EASILETS UNPACKED : Instagrammable York – Photo Spots You’ll Love

The Shambles

The Shambles is York’s most iconic street and one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. With its crooked, cobbled lanes and dramatically leaning timber-framed buildings, it feels like stepping straight into a fairytale. The overhanging upper floors almost touch in places, giving the street a wonderfully atmospheric, old-world charm. Colourful bunting strung across the narrow road adds to its whimsical character, making it one of the most photographed spots in the city.

Today, The Shambles is home to a mix of charming independent shops, cafés, and Harry Potter-themed stores, making it a dream for Potterheads who see the street as York’s very own Diagon Alley. Among the hidden gems is Krep and Crumbles, a cosy little spot perfect for grabbing a sweet treat to use as a fun photo prop as you explore.

The street is especially magical in the early morning or at dusk. In the morning, you can enjoy a rare moment of peace before the crowds arrive, capturing unobstructed shots of the winding lane. In the evening, the warm glow from the shop windows combined with the historic buildings creates a scene that feels frozen in time.

📸 Photo Tip: For the classic shot, stand at the top or bottom of the street to capture the curve of the cobbled lane and the way the buildings lean toward each other. Wide-angle lenses work beautifully here to exaggerate the crooked architecture. If you’re visiting for Harry Potter vibes, include one of the themed shopfronts in the background for that magical touch.



York Minster

York Minster is the city’s crown jewel and one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe, standing as an awe-inspiring symbol of York’s history and heritage. Its intricate stonework, towering spires, and magnificent stained-glass windows make it breathtaking from every angle, whether you’re viewing it from the bustling streets below or from afar across the city skyline.

The exterior is spectacular, with countless details to capture – from the grand west front to the delicate carvings and flying buttresses. But the interior is equally, if not more, impressive. Vast vaulted ceilings, towering pillars, and centuries-old stained glass create an atmosphere that feels both humbling and magical. One of the must-visit spots inside is the Chapter House, a stunning octagonal room with elaborate stone carvings and some of the most beautiful medieval stained glass in Europe – a dream location for dramatic, symmetrical photos.

For those wanting the ultimate view, climbing the central tower is well worth the effort. After 275 steps, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled panoramic views of York, from the winding streets to the surrounding countryside – perfect for wide, sweeping landscape shots.

📸 Photo Tip: For exterior shots, try photographing from Dean’s Park or Chapter House Street, which offer some of the best framing for the Minster without crowds. Inside, the Chapter House is ideal for capturing the symmetry of the vaulted ceiling – stand in the centre and shoot straight up for a truly striking photo. If you climb the tower, aim for sunrise or sunset when the city is bathed in golden light, creating unforgettable skyline images.



Museum Gardens & Ruins

The Museum Gardens are one of York’s most picturesque and tranquil spots, offering a peaceful escape right in the heart of the city. Spread across 10 acres, the gardens are home to lush lawns, winding paths, and vibrant flowerbeds that change beautifully with the seasons. In spring and summer, colourful blooms make the gardens feel alive and vibrant, while in autumn, the golden leaves create a warm, romantic backdrop for photos.

The real highlight is the atmospheric ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, a once-grand medieval abbey whose crumbling stone arches and towering fragments provide one of the city’s most striking backdrops. The combination of history, nature, and open space makes it a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike to relax, picnic, or simply enjoy the scenery.

📸 Photo Tip: Golden hour is the best time for dreamy, ethereal shots – the soft evening light filters beautifully through the ruins and trees. For the most striking photos, stand further back to capture the height of the abbey remains framed by greenery. Close-up shots of the details, like the archways and stone carvings, also look incredible. Spring blossom and autumn leaves add even more magic to your images, so it’s worth visiting in different seasons.



City Walls Walk

The City Walls Walk is one of the most iconic experiences in York and a must for anyone who loves photography. Encircling much of the historic centre, these medieval walls provide a unique elevated pathway that offers stunning views of the city’s rooftops, church spires, winding streets, and hidden courtyards. Walking the walls is completely free and gives you a whole new perspective of York’s rich history.

Each section of the walls has its own charm, with picturesque towers, ancient gateways, and glimpses of the Minster rising above the skyline. The views change with the seasons too – spring blossom and autumn leaves make the scenery especially beautiful.

📸 Photo Tip: The best time to visit is early in the morning or just before sunset. Mornings are quieter, so you’ll often get long stretches to yourself for clean, people-free shots. At golden hour, the rooftops glow in the soft light, making for incredible panoramic photos. Wide-angle shots work brilliantly to capture the path curving away into the distance, while framing the Minster in the background adds a real sense of place.



The Ivy, York

The Ivy in York is one of the city’s most stylish and photogenic dining spots, offering a perfect blend of glamour, elegance, and vibrant personality. The restaurant is renowned for its stunning floral exterior displays, which change with the seasons and provide a beautiful backdrop for photos before you even step inside.

