Things to do in Leeds
Published on: 23/04/24
Leeds, located along the banks of the River Aire, is a bustling city that blends rich industrial heritage with contemporary charm. Known for its Victorian architecture and thriving cultural scene, Leeds invites visitors to explore landmarks such as the magnificent Leeds Town Hall, an iconic example of 19th-century design, and the historic Kirkgate Market, one of the largest indoor markets in Europe. These sites reveal the city’s journey from its textile roots to becoming a modern hub of business and culture.
A visit to Leeds isn’t complete without experiencing its vibrant urban life. The city’s shopping district is renowned, featuring the glamorous Victoria Quarter and the bustling Trinity Leeds shopping center. Visitors can also explore the lively bars and restaurants in the stylish Call Lane area or unwind in the serene surroundings of Roundhay Park, one of the largest city parks in Europe. Whether you're delving into history, indulging in retail therapy, or enjoying the local food scene, Leeds offers something for everyone.
What's included for Things to do in Leeds
- Great Days Out
- Escape Rooms and VR
- Motorsports
- Combat Zone
- On The Water
- Aerial Adventures
- Culture and Tours
- Wildlife and Sealife
- Adventure and Theme Parks
- Free Things to do and Days Out
- Local Events & Festivals
- Eating Out and Places to Stay
Fun Activities
There’s loads of kid-friendly things to do in Leeds that will keep the adults entertained too. A day at Roundhay Park will be well spent, with the Tropical World, skateboard park and play areas. They’ll also be fascinated by the gritty and grizly world of the Thackray Medical Museum, which doesn’t pull any punches with its exploration of surgical and medical history throughout the years, and you can take part in various hands-on workshops.
As well as the above there is a huge list of activities and days out for all over Leeds, which include Escape Rooms, Skate Parks, Go Karting, Paintball, and much more.
Eating Out
The hilariously named Friends of Ham is a must for meat-eaters – you’ll be served a carnivore’s dream of continental charcuterie and cheeses to go with your wine and craft beer. If you want more of a proper sit-down meal, Salvo’s has been serving authentic Italian cuisine for over 40 years and has multiple awards under its belt. For something a bit quirkier head to the Cat’s Pyjamas, a creative and colourful food hall serving Indian street food.
Culture Vulture
At the last count there were 16 museums and galleries in Leeds, but if you want culture on a budget, get yourself down to the Holbeck Underground Ballroom. You can enjoy some real avant-garde theatre with your free coffee, and the best bit is they only ask you to pay what you think the performance is worth.
Game of Thrones fans will find the Royal Armouries Museum fascinating, with its vast collection of weaponry from over 3000 years of violent history, including some they could no longer fit in the in Tower of London.
After Dark
Leeds has four universities and one of the biggest student populations in the UK, so you’d better believe there’s no shortage of nightlife! Dominos Jazz Bar is hidden away behind a barbers shop called Lord's Barbering, and you can enjoy free live music pretty much every night while you sip on a tasty cocktail.
Dedicated clubbers will want to experience super Club Mission, where resident DJs and international visitors alike take turns on the decks in the ‘home of house’.
Eating Out and Places to Stay in Leeds
For a memorable stay in Leeds, Hotels.com offers a diverse selection of comfortable accommodations, ideal for exploring the city’s dynamic cultural scene and rich industrial heritage. Whether you're looking for a modern hotel in the city center or a cozy retreat in a charming neighborhood, Hotels.com provides options to suit every traveler’s taste and budget.
Enjoy a vibrant dining scene, from trendy restaurants to traditional pubs, and don’t miss iconic attractions like the Royal Armouries Museum, the historic Kirkgate Market, and the beautiful Roundhay Park. With its unique blend of history and contemporary flair, Leeds guarantees an unforgettable experience for every visitor!
Something a bit different…
Guided tours are a great way to see the city, but if you prefer to explore on your own terms, how about a Treasure Hunt? The Leeds Treasure Hunt trail is a great group activity and takes you on a loop through the city’s historic sights, status and sculptures, searching for and solving clues along the way. Leeds might be the next European Capital of Culture (it’s preparing a bid for 2023), so get your visit in now before it gets too full of tourists!
You can also download one of the many self guided walks from Curious About, so that you can make the most of your time exploring Leeds. We hope that you have enjoyed our article about Things to do in Leeds, and hopefully we’ve given you some great ideas on how to spend your time.