leeds tour city centre

67 Things to Do in Leeds City Centre

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Leeds is a wonderful city. It’s the 3rd biggest city in the UK, yet it feels welcoming and homely. It’s easy to get to being just two hours from London and Edinburgh, 20 minutes from York and an hour from Manchester by train, and with it’s own airport.

It’s full of history, culture, food and shopping and the people are oh-so-friendly! Whatever your interests, and whether you live in the Leeds, are visiting for the day or travelling for a longer trip, there are so many things to do in Leeds without even leaving the city centre.

So here is my list of 67 things to do in Leeds city centre, with a warning that the food and drink section is by far the largest (if you’re familiar with my blog this won’t come as any surprise to you).

Museums & Galleries

• Food & Drink
• Fun & Games
• Everything Else!

Before we get stuck in, can I quickly tell you about my ebook, Leeds Feeds? It’s the ultimate guide to independent food & drink in Leeds, including a huge directory of places to eat, PLUS recipes, stories and more from some of the best chefs in the city.

Find out more about the Leeds Feeds ebook here .

Visit Leeds City Museum , located at Millennium Square right in the heart of the city. There are six galleries to explore with displays such as the famous Leeds tiger, the mummy of Nesyammun and changing community displays reflecting people’s lives in the city today.

Visit the Royal Armouries at Leeds Dock to explore arms and armour from across the world over five floors of displays.

Learn about the history of medicine at Thackeray Medical Museum . I’m not sure if this strictly counts as Leeds city centre but it’s close enough, and this former Leeds Union workhouse is definitely worth a visit.

Admire modern and contemporary British art at Leeds City Art Gallery before stopping for a cup of tea in the beautiful tiled hall cafe, and it’s free (entry to the gallery, not the cup of tea!)

Celebrate sculpture at The Henry Moore Institute. Their changing programme showcases historical, modern and contemporary sculptures from all over the world.

Head to Leeds Gallery and Cafe 164 at Munro House  to browse photography, illustration and fine art at this independent commercial art gallery.

Combine contemporary art and great beer at The Tetley . They have changing exhibitions, various workshops and a great food menu too.

Things to Do in Leeds City Centre: Culture

Get lost in Leeds Central Library . Even if you’re not that into books, its worth a visit just to look at the stunning interior of the grade II listed building.

Take a tour of the Town Hall to admire views of the city from the clock tower and descend into the dark prison cells. The tours aren’t running at the moment due to refurbishments of the roof, but as soon as they are this is a must do in Leeds!

Book onto the Leeds Kirkgate Market heritage tour . I love Leeds Market (I’ve written a blog post about it), so I couldn’t leave this off my list of things to do in Leeds city centre. Attend a free tour and learn about the history of the market, the stories of the traders and even visit the first floor balcony for a unique perspective. You’ll need to book in advance which you can do here .

Take a walking tour of the city. Whilst we’re on the subject of tours, the best way to learn about the city is definitely a walking tour and there are loads on offer. Tales of a City Tours offer pay-as-you-feel tours led by refugees, or Leeds City Walking Tours have a huge range of historical and cultural tours.

Find some peace in Leeds Minster . You can wander around for free, or book onto a tour for £7.50 and explore the treasures of the 19th Century building in the company of a Minster guide.

Admire the UK’s tallest mural ‘Athena Rising’, which is apparently taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York! The mural can be seen from the station and depicts an owl alongside the moon and a crown.

Venture along Leeds Welcome Art Trail . Starting at the train station, the trail takes you through the city centre past the work of local artists, illustrators and sculptors in the direction of Mabgate. Leeds List have written a brilliant guide to the trail which you can read here .

Walk the Waterfront Art Trail . Another art trail for you, this time along (you guessed it!) Leeds’ waterfront from Holbeck to Leeds Dock. Again Leeds List have covered this in detail so have a read here .

Search for owls on the Leeds Owl Trail . Pick up a map for £1 at the Leeds Visitor Centre and discover the 25 owl statues around the city centre to understand a part of Leeds’ rich history.

Have a night at the theatre . There’s plenty of choice in Leeds when it comes to theatres, so there’s bound to be something on whenever you choose to go. Try Leeds Grand Theatre , Howard Assembly Room, Leeds Playhouse , Carriageworks , Leeds City Varieties or the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre.

Listen to live music at a venue of your choice. For bigger artists head to First Direct Arena, for indie music try O2 Academy and for smaller bands head to Belgrave Music Hall , The Wardrobe or Sela Bar to name just a few.

Things to Do in Leeds City Centre: Food & Drink

Eat, drink and learn with on a food tour with Leeds Food Tours . The signature Local Leeds tour takes you to six different venues around the city and provides you with food at each venues, a load of foodie history and a few drinks along the way – making it one of the ultimate things to do in Leeds city centre. Have a read of this blog post to find out more about Leeds Food Tours.

Pair beer with Baos at North Brewing Co. This city centre tap room brings together 24 taps of some of Leeds’ best craft beer and the fluffiest Baos from Little Bao Boy.

Learn to cook the perfect steak at Blackhouse Steak School . Learn not only a whole host of knowledge about beef, but also how to pair it with wines from Australia, Argentina, Spain and Ireland.

Embark on a Gin Journey . Gin Journey run regular gin tours which include 5 samples of gin, 5 gin cocktails, a chauffeur to take you to 5 different venues, and a whole load of new gin knowledge – the best of things to do in Leeds city centre for gin lovers!

Try tea tasting at Le Chalet . Spend an hour tasting various blends of tea and learning about their origin before enjoying your favourite with a warm scone, clotted cream and jam. The only thing you need to worry about is which goes first, the jam or the cream?! Click here to book.

Learn how to make the perfect coffee. North Star offer a 3 hour home barista course where you can learn about the key principles of using coffee, sensory skills, coffee supply chain, latte art and much, much more. No prior experience is needed, just a love of coffee! Similarly, 200 Degrees offer a variety of courses such as Basic Barista, Home Brew and Latte Art.

Try some new wines with a Yorkshire Wine School wine tasting . They hold loads of different tastings on an evening at Radisson Blu hotel, but if that doesn’t suit you I’d highly recommend a tasting flight at Veeno as well.

Enrol in the School of Chocolate at Hotel Chocolat’s Roast and Conch. Try a bean to bar experience (I’ve done this and it was excellent), a chocolate lock-in or a tasting experience and learn everything you need to know and more about chocolate.

Compete in a food challenge . This is one of the things to do in Leeds city centre that I haven’t partaken in, mainly because I wouldn’t want to embarrass everyone else participating with my incredible eating skills. If you want to give it a go you could try Tapped’s Challenge Pizza (named ‘a furious disc of agony’ and topped with a sauce containing drops of a secret ingredient measuring almost 7 million units on the Scoville scale); Mojo’s Mad Dog food challenge (eat 5 extremely spicy chicken wings without leaving the table, taking a drink or wiping your face); or MEATliquor’s Triple Chilli Challenge (a burger, a hotdog and fries all covered in Jalapeños and eaten in under 10 minutes).

Take a brewery tour . Brewtown Tours are your best bet for covering a variety of bases as they’ll pick you up outside The Queen’s Hotel right in the city centre and take you to three different breweries (Quirky Ales, Northern Monk and North Brewing Co.).

Crawl around Leeds’ historic pubs whilst learning about the history of beer in Leeds. The Leeds Heritage Beer Tour is run by Mike, who is incredibly passionate and knowledgable about everything beer-related, and will take you to five venues dating back to the Victorian era. And yes, you get to sample the beer along the way.

Understand whisky at The Whisky Lounge . It describes itself as “a place in which EVERYONE is encouraged to develop and nurture their interest and passion in the Water of Life” and holds whisky tastings, blending workshops and more in the city centre throughout the year.

Find a secret supper club . Not the easiest to find or book onto because they’re somewhat secret, but if you can get into one of these pop up dining experiences you’re guaranteed to have a great night! As they’re a secret I won’t disclose my favourites here, but send me a message if you’d like more information.