Once through the doors, you’re met with chic interiors featuring bold prints, rich colours, and art deco-inspired details that make every corner feel luxurious and unique. Whether you’re stopping in for brunch, lunch, or dinner, the restaurant is as much a visual treat as it is a culinary one.

The Ivy is particularly popular for its indulgent afternoon tea. The tiered stands filled with delicate pastries, finger sandwiches, and colourful cakes are perfect for that Instagram-worthy flat-lay shot. Even the cocktails are beautifully presented, making them ideal for elegant lifestyle photos.

📸 Photo Tip: Take a moment to snap a photo outside with the floral display as your backdrop – it’s a classic York Instagram shot. Inside, try to grab a table near the windows for the best natural lighting, especially if you’re planning to photograph your food. Overhead flat-lays work beautifully for afternoon tea, while angled shots of the table settings capture the rich, colourful décor in the background.



Spark: York

Spark: York is one of the city’s coolest and most vibrant hangout spots, bringing together independent businesses, food stalls, and bars in a space made entirely from colourful shipping containers. Bursting with bold street art, fairy lights, and an urban-chic vibe, it’s a creative community hub that feels completely different from York’s historic surroundings – and that contrast makes it even more photogenic.

The rooftop bar is a highlight, especially on sunny days or warm evenings. With strings of fairy lights, colourful seating, and lively city views, it’s perfect for casual group photos, candid drink-in-hand shots, or fun boomerangs with friends. Down below, the food court serves up some of York’s most Instagrammable street food, from loaded burgers and bao buns to wood-fired pizzas and indulgent desserts.

📸 Photo Tip: For the most vibrant photos, visit during the day when the sunlight enhances the bright container colours. At night, the fairy lights create a cosy, atmospheric backdrop for group shots or drinks photos. For foodie snaps, find a table with natural light and photograph dishes from above for perfect flat-lay shots – the bold plates and colourful dishes always pop on camera!



The Shop That Must Not Be Named

The Shop That Must Not Be Named is a must-visit for any Harry Potter fan exploring York. Located on the famous Shambles – which many believe inspired Diagon Alley – this shop feels like stepping straight into the wizarding world. Its crooked timber-framed façade, vintage signage, and enchanting window displays make it one of the most photographed storefronts in the city.

Inside, the magic continues. Shelves are packed with wands, robes, house scarves, and all manner of Potter-themed treasures, making it a dream for fans and photographers alike. Every detail, from the décor to the merchandise, feels authentically magical, making it a fun stop even if you’re not the world’s biggest Potterhead.

📸 Photo Tip: For the best shots, visit early in the morning when The Shambles is less crowded, so you can capture the entire shopfront without people walking by. A straight-on photo of the façade looks amazing, but angled shots that include the surrounding medieval street make for even more atmospheric images. If you really want to lean into the theme, dress up in wizarding robes or bring along a wand – it makes for fantastic, whimsical photos that feel straight out of the films!



Malmaison Rooftop Bar (Sora Sky Bar)

Perched at the top of the Malmaison Hotel, Sora Sky Bar is one of York’s most glamorous spots for drinks with a view. With sweeping vistas over the historic city skyline – including an unbeatable view of York Minster – this rooftop bar is perfect for everything from golden-hour selfies to glittering night-time skyline shots.

The bar itself oozes style, with chic modern interiors, leafy feature walls, and a sleek outdoor terrace that feels effortlessly luxurious. It’s the perfect place to enjoy beautifully crafted cocktails, small plates, and sushi while soaking in one of the best panoramic views in the city. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, having a sophisticated date night, or just treating yourself, it’s an experience as photogenic as it is memorable.

📸 Photo Tip: Visit around sunset to capture the warm golden light over the city – it makes for stunning, romantic skyline shots. For Instagram-worthy food photos, ask for a table near the terrace windows where there’s plenty of natural light. At night, use the city lights as a sparkling backdrop for more dramatic photos. The leafy walls and stylish décor inside are also perfect for chic lifestyle shots and cocktail close-ups.



PINK: Impossible

PINK: Impossible is York’s ultimate hotspot for bold, playful, and ultra-glam photos. Step inside and you’re greeted with a candy-coloured wonderland filled with vibrant pink décor, cascading flower walls, neon signs, and plush velvet seating – every corner feels like it’s been designed with Instagram in mind.

The bar is a go-to for birthdays, girls’ nights, and special occasions, with cocktails that are as beautiful as they are delicious. From glittery martinis to colourful spritzes, every drink looks picture-perfect and is practically begging to be photographed. It’s the ideal place to snap a cute group photo, a fabulous birthday outfit shot, or a cheerful boomerang of clinking glasses under the neon glow.

