Shopping · York · United Kingdom
Shopping in York
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
York's shopping is best in its historic streets, where independent shops, tearooms and gift stores occupy medieval and Georgian buildings, with high-street chains on Coney Street and Parliament Street. Best souvenirs: Yorkshire Tea and Bettys goods, Wensleydale cheese and Chocolate.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 4
- Markets
- 2
- Top souvenir
- Yorkshire Tea and Bettys goods
Where to shop
The Shambles and the snickelways
Gift shops, sweet shops and themed stores in the medieval lanes and the narrow alleys that link them.
Stonegate and Petergate
Independent boutiques, jewellers and bookshops in timber-framed buildings near the Minster.
Coney Street and Parliament Street
The main high-street shopping area with national chains and department stores.
Gillygate
Independent shops, delis and antiques just outside Bootham Bar.
Markets
Shambles Market
An open-air market behind the Shambles with produce, crafts, street food and everyday goods.
York Christmas Market
Wooden chalets on Parliament Street and nearby streets selling crafts, decorations and seasonal food, usually from mid-November until shortly before Christmas.
What to buy
Yorkshire Tea and Bettys goods
Tea, Fat Rascals and boxed biscuits from Bettys and local shops.
Wensleydale cheese
Wax-sealed rounds that travel well, from cheese shops and delis.
Chocolate
Handmade chocolate from independent chocolatiers, a nod to York's Rowntree's and Terry's heritage.
Viking-themed gifts
Replica coins, jewellery and books from the JORVIK and Yorkshire Museum shops.
Minster souvenirs
Stained-glass designs, books and prints from the York Minster shop.
Streets and markets worth a wander
Street · Minster Quarter
The Shambles
York's most famous street is a narrow medieval lane of timber-framed buildings whose upper storeys almost touch overhead.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- History
- Shopping
- Photo spot
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Fat Rascal, Yorkshire curd tart, Parkin and Yorkshire ale. Bettys Café Tea Rooms on St Helen's Square, and other bakeries and tearooms in the city. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Minster Quarter | $$$$ | Medieval lanes around York Minster, the Shambles and Stonegate |
| Fossgate and Walmgate | $$ | Independent restaurants and bars on the quieter eastern side of the centre |
| Bootham and Clifton | $$ | Victorian terraces and guesthouses just outside the walls near the Minster |
| Bishopthorpe Road | $$ | 'Bishy Road', a local high street of delis, cafés and pubs south of the walls |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in GBP. Tipping is not expected in pubs. In restaurants and tearooms with table service, about 10% is usual for good service; check whether a service charge has been added.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in January; the busiest months are July–August.
- February: JORVIK Viking Festival (usually mid to late February)
- May: York Races Dante Festival (usually mid-May)
- July: York Early Music Festival (usually July)
- August: Ebor Festival — the biggest race meeting of the year at York Racecourse (usually mid to late August)
- September: York Food and Drink Festival (usually late September)
- November: York Christmas Market (usually mid-November to just before Christmas)
Staying near the shops
$$$$ · Best for first-timers, couples, culture and shopping
Minster Quarter
Medieval lanes around York Minster, the Shambles and Stonegate
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in York?
Yorkshire Tea and Bettys goods, Wensleydale cheese, Chocolate and Viking-themed gifts.
+Where is the best shopping in York?
The Shambles and the snickelways: Gift shops, sweet shops and themed stores in the medieval lanes and the narrow alleys that link them.
+What are the best markets in York?
Shambles Market and York Christmas Market.