Learn to cook at one of the many cooking classes in Leeds. Hansa’s and Chaophraya hold regular cooking classes in the city centre, or if you’re happy to venture just outside of the city you must try Leeds Cookery School , and you can read my blog post about it here.

Indulge in Leeds’ street food scene . If you like your street food vendors in one place then visit Assembly Underground, Trinity Kitchen or Leeds Kirkgate Market. If you want to read more about Leeds’s street food have a read of my blog post, or you could book onto a food tour with Leeds Food Tours .

Eat as much as you wish at one of Leeds’ all-you-can-eat restaurants. My favourites are Crown Buffet for Chinese, Fazenda for meat, Blue Sakura (you can click that link for a blog post all about it!) for sushi, Gaucho for brunch on a Saturday and the Wellington Pizza Pub for (unsurprisingly) pizza. If it’s a Sunday you have even more choice with Hansa’s, Thai Edge, Sukothai, Aagrah and more offering an all-you-can-eat menu.

Splash out on a tasting menu . If all you-can eat isn’t your scene, why not go high end with a tasting menu? Great options in Leeds are Man Behind the Curtain , Vice and Virtue and Home but you’ll need to book well in advance.

Play with some pussy at the Kitty cafe . The food and drink isn’t anything special here and service can be slow, but it doesn’t matter when you’re surrounded by the cutest kittens who just want to play!

Enjoy one of Leeds’ rooftop beer gardens . There are some lovely rooftop bars in Leeds including Headrow House, Belgrave Music Hall, East 59th, Issho, Angelica, Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor Cafe, Sky Lounge, Everyman Cinema, Victoria Gate Casino, East Parade Social.

Looking for more places to eat in Leeds? Have a read of these blog posts:

• The Best Restaurants in Leeds City Centre
• The 12 Best Coffee Shops in Leeds City Centre
• Where to Find the Best Sushi in Leeds
• How to Eat Like a Local in Leeds
• Blue Sakura: The Best Sushi in Leeds
• Workshop: Leeds Most Creative Café

Things to Do in Leeds City Centre: Outdoors

Take a ride on the water taxi which runs between Granary Wharf and Leeds Dock. It’s a little touristy but it’s a lot of fun and a great way to see Leeds for just £1. You can also track where the boats are, which is pretty cool.

Go for a waterfront walk along the Leeds Liverpool canal . You have a choice of which direction you head in from the city centre, starting at Granary Wharf and heading along the Leeds Liverpool canal towards Kirkstall and Armley or starting at Leeds dock and heading along the Aire & Calder Navigation towards Thwaite Mills.

Hire the Kirkstall Flyboat! If there’s a big group of you and you can plan in advance, hiring the ‘party boat’ is a really fun day or night out. The boat is complete with tables and chairs and, most importantly, a bar and they have a range of catering options including afternoon tea and curry nights.

Things to Do in Leeds City Centre: Shopping

Explore Leeds’ many arcades . Browse every type of shop and admire the architecture in the Victoria Quarter, Thornton’s Arcade, Queen’s Arcade, Grand Arcade and County Arcade.

Shop at beautiful, independent retailers in Leeds’ Corn Exchange . Not only is this building steeped with history, it’s also home to some fantastic shops including my favourite, the Great Yorkshire Shop. I have a whole blog post on shopping in the Corn Exchange for you to read!

Shop high street fashion at Leeds Trinity . This is where you’ll find all your favourite high street shops such as Topshop, Mango, Primark and New Look. There’s also a floor of restaurants to choose from and even a rooftop bar.

Wander around Victoria Gate , Leeds’ newest shopping centre. Featuring a John Lewis and some excellent restaurants, this shopping centre shouldn’t be missed.

Things to Do in Leeds City Centre: Fun & Games

Play some seriously crazy golf at Junkyard Golf with three themed indoor courses and plenty of cocktails. If you’re going at a busy time make sure to book ahead.

Get your pong on with beer pong at Roxy Ball Room . As well as beer pong tables they have ping pong, pool tables, crazy golf and shuffleboard, not forgetting the food and drink!

Drink and bowl at Roxy Lanes , where you can book a full size ten pin bowling lane right in the city centre.

Play shuffle board at Brew Dog , whilst drinking award winning craft beers such as Punk IPA, Elvis Juice or one of their collaborations such as All Roads (Lead North) with North Brewing Co.

Get your geek on with retro arcade games, Pokemon card games, board games and American candy at Geek Retreat . You can buy a whole host of geek culture merchandise such as comic, posters, figures and memorabilia to encourage you to “stop in and geek out”.

Play a game of giant chess . Head to Victoria Gardens in front of Leeds City Art Gallery for a game of giant chess in the sunshine (because it’s always sunny up north up right?).

Play petanque! Visit the petanque court in Bond Square and play for free – there’s even a statue of a Frenchman to demonstrate for you.

Try one of the Leeds’ many Escape rooms . Like most cities, there are several to choose from such as Escape Hunt, The Great Escape Game and Tick Tock Unlock.

Shout out Bingo ! This is one of my favourites things to do in Leeds, although I’m yet to win anything. Mecca is the best place for Bingo in the city centre, and if you go on a Monday you can play for free.

Take your chances at Victoria Gate Casino , the ‘super casino of the North’. With 140 slots, a 100 seat poker area and 80 electronic gaming terminals as well as food, drink, live sports and comedy nights, it’s pretty hard to get bored in there!

All the Other Things to do in Leeds City Centre

Embark on a treasure hunt around the city centre. There are a few companies offering treasure hunts such as Treasure Trails , Hunt Fun and Scavenger Hunt . Let me know if you try one!

Scare yourself silly on a ghost hunt . I haven’t done any of these but I’m desperate to at some point… any volunteers to go with me? Armley Mills or Leeds Old Workhouse (now Thackeray Medical Museum) are both good locations for an overnight hunt!

Investigate your friends at a murder mystery event. In researching this I’ve just a found an Abba themed murder mystery event (take a chance on murder)… it’s already happened but here’s hoping it happens again because that sounds amazing! Aside from that, there seem to be a variety of companies offer murder mystery evenings at different venues in Leeds so have a Google or send me a message if you need help finding one.

Get creative on an evening city photography tour . There are a few companies offering this, but the best that I’ve found looks to be this one. I’ll give it a go soon and let you know!

Learn a new craft at Fabric-ation , with craft workshops such as bookbinding, jewellery and metalwork, leatherwork and textiles. Have a look on their website and find something to suit you!

Scream “HOLY SH*T”at underground pro wrestling . It’s not to everyone’s taste, but I’ve been a couple of times now and it’s one of the things to do in Leeds city centre that I’d recommend trying at least one, I promise it’s really fun. Click the link above to read my blog post all about it if you’re not yet convinced!

Relax at at spa . Very much the opposite to the above, if relaxation is your thing then there are a few options in the city centre. Lush is INCREDIBLE but very pricey, I also love RMUK and Millie’s for a wide range of treatments.

Learn the art of Burlesque . Leeds Burlesque offer a variety of classes, courses and workshops for beginners through to experts so why not give it a go and learn something new?

Take Salsa lessons at Casa Columbiana. They offer weekly Bachata, Salsa and Kizomba classes and serve authentic latin food, cocktails and coffee.

Have a laugh at a comedy club . There are a few venues offering comedy in Leeds, and where you need to go will depend on the day of the week. Try HIFI, Wardrobe, Leeds City Varieties and, of course, Leeds Comedy Club.

Uncover your family’s history with a genealogy workshop at Leeds Central Library . As well as a huge collection of over 18,000 books, local newspaper archive, journals, directories, maps, photographs, electoral registers, playbills and parish records, they offer family history workshops and drop-in sessions.

Develop (see what I did there?) your photography and printing skills at Aire Street dark rooms. You can become a member and book onto a printing session to use their facilities, or book onto a 5 week beginners course to learn the basics of dark room photo development.

Belt out your favourite tunes at Mix Karaoke ! Maybe this should have gone in food and drink category as I’m not sure anyone does karaoke sober (correct me if I’m wrong), but either way it’s a highly entertaining way to spend an evening.

