Weekend in York

A narrow, cobbled medieval street with overhanging timber-framed buildings, now filled with shops and cafes.

Tip: Go before 9am to see it almost empty. The Shambles Market at the end has cheap street food (try the curry naan wrap for £4). Don't pay to visit the 'Harry Potter shops' – they're gimmicky and overpriced.

The cathedral's grounds and the Roman remains in the Undercroft museum are accessible without a ticket. The Chapter House is often free in the mornings.

Tip: The Undercroft is free for York Card holders. Otherwise, just wander the grounds and look at the statues and Roman wall fragments. Entry to the Minster itself costs £18, so stick to the outside.

A spacious public garden next to the River Ouse, with ruins of St Mary's Abbey, a medieval hospital, and the Yorkshire Museum (paid).

Tip: Enter via Marygate for the best abbey views. Picnic on the grass near the observatory. In summer, free outdoor theatre performances sometimes happen. The museum itself costs £8 – skip it unless you're a Roman enthusiast.

Huge indoor museum with over 100 locomotives, including the Mallard and a Japanese Shinkansen, plus interactive exhibits.

Tip: Go on weekday afternoons when school groups thin out. The free guided tour at 11am is excellent. Avoid the overpriced cafe; bring a packed lunch and sit in the Great Hall.

A 3.4-kilometre circuit of medieval walls encircling the city centre, with views of the Minster, river, and alleys.

Tip: Start at Bootham Bar early morning to avoid crowds. The stretch between Monk Bar and Layerthorpe is quieter and has good views of the Minster.