York is essentially a small city. Its city center is a hive of activity surrounded by the safety of its ancient walls and looked over by the watchful spire of the giant Minster. The following are descriptions of some key areas in and around York and the kind of attractions, shops and businesses you are likely to find in each of them.

Bishopthorpe

Located on the outskirts of the city is this pleasant little village, home to the Archbishop of York's Palace. Just a short walk away is the Selby cycle track, built on top of the old railway line. As such, this is a superb flat, straight path, great for cycling and marvelous scenery to boot. Those with a keen eye will notice that every few meters there are curious metal globes. These are in fact scale models of the planets in our solar system and the ten miles between York and Selby have been mapped out accurately so that the distance between these models is relative to that of the real planets in space.

Bootham

Despite being known by locals for its hospital, this is a predominantly residential area which is also home to Bootham Crescent, the playing grounds of The Minster Men, York City F.C. Only a short distance away from the city center, Bootham Bar is yet another piece of history left by the Romans. This large archway acts as an entrance to the city center as well as being in sight of pubs like The Exhibition and The Hole in the Wall, although they are an entirely different type of bar altogether.

City Centre

Where else to start but with St. Peter's Cathedral, or as it is known to most people, York Minster. It is a truly inspirational sight, towering above all other buildings in York and visible from miles outside the city limits. From the amazing stained glass windows to the tolling of its bells, observing the York Minster in person is an incredible experience.

The most famous street in York has to be The Shambles, with its narrow cobbled alleyways and its half-timbered medieval shops; it most certainly is the most picturesque and the most photographed. Being a city so generously enriched with history, York has its fair share of museums, one of the most popular being the Jorvik Viking Museum, but it would be an injustice to overlook either the Castle Museum or the National Railway Museum. York is also famous for its medieval walls, which run through the city center and are the best-preserved city walls in Great Britain. Walking along them is an ideal means of navigating your way through the city whilst simultaneously achieving a privileged vantage point for viewing York.

Clifton

This large area in York toward the northern edge of the city is home to the Clifton Moor Shopping Centre. It is a continually growing retail park with a lengthy list of major stores, including Tescos and Toys R Us. A large Vue Cinema is also found here, next to the Frankie & Benny's Italian American diner.

Haxby

A quiet village on the edge of the city. It is, for the most part, residential and although there are only a few small shops here, you will find some fine, traditional English pubs like The Tiger.

York Racecourse/Tadcaster Road

Horse racing is one thing that York is especially famous for. Head to the York Racecourse to get your fill of betting and horses. Tadcaster Road is usually most peoples' entrance (or exit) to York, and is host to many pubs such as The Fox & Roman and The Starting Gate and hotels including the Marriott and The Posthouse.

Micklegate

Micklegate is possibly the most famous street in York with the exception of The Shambles. This is home to many of the best pubs in York from the lively Harry's Bar to the more traditional Ackhorne. The chain of pubs is commonly referred to as "The Micklegate Run" and some of the most hardened drinkers of this world have felt their knees turn to jelly at the thought of tackling all of them. This is the usual approach path of young revellers making their way towards clubs such as The Gallery, Ziggy's and Toffs, so the faint of heart should perhaps take care.

Monkgate

This is a small area of York on the edge of the city center whose main feature is the Monk Bar. This Roman gate has now been converted into a museum dedicated to the life of that son of York, Richard III. Was he a monster or was he simply misunderstood? Once your history lesson is over, you can enjoy a meal in an excellent restaurant such as The Viceroy of India or perhaps eat a hearty Sunday roast in The Tap & Spile.

Tadcaster

About ten minutes drive from York is this small village, known to many as the home of the Bass Brewery, John Smith's Brewery and Samuel Smith's Brewery. It's a wonder the locals aren't pickled.

Upper Poppleton

Located on the edge of the city, this area of York contains an ever growing shopping area as well as numerous places to eat and drink. The Wetherby Whaler serves up some of the best fish and chips in York and for those who like a bit of spice, there is The Bengal Brasserie. The area also contains a range of businesses like the family-orientated pub The Millfield.