1 Day in York Itinerary – Things to Do, Cafes, Shambles & Christmas Market Guide

I took an early morning train from Nottingham so that I could explore York in and out. As I stepped out of the train, I could already see the victorian gothic architecture of the station. It already gave me a feel about how this place is going to be. An empty stomach meant desperation for breakfast.The top recommendation was Partisan, a 5 minute walk from the station which serves traditional english cuisine. Reaching the place, I got to know it was already full for the day so do make reservations if you are also planning to eat here. Luckily they took us to their sister restaurant Brancusi which is next door. I ordered a English Veggie breakfast which was filled with eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, beans and wedges, good enough for 2. The breakfast charged me up for the day and my first stop was the museum gardens which has some ruins. To reach the museum gardens, you cross the Ouse river which passes through York. You can also take a cruise on this river and spend the spending with a lovely view. You have to pre-book this as it gets sold out very quickly and can book it on Get your guide.

The museum gardens is right next to the river and is a very quite place. It has Roman ruins dating back to the 13th century. The fragmentary remains of St. Leonard’s Hospital are also in this area which was one of the largest medieval hospitals in Northern England. If you want to learn more about the prehistoric, Roman and Medieval archaeology, then do have a look inside the museum.

Exploring all the exteriors of the city, it was finally time to see the famous “Shambles of York” which is all over the internet as well as the small alleys and paths inside the main area which takes you back in time. A historic street , home to some well-preserved mediaeval structures that date as far back as the fourteenth century. The street is small and lined with several timber-framed buildings that protrude several feet over the pavement thanks to jettied floors. It feels surreal walking down those alleyways. With its cobblestone paths and overhanging buildings, it is thought to have inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter. Do visit the York Ghost Merchants which is in the Shambles. It is a nice souvenir shop and a small inside ghost tour as well which is very interesting. There is always a huge queue outside so better be prepared for it. Right opposite it is the Shambles Tavern which is a very old and famous Pub of York. Grab a pint of some Craft beer and for some quick food just go next door at Ye Old Pie & Sausage Shoppe which has some of the best pies i’ve ever had. Its really good that in one street there’s so much to do. Continuing exploring more lanes and alleys and going around the Christmas Market which was at the Parliament Street, I had to have some proper lunch as it was past noon. According my plan, I will explore the Shambles and the Christmas Market again post sunset once the christmas lights are turned on. I’ve heard it looks amazing and was really looking forward to that. As it was holiday season as well as a Saturday, almost all the Restaurants were full but somehow I managed to get a seat at WildWood. I had some pasta and pizza as it was the quickest to get and I didn’t wanted to loose a lot of time. I had planned on catching the sunset from the top of Clifford’s Tower.

An hour was left to sunset and I was rushing to catch the light to get some golden hour photographs as well as a the best view of the city. The Clifford’s Tower is one of the last remaining parts of the York Castle again built around the 13th Century currently going under a bit of restoration. It has also been a royal mint, a medieval stronghold and a Civil War garrison. Its a very small structure on top of a grass-mound and from the top you can get the best 360 possible view of the Minster and the whole city. It was a perfect decision to come here during sunset as it looked very dreamy. The entry fee is 7 pounds which is totally worth it for such a view. On the top it was very windy and was starting to get cold as well. The sunset was spectacular and it was time to leave the tower as it 4pm. I had read that York has cafes which serve the best hot chocolate. What could be a better timing to have one when its getting cold. I checked online and realise almost everything is either closed or is about to close. I rushed to Cocoa Joe’s, a small chocolate cafe opposite the Museum Gardens which serve one of the best hot chocolates. I was one of the last ones before they were closing it and luckily I was able to get my order. You can choose your own cocoa beans be it dark, milk or white, the sweetness and bitterness, any extra toppings or add ons you want making it your own customised hot chocolate. They had a range of different cocoas and the barista helped and recommended me the Arriba Chocolate according to my taste and preferences. I added whipped cream and some choco flakes on top. It was the highlight of the whole food fiesta I was having throughout the day. This place is a must and do come here to try it out yourself!

I was then back to the city centre. Walked down the Shambles again but this time the Christmas lights were on and they were looking amazing. All the alleyways and lanes were lit with decorations which looked stunning. With a stroll around the Christmas Market and some live music, I headed back to the station to catch my train and with this my day in York came to an end. I felt a day in York is more than enough to explore everything at its fullest. Do try to arrive early to give yourself the whole day. Walk the City walls and Shambles, look inside the Minster, have some Yorkshire Pudding and Hot chocolate and then end your day with a sunset on top of Clifford’s Tower!