Even the smallest details are photo-ready – from the quirky décor accents to the artfully presented desserts and sharing platters. No matter where you sit, you’ll have a backdrop that pops on camera.

📸 Photo Tip: Head there during the day if you want brighter, more vibrant photos, or at night for moodier shots with the neon lights. Flower walls make the perfect backdrop for outfit photos, while the bar counter is great for candid cocktail snaps. For flat-lay shots, choose a table near a window for the best natural lighting to make your drinks and dishes shine.



St Leonard’s Place

St Leonard’s Place is one of York’s most elegant and sophisticated streets, offering a completely different vibe from the city’s medieval lanes. Located near York Theatre Royal, this Georgian crescent is lined with beautiful cream stone townhouses, black wrought-iron railings, and traditional lampposts that give it a timeless, London-meets-York feel. The wide pavements and sweeping curve of the street make it a perfect backdrop for editorial-style or fashion-forward photos.

The area feels especially atmospheric in the evening, when the theatre behind is lit up, creating a West End-style glow that’s ideal for date-night shots or glamorous city portraits. During the day, the soft neutral tones of the buildings provide a clean and elegant backdrop, perfect for lifestyle and outfit photos.

📸 Photo Tip: For fashion or lifestyle shots, stand on the wide pavement and shoot slightly from below to capture the full height of the Georgian buildings. At night, position yourself with the theatre in the background for a dramatic, lit-up scene. Golden hour also works beautifully here, as the warm sunlight reflects off the pale façades, giving the whole street a soft, romantic glow.



Clifford’s Tower

Clifford’s Tower is one of York’s most iconic landmarks, perched dramatically on a grassy mound that overlooks the city. The tower is the last remaining part of York Castle and has witnessed centuries of fascinating – and sometimes turbulent – history. Its striking circular shape makes it instantly recognisable and a must-visit for any York itinerary.

Climbing to the top is well worth the effort. From the viewing platform, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking 360° views of York’s skyline, including the Minster’s spires, the city walls, and the meandering River Ouse. It’s particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset, when the golden light bathes the city in a warm glow – perfect for atmospheric landscape shots.

The tower itself is just as photogenic when captured from below. The contrast of the pale stone walls against the lush green mound and bright blue sky makes for a picture-perfect shot, especially in spring and summer when wildflowers bloom on the hillside.

📸 Photo Tip: For the best exterior photos, shoot from the base of the mound and frame the tower against the sky. If you’re climbing up, try capturing wide panoramic shots of the city, or get creative by photographing the circular staircase inside for a unique perspective. Sunset is the ideal time for golden-hour cityscapes, while early morning means fewer crowds both inside and outside.



Shambles Market

Right in the heart of York, Shambles Market is a bustling hub of local life, full of colour, character, and charm. The market is open daily and features dozens of stalls selling everything from fresh flowers and handmade crafts to street food and artisan bakes. It’s one of the best places to soak up the city’s atmosphere, meet local traders, and discover unique finds you won’t see anywhere else.

The vibrant displays of fresh produce, bright blooms, and tempting treats make it a dream for photography. Whether you’re capturing the rich colours of fruit and vegetables, the intricate details of handcrafted goods, or the sizzling dishes being served from the food stalls, there’s always something eye-catching to snap.

It’s also a fantastic foodie destination – with stalls serving dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world. You can grab gourmet sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, international street food, and some of the city’s best sweet treats, all perfect for those flat-lay food photos.

📸 Photo Tip: For the most colourful photos, head to the flower stalls or produce stands first thing in the morning when everything is freshly arranged. If you’re photographing food, use a clean table or bench as a backdrop and shoot from above for that perfect Instagram flat-lay. Try candid street shots too – the buzz of traders and shoppers gives your photos a lively, authentic feel.

Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate

Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate is one of York’s most famous oddities – not only is it one of the shortest streets in the UK, but it also has one of the most unusual names! The quirky sign is a must-see for visitors and makes for a fun, light-hearted photo opportunity that always gets people talking.

The name itself has sparked plenty of curiosity over the years, with various theories about its origin – some say it translates to “What a street!” while others suggest it had connections to public punishments centuries ago. Whatever the true story, it’s become a firm favourite for anyone exploring York’s winding streets.

📸 Photo Tip: Get a close-up of the street sign for a simple but memorable shot, or stand underneath it for a fun selfie. If you want the full street in view (all of about 30 metres of it!), step back slightly to capture the tiny cobbled lane alongside the sign. Early morning or evening is best if you want to avoid people walking through your shot.



The Perky Peacock at Lendal Bridge

The Perky Peacock is one of York’s most unique coffee spots – a cosy little café hidden inside a medieval tower on Lendal Bridge. With its round turreted structure, stone walls, and riverside setting, it looks like something plucked straight out of a fairy tale. The exterior alone is worth a photo, as it’s not every day you see a coffee shop inside a historic tower!

