York is a beautiful, ancient walled city in the northeast of England. It was founded by the Romans way back when (not to be confused with the similarly named but very different New York).
Not only is York a paradise for those wanting to experience its rich history and culture, but its more recent past has also made its mark on the town. Home to incredible medieval architecture, Georgian houses and its Victorian station – you’ll find it seamlessly blends the new with the old.
The city of York is home to everything from museums, galleries, theatres and (most importantly) some of the best Yorkshire puddings you’ll ever try!
Deciding where to stay in York can be a daunting task if you’ve never visited the city before. The city pretty small, but you’ll still want to make sure you stay close to the attractions that tickle your fancy the most.
Lucky for you, that’s where I come in! I’ve ventured around the cobbled streets and discovered the best areas to stay in York. You’ll find them nicely laid out in this guide but interest and budget – you’ll be an expert at the neighborhoods of York in no time!
So, without further ado. Let’s crack on and get into the good stuff.
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in York.
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The Fort Boutique Hostel | Best Hostel in York
This central hostel in York is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay for nightlife. It’s right in the heart of the historic center and is surrounded by stylish bars, restaurants, and cafes. The rooms are comfortable and funky, with individual decorations and there’s a bar and restaurant downstairs in case you need a meal or a drink. Free Wi-Fi is offered as well as dorm and private rooms.
Judge’s Lodging Hotel | Best Hotel in York
This hotel in York is simply amazing. It’s close to landmarks like York Castle and surrounded by bars and restaurants. It’s also close to the railway station and offers free Wi-Fi, room service, an English breakfast every morning, and an outdoor terrace for sunny days. Each room is lavishing decorated and includes everything you’ll need for a short or long stay.
Trendy Riverside Studio | Best Airbnb in York
This studio is one of the coolest Airbnbs in York. It’s brand new, offers free Wi-Fi, trendy furnishings, and a complete kitchen very close to the river and to the center of town. It’s away from the main road, so you won’t hear much noise, and still close enough that you can be part of all the action.
City Center
York’s city center is absolutely beautiful. there aren’t many city centers match its history and charm. and that’s a big part of what makes it the best area in York to stay in.
Bootham
Bootham is a more residential area, where few tourists bother to go. It’s also almost impossibly beautiful, filled with grand Georgian houses and stately streets that could have come from a long distant age.
Holgate
Holgate is a residential area and a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in york with kids. It’s close enough to the city center that you could walk there for a day of sightseeing and food, but far enough away that you’ll enjoy quiet nights without many tourists around.
York has a long history going back to the time of the Romans. And much of this history is still obvious when you wander its atmospheric streets and stay in the medieval buildings. It’s not a huge city and most of the areas you will see and stay in when you’re in York are close to the City Center. This is a bonus, because it means you can walk to everything you want to see.
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in York for your first time, you can’t go past the City Center. It’s filled with historic, atmospheric buildings and attractions, so you’ll never get bored. And most of the best places to eat and shop are in the center too.
Bootham is the best area in York to stay in if you’re on a tight budget. It’s close to the City Center, so you can walk to the middle of the city but is a more local neighborhood with cheaper accommodation and food options.
And the final area to consider is Holgate. This is one of the best areas to stay in York if you want easy access to the City Center and a more local neighborhood. It’s within walking distance of the City Center and has its own collection of attractions and historic places to see as well.
You can also head to North Yorkshire to find epic accommodations in Whitby neighborhoods. You’re sure to have the best stay!
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York neighborhood guide would be complete without the following areas.
#1 City Center – Where to Stay in York for your First Time
York’s City Center is absolutely beautiful. There aren’t many city centers match its history and charm. And that’s a big part of what makes it the best area in York to stay in. It’s filled with amazing historical buildings, most of them from the fascinating medieval times, and offers a vibrant atmosphere. You will have to compete with other tourists when you stay in this part of the city as it’s very popular, but it’s well worth the trouble.
York’s City Center is where you’ll find lots of great places to eat, drink and shop. This combination of historic attractions and convenience is what makes it a good choice when you’re deciding where to stay in York for your first time. It’s also on the confluence of two rivers, so you have the chance to take river tours or just sit by the water and enjoy.
Bella’s Room | Best Airbnb in the City Center
Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in York for one night or for longer, this is a good choice. This private room offers comfortable surroundings inside the city walls but in a quiet area. There’s 1.5 shared bathrooms available for your use and the hosts take in other guests as well so you’ll always have someone to talk to.
Safestay York | Best Hostel in the City Center
This is the hippest, most convenient hostel in York. It’s set in a 16th-Century Georgian Townhouse and offers a dining room where you can get a great breakfast or a drink at the end of the day. It’s a few minutes’ walk from the train station and it’s right in the city center and close to everything. This makes it the ideal choice when you’re deciding where to stay in York for nightlife. Because of its facilities and location, it’s one of the best B&Bs in York.
The Queen’s Hotel York | Best Hotel in the City Center
Located in one of York’s best neighborhoods, this hotel is a good choice for convenience and comfort on a budget. It offers free Wi-Fi and comfortable, clean rooms with an ensuite bathroom and tea and coffee making facilities. There’s an on-site restaurant that provides breakfast and dinner as well as a cozy lounge bar.
Things to See and Do in York’s City Center
- Just wander the streets and enjoy the medieval atmosphere.
- Visit the York Minister, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe.
