Are you thinking about visiting Leeds? Whether it’s just for the weekend or for a longer trip, I’d love to share my tips with you.
I’ve lived in Leeds for the last five years, and I absolutely love it here.
Leeds is such a varied, friendly and vibrant city that anyone would be lucky to visit. So I’ve put together this post to help you navigate your way around the city.
Once you’ve finished reading, you’ll be an expert on Leeds! You’ll know the top things to do in Leeds, the best places to eat, where to stay in Leeds, and how to get from A to B.
The reason for your visit doesn’t matter, nor the amount of money you have available to spend during your trip, because regardless, there are plenty of options here waiting for you!
A Practical Guide For Visiting Leeds
Things To Do in Leeds
There’s so much to do in Leeds – more activities than I could possibly fit into a single blog post – so I’ve picked my top choices that are perfect for a short trip to Leeds:
1. Trinity Leeds – Shopping & Leisure Centre
You’ve got all your standard high street chains in the Trinity Centre, and also some great places to stop for food.
It’s one of the places you should definitely check out whilst you’re visiting Leeds.
A lot of people come to Leeds to go shopping, so if you’re one of those, Trinity Leeds should be your first point of call.
2. Kirkstall Abbey
I live fairly close to Kirkstall Abbey, so I go there quite a lot and never get bored of it.
Kirkstall Abbey are the ruins of a Cistercian monastery in Kirkstall, northwest of Leeds city center. It’s such a scenic place, and it feels as though you’re out in the country, not a mere 10 minutes from the city center.
The ruins of the old abbey are stunning, and there’s so much space to walk, have a picnic, or just relax on the grass. It certainly makes for a great day trip.
3. Kirkgate Market
If you want to see true, traditional Leeds, you need to visit Kirkgate Market.
Having first opened in 1822, Kirkgate Market is now an iconic attraction of the city.
There are hundreds of stalls inside selling all manner of things, and there’s a really cool historic feel when you’re in there.
The building architecture is beautiful too, so you’ll be able to get some good shots for Instagram!
4. Cardigan Fields
Cardigan Fields is a complex just outside of the city center that is guaranteed to keep you entertained.
There’s a bowling alley, a trampoline park, and Laser Quest, to name a few of the attractions there.
Plus, there are plenty of eateries too, so you really do have everything you need in one place. It’s perfect for a rainy day in Leeds!
5. Museums and Galleries
I know museums aren’t always everyone’s thing, but Leeds has some that are really worth a look, even if you wouldn’t usually put them high on your list.
One of my favourites is the Leeds Art Gallery, right in the city center. It’s free, and the collection is surprisingly varied. I still discover something new every time I pop in.
Just next door is the Henry Moore Institute, which is small but brilliant if you’re into sculpture.
If you want something a bit quirkier, head to the Leeds Discovery Centre. It’s basically the behind-the-scenes storage for the city’s museums, and you can book a tour to see thousands of items that aren’t normally on display.
And of course, if you’re travelling with kids (or just a big kid at heart), the Royal Armouries Museum is a must. It’s huge, free to enter, and right by the canal, perfect for combining culture with a nice walk afterwards.
Tours and Activities to Book in Leeds
Where to Eat & Drink in Leeds
There are so many great places to eat and drink throughout Leeds, so you’ll easily find somewhere that suits your needs.
If you’re after somewhere to eat during the day, there’s a really great coffee shop called North Star which is based in Leeds Dock. It’s got a great range of drinks and snacks, and there’s even a little general store inside, so if anything that you eat or drink takes your fancy, you can stock up there and then!
Leeds Dock is a gorgeous area as it’s right next to the canal, so you can have a lovely stroll around afterward to walk off your food.
There are also some great country-style pubs if you go out of the city a little, such as The Roundhay Fox – the food there is to die for! It’s really good value for money, and it’s located right next to Roundhay Park, which in my opinion is a must-see when visiting Leeds. With acres of land, and a gorgeous lake in the middle, it’s perfect for a summer afternoon.
Depending on what you plan your evening in Leeds to be, there are a few different options for food and drink:
1. Going Wild: Trinity Kitchen & Call Lane
Leeds is a city renowned for its nightlife, and I can assure you it won’t disappoint!
If you’re coming here for a bit of a wild one, the best thing to do is kick off your night in Trinity Kitchen.
There are plenty of cuisines to choose from in this food court, and all the food is delicious in my opinion. Plus, there’s just a generally great street-market-style atmosphere here.
Call Lane is the go-to place for a night out in Leeds. It’s a street full of bars, from your chain bars such as Revolution, to independent ones like Jake’s Bar (my personal favorite!).
There’s such a lively, fun vibe on Call Lane and you’ll easily be out until the early hours!
2. Keeping It Classy: Tattu & The Alchemist
If you’ve come to Leeds for a classier night, then brace your wallet, and visit these two gems.
