York is a lively city at night, and there are plenty of options for a great night out whether you're after the typical student experience or something a bit different.
Bars and cafes
York is famed for its pubs, bars and cafes, many of which hold late licences enabling them to stay open well past 11pm. It's said there are 365 pubs in York – one for each day of the year - so you can be certain that whatever your taste you will find the perfect place for you and your friends to spend the evening, or on occasion the afternoon. Hopefully not the morning.
Cinemas
York has two main cinemas; the 12-screen Vue multiplex at Clifton Moor and the 3-screen City Screen which is located in the city centre.Vue screens most films on general release, whereas the City Screen shows a mixture of art house and mainstream cinema, as well as having live music and comedy in The Basement. City Screen also operates a free "Slacker's Club" for students which shows occasional sneak previews.
Nightclubs
There are three main nightclubs in York:
The Gallery, situated in the centre of York and housing four different areas all offering a different type of music. The club is open seven nights a week with a student night every Tuesday.
Ziggy's is located on Mickelgate, a popular haunt for student bar crawls, and offers different types of music, depending on which night you go. Ziggy's hosts a student night every Wednesday as well as having regular theme nights and drinks promotions.
Tru has four rooms and five bars, playing lots of different music from Chart and RnB to Indie or Northern Soul. There are also live music nights and student nights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
If you get bored with York's nightlife there are all-night rail services back from Leeds and Manchester, putting the nightlife there within easy reach.
Restaurants
When it comes to finding somewhere to eat in York you'll find yourself spoiled for choice. Whatever your tastes and your budget there will be plenty of restaurants to choose from. Under useful links you will find links to several York restaurant guides. For a special occasion you could take a cruise on the river and enjoy dinner served on board.
Theatre
York is home to two famous theatres; the Theatre Royal and the Grand Opera House. The Theatre Royal has been producing theatre for over 250 years and aims to offer audiences as wide a range of programming as possible. The Grand Opera house is Yorkshire's biggest fully operational theatre, catering for 1,800. Both offer a diverse programme of entertainment, including drama, dance, music and opera and showcase everything from comedy to classics.