Leeds Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Corn Exchange featuring street scenes and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people
Leeds which includes heritage architecture
Leeds
Leeds
Millennium Square featuring street scenes and heritage architecture

One of the United Kingdom’s fastest-growing cities, Leeds has transformed from an industrial centre into the definition of urban chic, with its innovative culinary scene, renewed Victorian-era mill district and edgy architecture.

Head north to the Midlands for a refreshing time in the fascinating city of Leeds. Whether you want history, shopping, culture, great food or exciting festivals, all types of travellers can find exceptional offerings during a Leeds visit.

From its industrial background, Leeds has retained artists and artisans specialising in practical and beautiful creations. Buy textiles, ceramics, glassware and prints with a unique Leeds style. Look for concentrated areas of shops and boutiques across town, at Leeds City Centre, Trinity Leeds and the Victoria Quarter.

Things to do in Leeds

When you visit Leeds, several of the must-see landmarks are historic. Kids will enjoy a (free!) visit to the Royal Armouries Museum, with five floors and more than 4,500 objects showing how arms and armour have shaped arts, culture and history. An interpretive team presents the best part: live combat demonstrations.

The Leeds Corn Exchange is a gorgeous oval Victorian building from the 1860s. Admire its older architecture and then pop inside to visit the very modern shops and restaurants. Much older, Kirkstall Abbey was built more than 800 years ago. Wander through the ruins of this Cistercian monastery and peaceful woodland next to the River Aire.

Besides the river, other natural attractions are a big part of a Leeds visit. The huge green space of Roundhay Park has too many activities to mention, from cricket and canoeing to dragon boat races and brass bands. Stop in its mansion for a locally sourced lunch or buy your own DIY farm-fresh treats from its Oakwood Farmers Market on third Saturdays of the month.

Dining in Leeds

When you visit Leeds, you’re in Yorkshire County, the home of Yorkshire pudding, so you can enjoy the delightful concoction at every meal. Traditionally, Yorkshire pudding is a light baked pudding topped with gravy, but in Leeds you’ll find chef creations of toppings ranging from pancetta to blue cheese to a full meal of mashed potatoes and roast beef. Eat your fill, but save room for Yorkshire parkin, a slightly lesser-known baked production of oats, black treacle and deliciousness.

Sample a range of eating spots on your Leeds visit,from trendy food halls to Michelin-starred restaurants. Visit Leeds City Centre for street food and pop-up carts at Trinity Kitchen. Kirkgate Market is even larger, and older, in operation since 1857. Here you’ll find international cuisine, as well as retail shops. Stop in for the Wednesday Asian Bazaar and biweekly Sunday farmers market.

For the finest of fine dining, check the current Michelin Guide. You’ll likely find a dozen or more in Leeds earning this designation, many identified as modern British cuisine, but some in ethnic and creative categories. These restaurants are scattered around the City Centre and Headingjay and along the main dining streets of Call Lane and Briggate.

Nightlife and entertainment in Leeds

When you’re looking for nightlife, visit Leeds’ lively bars and lounges. Find pubs and upscale clubs along Call Lane. First Direct Arena draws big-name musicians and comedians.

For a bit of cultural entertainment in the evening during your visit to Leeds, see a show at Leeds Playhouse. Lives stage productions range from musical theatre favourites to eclectic experimental works.

Leeds hosts the very large Leeds International Film Festival over two weeks every November at several venues across town, a major highlight of a Leeds visit. Plan your schedule to watch movies from nearly 80 countries. In summer, head to Millennium Square at the Leeds Civic Hall for open-air films and concerts.

In August, the famous Leeds Festival takes place northeast of downtown at Bramham Park in Wetherby. Ride a coach to be environmentally conscious and settle in for the biggest of big-name performers.

Getting to and around Leeds

By car or train, you can visit Leeds in about 1 hour from Manchester or just over 3 hours from London. Once here, use buses, trains, bike shares or simply walking to get around between attractions. As always in this part of Great Britain, an umbrella is recommended, along with the expected norm of politeness and respect, no queue-cutting, please.

If you’re visiting Leedsfor more than a weekend, you might want to take a day trip to explore nearby York. Its York Minster medieval cathedral, whose construction began in 1220, is one of the largest gothic cathedrals in Europe.

Where to stay in Leeds

Default Image

Leeds City Center

4.5/5(1,029 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Leeds City Center. Make a stop by Trinity Leeds Mall or Briggate while you're exploring the area.

Leeds City Center
Leeds showing street scenes and heritage architecture

Arena Quarter

While visiting Arena Quarter, you might make a stop by sights like Leeds Grand Theatre and O2 Academy Leeds.

Arena Quarter
Default Image

New Wortley

While there might not be top attractions in New Wortley, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Canal Wharf and Hollywood Bowl.

New Wortley
Royal Armouries which includes interior views

Leeds Dock

Shopping, restaurants and waterfront views are some highlights of Leeds Dock. Make a stop by Royal Armouries or Pole Position Indoor Karting while you're exploring.

Leeds Dock
Default Image

Holbeck

4/5(75 area reviews)

Holbeck is popular for its abundant dining options, and you can check out Canal Wharf, a top attraction in the neighbourhood.

Holbeck
Default Image

Holbeck Urban Village

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Holbeck Urban Village and surrounding area, you can visit Canal Wharf and Leeds City Square.

Holbeck Urban Village
Clayton Hotel Leeds

Clayton Hotel Leeds

4 out of 5
City Walk Sweet Street, Leeds, England
The price is £59 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£59
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Leeds. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,022 reviews)
"Room was nice and comfortable , would benefit from Air Conditioning and frudges in rooms"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Clayton Hotel Leeds
Leeds Marriott Hotel

Leeds Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
4 Trevelyan Square Boar Lane, Leeds, England
The price is £63 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£63
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in Leeds. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,031 reviews)
"We enjoyed staying in Marriott."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Leeds Marriott Hotel
Park Plaza Leeds

Park Plaza Leeds

4 out of 5
Boar Lane City Square, Leeds, England
The price is £55 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
£55
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Leeds. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
Central
"Fabulously clean hotel, centrally located to rail station, perfect as a base to explore the city from."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

Park Plaza Leeds
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
 Quebecs Luxury Aparthotel

Quebecs Luxury Aparthotel

5 out of 5
The Old Post Office, 3 Infirmary Street, City Square, Leeds, England
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Leeds. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (318 reviews)
"The apartment was excellent and very reasonable"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Quebecs Luxury Aparthotel
Roomzzz Leeds City

Roomzzz Leeds City

4 out of 5
10 Swinegate, Leeds, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Leeds. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Headingley Stadium ...
9/10 Wonderful! (468 reviews)
"Great property for the family, great facilities in the room and helpful staff at reception who looked after our bags the next day before travelling home"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Roomzzz Leeds City
Mansio Suites Basinghall

Mansio Suites Basinghall

4 out of 5
Basinghall Building, 10 Butts Court, Leeds, England
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Leeds. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, dry cleaning or laundry services and laundry facilities. Popular attractions First Direct Arena and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (205 reviews)
Perfect
"Excellent from start to finish, great location, spacious, clean, the only thing I would add its a couple of mugs for our morning cuppa."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Mansio Suites Basinghall
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Leeds