Top 11 Best Things To Do in Chester

Discover the top 10 best things to do in Chester, one of England’s best-preserved historic cities with roots dating back nearly 2,000 years. Known for its Roman walls, medieval walkways, and one of the UK’s largest amphitheaters, this destination offers a glimpse into Britain’s rich past.

You’ll find a wide selection of experiences in Chester, from river cruises and food tours to immersive museums and guided walks. Many streets still follow the original Roman grid, lined with the Chester Rows, half-timbered shops, and centuries-old pubs.

To simplify your planning, choose from the largest variety of vacation packages in Chester. These options are designed for different travel styles, whether you’re visiting as a couple, with family, or solo.

If you're looking to explore further, Chester’s most affordable rental car marketplace has you covered. It provides reliable vehicles for easy access to the countryside, nearby market towns, and scenic routes across Cheshire.

This guide helps you uncover the best things to do in Chester, with highlights for curious visitors. Read on to browse top attractions, local favorites, and hidden gems. Off we go!

11. Walk Along the Roman Walls of Chester

Join a Roman soldier-led tour along Chester’s ancient city walls, and you might follow the original route of Deva Victrix. Your costumed guide could share stories of military life, invasion, and daily routines from nearly 2,000 years ago.

Walking along this landmark will allow you to pass towers, gates, and the Eastgate Clock while overlooking the River Dee and the remnants of a once mighty fortress. In fact, it's part of one of the best-preserved ancient wall circuits in Britain.

This experience is one of the top things to do in Chester. It gives a glimpse into surviving Roman remains in the United Kingdom.

10. Explore Chester With an Interactive Treasure Hunt

Start solving clues on this self-guided Roman-themed treasure hunt in Chester. Use your phone to uncover key landmarks as you follow a route through the city at your own pace. Each clue leads to a new location and a short piece of history.

This is a hands-on way to explore the past through problem-solving. It’s one of the top things to do in Chester for travelers who enjoy interactive experiences.

9. Trace the History of Medicine at Sick to Death

Get your entry ticket to Sick to Death, Chester’s medical history attraction, and learn how healing practices evolved from ancient remedies to modern science. Explore exhibits on surgery, disease, and public health in an interactive setting.

Located in a former church, the museum covers everything from medieval cures to plague treatments. Life-size displays and hands-on features make it both informative and engaging.

8. Take a Day Trip to North Wales From Chester

Since you're in Chester, you can grab the chance to explore beyond the city with a day tour into the landscapes and landmarks of North Wales. Travel through Snowdonia National Park and visit places like Conwy Castle, Llandudno, and Betws-y-Coed.

Along the way, you'll see coastal roads, mountain valleys, and medieval towns. The route includes photo stops, short walks, and stories about Welsh culture and history.

It’s one of the top things to do in Chester if you want to fit in a full day of discovery without leaving the region. North Wales is less than an hour away, so you can check out a different part of the UK without a long drive.

7. Explore Chester After Dark on the Dead Good Ghost Tour

Experience haunted history with Chester’s dead good ghost tour, led by costumed guides Dig and Dug. As you follow them through cobbled streets, you’ll visit some of the city’s eeriest locations, each with its own chilling tale.

Stops may include Stanley Palace, a timber-framed mansion linked to supernatural sightings, and the Roman Amphitheatre, once the site of executions. The stories combine documented records with first-hand accounts of strange events reported over the years.

6. Savor Chester's Local Cuisine 

Explore the city’s food scene on a tasting tour that highlights Chester’s dishes and drinks. Visit independent eateries, markets, and pubs while learning about regional flavors and culinary traditions.

This guided experience is one of the top things to do in Chester for travelers interested in local cuisine, history, and culture. Stops often include cheese shops, artisan producers, and traditional venues with signature recipes.

It’s a direct way to connect with the city’s identity, one bite at a time. You’ll also support small businesses while tasting what makes the area unique.

5. Join a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour in Chester

Explore the city with a flexible bus tour that lets you hop on and off at Chester’s top attractions. Use your ticket to get around easily while visiting key landmarks and historic sites.

The route stops near the Chester Cathedral, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the riverside promenade. You’ll also pass the old walls and Castle Drive, lined with greenery and remnants of stone structures.

The experience includes audio commentary with facts about the area and the past. It's a straightforward way to get familiar with the city’s layout while covering more ground in less time.

4. Enjoy a Big Night Out in Chester

Kick off your evening with a food and drink night tour through Chester’s restaurants and bars. Visit well-loved venues for local brews, small bites, and the city’s party scene.

Stops often include historic taverns, craft beer spots, and community favorites known for atmosphere and character. You can also get tips on where to go after the experience to keep the fun going.

This is a direct way to enjoy Chester’s drinking culture without guessing where to start. It’s designed for those who want to spend the evening in the right places without wasting time.

3. Walk Through Chester’s Past at Overleigh Cemetery

Explore Chester's layered history on an Overleigh Cemetery walking tour. This Victorian burial ground, opened in 1850, was designed with landscaped paths and symbolic architecture.

You can see the striking tomb of Henry Raikes and the grave of U Larsing, a Khasi missionary who is remembered in both English and Welsh. The site also has war memorials and headstones linked to key events in the city’s past.

Wandering this area is one of the top things to do in Chester if you want something quiet, reflective, and full of real character. This is history you can walk through, not just read about.

2. Walk Through Chester’s Past Along the Chester Rows

Discover centuries of heritage on a guided walk through the Chester Rows, a network of elevated walkways found only in this historic English city. These galleries reveal timber-fronted buildings, medieval details, and lively shops lining Chester’s historic streets.

Step inside the Rows to see vaulted ceilings, stone pillars, and upper walkways. Once built for trade, these galleries now house small shops, local favorites, and rare finds above historic streets.

The Chester Rows provide a one-of-a-kind experience where architecture, storytelling, and daily life connect. No visit feels complete without walking these raised walkways that trace the footprint of a city shaped by time.

1. Explore Chester From the Water on a City Cruise

Take a half-hour cruise along the River Dee to experience Chester from a different angle. This scenic route has been used since Roman days and once served as a key trading link for the city.

You’ll see the Earl's Eye, the 14th-century Old Dee Bridge, and the weir built to control water levels for the mills. As the views unfold, you’ll also get a glimpse of the medieval walls and riverside houses, which offer a calm contrast to the busy streets.

This activity is a refreshing way to explore Chester with minimal effort. If you're short on time, this cruise delivers local history, landmarks, and peaceful surroundings in one ride.