- Visit the art galleries inside the cathedral while you’re there.
- Make sure you see Clifford’s Tower, which is the central point of the city and was originally built by William the Conqueror.
- Take the kids to the JORVIK Viking Center.
- Visit some of the local museums like the award-winning Railway Museum or the Yorkshire Museum.
- Go for a ride along the rivers on a Yorkboat.
- If you have a strong stomach, then visit the York Dungeon.
- Go pub-hopping along Rougier Street and Coney Street
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View on Osprey#2 Bootham – Where to Stay in York on a Budget
Bootham is a more residential area, where few tourists bother to go. It’s also almost impossibly beautiful, filled with grand Georgian houses and stately streets that could have come from a long distant age. This is the best neighborhood to stay in York if you want to be conveniently close to the best York attractions of the center but far enough away that you can enjoy some peace and quiet.
For people on a tight budget, Bootham is the best neighborhood in York to stay in. York St. John University is in this area, which of course means budget bars, pubs, and restaurants. In fact, the area around the university is a gem if you’re looking for cheap but delicious eats and indie shops with unusual souvenirs that you won’t find anywhere else.
Modern Room | Best Airbnb in Bootham
Suitable for up to 2 guests, this modern space with its private bathroom is a good choice if you’re deciding where to stay in York on a budget. The space is spotlessly clean and newly renovated, and the hosts are committed to ensuring their guests have a good stay. A free breakfast is included as well as free off-road parking.
Blossoms York | Best Hostel in Bootham
This comfortable hostel is one of the best places to stay in York. It offers ensuite rooms with free Wi-Fi, a bar, and TV and DVD player. The hostel is close to local attractions as well as restaurants, bars, and shopping, and provides a convenient base to explore the city and all its wonders.
The Beckett Guest House | Best Hotel in Bootham
This hotel in York offers an intoxicating mix of comfort and convenience. It’s within walking distance of the city center as well as attractions like the Barley Hall and the National Railway Museum as well as local restaurants and shops. The rooms have a pleasing touch of history and all the modern amenities like laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, and a range of room sizes to suit every travel group.
Things to See and Do in Bootham
- Just wander the streets and take in the grand Georgian terraced houses.
- Visit the ruins of the 11th century St. Mary’s Abbey and wander around the beautiful Museum Gardens.
- Spend some time in the streets around the university for great shopping, pubs, and restaurants for cheap.
- Head down to see the medieval Botham Bar gate.
- Walk into the City Center to be in the middle of the all the tourist action and then retreat to your quiet base.
- Head down to Clifton and Gillygate for some of the best cheap eats, trendy tea shops, or friendly pubs in the city.
#3 Holgate – Best Neighborhood in York for Families
Holgate is a residential area and a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in York with kids. It’s close enough to the city center that you could walk there for a day of sightseeing and food, but far enough away that you’ll enjoy quiet nights without many tourists around. This is also a local area, where you’ll get a much more authentic experience and be able to experience everyday life in the city.
The eating and drinking in this part of the city is just as good as you’ll find in the City Center. You’ll find a wide range of restaurants and cuisines from local pub food to Asian cuisine of all types. This is also a good area when you’re trying to decide where to stay in York on a budget as it’s mostly apartments rather than hotels.
If you’re looking for a truly authentic stay, consider checking out a cottage in York for an accommodation option that’s nestled in the heart of history.
Self Contained Top Floor | Best Airbnb in Holgate
If you’re looking for your own space, then this York accommodation option is ideal. You’ll have the use of three rooms on the top floor, a bedroom, private bathroom, and a lounge area as well as a microwave, grill, mini-fridge, and tea making facilities. There’s a shared entrance to the rooms but you’ll have your own keys so you can come and go as you please.
Astor York | Best Hostel in Holgate
This hotel in York is a good choice if you’re on a budget but still want atmospheric, comfortable surroundings. It’s in a beautiful Grade II listed building and only a few minutes’ walk from the center of town. The hostel offers free Wi-Fi, ensuite rooms, and a bar on the property if you want to have a drink at the end of a long day. It’s also close to local restaurants and bars.
St. Paul’s Lodge | Best Hotel in Holgate
This hotel is one of the best places to stay in York to enjoy the history and the atmosphere of the city. It’s close to the railway station, for convenient access everywhere, as well as to the city center and some of the city’s best attractions. The hotel offers a garden, free Wi-Fi, stylish rooms, and a delicious breakfast each morning.
Things to See and Do in Holgate
- Stay in a rural York cabin.
- Wander into the City Center for sightseeing and shopping.
- Visit the York Cold War Bunker and take a tour of the tunnels built in the 1960s to survive nuclear fallout.
- Take a trip to the restored Holgate Windmill, dating from 1770.
- Learn more about trains at the National Railway Museum York.
- Visit the local restaurants and eat how the locals eat.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in York
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of York and where to stay.
What To Pack For York
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for York
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Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in York
Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in York for families, with friends, or on your own, these areas will suit your travel style.
They’ll position you close to the places you want to see and allow you to experience more than the attractions. They’ll also let you immerse yourself in one side of the city’s soul and heart, and isn’t that the real aim when you travel?
If you’re still not sure where to stay in York, consider checking out these awesome hotels with private hot tubs in Yorkshire for a truly luxurious retreat.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around UK.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in York.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in York instead.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Europe.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
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