Updated on March 12, 2023
By day, York is a bustling city with a vast selection of fascinating museums and historic sights to explore. And the excitement of York doesn’t stop after hours. The city is just as alive as ever at night, so if you’re looking for the best things to do in York on an evening, there’s plenty to see and do!
Here is your complete guide to visiting York at night. Discover the best evening activities in York for your next night-time visit. Keep reading to plan your next evening in York.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Find out more here.
Things to do in York at Night
If you’re looking for a Yorkshire city that never sleeps, look no further than York.
With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that the locals and tourists alike keep the city buzzing all night long.
There are restaurants, bars, and clubs that are open late and offer a unique experience. In addition, the city is beautiful at night with all the historical buildings lit up.
Here are nine things you don’t want to miss when the sun goes down in one of the world’s most famous cities.
Keep reading to discover the best things to do in York at night to plan on your next visit.
River Ouse Evening Cruise
If you are visiting York at night, you don’t want to miss an evening cruise.
It is a fantastic way to see the city as the cruise takes you down the river and past all the famous historical landmarks. It is a relaxing and fun way to see York while soaking up the sights and resting your feet after a long day of sightseeing.
Taking a York river cruise is an utterly unique experience. There are few cities where you can enjoy the views rolling by while sailing down the river. It is a fantastic way to try something new and see the city in a different light.
Depending on which cruise you choose, they typically last from one to three hours, which gives you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the views. It is the perfect way to end a day of exploration and one of the best things to do in York at night.
Evening river cruises in York include:
- York Early Evening River Cruise
- River Ouse Floodlit Evening Cruise
- Party Cruise with Welcome Drink, Dinner, and DJ Music
Take A Ghost Walk in York at Night
York is known as the city of a thousand ghosts. So, there’s no surprise it is home to many ghost walks!
Visitors can choose from a variety of tours that offer different experiences. Some walks take you through the city and show you the locations of famous ghosts. Others offer a more interactive experience, where you can try to communicate with the spirits.
York is home to many haunted locations, and what better way to learn about them than by taking a walk with a ghost?
Tours are typically around two hours long, so you will have plenty of time to ask questions and learn about the city’s haunted history.
A ghost walk tour is the perfect way to end your day in York. It is a fun and spooky way to learn more about the city and its history. No matter which ghost walk tour you choose, you are sure to have a unique experience!
If you are looking for exciting and unique things to do in York at night, be sure to go on a ghost walk on your next visit!
Here are some of the best ghost walks on offer in York:
- The Bloody Tour of York with Mad Alice
- Shadows of York
- The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York
- York Witches and History Walking Tour with Potion Making
- Private Ghost Tour of York
- Dark Tales of York: Private Ghost Tours
York Ghost Bus Tour
The York Ghost Bus tour is another brilliant way to see the city while learning about its haunted history.
The tour takes you to some of the most haunted locations in York aboard a vintage Routemaster bus.
On board you will find knowledgeable tour guides to provide you with many interesting stories and facts about the city. All delivered with a good dose of comedy!
The ghost bus tour is a fun and spooky way to learn more about those York residents who never left – even after death. It is perfect for those who want to have a ghastly experience while learning about the history of the city.
Read a full review of my York Ghost Bus tour experience here!
The tour departs from the bus stop outside the Principal York Hotel next to York train station. They run at 7.30pm every day except Mondays, with an addition show at 6pm on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The journey lasts approximately 75 minutes. Be sure to book your tickets in advance to secure your seat.
Visit the Theatre Royal
York Theatre Royal is a fantastic place to see a show on an evening in York.
The theatre is home to many diverse types of performances, including plays, ballets, and operas.
Theatre Royal plays host to some of the best performances in the country, and they always put on a great show. In addition, the theatre itself is a beautiful building that is sure to impress.
If you are looking for a night out while in York, then be sure to check out the schedule at York Theatre Royal. You are certain to find a performance that fits your taste and will provide you with a night to remember.
Evensong at York Minster
York Minster is a beautiful cathedral right at the heart of York.
The cathedral is home to many different services, including weddings and baptisms. In addition, the cathedral is also home to evensong, which is a service held every evening.
Evensong at York Minster is a beautiful event that is worth attending. The service lasts for about an hour, featuring beautiful music and readings.
The Evensong service provides visitors with an atmosphere that is calm and peaceful. It also provides a glimpse into the history and culture of York with a peek inside the stunning minster.
Visitors are sure to enjoy the beauty of the cathedral and the peace that comes with attending a religious service.
If you are looking for a unique experience for your evening in York, then be sure to attend evensong at York Minster. You can experience it from 5:30pm on most evenings.
Evensong at York Minster is a free service to attend. However, the daily maintenance and upkeep of the minster comes to an eyewatering total! So, if you can, please consider donating in exchange for your attendance.