Step inside and you’ll find a charming, intimate space with rustic details and the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The café is known for its excellent speciality coffees, homemade cakes, and friendly atmosphere, making it a great place to take a break during a photo walk around the city.

📸 Photo Tip: Take a shot from across the river to capture the entire tower with the bridge in frame. For a more lifestyle-style post, grab a takeaway coffee and pose on the bridge with the Minster in the background. Early morning is best if you want the tower without crowds in the shot. In autumn, the trees around the bridge turn golden, adding even more magic to your photos!



The York Ghost Merchants

Tucked away on The Shambles, The York Ghost Merchants is one of the city’s quirkiest and most unique independent shops. Specialising in handcrafted, collectible ghost figurines, this little store has become a favourite for both visitors and locals. Its charming shopfront, with old-fashioned signage and beautiful window displays, is full of character and makes for a brilliant photo opportunity.

Inside, the shelves are lined with hundreds of tiny ghosts, each one individually made and completely unique. The whole shop has an enchanting, whimsical feel – from the creaky wooden floors to the cabinet displays that look like something out of a curiosity shop. It’s especially atmospheric in autumn and around Halloween, when the seasonal decorations make it even more magical.

📸 Photo Tip: For the best shots, arrive earlier in the morning before it gets too busy, as The Shambles can get very crowded. A straight-on photo of the shopfront always looks great, but close-ups of the displays through the window are perfect for capturing its magical details. If you happen to buy a ghost, don’t forget to snap a photo of your new spooky friend around the city – it makes for a fun York souvenir shot!



Top Tips for Taking the Best Photos in York

✅ Go early (or late) – York is busy during the day, especially in The Shambles and around the Minster. Visiting early morning or around golden hour (just before sunset) means softer light, fewer people, and more atmospheric shots.

✅ Look up and down – Some of York’s best details are above eye level – like shop signs, bunting, and leaning timber frames. Cobbled streets and reflections in puddles can also create unique angles.

✅ Frame the Minster creatively – Instead of just taking a front-on shot, use surrounding streets (like Chapter House Street or Stonegate) to frame the cathedral for more interesting compositions.

✅ Use the city walls for perspectives – Shooting from above gives a whole new view of York’s rooftops and winding lanes. The light is best in the morning along the walls near Bootham Bar.

✅ Add some local props – A Bettys takeaway coffee cup, colourful pastries from Krep & Crumbles, or flowers from Shambles Market can make lifestyle shots pop.

✅ Visit in different seasons – York looks magical in every season. In spring, blossom trees frame The Minster beautifully; in autumn, golden leaves make Museum Gardens glow; in winter, the Christmas lights add sparkle to every street.

✅ Be patient with crowds – For busy spots, wait for gaps in foot traffic. Sometimes just stepping a few metres back or shooting at an angle can remove unwanted people from your frame.

✅ Capture candid moments – York is full of buskers, street performers, and quaint café corners – some of the best shots are the unplanned ones.

✅ Use reflections – After rain, York’s cobbles create incredible mirror-like puddle reflections, especially on The Shambles and Stonegate.

✅ Golden hour is your best friend – The light just after sunrise or before sunset gives the city a warm, dreamy glow – perfect for romantic or editorial-style shots.



York is a city that never fails to surprise with its beauty, history, and charm at every turn. From medieval streets and grand Gothic architecture to colourful cafés, quirky shops, and breathtaking views, there’s no shortage of photo-worthy spots to discover. Whether you’re a seasoned content creator or simply love capturing memories on your travels, York offers the perfect mix of iconic landmarks and hidden gems that will make your feed shine.

To make your trip even more special, why not stay somewhere that’s just as memorable as the city itself? At Easilets, we offer a collection of stylish holiday homes and short-stay properties in and around York, designed to give you the perfect base for exploring. Each of our homes is thoughtfully furnished, combining comfort with beautiful interiors that look as good on camera as they do in real life.

Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend away, a family city break, or a fun trip with friends, our properties have everything you need – from cosy living spaces and well-equipped kitchens to convenient locations close to York’s must-see attractions. Many of our homes also come with added luxuries, like free parking, outdoor spaces, or even private hot tubs, making them perfect for creating lasting memories (and great photos!) during your stay.

By choosing Easilets, you’re not just booking accommodation – you’re giving yourself the chance to live like a local while still enjoying the comfort and style of a boutique hotel. After a day of exploring York’s most Instagrammable spots, you can come back to a space that feels like home, unwind in comfort, and plan your next adventure.

✨ Ready to plan your picture-perfect York getaway? Browse our beautiful properties  here and find your ideal home away from home. We can’t wait to welcome you to York and help make your trip as memorable – and as photogenic – as possible!