The historic city of York, founded by the Romans in AD 71, has many attractions for the visitor. The city is home to York Minster (Europe's largest Gothic cathedral), the innovative Jorvik Viking Centre, and the Yorkshire Museum, to name just three must-see sights.
York Minster
York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Europe, dominates the city centre. Begun in 1220, the Minster is the fifth church to be built on the site, churches which were in turn built on the site of York's Roman basilica. The Minster is famous for its soaring arches and abundance of stained glass windows. It is possible to climb the 275 steps of the 15th century tower for a view over the city.
York Minster
1A Chapter House Street
York YO1 7JH
Sightseeing opening times: 9am to 6.30pm (opens 9.30am November to March)
Adult ticket price: £8.
The Yorkshire Museum
Scheduled to reopen on 1 August 2010 after a grand refurbishment, the Yorkshire Museum houses artefacts from 2000 years of York's history. These include the Middleham Jewel and the Vale of York hoard.
The Yorkshire Museum and Gardens
Museum Street, York
Tickets are valid for 12 months, so visitors can return as many times as they please. The museum website will have further information on ticket prices and opening times before the re-opening.
Jorvik Viking Centre
The Jorvik Viking Centre takes visitors some 9 metres below the streets of York's Coppergate district and back over a thousand years to Viking York.
Jorvik Viking Centre
Coppergate
York YO1 9WT
Opening times: daily 10am to 5pm (summer), 10am to 4pm (winter)
Standard adult ticket: £8.95 (2010 price)
National Railway Museum
Appropriately situated just behind York's railway station, the National Railway Museum is one of York's prime attractions. The museum tells the story of the railways since the 19th century, and its displays include iconic locomotives such as the Flying Scotsman and the Mallard, once the fastest steam engine in the world.
National Railway Museum
Leeman Road
York YO26 4XJ
Opening times: Daily 10am to 6pm
Free entry
The Quilt Museum and Gallery
The York Quilt Museum and Gallery is Britain's first museum dedicated to quiltmaking and textle arts. The museum is housed in St Anthony's Hall, a medieval guildhall in the centre of the city.
Quilt Museum
St Anthony's Hall
Peasholme Green
York YO1 7PW
Opening times: Summer 10am to 4pm (Monday to Saturday), Winter 10am to 4pm (Tuesday to Saturday)
Adult ticket price: £6.
For those who feel tired at the very thought of so much sightseeing, York also has an abundance of restaurants, tea rooms and pubs where visitors can refresh themselves.
Paris Franz - Paris Franz is a London-based freelance journalist, specialising in the arts, history and travel.