Looking for Somewhere to Stay in Leeds?

*If all those things to do in Leeds have gotten you excited but you need somewhere to stay, here are a few hotel recommendations for you:

• The Met Hotel
• The Marriott
• The Queen’s Hotel
• Quebec Hotel
• Doubletree by Hilton

Or if book an Air BnB! If you haven’t used * Air BnB before, sign up using this link and you’ll save £34.

Heading Further Afield in Yorkshire?

If you’re in Yorkshire but want to head a little further afield than Leeds, you might also enjoy these posts:

• Things to do in Helmsely, North Yorkshire
• Dalby Forest: Things to Do & Where to Stay
• Where to Stay in Helmsley: The Black Swan Hotel
• A Yorkshire Day Out at White Scar Caves
• The Luxurious Pheasant Hotel
• All Killer, No Filler: The Star Inn at Harome

So, with all of those incredible things to do in Leeds city centre, which one will you be doing next? This post will be kept up to date with new things that I discover, and if there’s anything you think I should add please let me know. Oh, and if this has been useful please use the icons at the bottom of the post to share on social media!

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The 22 best things to do in Leeds right now

Whether you’re spending a day out visiting stately homes or cutting-edge culture, our pick of the best things to do in Leeds has you covered

Leeds is a vibrant city that offers the best of both worlds.  Its proximity to beautiful national parks and the Yorkshire Dales means that a trip to scenic, rolling green hills, dotted with chocolate box villages, is always an option for a day out.

But for those craving an urban adventure, you’ll find a food, culture, and shopping-packed centre that offers up plentiful options –  offering the perfect balance between bustling city living and proximity to the great outdoors. Whether you’re here for the top-notch galleries , the pioneering restaurants and bars , the incredibly vibrant street food scene or to escape into nearby beauty, here are some unmissable things to do in Leeds right now.

RECOMMENDED: 🍔 The best restaurants in Leeds 🍸 The best bars in Leeds 🌳 The best things to do in the UK

At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines .

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Fun things to do in Leeds

1.  Go wildlife spotting at Rodley Nature Reserve

What is it? The River Aire and the Leeds-Liverpool canal run through the heart of the city and lead towards scenic spots like Rodley Nature Reserve , a thriving wetland wildlife haven. 

Why go?  Created  on a floodplain in Kirkstall Valley to bring wetland wildlife back into the Leeds area, it’s entirely possible to spend hours here. From lagoons and marshes to meadows, woodlands and grasslands there are plenty of places to species spot in tranquil surroundings. 

Don’t miss: Look out for events and activities like birdwatching and pond-dipping. 

2.  Wander around the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey

What is it? A short trip out of town, Kirkstall Abbey  and its adjoining Abbey House Museum lets guests wander through the ruins of a Cistercian monastery and learn about how the monks lived. 

Why go?  This 900-year-old abbey is an architectural marvel as well as a haven for wildlife.

Don’t miss: In the summer months you can enjoy alfresco cinema among the ruins. 

3.  Stroll down The Arcades

What is it?  A  number of elegant, ornate shopping arcades comprising the Victoria Quarter, Grand, Queens and Thorntons. 

Why go?  The major draw of these neat and pretty rows of covered shopping malls is that there are practically no chains to be found. Walk along the  elegant walkways and admire the  art nouveau shopfronts  full of high-end designer shops, boutiques and cool indie businesses.  For luxury fashion head to the Victoria Quarter , which houses shops like Louis Vuitton, Mulberry, Reiss and a huge Harvey Nichols, swig down a stiff drink at Santiago’s in the Grand Arcade , and find cool independents like magazine shop Village and Weekend Skate Store in Thorntons. 

Don’t miss:   Leeds’s arcades aren’t all vintage. The city’s newest shopping arcade Victoria Gate is a snazzy £165 million development that wouldn’t look out of place in Dubai. It houses the North’s flagship John Lewis store and a Clarins spa. 

4.  Discover birds, period art and ruins at Harewood House

What is it? A handsome-looking eighteenth-century pile  on the outskirts of Leeds  set in 100 acres of lush Yorkshire countryside. 

Why go?  H ead inside Harewood House to explore the ornate, stately rooms and see one of the finest art collections in Britain. T he mansion is also home to a flock of hopelessly cute Humboldt penguins. Take the whole family along in summer to enjoy the bird garden and farm and to witness the daily feeding sessions.

Don’t miss: Head into the wider grounds of the estate to   take a peek at the otherworldly ruins of Harewood Castle – the oldest building in the grounds, which sits on a steep north-facing slope with spectacular views up and down Wharfedale. Keep an eye out for Red Kites soaring overhead. The birds of prey were released on the Harewood estate in 1999 as part of a UK conservation initiative.

5.  Drink like a Northerner on a Brewtown tour

What is it? Brewtown tours  offer novices and connoisseurs alike the chance to try an array of beers from three  top-notch local brewers .

Why go? Yorkshire is riding high on the trend for craft beer and real ales, and Leeds is a great starting point to sample the best the county has to offer (it’s chock-full of independent breweries and pubs).

Don’t miss: A chance to sip pints at Northern Monk and North Brewing Co – two of the best craft breweries in Leeds. 

6.  Head on a street art trail

What is it? A sprawling walk all around Leeds taking in some of the visionary street art that lines many of the city’s walls.

Why go? To experience art in a different way, in a different environment – and without paying a penny. The Street Art Trail is also an amazing way to get to know the city and explore parts of it you may be less familiar with, while gaining a newfound appreciation for the sheer volume (and variety) of street art that is featured so heavily across the city. 

Don’t miss: If you’re a football fan then the several Leeds United murals scattered across the city may appeal, such as one by P19 on The Calls. For more of their art, check out the side of Wharf Chambers where you’ll find a colourful but carbon-conscious and waste-aware mural. This was created using Graphenstone Biosphere paint and the mural will absorb the same amount of CO2 as an adult tree in only three years.

7.  Explore Temple Newsam House

What is it? An imposing Tudor-Jacobean mansion with grounds landscaped by Capability Brown.

Why go? Sometimes described as the ’Hampton Court Palace of the North’, Temple Newsam  provides a breathtaking journey into history.  Framed within acres of beautiful parkland and sculpted gardens, the house is filled with centuries-old artefacts. Explore the Grade I-listed building’s many rooms, packed with period pieces such as weaponry, clothing, tableware and furniture.

Don’t miss: A stroll down the vibrant rhododendron walk and a look at the herb arrangements, rose bushes and floral display. There are plenty of great picnicking spots here too. 

8.  Get your green fix at Roundhay Park

What is it? Stretching over 700 acres, Roundhay Park is a go-to for picnickers, dog-walkers, joggers and sun-worshippers. 

Why go? It’s the only park in Leeds that has a family of meerkats as residents. There are also lakes, woodland, gardens and the pièce de résistance, ‘Tropical World’, which is home to all things wild and wonderful. 

Don’t miss: Hop on board the park ‘train’, which does circuits of the park every 15 minutes in the summer setting off from the  Lakeside Café to the main park gates and back again. You’ll also find Leeds’s biggest bonfire and fireworks here on Guy Fawkes Night. 

9.  Shop for indie wares at The Corn Exchange

What is it? Part retail space, part food hub, in a stunning Victorian building.

Why go?  R esembling the cross-hatched and cavernous inner chamber of some great airship, the Grade I-listed building is breathtaking to step inside. And you’ll quickly be distracted by  quirky shops selling handmade jewellery, vintage cameras and more. The Corn Exchange is home to an array of indie shops and boutiques that beckon shoppers away from the chain stores outside.

Don’t miss: The lower ground level has also been transformed into a hub for independent food traders. Plus, look out for regular craft fairs and street food festivals. 

10.  Party into the night at Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen

What is it?  All the benefits of an outdoor festival under one cosy roof – whether you want street food, local craft ales, live music or just somewhere to lounge around.

