Most will agree that York is breathtaking. From the beautiful countryside views of Yorkshire to the city walls, 14th-century shambles to the gothic York Minster, it offers a unique visit.
It is popular with millions of tourists each year visiting for a city break, work trips, or a relaxing weekend in the historical city. There are many spots where visitors can capture dazzling pictures to be posted on your Instagram feed to be the envy of your friends and family.
In this post we’re going to explore some of the most instagrammable spots in York. Don’t forget to book your York accommodation before visiting this lovely city!
Keep reading to make sure there aren’t any stones (or potential pics) left unturned.
Shambles
A visit to York wouldn’t be complete without heading to the Shambles. It makes for perfect influencer-style photography.
Head here for a cobbled street, wooden beams and a quintessentially English town feel.
Bear in mind that this street is popular with tourists so we recommend getting to this spot nice and early for the best photo!
Cliffords Tower
See panoramic views of Old York from the top of Clifford’s Tower making it ideal for a visit to get photos.
It sits high on an imposing mound and is almost all that remains of York Castle built by William the Conqueror, serving as both a prison and a royal mint in its time.
This is a must-see location to add to your York itinerary. It offers opportunities for photos taken from below the mount with the tower behind or from the tower itself with the views of York in shot.
York Castle Museum
York Castle Museum is immersive in that Dr Kirk’s (whose efforts are the result of this museum) wanted objects to be displayed in context.
Traditional museums generally tend to display objects typographically and chronologically together so that changes through time can be compared as visitors walk through them.
His vision and his legacy is the York Castle Museum which brings history to life and transports visitors through time.
At York Castle Museum you can enjoy wandering through Kirkgate: The Victorian Street, York Castle Prison and 1914: When the World Changed Forever exhibitions.
York Minster
The Cathedral and Metropolitan Church of Saint Peter is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe but more commonly known as ‘York Minster’.
It is, without a doubt, one of the most instagrammable spots in York!
Why not take a picture of its grand stained glass windows or get the full, imposing magnificence of it from the area in front of it.
You won’t want to miss an opportunity to get some great photos here!
York City Walls
Yorks medieval city walls (or ‘Bar Walls’) are a scheduled monument that encircles the historic city of York.
There is over 3km of surviving structures. Most of the wall was built in the 13th century.
You can still walk along parts of the wall to this day.
Barley Hall
Described as York’s Hidden Medieval Townhouse once home to the Priors of the Nostell and a Lord Mayor of York.
It had been buried beneath modern structures and was discovered in the 1980s.
York Archeological Trust purchased Barley Hall in 1987 and were able to restore the site to its former medieval glory.
Bettys Tea Rooms
A great way to finish off a visit in York is by visiting the famous Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms.
There are two Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms, Bettys York and Bettys Stonegate Shop. Try one of the delectable cakes to pair with their wide selection of teas available.
The staff wear traditional tea room uniform and if you’re celebrating or want to be a little fancier, their afternoon tea is well recommended.
Which of these sites do you think you’ll visit first when you next head to York?
See our rooms in York at Falcon Boutique Inn to book an apartment in the heart of the city.