The food in Tattu is INCREDIBLE. It’s a Chinese restaurant with a fantastic contemporary twist.
The décor is beautiful; the purple, low lighting really sets the mood, and the little touches are just fantastic. It’s pricey, but I’d say it’s definitely worth it for the experience.
Post-meal, a really nice place to get some drinks is The Alchemist. They have two locations in Leeds, but I’d recommend going to the one inside the Trinity Centre. It’s up on the second floor and has a large outside area that looks out over the city. Plus, the cocktails there are amazing – bubblegum mojitos all the way!
3. Chilled & Casual: Roxy’s
Roxy Ball Room is one of my favorite bars in Leeds simply because it’s such a unique and fun place to go.
It’s not your standard bar by any means – there’s beer pong, table tennis, and even a mini-golf course. It’s definitely worth a visit if you want a casual, fun night out.
Hidden Gems in Leeds Loved by Locals
Beyond the big sights, some of my favourite spots in Leeds are the ones most visitors miss.
For example, tucked away under a barbershop in the city centre is The Domino Club, a speakeasy-style jazz bar with live music most nights. It’s such a cool spot if you want something different from the usual Call Lane crowd.
For a dose of fresh air, I love heading to Woodhouse Moor, especially in summer when it’s full of students, families, and the occasional barbecue. If you prefer something quieter, the Canal Gardens next to Roundhay Park are a beautiful little escape.
And then there are the small details dotted around the city, like the colourful Hibiscus Rising sculpture near Salem Chapel or the quirky arcades (Thornton’s Arcade is my favourite). These are the things that make Leeds feel like home to me, and the bits you’ll probably remember most after your trip.
Where to Stay in Leeds
The one thing you won’t struggle with in Leeds is accommodation. There are plenty of hotels around so you’ll be able to take your pick!
If you’re staying in Leeds, you’re definitely better off finding somewhere in the city center. It’s so much easier that way because you’ll be within walking distance of everything you need.
The majority of hotels are located towards the bottom end of town, near the train station, and there’s a range of options depending on your price range:
High-End Hotels in Leeds
If it’s a super special occasion and you want the full works, The Queens Hotel is perfect.
It’s famous throughout Leeds and a great luxury option. They have a doorman and a red carpet on the stairs leading up to the doors, so you’ll truly feel like a movie star when you make your entrance!
Mid-Range Hotels in Leeds
I’ve stayed at the Clayton Hotel quite a few times and I really like it there.
It’s clean, comfortable and you can get good room rates, so in my opinion, it’s great value.
The hotel is further away from the center which makes it nice and quiet. But it’s less than a 10-minute walk from the train station, so you’re still really close to the heart of the city.
Cheap Hotels in Leeds
There are several cheap hotels in Leeds, but some of them are cheap for a reason!
A good place to stay is the IBIS Budget Hotel because it offers a bit of a win-win situation; it’s a hotel chain that you know you can trust, however, the rooms are also cheap, even more so if you book in advance!
Also Read: The Most Important Things to Look For When Booking a Hotel Room
Getting Around in Leeds
One of the best things about Leeds is that virtually everything you could want or need is within walking distance.
Unlike cities such as Manchester or London, where you have to catch trams and tubes to get from one end of the city to another, Leeds is brilliantly compact.
If you want to go further out, buses are very frequent (I’m talking less than 10 minutes here) and reliable. First Buses is the main provider, and they cover a lot of ground, so nothing is out of reach.
Leeds is renowned for being an awful place to drive around (I avoid it whenever possible because it’s so confusing!), so if you are visiting Leeds, it’s probably better to get the train and then walk/bus it around the city. Plus, that way you won’t need to worry about parking as that can be very hard to come by.
The Best Time to Visit Leeds
Leeds is very much a year-round city, but what you get out of it depends on when you come.
Summer is my personal favourite. The parks are at their best, everyone spills out onto pub terraces, and there are festivals happening almost every weekend. Autumn is also lovely, with the colors in Roundhay Park and along the canal walks.
Winter is colder and darker, but the Christmas markets and cosy pubs make up for it. And if you’re visiting in spring, you’ll get milder weather and fewer crowds, which is perfect for sightseeing.
Honestly, Leeds has a great buzz all year — just bring an umbrella, because the weather is famously unpredictable!
So, there you have it – my top tips for visiting Leeds.
It really is a fantastic city. And whatever you decide to do when you visit Leeds, I’m positive that you’ll have the best time. Enjoy!
Also Read:
- What Makes the UK a Great Travel Destination
- 25 Best Places to Visit in England
- 8 Things to do in London Beyond the Obvious
- Itinerary for the Perfect Road Trip Along Scotland’s North Coast
Map: Where to Stay and What to Do When Visiting Leeds
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I never realized that Leeds had so much to offer! I guess I would like to make a stop there when I am in England next x