Leeds

Travel Guide

Corn Exchange featuring street scenes and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people
Leeds featuring heritage architecture
Corn Exchange showing interior views and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people
Canal Gardens
Millennium Square featuring heritage architecture and street scenes
From boundless shopping, dining and nightlife options to sporting events and music festivals, this is one of the liveliest cities in northern England.

Leeds is a city that thrives on its shopping, nightlife and sporting attractions. Leeds was once an uninspiring industrial city. Today, however, you’ll encounter parks hosting free festivals, a lively waterfront and pedestrianized streets lined with shops, bars and restaurants. 

With many of the streets dedicated to retail, Leeds city center is a shopper’s paradise. Discover everything from sparkling malls to high-end retailers and independent boutiques, many inside restored Edwardian and Victorian-era buildings. The Corn Exchange, Victoria Quarter and Trinity Leeds have over 200 shops collectively. 

The dining scene is equally impressive and draws influences from the presence of up to 130 nationalities in the city. Sample cuisine from China, India, Mexico and Pakistan plus traditional British dishes. Leeds Waterfront is an exciting hub of cafés, restaurants and fast-food joints. Enjoy the city’s famous nightlife, most notably at the Exchange Quarter. Options range from the traditional English pub to chic lounge bars, dance clubs and live music venues. 

Leeds also offers a good selection of cultural attractions. Admire the grand architecture surrounding City Square and Millennium Square. See work by 20th-century sculptors at the Henry Moore Institute. Spot masterpieces by great British painters, such as John Constable, at the Leeds Art Gallery. Retrace Leeds’ history and discover artifacts from ancient worlds at Leeds City Museum. Visit The Royal Armouries Museum, which has over 8,500 objects of armor and weapons. 

Sports fans have many choices in this city. Watch a cricket match at Headingley or a soccer match at Elland Road. Alternatively, attend one of the many summer music festivals. Leeds Festival welcomes well-known international bands while Opera in the Park and Classical Fantasia are both free events. 

Intercity trains and buses provide direct services to Leeds from major English cities, including Bristol, Liverpool and London. Get around the city on foot and use public buses to visit areas outside the city center. Among these are the glorious Roundhay Park, Harewood House and Kirkstall Abbey.

Where to stay in Leeds

Leeds Grand Theatre

Leeds City Center

Explore the Victorian arcades, such as Grand Arcade, and shop at Trinity Leeds shopping centre. Discover cultural activities in Quarry Hill and Leeds Dock, and visit landmarks like Leeds Art Gallery and Royal Armouries Museum.

Leeds City Center
Leeds featuring street scenes and heritage architecture

Arena Quarter

If you're spending some time in Arena Quarter, Leeds Grand Theatre and O2 Academy Leeds are top sights worth seeing.

Arena Quarter
Default Image

New Wortley

While New Wortley isn't home to many top sights, Canal Wharf and Grosvenor Westgate Casino are some notable places to visit nearby.

New Wortley
Thackray Medical Museum

Harehills

Grassy Banstead Park offers city views, while Roundhay Road, known as 'Curry Mile', boasts diverse shops and restaurants. Well-connected by buses, it's ideal for exploring Leeds and Wetherby.

Harehills
Looking west towards a winter sunset, from Platforms 4/5

Holbeck Urban Village

Holbeck Urban Village might not have many top sights, but Canal Wharf and Leeds City Square are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Holbeck Urban Village
Holbeck

Holbeck

Holbeck is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Canal Wharf, a top place to visit in the area.

Holbeck
Leeds Marriott Hotel

Leeds Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
4 Trevelyan Square Boar Lane, Leeds, England
The price is ¥13,901 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
¥13,901
¥16,681 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Leeds. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
Leeds Marriott Hotel
Clayton Hotel Leeds

Clayton Hotel Leeds

4 out of 5
City Walk Sweet Street, Leeds, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥9,754 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
¥9,754
¥11,704 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Leeds. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,014 reviews)
Lovely Stay
"It is about 10 minutes walk from the train station/city centre. Staff were all friendly and helpful. Communal areas including Reception, the bar, restaurant and toilets are all immaculate and presented to a high standard. The room, I felt, was slightly dated, but comfortable. Overall, a lovely stay ..."

Reviewed on Aug 27, 2025

Clayton Hotel Leeds
The Queens Hotel

The Queens Hotel

4 out of 5
City Square, Leeds, England
The price is ¥15,638 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
¥15,638
¥18,766 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star historic hotel in Leeds. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in ...
The Queens Hotel
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 WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
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 WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions First Direct Arena ...
9/10 Wonderful! (470 reviews)
Great Location
"We came for Leeds Fest. I won't camp so, we booked an apartment. Room was clean & comfortable. A little tired but, everything worked fine. A great location for the centre & the shuttles. A short walk from Granary Wharf which, is really pretty. The only grumble was, that we were there 4 days & the ..."

Reviewed on Aug 25, 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 WiFi, dry cleaning or laundry services, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions First Direct Arena and ...
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.

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