UPDATED APRIL 2026! Having lived in York for most of the last decade, I do consider myself something of an expert on this beautiful city. York is so photogenic and full of gorgeous, historic buildings at every turn. Whether you visit a popular tourist attraction or stumble upon a hidden gem, you’ll be wowed. The city is an Instagrammers dream, with the snickelways (small, narrow passageways) tucked around places that date back hundreds of years. Plus, visiting the best photo spots is one of the top free things to do in York. So here you are, all you Instagrammers: a full and complete guide for the best Instagram spots and most Instagrammable places in York!

Interested in a FREE 10-page York Mini Guide? Included in this York Mini Guide are: The top experiences and things to do in the city Where to eat & drink (cafes, restaurants, pubs) The best daytrips outside the city An itinerary for how to spend 3 days in York Click here to get your free copy!

City Walls (Bootham Bar to Monk Bar)

This is without a doubt one of my favorite places to view York Minster. The City Walls in York are some of the best-preserved medieval city walls in Europe, and the Minster truly is York’s crowning jewel. The best stretch of the walls is from Bootham Bar to Monk Bar. This shot is a classic, and one you simply cannot miss in York. Tip: the best lighting will be in the morning – if you go in the afternoon, you’ll be shooting into the sun!

City Walls (Station Road)

My other favorite part of the City Walls is this viewpoint from Station Road. There’s an entrance to the wall walk from the intersection of Station Rise and Station Road. You can really appreciate the magnitude of York Minster, as it looms over the city around it. It’s a popular Instagram spot, but definitely worth it.

York Minster (Interior)

Of course, no Instagrammer’s guide to York would be complete without a mention of the Minster. What can I even say – the building is stunning. It’s one of the largest gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe, and the main tourist attraction in York. The interior is a delight to photograph – from the nave, the line of kings, and the quire, to the hilarious carvings in the Chapter House. There is an entry fee to visit York Minster (residents can visit for free), but it is well worth it in my opinion, and the ticket is valid for a year.

York Minster (Tower)

The view from the top of the tower at York Minster is easily one of the best in York. Climb 275 steps up to the tower and marvel at the panoramas. My favorite shot is between the two towers, towards Museum Gardens – you can just see the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey here!

York Minster (Exterior)

Of course, York Minster beckons Instagrammers from the outside as well. I even wrote a whole blog post on the best photo locations of York Minster! But my favorite would definitely be Minster Yard, on the intersection with Stonegate. The view of the towers from King’s Square and Low Petergate is also a good one. And if you want to lose the crowds, head past the Treasurer’s House down Chapter House Street for a more unique angle for your Instagram shots.

St. William’s College

For classic black-and-white Tudor architecture in York, look no further than St. William’s College. It’s right behind the back of the Minster, and dates all the way back to 1465. It’s unique and historic buildings like this that really give York the feeling like you’ve stepped back in time.

The Shambles

You can’t miss the Shambles on a post about the best Instagram spots in York. This historic street is one of the oldest shopping streets in Europe, and even dates back to the Domesday Book with a mention in 1086. The cobblestone street with the overhanging, timber-framed buildings really make you feel like you’ve been transported to a different era. Rumor has it that it was the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter! Tip: it’s notoriously difficult to get an empty shot of the Shambles. Try to get there before 9:00am, or in the early evening.

Lady Peckett’s Yard

My favorite snickelway in York is definitely Lady Peckett’s Yard. Located off a busy street (Pavement), this path is a dead-end. But the black-and-white Tudor architecture is gorgeous, and so is the old lamp that lights it up in the evening. This has frequently been used as a filming location for various period movies through the years. This is one Instagram spot you can’t miss in York!

Sir Thomas Herbert’s House

Also located on Pavement is one of York’s most beautiful Tudor buildings. Sir Thomas Herbert was born in the house in 1606. A traveler and adventurer, he eventually was appointed to the Governorship of the Merchant Adventurers’ Company. The building has gone through some changes during my time living in York. When I first moved to York in 2016, it was home to a shop called Jones, and then the premises sat empty for some time. Now the building is home to the York Gin shop!