Why go?  What was once a large nursery school in the city’s Northern Quarter is now a vibrant, youthful, multi-storey hangout. Belgrave  is also one of the city’s best live music venues thanks to the fact it’s the brainchild of the Beacons Festival organisers. The first floor is dedicated to high-quality, reasonably priced street food and local craft beer and there’s a  gig space upstairs.  But it’s the rooftop terrace, which is the venue’s secret delight, with great views and benches to while away long summer evenings with friends.

Don’t miss: Belgrave is one of the main venues for the city’s Live at Leeds festival where you can catch gigs from emerging local bands and big names. 

11.  Drink some of the best cocktails in the country

What is it? Leeds is home to some of the best cocktail bars in the UK.

Why go? Of the top 50 cocktail bars in the UK, four of them are in Leeds, making it one of the most highly represented cities in the country outside of London. So go and sample literally some of the tastiest and most innovative drinks concotions being made in the country. The four that featured in the top 50 are: Jake’s Bar & Still Room , Roland’s , Below Stairs and Hedonist .

12.  See world-renowned sculpture at The Henry Moore Institute

What is it? A world-renowned contemporary sculpture gallery, where you can take in towering three-dimensional art, attend lectures on architecture and eyeball art at one-off exhibitions. 

Why go? To survey work inspired by (rather than created by) Henry Moore. Those familiar with the great sculptor should know that his own work can be found at Yorkshire Sculpture Park or his estate at Perry Green. The Henry Moore Institute makes for a great city-centre culture-fix. 

13.  Get a dose of high-brow culture at Leeds Grand Theatre

What is it?  Opera voices reverberate, ballet dancers pirouette, and panto villains shout ‘oh no he didn’t!’ with theatrical gusto on the Grand’s stage.

Why go? Leeds Grand Theatre  lives up to its name with ornate ceilings, an enormous, glittering chandelier, sweeping staircases and seating levels stretching up high into the clouds. This is a key venue for local troupes Opera North and Northern Ballet, which regularly put on classic, avant-garde or lesser-known productions (and showcase world-class talent). 

Don’t miss : Pub-restaurant The Reliance , just around the corner, has a great pre-theatre menu on weekdays. 

14.  See the country’s national collection of arms and armour at Royal Armouries

What is it?  A vast free-entry museum containing more than 8,500 war-related  treasures such as Henry VIII’s tournament armour, elephant armour, and objects from popular culture such as the ‘Aliens’ pulse rifle.

Why go?  You won’t need a strong interest in history to find the Armouries captivating, or to be bowled over by the 70,000 artefacts on display. A globally diverse collection of arms, armour and artillery dates from antiquity to the present day, and includes royal armour for kings and horses with swords and helmets through the centuries, before charting the invention and rapid evolution of guns as we know them today. Bullets, uniforms, knives, chainmail, pistols and cannons are meticulously laid out in immersive exhibitions alongside painted portraits and drawings depicting war or those involved in it.

Don’t miss: Look out for a daily programme of dramatic performances, tours, talks and live combat displays bringing history to life.

15.  Immerse yourself in history at The Thackray Museum of Medicine

What is it?  A wonderfully dark yet incredibly informative museum offering an immersive journey through the hit-and-miss history of healing. 

Why go? Get  hands-on with history, and learn about the past without even  realising  it’s an educational experience. At the Thackray Museum of Medicine you can learn all about the development of  medicine by wandering through the streets of Victorian Leeds, watching gruesome operations in a nineteenth-century operating theatre and visiting a seventies-style sexual health clinic. 

16.  Explore the canals

What is it? A walk along Leeds’s lovely canals.

Why go? Travelling via canal boat on the Leeds-to-Liverpool route is a popular holiday activity but for those wanting to enjoy similarly serene vibes in the centre, the city itself offers many decent walks. Of course you can do parts of it in smaller sections here and there but if you want to tackle the whole thing then there is a whopping 13-mile option. Starting at Leeds Station, you’ll get to take in Kirkstall Abbey, Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve, Bramley Hall Park, Rodley Nature Reserve, Calverley Woods and Buck Wood. 

Don’t miss: A beer at Saltaire brewery. The walk finishes in Saltaire, a beautiful Unesco World Heritage Site, so put your feet up, enjoy a few and then take the train home – or walk back if you’re feeling superhuman.

17.  Tuck in at Tharavadu

What is it?  Roughly translated, ‘tharavadu’ means keeping traditions alive, and that’s exactly what happens at this highly rated Keralan restaurant.

Why go? Tharavadu 's menu looks beyond the predictable kormas and tikka masalas to feature a mouthwatering selection of south Indian dishes. Tuck into delicately spiced novelties such as a whole crab cooked in coconut sauce, fluffy fried lentil doughnuts and toffee-filled steamed rice cake. 

18.  See cutting-edge theatre at Leeds Playhouse

What is it?  Formerly known as West Yorkshire Playhouse, this famed theatre at Quarry Hill stages world-class theatre from some of the country’s largest touring plays and ballets.

Why go?  Every famous production imaginable has toured via the Leeds Playhouse , but the theatre isn’t afraid to take risks, with lesser-known or more challenging works. Children are particularly well catered for, with plenty of shows on during school holidays, featuring fairy tales, pantomimes and sing-alongs staged to engage young minds. 

Don’t miss: The on-site restaurant serves good-quality food all day long, and you don’t have to be a ticketholder to dine. 

19.  See an arthouse film at Hyde Park Picture House

What is it?  With a history spanning more than a century (it opened just after World War I), Hyde Park Picture House is one of the UK’s oldest cinemas and the only surviving gas-lit cinema in the country. 

Why go?  It promises a vastly superior experience to your usual mammoth screen complexes, with pocket-friendly prices, half-time ice-cream vendors and a programme of art-house, indie and foreign films. It’s also a stunning place to sit in. The Grade II-listed building still has its original gas lamps, a beautiful Burmantofts tiled surround, terrazzo flooring, stained-glass windows and vintage signs.

Don’t miss: Thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the cinema has undergone a much-needed redevelopment that will improve access at the Edwardian venue and upgrade it to modern standards. 

20.  Go code-cracking at Tick Tock Unlock

What is it?  Leeds’s biggest escape game centre and a veritable noodle-scratcher of an experience. 

Why go? One of the most popular attractions in Leeds is the mysteriously titled Tick Tock Unlock , where visitors are locked in a room with a series of riddles and puzzles and the challenge of escaping within 60 minutes.

21.  Catch a gig at Brudenell Social Club

• Music venues

What is it?   A working men’s club turned music venue that’s  arguably the jewel in Leeds’s music-scene crown.

Why go?  To see the best new bands from both sides of the Atlantic and eat a pie, all under one roof. The Brudenell Social Club might be a bit of a trek away from Leeds city centre, but there’s a reason that it’ s still one of the area’s most treasured venues. In the live rooms, you’ve got a lovingly programmed bill of bands from new faves to established big hitters; in the bar area, you can play darts and chow down on grub from Pieminister. What’s not to love?

Don’t miss: The iconic venue plays host to the annual Live at Leeds and Gold Sounds festivals.

22.  Stay up late on Call Lane

What is it? Often likened to Manchester’s famous Canal Street, Call Lane is a city-centre ‘strip’ that’s has earned a nationwide reputation for wild nights out. 

Why go?  Stuffed with bars and clubs in every building, the entire road is pedestrianised at weekends to play host to thousands of revellers hopping from one bar to the next before finding their groove in one of the many clubs. Roland ’s, Call Lane Social and neon bar Cuckoo are among the most popular venues, while Smokestack , Neon Cactus and Oporto provide alternative experiences without straying from the beating heart of the action.

Don’t miss:  Most of the bars along Call Lane are open until around 3am, but if you really want to stay out to the wee hours head up the street to indie club Wire or around the corner to Space for house music. 

