Orientation

The best introduction to York is a walk along its medieval walls (2½ mi.), especially the northeast section and behind the cathedral. The walls are accessible up stairways by the four main bars (here, “bar” means “gate,” not “pub,” although there are plenty of those around, too). Beware the tourist stampede, which only subsides in early morning and just before the walls close at dusk. All roads in York seem to lead to St. Helen’s Square, a convenient meeting spot with its access to the Minster, museum gardens, shops, and food establishments. The towering Minster is a helpful compass; look up and you can figure out which direction to follow.