The Shambles is a narrow cobbled street lined with quirky boutiques, cafes and gift shops. Great for browsing.
You can walk along large portions of the city walls for fantastic views over the city and the Minster. You can complete a full circuit in around 2 hours, but if you’d prefer an edited experience, you can enter and exit via the five main gateways.
The National Railway Museum is top class and free. Fully hands-on and has rides and demonstrations.
DIG is a hands-on archaeological museum/experience especially for kids.
Head to the Minster for the stained glass and a climb up the tower.
The Jorvik Viking museum is a cliche and very touristy but so so interesting and such a well presented museum.
At the Chocolate Story learn about the famous families of York who built their fortunes on chocolate, their most famous products, as well as their process of chocolate making. After all this you’ll then be funnelled through into the downstairs shop where you can buy as much of the stuff as you want. It's both entertaining and informative.
Betty's tea room is probably about the most famous tea room in the whole of Yorkshire, and food good reason. Try a Fat Rascal.
Take a trip out of the city to a lavender farm and gardens, set on a hillside with views over the Vale of York. It’s near Terrington, in the Howardian Hills AONB around 15 miles north of York. There’s plenty to entertain all ages: explore the sculpture park, find your way through the lavender maze, see, smell and listen at the sensory garden, spot the resident white deer, and pet the Highland cattle and lambs. There’s also a tea shop with lavender-themed treats in case you get peckish.