Do

Until recently, visitors could see the preserved houses, artefacts and streets of York as it was in Viking days, when it was known as Jorvik. Sadly, last year’s floods have devastated the Jorvik Centre (which aims to reopen by spring 2017). However, there are plenty of other ways to get your history fix. Pass an afternoon by walking the 3.4km around the city wall and view York in all its medieval glory. From there head to the imposing York Minster and take in Europe’s largest gothic cathedral (entrance is £10).

The truth is, York simply doesn’t have an unflattering angle, but make sure you see the city from the river Ouse as well. Yorkboat runs four cruises a day with prices at £8 for adults and £4 for children. Still not ready for the pub? Climb Clifford’s Tower, the last remaining remnant of York Castle, for more views.

Eat

The Yorkshire Meatball Co is a local institution that knows its way around a piece of meat – choose your balls (beef, veggie, fish etc), your blanket (sauces include gravy and mushroom pesto) and your bed (mash, linguine or a sub, etc). Continuing the meaty theme, head to the Whippet Inn for Yorkshire steak with a side of ale or gin or for something lighter, try Khao San Road for great fragrant curries in a warm setting. Elsewhere, Le Cochon Aveugle is a French-style brasserie – if you have room, the nine-course menu is £60 and worth the spends. Or you may prefer the fine-dining experience at the Blue Bicycle, with views over the River Foss (check the website, as it’s currently closed due to the recent flood). Finally, for fast food without the self-loathing, try Shambles Kitchen, where they use fresh, seasonal ingredients to create delicious, healthy meals.

Drink

Bad luck, coffee drinkers – in York you’ll be dunked right into the depths of tea country. And nobody does tea like Betty’s. The flagship Betty’s Tea Room sits 20 miles away in the Spa Town of Harrogate, but worry not, as the York branch is just as unmissable. If, like us, you prefer your refreshments a little stronger, York is said to have a pub for every day of the year. Throw a stick and you’ll hit a good one, however the House of the Trembling Madness on Stonegate takes some beating. This quirky boozer is found above a spirit shop and decorated with peculiar taxidermy. Space is at a premium so arrive early and stay there; an expansive selection of ales will keep you company. Later, stumble the short distance to Evil Eye. Walk through the spirit shop (there’s a theme here) and sip cocktails in what is apparently Johnny Depp’s favourite haunt in York.

If Captain Jack Sparrow has captured your imagination, head to the bank of the Ouse and drink at the ‘Pub that Floods’. The King’s Arms is one of a number of Sam Smith’s (not that Sam Smith) pubs in York, but don’t feel bad about drinking at a chain as the brewery is local, based just ten miles away in Tadcaster. The location is pretty fantastic (most of the time) and the beer is cheap, just be prepared to bring your wellies along.

Shop

First mentioned in the 1086 Domesday Book, The Shambles holds the title of the UK’s most picturesque street. The name derives from the shelves the butchers on the street hung their meat from. Today, there’s only one butchers left; The Ye Olde Sausage & Pie Shoppe is revered by hungry locals for their pork pies (a Yorkshire staple). The rest of the street is made up of unique boutique shops. For antiques, look no further than The Flax and Twine, while Little Saffrons sells all sorts of knick knacks including bespoke cards and scented candles.

Adjacent to the famous cobbled street sits The Shambles Market, one of the largest outdoor markets in the North. Over 80 stalls sell anything from vintage jewellery to artisan breads. Make sure you track down That Fudge Guy, a stall run by local Roy Dean. If you’re happy to risk spending all your cash, Bishopthorpe Road (known to locals as Bishy Road), just outside the city walls, has a selection of excellent independent shops and cafés. For all your vintage clothes needs, check out York Does Vintage, a day-long gathering of traders with dates in September, October and November.

See

York is officially the most haunted city in Europe, so what better way to get to know the place than by acquainting yourself with its ghosts. The Original Ghost Walk of York claims to be the world’s first guided ghost tour and excellently combines history with myth. Tickets are just £5 for adults and £3 for children.

Not completely terrified yet? Then contemplate spending one whole hour locked inside a room with your nearest and dearest. Think your way to freedom by solving puzzles and codes at GR8escape, perfect for anyone who watched too much Crystal Maze as a kid (or was that just us?).

If you get time, visit the National Railway Museum, the largest of its kind in the world. Get there before 19 June and catch the world famous Flying Scotsman exhibition.

Sleep

Try the Guy Fawkes Inn; nowhere promises a peaceful night’s sleep like a hotel inspired by a dynamite enthusiast, and this treasonous little inn enables you to sleep in the shadow of York Minster, or plot against the state over a pint in the candle-lit pub downstairs.

For those loyal to the crown there is The Royal York Hotel. Originally opened in 1878 to serve those in the North with a bit of brass, the Royal York recently underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment so now even us paupers can enjoy the Victorian grandeur of old. For something more modern, try Hotel Indigo – rooms feature bare-brick walls, free mini bars and a cool urban vibe.

Alternatively, if you’d rather save your pennies for the pub you can book yourself in to one of the cool and colourful dorms at the Fort Boutique Hostel. YHA York is another option for the budget traveller, based just a short riverside walk from the city centre.

Getting There

Virgin East Coast offers direct trains to York from King’s Cross Station from £12.50 one-way; book through trainline.com. Travel via coach from Victoria for as little as £12. For information and advice for your trip to York see visityork.org