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 Leeds Highlight s Walking Tour   Every Saturday 11am Meet at the Statue of the Black Prince, City Square       

LEEDS - A VIBRANT MODERN CITY WITH A RICH INDUSTRIAL PAST ​ A CITY WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED 

Enjoy the very best of Leeds with our friendly, informative, entertaining professional guides

Discover its richly layered history and let us reveal the story of Leeds through its buildings, spaces, stories and people 

Perfect for locals and visitors alike, take our 2 hour walking tour and find out what makes Leeds the exciting city it is today

Every Saturday 11a.m

Meet at the Black Prince Statue, City Square

Start where it all began 800 years ago, time travel through the impressive array of old and new buildings, marvel at and enjoy one of the largest covered markets in Europe and weave through the hidden alleys and arcades. What are you waiting for? Book today - we have so much to share with you! 

HOW TO JOIN A TOUR

Tours run every Saturday at 11am and last about 2 hours

Meet at the Black Prince Statue ( the one on the horse!) in City Square.

Our tours will run rain or shine

Booking essential. £12 per person 

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Leeds City Sightseeing

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LEEDS CITY SIGHTSEEING - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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LEEDS CITY CENTRE WALKING TOUR

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GET YOUR BEARINGS AND DISCOVER LEEDS CITY CENTRE THROUGH A LOCAL’S EYES

The best way to discover Leeds; get your bearings and discover our city through a local’s eyes, with a local, expert guide. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the city as you travel back through the centuries to discover how our city has developed to the cultural paradise you see today.

On this 1.5 hour tour, you’ll not only see and learn about our history, but you’ll also gain an authentic insight into modern life in the city today and explore some hidden gems along the way! From Leeds’ boom as a textile powerhouse, to the world’s oldest city music hall and of course, our iconic shopping arcades and quarters. There’s something for everyone on this unique experience.

The tour includes:

• Corn Exchange
• Kirkgate Market
• City Varieties Music Hall
• Victoria Quarter And many hidden treasures!

Dates & Times:  Everyday at 10:30am

Meeting point:  Outside Leeds Town Hall, The Headrow

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Awesome Things To Do In Leeds (+ Authentic 1,2 & 3 Day Itinerary)

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Leeds never seems to make it onto lists of must-see cities for visitors to the UK. London , Bath, Oxford, Y ork, and Edinburgh always get a mention, but travellers and list-makers often overlook Leeds, the city known to the Victorians as “The City of A Thousand Trades”. But I love this city, and I think you will too if you have the right information and an itinerary packed with the best things to do in Leeds.

I’ve lived and worked in and around Leeds for years and hope you find this guide packed with cool things to do in Leeds. Read on to discover how to spend a perfect 1, 2, or 3 days  in Leeds – West Yorkshire’s cultural, commercial, and financial heart.

Related Posts

• The Most Beautiful Towns in Yorkshire
• What to Pack for a Trip to Yorkshire
• Awesome Things To Do In Leeds | An Authentic Local’s Guide

Your Ultimate Guide to The Best Things to Do in Leeds

I’ve used a star system to “rank” the most interesting things to do in Leeds. I hope this makes it easy for you to choose what to do:

*** You really should see this! ** You’ll probably love this! * Nice to see, if you have time!

• The Civic Quarter
• The Corn Exchange
• The Victoria Quarter
• The Royal Armouries Museum
• Armley Mills
• Temple Newsam
• Kirkstall Abbey
• Waterfront and Canals
• Parks, Gardens and Dales

Leeds Civic Quarter ***

Start from the pedestrianised  City Square , directly opposite the central train station and the Queen’s hotel. The square features notable Victorian statues including  Edward, the Black Prince  astride a massive horse, plus local luminaries of the day – inventor  James Watt , chemist, and theologian  Joseph Priestley , and leading cloth merchant  John Harrison . 

The most controversial statues in Leeds are those of sculptor  Alfred Drury . The eight near-naked bronze lamp-bearers or “ Drury Dames ” scandalised the city when they were first unveiled in 1899. 

A short walk up Park Row takes you to  Victoria Square  and the spectacular  Town Hall , which was consecrated in 1858 by Queen Victoria. The Town Hall features a beautiful Corinthian colonnade frontage and a soaring 200-foot-tall clock tower, typical of Victorian architecture. 

Inside the Town Hall, the ornate  Victoria Hall  is a busy venue for concerts.

Just around the corner is  Leeds Civic Hall , topped with towers decorated by golden owls, the heraldic emblem of the city. See if you can find all three of them!

Next, immerse yourself in the splendour of  Leeds Art Gallery  and enjoy paintings by British artists including Cotman, Constable, and Gainsborough, then take in works from Italian and French masters Courbet, Renoir, and Signac. Don’t forget  The Henry Moore Sculpture Galleries , which contain his works, plus sculptures by Jacob Epstein and Barbara Hepworth. 

Pro Tip:  Stop for refreshments in the awe-inspiring  Tiled Hall Café . Not only are the cakes homemade and the coffee delicious, but the barrel-vaulted tiled ceiling is utterly gorgeous (a real Instagram favourite spot in Leeds). 

Leeds Corn Exchange ***

Grade I listed, the Corn Exchange  is one of England’s most elegant Victorian-era buildings. Constructed between 1861 and 1863, following the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846,  Leeds Corn Exchange  was an important civic building. Once a grain trading centre of national importance, with more than 160 corn merchants trading from the building, Leeds Corn Exchange thrived until the late 1950s, when trade declined dramatically. 

Today, the building is a thriving retail hub filled with independent designer-makers, specialist retailers, and foodie outlets under the breath-taking domed roof.

Stop awhile to browse for original, modern finds, local crafts, vintage inspiration, and delicious food and drink. Special mention to  HumPit  for the best vegan food in Leeds !

Address:  Call Lane, LS1 7BR

The Victoria Quarter ***

The Victoria Quarter is Leeds’ upmarket shopping haven.  Victoria Gate  was named the world’s best shopping centre at the MIPIM Awards in 2017 . With its  flagship John Lewis store , it’s a must-see place in Leeds, and not just for the high-quality shops and boutiques! Don’t forget to look up to check out the stunning geometric ceiling.

County Arcades and Cross Arcades 

These two Victorian streets are the largest, most elaborate shopping arcades in Leeds. Begun in 1900, this sumptuous warren of shops replaced old medieval yards, Georgian shambles, and slaughterhouses. 

In the 1990s, a glass roof supported by cast-iron arches was added. Today,  County Arcade is one of the most beautiful parts of the city , with intricate marble tiled floors, intricate stonework, immaculate shops, and the most jaw-dropping ceilings. 

Leeds City Markets, Briggate and The Headrow *** 

The Headrow is the place to go to find many of Leeds’ top attractions.  The pedestrianised Briggate area ( Leeds original medieval market street ) is also famous for its Victorian shopping arcades, many of them of architectural significance. 

Explore the  Grand Arcade  (constructed in 1897) which houses many boutique shops, and take time to see Thorntons Arcade too, with its clock with four life-size figures. Queens Arcade opened in 1889 and is home to high-end designer and novelty shops. 

Royal Armouries Museum ***

The  Royal Armouries Museum  is an absolute must-see, with arms and armour from across the world and through time. The extensive collection is spread over five floors of stunning displays.

Look out for the stunning six-storey Hall of Steel , the medieval armour , Far Eastern collection , and the display of modern armour too.

Address:  Armouries Drive, LS10 1LT  

Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills ***

Leeds Industrial Museum, located just two miles west of Leeds city centre has transformed the former Armley Mills building (once the world’s largest woollen mills). Learn how wool was produced in Yorkshire from the 18th century onwards, and about the desperate conditions for the mill-workers. Discover more about Armley Mills here .

Address : Canal Road, LS12 2QF

Temple Newsam ***

Temple Newsam  is a glorious 40-room Tudor-Jacobean mansion, set in a sprawling 900-acre park on the North-Eastern outskirts of Leeds. You’ll find Old Master paintings, furniture by Thomas Chippendale, and collections of Leeds creamware and silver at Temple Newsam. 

The meticulously manicured grounds are a real treat, with masses of rose bushes and rhododendrons. Look out too for the working rare breeds farm – it’s one of the largest in Europe. 

