York, with a population of c179,000 people and a wealth of history, its no wonder why so many tourists flock to York every year.

In among York's historic beauty, there are a wealth of shopping experiences from shoe shops to gift shops, sweet shops to department stores. With more than 2,000 shops, York offers some of the most distinctive, specialist and stylish shopping in the UK.

You will find all the high street favourites, plus a large selection of independent retailers, all within the city walls. Newgate Market is open daily, with a wide variety of bargains and local produce. At certain times during the year York also plays host to a range of speciality markets.

Upmarket wine bars and bistros, popular with a 30-something crowd, abound on Grape Lane, Swinegate and Stonegate. Trendy pubs line the riverside Coney Street. Sample a pint of real ale or two in the city's historic pubs on Goodramgate or for a romantic evening, take one of Yorkboat's dinner cruises along the River Ouse. Clubbers can head for Toffs (older crowd). Icon and Diva (young and trendy) is the biggest club in town, out at Clifton Moor. Gallery and Ziggy's are both split level.

The converted Yorkshire Herald press works is now City Screen, a three-screen cinema showing mainstream and art house movies. York's Georgian Theatre Royal welcomes touring musicals and plays, new writing, dance and comedy. Opera comes to the Grand Opera House overlooking the Ouse. The National Centre for Early Music on Walmgate is a high-tech concert venue in the historic St Margaret's Church. In addition to classical concerts, it also hosts world, jazz and folk gigs. The biggest bands come to the Barbican Centre.

York is famous for its wonderful homemade cakes, served in tearooms such as the Earl Grey Tea Rooms, the Orgasmic Caf and the historic Betty's Tearooms. In the evening, there is a choice of upmarket eateries, including Michael Hjort's Meltons and The Blue Bicycle, known for its fresh fish and unusual location. Gastropubs are also taking off in the city which has many cuisines on offer, including Thai, Indian, Kashmiri, Bengali, Chinese, Mexican and traditional British carvery.