Precentor’s Court

As you walk down High Petergate, you’ll notice a small entrance next to the appropriately named Hole in the Wall pub. Follow it through, and you’ll be treated to this stunning view of York Minster. It still manages to take my breath away, every single time. This is my favorite photo spot in all of York.

Coffee Yard

This is the longest snickelway in York, cutting from Grape Lane to Stonegate. The best part is that it takes you through Barley Hall, the medieval house (now a museum), and you can even see inside! It’s also a good way to get away from the crowds on Low Petergate and Stonegate. Warning: if you’re tall, you might have to duck to get in!

Norman Court

I’d only ever been through here for drinks in the evening, so I was a bit surprised to see just how cute this courtyard is! It’s located right off Grape Lane, and home to a few independent shops and businesses. This is definitely an underrated Instagram spot in York!

York Medical Society Gardens

It took me two years of living in York to finally visit the beauty that is the York Medical Society Gardens. Tucked away off Stonegate is a quiet, peaceful oasis – the gardens are just beautiful. Even better, you have the tiniest bit of a view of the Minster! The gardens are only open when there’s an event on for the York Medical Society – which is rare. If they are open, any Instagrammer worth their while needs to stop here!

Museum Gardens

York’s Museum Gardens are definitely one of my favorite places in the city – I always take visitors here! There’s just so much to see: the ruins of St. Leonard’s Crypt near the library, the Multangular Tower, the beautiful ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey, the Yorkshire Museum, the Hospitium… I could go on. But take my word for it, and get yourself here to take some photos. The gardens really come alive in springtime with all the flowers blooming!

St. Olave’s Church

Now, normally I wouldn’t put a simple door on a list of places to see in York. But this door is my favorite door in the city! Around the back of Museum Gardens is St. Olave’s Church on Marygate. This door is what Instagram dreams are made of – so when you’re in Museum Gardens, definitely make a detour to photograph this one! I was lucky enough to visit the churchyard during York Unlocked last year, and see the other side of my door after almost a decade living here. When I first moved, the door was a light blue – it was repainted to a dark blue-grey color a few years ago.

Museum Street

One of the best shots in York is on Museum Street, with York Minster at the end. It can often be hard to get the right shot here due to traffic. Either zoom in from the entrance at Museum Gardens, or snap a pic after the intersection where there are fewer cars. Either way it’s a classic photo showcasing York’s crown jewel, the Minster.

Merchant Adventurer’s Hall

The interior of the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall is jaw-dropping, with large timber beams holding up the ceiling in this medieval guildhall. But there’s so much more to this place than just the interior. This is one of my top hidden gems to see in York. The entrance on Fossgate surprises most people, tucked away between normal shops! The gardens are also beautiful, especially in springtime. For historic architecture, every Instagrammer needs to make a stop here.

Clifford’s Tower

To be totally honest, I wouldn’t say that the tower itself is necessarily a great Instagram spot in York. But the view from the top is a must-see. After climbing 55 steps to get up to the tower, you’ll venture up a staircase to check out the views over the city from the viewing platform. The Minster is the most prominent thing you can see, but you can see all over the city from here. Clifford’s Tower is run by English Heritage (I used to work here!) and there is an admission fee. A recent renovation has really improved the tower interior, and the viewing platform is amazing.

Bar Convent

Did you know there was a hidden chapel inside a working convent, just outside York City Walls? Visit Bar Convent, home to the oldest surviving Catholic convent in Britain – which was established in 1686 – and see it for yourself. The chapel, built in the 18th century, is stunning, with grand columns and several exit routes in case of a religious raid. Don’t miss it.

Gatehouse Coffee (Walmgate)

Can you get any more Instagrammable than a coffee shop in the middle of a medieval barbican on York’s city walls? I don’t think so. Not only is Gatehouse Coffee a great place to stop for a coffee or a cake, but you can actually eat it out on the barbican. This is my favorite coffee shop in York, so it’s not to be missed! Note that they’re closed on Sundays. You can check out the best cafes and coffee shops in York here!