Address:  Temple Newsam Road, LS15 0AE

Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey House and Museum ***

Three miles northwest of central Leeds, you’ll find  Abbey House Museum  in the gatehouse of the ruined 12th-century Cistercian monastery, Kirkstall Abbey. Abbey House Museum includes reproduction houses, shops, and workshops showcasing life in Yorkshire through the centuries.

The picturesque remains of Kirkstall Abbey, which inspired the works of JMW Turner (Britain’s most celebrated artist) include a sizeable roofless church and a ruined tower. You’ll also see the part-preserved chapterhouse, refectory, kitchen, and other buildings. While it’s free to visit both the Abbey and its extensive grounds, there’s a modest admission charge for the museum. 

Fun Fact:  In the 18th and 19th centuries, before the construction of the A65 road to Ilkley, the road connecting Leeds and Ilkley ran straight through the nave of Kirkstall Abbey! That’s why so much of the interior stonework is blackened.

Address : Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, LS5 3EH

Leeds Waterfront and Canals**

Leeds was once the thriving nerve-centre for coal transport from the mines of West Yorkshire. Store yards and warehouses lined the Leeds Dock on the Aire and Calder Navigation . At the same time, canal barges travelled across the Pennines along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to Liverpool and the North Sea, until the demise of coal mining in the UK.

After falling into a state of dereliction, Leeds Waterfront has been generated into a thriving, vibrant place to live, work and visit. It’s a pleasant place to stroll, visit waterside cafés and bars, Leeds Art Gallery , The Tetley , Granary Wharf , and Brewery Wharf . The Waterfront is also home to the Royal Armouries Museum .

Parks, Gardens and Dales ***

For a city spawned in the Industrial Revolution, Leeds is surprisingly green. The best parks north of the city are the 700-acre  Roundhay Park  (one of Europe’s largest city parks) and  Golden Acre Park . Both parks offer beautiful lakeside and woodland walks. 

In the south and west of the city, discover the 630-acres of  Middleton Park , the most extensive ancient woodland left in West Yorkshire, or  Gotts Park  with its Grade II listed water fountains.  Woodhouse Moor Park , the second most popular urban park in Leeds, is just one mile from the city centre. 

If you’re feeling energetic, the  Leeds Country Way  is a 62-mile circular footpath around Leeds. It’s never farther than seven miles from the city centre, is mostly rural, and has fabulous views of the city. All of the start/finish points are accessible by public transport. 

Further afield, the beautiful  Yorkshire Dales  beg you to lace up your hiking boots, try out some of the UK’s best biking trails, or treat yourself to a cosy pub lunch.

Best Places to Eat In Leeds

The city has a vast supply of top-notch restaurants to choose from – here are just a few favourites: 

The Ivy ***

The ultimate “posh-nosh” destination in Leeds. If fine dining, coupled with stunning decor and oodles of class is what you’re after, The Ivy is the place to see and be seen. Book well in advance, as it’s a highly sought-after eaterie. PS The loos are incredible!!

Address:  Vicar Ln, LS1 6BB 

Fazenda ***

If you’re hungry and you’re a meat-eater, make a beeline for Fazenda to get unlimited Brazilian barbecued meats carved straight onto your plate! Eat as much as you like from the six cuts of steaks, try the incredible pork collar and load up from the far-from-ordinary salad bar. 

Fazenda is fabulous and very reasonably priced, but it’s not for vegetarians or vegans! The location at Granary Wharf is pretty unique too.

Address : Waterman’s Place, 3 Wharf Approach, Granary Wharf, LS1 4GL

Bundobust ***

One of the most popular eateries in Leeds, with excellent vegan options. Imagine a craft beer bar that serves fabulous Indian street food! Expect small snacks, entrees, appetisers, soups, and a casual atmosphere. Bundobust is always buzzing, and the food is outstanding.

Address : 6 Mill Hill, LS1 5DQ 

Pizza Fella ***

This is probably the most authentic Italian eating experience in Leeds. The pizzaiolos craft simple Neapolitan-style pizzas from the most delicious dough, made from just four ingredients – Caputo flour, salt, yeast, and water. Once you’ve ordered, watch the chef prove, hand-stretch, and cook your pizza right in front of you. Pizza Fella treats you to pizza how it should be! It’s also delicious, and it’s ridiculously cheap!

Address : 114-116 Vicar Lane, LS2 7NL. 

Best Things to Do in Leeds at Night

Leeds has some of the best pubs and bars in the UK! In the city, try the Head of Steam , the Lamb and Flag, or The Palace , chill out at Browns or go for something more sophisticated at the Harvey Nichols 4th Floor Bar. For the best cocktails, try the Alchemist, the Botanist, or the very stylish Maven . If you love live music, the Belgrave Music Hall and Bar is slightly bonkers but fabulous.

As Yorkshire’s capital of culture, Leeds has plenty of cultural attractions to tempt you. The most well-known are:

• The West Yorkshire Playhouse – the UK’s biggest production theatre outside London
• The Grade-II-listed Leeds City Varieties – the oldest music hall in the world
• Leeds Grand Theatre – an opera house that serves as home to Opera North.
• Hyde Park Picture House – a Grade II listed independent cinema with unique gaslights and Edwardian plasterwork.

Best Time to Visit Leeds

Whatever the season, always expect rain, as Leeds “enjoys” typical Northern English weather. It’s usually warmest from May to September, when temperatures typically range from 10-21 centigrade. It can get warmer, but don’t bank on it!

Springtime   is beautiful in Leeds  and the surrounding West Yorkshire country. It’s the best time to visit beautiful bluebell woods, parks bursting with spring flowers, and fields full of fluffy lambs.

Yorkshire  summers (June to August) are warm and fresh , rather than hot and summertime is an enjoyable time to explore Leeds.  Yorkshire winters, however, can be brutal , so you’ll need to wrap up well. 

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: What to pack for your trip to Yorkshire . 

Festivals and Events in Leeds

Here’s a quick roundup of the main festivals in and around Leeds to help you decide when to visit.

• April:  Harrogate Spring Flower Show 
• May:  Leeds Half Marathon 
• June  and  July:   The Otley Walking Festival, Opera in the Park, The Great Yorkshire Show and the Crime Writing Festival
• August:  Leeds Festival at Bramham Park 
• September : Leeds International Beer Festival  ( Craft beer and street food)
• October:  The Leeds International Film Festival and Leeds Shakespeare Schools Festival 
• November:  the nights become turns multi-coloured as the city puts on Light Nights and tens of thousands gather at Roundhay Park for traditional “Bonfire Night” fireworks. 
• December:  German Christmas Market in Millennium Square and Christmas at Harewood House 

As a cultural hub, Leeds also hosts the year-long International Concert Season  

Other Quirky and Interesting Things to Do in Leeds

• Thackray Medical Museum
• The Dark Arches
• Central Library
• Cathedral, Minster and Ancient Churches
• The Time Ball Buildings

Thackray Medical Museum ***

The Thackray Medical Museum  has a fascinating collection of around 20,000 medical artefacts showcasing the development of medicine through the ages. As soon as you enter the museum, be prepared for the sights, sounds, and smells of Leeds in the 1800s!! “Blood, Pus and Pain” is where you’ll see lots of surgical instruments and the history of anaesthetics, antiseptics, and penicillin, as well as operating tables and iron lungs. 

Don’t miss the displays of wartime medicine, dentistry, and childbirth through the ages. 

Address : 141 Beckett St, LS9 7LN

Buses 16, 42, 49, 50, and 50A all stop outside the museum. 

The Dark Arches **

No, this isn’t something from a Lord of the Rings movie or a Harry Potter tale! The Dark Arches is a series of subterranean tunnels running beneath Leeds Central train station, where the River Aire flows. Illuminated in bright neon lights, the Dark Arches is also the route from the station to the hip, Granary Wharf area of the city.

Visit after sunset to capture the lights at their best, then stop to watch and listen to the roiling, churning river thundering through the dark tunnels before emerging into the light beyond the station. 

Address : Dark Neville Street, LS1 4BR  

Leeds Central Library ***

A splendid Grade II listed building, dating to 1884 worthy of a visit to see the fabulous staircase, decorated with tiles, ironwork, and carved animals. It’s an Instagram favourite and is truly lovely. While this is a good library, the real reason to visit is to see the impressive building itself. Make sure to do pop next door to the Tiled Hall, for cakes and a pot of tea!

