York was once the military capital of Roman Britain and was later claimed by the Vikings as their capital, known as "Jorvik". Hence, many of the city's streets end in "-gate", the Viking word for street. While both the Romans and Vikings have left their mark, York is perhaps most famous for its vast Gothic cathedral, York Minster. Inside, the towering columns, high ceilings and splendid stained glass windows create an awe-inspiring atmosphere. Below the cathedral, the city centre lies encircled by three miles of well-preserved ancient stone walls (on which you can actually walk) featuring four unusual fortified gates, known as "bars".

The old city centre is a web of narrow streets and alleyways, compact enough to explore on foot and containing a wealth of interesting places to visit. Popular attractions include the Shambles, a quaint medieval shopping street, the Jorvik Viking Centre, where a Viking Street has been carefully recreated, and the National Railway Museum.

The city also offers plenty of historic pubs, many shops including new and secondhand bookshops, Mulberry Hall, a sales centre for fine bone china and crystal, and the York Antiques Centre. Finally, don't miss tea at Betty's, an institution since 1912, set in a beautiful Art Nouveau building close to the Guildhall.