Botanic

Instagrammers love plants, and they love plant shops. (Am I wrong?) York is home to a gorgeous little plant shop on Walmgate, called Botanic. It’s small (just two rooms) but will take care of all of your botanical needs. It’s also one of my favorite small businesses in York, so give them some love! They’re usually closed on Tuesdays.

Minster Gate Bookshop

This bookshop is five levels, and covered floor to ceiling in shelves and shelves of books. It’s one of my favorite bookshops in York! It’s a book-lovers delight, and conveniently located right next to the Minster. But it’s also a lot of fun to photograph – both the exterior and the interior.

Bradley’s Jewellers

This jewelry shop is one of the best Instagram spots in York. Located in a historic, Grade II-listed building on Low Petergate, they have a pretty display around the shop that changes seasonally. Spring will bring bright flowers, while fall brings an autumnal display and Christmas brings a festive one. Visit in every season to see the changing displays!

Forest

One of the prettiest Instagram spots in all of York is the pink bicycle outside of Forest, on Low Petergate. It can be difficult to snap a photo without people blocking it, but it’s a really cute addition to the street!

St. Saviourgate Masonic Hall

Did you know there was a superbly decorated masonic hall in the middle of York?! I didn’t, until York Unlocked, that is! The Masonic Hall on St. Saviourgate is rarely open to the public, but it’s certainly worth a visit. The hall was built in 1845-1846. If you ever have a chance to see the interior of this building, do not miss it.

Castlegate House

Castlegate House is rarely open to the public, so it’s unlikely you’ll get to see the interior – unless you’re here for York Unlocked. From the outside, it looks like any standard Georgian building. But venture inside and you’ll find a brightly colored temple in the basement, featuring a starry blue ceiling. The building was built in the 1760s, and the temple was added in 1920.

Cosy Club

While Cosy Club is a popular chain with locations all over the country, the York location is something special. The building is an old movie theater – one of the first cinemas in York, the Electric Theater! The magnificent exterior sets it apart from the other buildings on Fossgate. The interior is gorgeous too, done in a 1920s theme with plush seats and fun lighting. Inside or outside, it’ll look great on Instagram! The venue makes it one of the best bars in York, and also one of the best restaurants in York!

Ey Up York Mural

This gorgeous mural, located on Back Swinegate, was finished in 2024. It prominently features a peregrine falcon – they nest in the towers of York Minster – and other tidbits of the city in a colorful display on the brick wall. Don’t miss this beautiful public art piece.

Marks & Spencer Cafe

Who knew that one of the best views in all of York would be from the third-floor cafe in M&S?! This was a recent find for me – I only heard about it last month, and had to check it out! There is a fantastic view of the city and the Minster from the cafe on the third floor of Marks & Spencer. Take the escalators up to see it.

Planning Your Trip to York

York is just two hours away from London by train, and well-connected to the rest of the North, which makes it an easy daytrip or long weekend away. While the closest airport is Leeds-Bradford Airport, Manchester Airport is the most convenient major airport, with far more flight options. I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Interested in a tour of York? Check out these options!

Planning on staying overnight in York to search out all these Instagrammable locations? I’d recommend the following places:

• Budget: Safestay York or the Fort Boutique Hostel
• Mid-range: Hotel Indigo or Galtres Lodge
• Luxury: The Grand

York is such a beautiful city and I absolutely love living here. There’s so much history in this city, and so much to see and discover. I’m still discovering new places I haven’t visited before, even after almost 10 years! I hope you’ve enjoyed these best Instagram spots in York! I hope this guide helps you plan your trip to this beautiful city. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram!

Have you been to York? Where were your favorite Instagrammable locations?!

You might also like my posts:

18 Hidden Gems to See in York

The Best Spring Instagram Spots in York

Where to Take the Best Photos of York Minster in York

The Best Restaurants in York, England

The Best Bars and Pubs in York, England

The Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in York, England

20 Things to Do in York That Are Absolutely FREE!

The Best Walks in and Around York, England

All of my York posts!

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Interested in a FREE 10-page York Mini Guide? Included in this York Mini Guide are: The top experiences and things to do in the city Where to eat & drink (cafes, restaurants, pubs) The best daytrips outside the city An itinerary for how to spend 3 days in York Click here to get your free copy!