Fun fact : The building has a portcullis!

Address:  Calverley Street, LS1 3AB

Cathedral, Minster and Ancient Churches **

St. John’s Church in New Briggate (built 1632-1634), is the finest of Leeds’ lovely churches. Visit to see the two naves, the original Renaissance rood screen, pulpit, and stalls. 

There are some interesting hermaphrodite figures in the roof trusses! See if you can find them!

Address:   23 New Briggate, LS2 8JA

Take a moment to visit St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Cathedral (built 1904); the riverside Church of Holy Trinity in Boar Lane (1727); and the large Parish Church of Saint Peter-at-Leeds, known as t he Minster . 

The Minster was originally a medieval church, rebuilt in 1841, making it Leeds’s oldest parish church. Visit to listen to the splendid choir and fine set of bells – the world’s first ring of 13 bells 

Address : 2-6 Kirkgate, LS2 7DJ

The Leeds Owl Trail *

As the Leeds coat of arms includes owls, the owl has become the talisman of the city. The Leeds Owl Trail features 25 decorative owls spread across the city, ready to b discovered. Remember to look up!

The Leeds Owl Trail is a unique concept that’s brilliant for Leeds. It enables both visitors and residents from all backgrounds to explore and experience our beautiful city Tom Riordan. Chief Executive Leeds City Council

Download the free Owl Trail map here

The Time-Ball Buildings *

Find the early 19th century Grade II listed “Time-Ball Buildings” at the bottom end of Briggate. Look out for the elaborate clock from 1865 featuring Old Father Time and the gilded time ball mechanism which was once linked to Greenwich and dropped at exactly 1 pm each day. 

Address:  24, 25, and 26 Briggate

Things to Do in Leeds – Itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 Days

This itinerary draws from my experiences living and working in and around Leeds, of downtime enjoying the city and of time spent introducing family and friends to this great city. 

One Day Itinerary (The Essential Things to Do in Leeds in 24 hours)

If you’ve just one day to spare to explore Leeds, the absolute must-see attractions are the Civic Quarter, the Corn Exchange, the Victoria Quarter, and the Royal Armouries Museum. You should be able to manage all of these by early afternoon.

There are lots of places to stop for a bite of lunch along the way – I recommend the food court in the City Markets or trying one of the independent eateries in the Corn Exchange. After lunch, consider visiting Temple Newsam, Kirkstall Abbey, or Armley Mills, or take a leisurely walk around the Waterfront area, before dinner.

Two Day Itinerary (More Things to Do In Leeds – Quirky Bits and Tours)

If you have two days in Leeds, keep to the city centre for the second day, and focus on the less well-known and more quirky sights. There are also some excellent tours I highly recommend looking at – one of which is free! 

Leeds has a rapidly growing reputation as a real food-lovers destination. The city is a melting pot of different global cuisines, packed to the ginnels with the freshest ingredients. 

Leeds Foodies Tour *** 

Meet outside the train station at 11:30 am for a  4 to 5-hour Leeds Foodies tour  that takes you on a food adventure. You’ll eat and drink at six independent eateries, including a pub that’s more than 300 years old. 

While learning about the venues visited, the dishes they create, and where they source their ingredients, you’ll  discover   the history of food and drink in Leeds and Yorkshire . I highly recommend this Leeds Foodies Tour : it’s a seriously tasty, entertaining way to spend an afternoon. Great if you’re travelling solo! 

Leeds Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting ***

Leeds has a well-deserved reputation for producing quality craft beer. For fun touring and tasting with fellow beer lovers,  the  Yorkshire Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour  is hard to beat . Meet other craft beer lovers and get to know some of the big names and rising stars of the county’s craft brewing scene.

Lasts around half a day, and is all-inclusive, you won’t have to worry about a thing on your tour (just make sure you have a hearty brunch before joining!!)

Leeds Kirkgate Market Heritage Tour *** 

Kirkgate Market has a long history – this free tour shares the history of the market from its ancient beginning to the modern-day. You’ll  visit a hundred-year-old barber’s shop , tucked away beneath the modern market, plus you get to  visit the site of the first-ever Marks & Spencer store in the world !

Visiting the first-floor balcony to photograph the market from above is the highlight of the tour. (This area is no access to the general public, so the tour is the only way to get this view) I loved this tour and can’t recommend it highly enough! Book in advance on  EventBrite.co.uk  (search for Leeds Heritage Tours).

Emmerdale Tours **

Fans of British TV soap “Emmerdale” (set in West Yorkshire and made in Leeds), can choose from two tours: 

The Emmerdale Studio Experience **  

Step into the drama and discover behind-the-scenes secrets at  The Emmerdale Studio Experience . See working and replica sets, discover industry secrets and get an insider look into how the cast and crew create the storylines in Yorkshire’s favourite soap. Then, head over to ITV Television Centre, to see more Emmerdale working sets!

Yorkshire Dales Emmerdale Locations Bus Tour * 

Explore the famous filming locations of Emmerdale in the Yorkshire Dales, including the pretty market town of Esholt and the village of Otley. 

Three Day Itinerary (Things to Do in Leeds – Beyond the City)

After two full days of exploring, you’ll probably want to escape the city for a while. On day 3, it’s time to get out of the city centre and explore the magnificent Yorkshire Dales. 

Harewood House ***

Harewood House  is a magnificent English country house that took 30 years to build (completed in 1771). Halfway between Leeds and Harrogate , Harewood House has Robert Adam interiors, beautiful Angelika Kauffmann wall and ceiling paintings, and furniture by renowned English furniture maker Thomas Chippendale. More recently, you might recognise Harewood from the “Downton Abbey” movie! 

Outside, the Capability Brown-designed grounds include a 32-acre lake, a bird garden, and the remains of a 12th-century castle. 

Address:  Sandy Gate, Harewood, LS17 9LE

Related Post: A Complete Guide to Visiting Harewood House

The National Coal Mining Museum ***

The location for the impressive  National Coal Mining Museum  is the former Caphouse Colliery . Learn how dangerous life was for miners at one of the country’s oldest coal mines (dating to the 1770s). The visitor centre has fascinating exhibits relating to the colliery’s long history. There’s also extensive information about how miners and their families lived. 

The highlight of any visit is the 80 minutes guided underground tour. You’ll descend 140 metres down a pit shaft in a lift, to experience pit conditions first-hand. As the granddaughter of a coal miner, I found this trip both fascinating and sobering.  In fact, it’s one of my favourite things to do in Leeds.

Address:  Caphouse Colliery, New Road, near Overton, Wakefield WF4 4RH. 

Harrogate: Britain’s Premier Northern Spa ***

Harrogate is an elegant spa town in North Yorkshire. The town became popular with British and European Royalty, thanks to the “medicinal” springs discovered in the 16th century. Many of the late Georgian and Victorian buildings remain today, making Harrogate an attractive town to visit. 

Popular attractions include the RHS Gardens at Harlow Carr, Valley Gardens, the Royal Pump Room, and the extensive Turkish Baths . There’s also a chance for great shopping in the elegant boutiques and antique shops. Last, but not least, no trip to Harrogate is complete without a trip to the spectacular “Betty’s Tea Rooms” for afternoon tea for a “fat rascal”.

YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: The Best Things to do in Harrogate

Where to stay in Leeds

Compared to average UK prices, hotels in Leeds offer outstanding value. Most visitors stay near the city centre. Here are my recommendations for  where to stay in Leeds if you’re a first-time visitor.

Budget Places to Stay in Leeds

For budget travellers , there are plenty of 4-star hotels with rooms for less than £50 per night. I recommend  Cosmopolitan  if you enjoy a traditional feel and want to be central. Alternatively,  Roomzzz ApartHotel  offers excellent studio apartments and is only a 15-minute walk from the city centre. 