Get Cosy in a Pub
York is a city that is rich in history and culture. There are many things to see and do in York, but one of the best things to do in York at night is to spend an evening in a pub.
The pubs in York are cosy and inviting, and they are the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day exploring.
With Yorkshire folk renowned for being friendly and inviting, the pubs are a fantastic place to meet new people and make friends! You’re sure to strike up a conversation with anyone.
There are many different pubs in York, and each one has its own unique charm. If you are looking for a cosy place to spend an evening, then be sure to check out the pubs in York.
Here are some of the pubs you don’t want to miss on your next trip to York:
Catch a Live Show
The vibrant night life of York attracts many big names to the city. This makes catching a live music performance or comedy show one of the best things to do in York at night.
York Barbican is the home of live performance in York. Just some of the famous faces to grace the stage include Ricky Gervais, the Strictly Come Dancing professionals, Jimmy Carr, Dawn French, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Roy Chubby Brown and many more.
Whether you’re looking for a good laugh, a dance or a singalong, York Barbican has a calendar of shows that is sure to please anyone.
So, if you’re looking for some evening entertainment for your next trip to York, make sure you know what’s on at York Barbican during your visit.
Explore the Streets of York
York is a city that is rich in history and culture. There are many things to see and do in York, and one of the best ways to experience the city is by exploring its streets at night.
The streets of York are alive every evening. There’s something for everyone, with restaurants, bars, and nightclubs all waiting for you to come and explore open until late.
Plus, there are many historic landmarks that look spectacular when illuminated at night.
A stroll down the Shambles is an especially magical sight. At night, it is free from the bustling throngs of tourists so you can really admire the beauty of the medieval street.
The surrounding streets are also renowned for their quaint charm, which is especially enchanting when you can enjoy them all to yourself!
If you want to experience the culture and history of York, then be sure to explore its streets at night.
Evening Dining
There are many wonderful places to eat in York, England on an evening. The restaurants are all open late, and they offer a wide variety of dishes to choose from.
If you are looking for a romantic evening out, then be sure to visit one of the city’s fine dining restaurants. They offer a wide variety of gourmet dishes, and the service is always impeccable.
One of my personal favourite spots for a bite to eat is NOLA. This New Orleans inspired restaurant offers a selection of tapas-style dishes so you can enjoy an authentic taste of New Orleans cuisine. They even have live jazz music acts on some nights!
Fancy Hank’s on Goodramgate is another excellent restaurant with a more laidback atmosphere. They serve delicious American style dishes including burgers, waffles, fried chicken and more. There is also a fantastic selection of cocktails available.
If you are looking for a more casual evening out, then be sure to visit one of the city’s pubs. Pub food in York is hearty and filling, and the atmosphere is always friendly and inviting.
Where to stay in York
If you are looking for a place to stay in York, England, then there are many options available to you. York is home to many hotels, bed and breakfasts, and hostels, and there is something for everyone.
Some of my favourite hotels in York include:
- The Grand – This 5-star luxury hotel and spa offers a relaxing stay in a beautiful Grade II listed building. Ideal for an indulgent escape.
- Middletons – This is the ideal hotel if you are looking for a quiet retreat. It is located close to the city centre, just a short walk away along the city walls past Clifford’s Tower.
- Judge’s Court – If you’re looking for a sophisticated escape with just a touch of history, Judge’s Court is for you. This modern take on a historic Georgian building is splendidly done.
- Hotel Indigo – This hotel is the heart of York and is renowned for its beautiful boutique rooms and comfortable beds! It’s the ideal spot for a good night’s sleep after a day exploring!
If you still haven’t found the perfect hotel for your stay in York, check out the map below to find the most convenient option for you.
Booking.comMore Things to do in York
Looking for things to do in York? Here are some more York travel guides to get the most out of your visit!
- Things to do in York when it rains
- Free things to do in York
- Romantic things to do in York for couples
- Magical things to do in York at Christmas
- Top attractions for your York bucket list
- Complete York city guide
- York Cat Trail
- The Secret City: York
- Treasure Hunt York
Things to do in York at Night
So, here are the best things to do in York at night. What is your favourite evening activity in York? Let me know in the comments below!
And if you want more York inspiration ahead of your visit, download your free York Quick Start Planning Guide for a list of the top 10 attractions in York, plus a guide to where to stay, when to visit and more!
Plus, you’ll get four bonus travel planning printables you can use when it comes to planning and packing for any trip!
Until our next adventure,
Related Articles
P.S. Love it? Pin it!
If you like this guide to the best things to do in York at night, be sure to follow Get Lost on Pinterest. That’s where I’ll be sharing all my great North Yorkshire travel guides.
Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.