Entrancing, exhilarating fun on City Sightseeing York!

York is one of those places that feels alive with history the moment you arrive, and there’s no better way to start your visit than by hopping on the City Sightseeing York fun-packed open top bus. With its easy hop-on, hop-off service, this bright red double-decker, with audio or on some services, ‘live’ commentary, whisks you around all the best sights in comfort and style. Whether you’re staying for a few days or just a few hours, it’s the perfect introduction to a city packed with layers of fascinating stories, stunning architecture, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

York has been one of the UK’s major cities since the Roman era, and you can see that legacy everywhere. The Roman walls still surround the city centre, offering some of the best-preserved examples of city defences in the country. Walking them is a great way to get your bearings, but if you’re short on time, seeing them from the top deck of the sightseeing bus is just as impressive. Heading inwards York’s narrow, winding streets are a delight to explore, and The Shambles is perhaps the most famous of them all. Once home to butchers and traders, today it’s a charming spot full of independent shops and cafés. Some of the timber-framed buildings lean so far forward they almost touch your head. It’s no wonder it’s often cited as the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films.

The star of York’s skyline, though, has to be York Minster. It’s one of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe and took over 250 years to build. Not even sitting in the open top deck makes you feel any closer to the top!  Its stunning stained-glass windows, especially the Great East Window, are real highlights. If you’re feeling energetic, climbing the central tower rewards you with unbeatable views across the city and beyond to the Yorkshire countryside.

Another spot the sightseeing bus passes is the impressive Clifford’s Tower, the remains of York Castle. Perched on a grassy mound, it offers a glimpse into the city’s turbulent medieval past. The tower was originally built by William the Conqueror, and it has seen its fair share of battles and sieges over the centuries. It’s well worth a climb for the panoramic views at the top.

York isn’t just about ancient history though. The city has a brilliant collection of museums that showcase its different sides. The Jorvik Viking Centre brings the city’s Norse past to life, complete with sights, sounds, and even smells (fair warning!). It’s built on the site of a major archaeological dig that uncovered thousands of Viking-era artefacts.

Meanwhile, the National Railway Museum is a must for train enthusiasts of all ages, home to a vast collection of locomotives, carriages, and railway memorabilia, including the famous Mallard steam engine.

Food and drink lovers are well catered for too. York has a thriving food scene, from cosy tearooms to fine dining. A visit to Bettys Café Tea Rooms is practically a rite of passage. Opened in the 1930s, it’s an institution, famous for its afternoon teas and beautiful art deco interiors. If you’re after something a bit more modern, the city has lots of great independent restaurants and bars tucked away down cobbled alleys and hidden courtyards. A stones-throw away, though, is the amazing Impossible York Restaurant and Wonderbar which is situated inside the famously beautiful Terry’s chocolate orange building. It’s an incredible Grade 2 gem, with stunning front windows, Corinthian columns and ballroom style drinking and dancing areas. Unbelievable and simply impossible to be missed! What’s more, City Sightseeing York and Transdev bus customers enjoy a 10% discount inside on production of your bus ticket!

Events and festivals are a huge part of life here as well. Whether it’s the York Food and Drink Festival, the Viking Festival, or the festive St Nicholas Fair at Christmas, there’s always something happening to bring the city to life even more.

Another awesome place to stop off and visit is The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring in which a world of mind-boggling illusions awaits. It’s a crazy, barnstorming, eclectic adventure of mystery and bafflement and there’s 10% off entry if you show your City Sightseeing York or any valid Transdev bus ticket!

The City Sightseeing York bus is not just a way to get around — it’s an experience in itself. With live guides or recorded commentary available, you can learn all sorts of interesting nuggets about the places you’re passing. Plus, with buses running frequently and stops close to all the major attractions, it’s easy to jump off and explore when something catches your eye, and hop back on when you’re ready to move on.

York is a city that truly has something for everyone, and exploring it with the City Sightseeing York bus makes it even easier and more enjoyable. Whether you want to soak up the history, shop till you drop, tuck into some great food, or just enjoy the view from the top deck, this friendly, flexible service is a brilliant way to make the most of your time in one of England’s most captivating cities. Don’t forget to check the official site for the latest information on tickets and routes before you go!