Cosmopolitan Hotel: 2 Lower Briggate, LS1 4AE

Roomzzz ApartHotel: 2 Burley Rd, LS3 1JB

Mid-Budget Hotels in Leeds

The Art-Deco  Queens Hotel  offers mid-range value, and a superb location overlooking City Square. You can access the train station direct from the hotel, and the hotel is within easy walking distance of many top bars and restaurants. 

Luxury Leeds Hotels

The Dakota is THE Premier hotel in Leeds and the best place for a luxury boutique hotel experience at a very reasonable price.

Address: 8 Russell St, LS1 5RN

If you prefer the convenience and privacy of luxury apartments, look at Quebec Luxury Apartments or The Chambers Serviced Apartments . Both are within easy walking distance of the top city centre attractions and entertainment hotspots.

Quebec Luxury Apartments : The Old Post Office, 3 Infirmary St, LS1 2HT

Chambers Serviced Apartments : 30 Park Place, LS1 2SP

Where to Stay Near Leeds

If you prefer to stay in the glorious Yorkshire Dales instead of the city, choose the beautiful Victorian spa town of Harrogate or the old coaching town of Wetherby .

Both have an incredible food scene and plenty of trendy, friendly bars. Factor in about 40 minutes of travel time, but it’s well worth it!

How to Get to Leeds

Getting to the city from Leeds Bradford Airport is straightforward. The easiest method is to  pre-book a car to Leeds city centre. At approx. £49 per car, it’s reasonably priced and so much nicer than waiting in a long queue for a taxi or bus. 

You can also get taxis from the queue at the arrivals hall or catch the regular “Flying Tiger” bus service (number 747) to Leeds central bus station. The journey takes between 41 minutes and an hour, depending on traffic.

How to travel around Leeds

Leeds is a safe, walkable city, with most of the top attractions located within a small, central area.

The city enjoys cheap, reliable buses, and excellent train connections to the rest of the UK. Alternatively, pick up a taxi from the train/bus station, and there are plenty of Uber drivers in the area. Forget the car and rely on public transport!

You May Also Like: Taxi Safety Tips for Solo Female Travellers

Where to Next in Yorkshire?

I hope you’ve enjoyed this extensive post introducing you to the best things to do in Leeds. If you’ve got four or more days to spend in the city, why not consider a day trip to explore more of Yorkshire? Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• If you’re looking for the most Instagrammable places in Leeds, this detailed guide will provide inspiration and locations that might surprise you. 
• This guide to  a weekend in York has everything you need to know for a trip to York, including what to do, where to go, and where to eat and stay.
• Knowing what to do in a new city after dark is an essential part of travel planning. See this guide to what to do in York after dark  for lots of tips. 
• We’ve also got you covered for advice on day trips from York. See our  guide to visiting Harewood House , one of the UK’s most elegant stately homes, and the location for the “Downton Abbey” movie. 
• We love to mix travel with literature. See our guide to  visiting Haworth, the home of the Bronte sisters , to understand why you should visit this beautiful, historic Yorkshire village as soon as you can.

In Conclusion

As always, if you have any questions or comments about this post, or you’d like more tips about visiting Yorkshire in general, pop them in the comments below, and we’ll get back to you!

Pin for Later – The Best Things to Do in Leeds

Have you been to Leeds? What did you think was the best thing to do or see? Did you stay in the city or venture into the countryside too? Have I missed anything from this guide that you would like to see? As always, I love to get your feedback and comments x

Coralie Thornton, the owner and author of Grey Globetrotters, has been a traveller for more than four decades. Today, she helps others experience the UK, Europe and bucketlist destinations with meticulously crafted guides and affordable luxury itineraries, Her passion for adventure has led her through over 40 countries, seeking cultural experiences, delicious foods, and hidden gems.

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THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Leeds City Centre

Top things to do in leeds city centre.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Leeds City Centre
• Quarry Hill
• Clarence Dock
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. City Varieties Music Hall

2. Escape Hunt Leeds

3. Trinity Leeds

4. County Arcade

5. The Great Escape Game Leeds

6. Leeds Town Hall

7. Thornton's Arcade

8. Leeds Art Gallery

9. The Turk's Head

10. Tick Tock Unlock

11. Park Square

12. Leeds Central Library

13. Carriageworks Theatre

14. Be At One Leeds Millennium Square

15. Leeds Waterfront

16. Be At One Leeds Boar Lane

17. Millennium Square

18. Queens Arcade

19. Pixel Bar

20. Leeds Civic Hall

21. The Light

22. Everyman Cinema Leeds

23. Henry Moore Institute

24. Mill Hill Chapel

25. City Square

26. The Decanter

27. The Electric Press Building

28. Holy Trinity Church

29. Leeds Railway Station

30. Lush Leeds Spa

What travelers are saying

About Leeds City Walking Tours

Engaging, knowledgeable, experienced and audible guide.

I'm Rachael Unsworth, urban geographer and enthusiastic communicator.

I offer a mix of real tours and presentations (online and in person).

Are you interested in a private tour for y our group, company or family? 

Get in touch (opens email) to ask abo ut dates, themes, prices

& vouchers - excell ent gift for a special occasion .

Brief appearance in 'A House Through Time' BBC2 Sept 2021 (Episode 1, near the end)

  C lick here for some short tours recorded for East Leeds FM.

And here I talk about the River Aire flowing through Leeds:

If you attend a free online event, I invite contributions here:

Featured tours

Prepare to be hooked on the history and geography of our regional capital.

The making of the University of Leeds

The story of how the Yorkshire College of Science became a giant of higher education

  Founded “to promote education of both sexes and to provide instruction in such sciences and arts as are applicable or ancillary to the manufacturing, mining, engineering and agricultural industries of Yorkshire”, the College started with 3 professors and 24 students.

  How did it become a place with more than 38,000 students and 8,000 staff?

  How has a former residential area been transformed to accommodate today’s vast range of research, teaching and learning?

Visiting Leeds with a view to studying here? 

Are you and your fellow alumni returning for a reunion?

Interested in our "open air exhibition of architecture & social change?" - historian Professor Maurice Beresford

​Book a tour of the campus - with its amazing range of buildings, spaces and art works.

Add a tour of parts of the city centre - right next to the campus.

​ Get in touch to arrange a time & date. 

I'm offering a mix of some favourite tours developed over the years & new topics  - more info & booking here

Commission your own special tour?

Choose: 

a general introduction to the city - with start and finish to suit you

one of the topic s you can find here

a theme that fits with the interests and stamina of your family/friends

a route that will strike a chord with your organisation's focus - such as engineering history, greening of the city, an aspect of architectural history. (I've taken on some interesting challenges). 

Give me a call: 07712 739153

​W ant reassurance that this will be worthwhile and enjoyable? Read some of the reviews left by walkers since early 2019. 

Stuck for a gift idea? Give a tour voucher

as a welcome to Leeds

a s a birthday, anniversary or Christma s present  

   Request a voucher with the name of the recipient(s) - you can spec ify the wording and choose a topic or leave it up to the guest to choose.

Walking through the centuries

  New to Leeds? Or lived here for ages without learning much about your city? Visiting for the weekend? You have visitors staying?

  Come with me from earliest times to the present day - Kirkgate to the West End. I'll explain how a little town where cloth was traded became the regional capital and a major centre for financial services, healthcare, cultural activities, learning and digital creativity.

  What was the importance of 'fulling'? What is the 'Navigation' and why was it so vital to Leeds? Why was Leeds well placed to become an early industrial town? When did Leeds become a city? These and many more questions will be answered.

A tour for alumni returning to Leeds after 50 years

The group asked for a campus tour in the morning of their reunion. After a pub lunch they came with me to see how much of the city centre they still recognised. Some surprises were in store. as well as some familiar old favourites.

"Everybody found the itinerary interesting and they all enjoyed your commentary. It was particularly interesting to see bits of Leeds that we didn't know existed and to hear about its evolution and plans for the future. I was amazed how much knowledge you were able to share with us. The tour certainly helped to make our reunion weekend a successful one”.

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This is part of the map of Leeds in the early 20th century.

Can you still find your way around .

It would be great to hear from you