
Discover the cultural heart of York at Exhibition Square, a vibrant space rich in history and community events, perfect for relaxation and exploration.
Exhibition Square is a vibrant gathering place in York, surrounded by stunning architecture and a rich cultural atmosphere. This charming square hosts various events and is the perfect spot to relax and soak in the city's history.
A brief summary to Exhibition Square
- XW77+3M, York, York, GB
Local tips
- Visit during festival times for a chance to experience local arts, crafts, and food.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy in the square's lovely green space.
- Dress comfortably as the square can be busy, especially during events.
- Don't miss the nearby attractions like York Minster; use the square as your starting point.
Getting There
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Walking
If you are starting from York Minster, head west on Deangate toward Minster Yard. Continue straight onto Duncombe Place, then turn left onto High Petergate. Follow this street as it turns into Stonegate. At the end of Stonegate, turn right onto Petergate, and then continue straight onto the Shambles. Once you reach the end of the Shambles, exit onto Pavement and turn right. Walk straight until you reach the junction with St. Sampson's Square, then continue onto Lendal Bridge. Cross the bridge and continue straight until you reach Exhibition Square, which will be on your left, just past the Yorkshire Museum.
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Walking
If you are at the York Railway Station, exit the station and head towards the main road (Station Road). Turn left and walk down to the traffic lights at the junction with Leeman Road. Cross the road and continue straight onto Lendal Bridge. Cross the bridge and walk straight ahead, passing the Museum Gardens on your right. Continue walking straight until you reach Exhibition Square, which will be on your left, near the Yorkshire Museum.
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Bus
If you prefer taking a bus, find a bus stop near your location. Buses from various parts of York regularly stop at 'Museum Gardens' or 'Exhibition Square' stops. You can take the number 1, 3 or 5 buses that head towards the city center. Once you disembark at either of those stops, follow the signs toward Exhibition Square, which is easily accessible from there.
Discover more about Exhibition Square
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.
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.
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.
Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours (formally BOBH)
0.1 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
0.2 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.
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.
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.
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
0.4 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.
York's Chocolate Story
0.5 km
Explore the rich history of chocolate at York's Chocolate Story, where sweet indulgence meets captivating storytelling.
Monk Bar
0.5 km
Medieval fortress and gateway guarding York's northeastern entrance since the 14th century.
Unmissable attractions to see
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.
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.
York Art Gallery
0.0 km
Discover centuries of British art and vibrant contemporary exhibitions in York’s historic and beautifully restored art gallery.
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 City Sightseeing
0.0 km
Discover York’s 2,000 years of history aboard an open-top bus with live guides, hop-on hop-off freedom, and multilingual commentary.
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.
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.
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 Oratory
0.1 km
A Gothic Revival masterpiece and spiritual heart of York’s Catholic community, rich in history, art, and enduring faith.
The Red House Antique Centre
0.1 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.
York Explore Library and Archive
0.1 km
York’s central library and city archives in a striking 1920s building, with books, study spaces, a café and regular free community events.
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.
Mountain Goat Tours - York
0.2 km
Discover the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of York with Mountain Goat Tours, your gateway to unforgettable adventures in this historic city.
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.
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
0.2 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.
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
0.3 km
Elegant British brasserie in York’s historic heart, offering modern classics, vibrant interiors, and a lively yet refined atmosphere.
Forest
0.3 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
0.3 km
Experience authentic North African cuisine with vibrant flavors and a rustic charm in the heart of historic York.
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.
Turtle Bay York
0.3 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
0.2 km
Discover York’s enchanting Victorian-style curiosity shop filled with unique art, vintage-inspired homewares, and affordable luxuries.
The Yorkshire Soap Company - York
0.2 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
0.2 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.
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.
Fairer World
0.3 km
Discover unique fair trade treasures and support global artisans at York’s dedicated ethical gift shop on historic Gillygate.
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
0.4 km
Step into York’s Viking past at The Knutti Store, where authentic craftsmanship meets legendary tales in a charming trading post setting.
Pandora
0.4 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
0.2 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
0.3 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
0.3 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.
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.
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.
Vudu Lounge
0.4 km
York’s eclectic after-hours lounge blending quality cocktails with a lively, quirky nightlife vibe until the early morning.
Pitcher & Piano York
0.4 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
0.4 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)
1.5 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.
