10 Best Things to Do in Leeds

Millennium Square is something of a social hub in the center of Leeds. It is surrounded by major landmarks, including the Town Hall, Leeds City Museum, and Leeds Civic Hall, as well as a number of theaters and galleries.

The square itself regularly hosts special events and attractions, including a Christmas Market, concerts, an outdoor ice rink, and the screening of major sporting events. There’s a diverse selection of cafés, pubs, and restaurants nearby, making this a pleasant place for your morning coffee. Or you can choose to have your coffee from the comfort of your own hotel room by choosing accommodation situated near Millennium Square.

The historical grandeur of Leeds is nowhere better demonstrated than in its shopping arcades. There are several around the city, but the best is Victoria Quarter. A palace of luxury shopping, it's home to big-name outlets like Harvey Nichols, Vivienne Westwood, and Louis Vuitton. It’s all housed in a stunningly beautiful, restored 19th century-styled structure with colorful stained glass windows.

Even if you’re only window-shopping, Victoria Quarter is worth a visit. Its dramatic wrought-iron and marble structure is home to some first-rate restaurants and cafés. To complete the cosmopolitan atmosphere, the Victoria Gate Casino is just a short walk away.

The Royal Armouries Museum is home to a lot of awe-inspiring military hardware. The impressive collection dates as far back to medieval swords and suits of armor up to current generation firearms, including artifacts from around the world. Conveniently close to the city center, right by the River Aire, the museum is free to enter.

You can marvel at ancient Chinese weaponry, tournament armors made for Henry VIII, and even examples of guns used by James Bond. Perhaps the most famous attraction of the museum is the arena, where you can see live-action re-enactments of famous battles, duels, and jousts. These special events take place throughout the year, usually on weekends.

Leeds Corn Exchange is another beautiful example of Victorian-era construction and was almost certainly one of the most ostentatious farmers’ markets of its time. The Grade I listed building is one of very few exchanges in the UK which is still primarily a place for shopping, but the goods on sale now include fashion, homeware, and musical instruments.

The Corn Exchange is renowned as a collection of independent vendors, featuring creatives, fashion boutiques, artisan jewelry, and more. Hungry shoppers should stop by The Cheesy Living Co. A specialist for delicious cheeses and charcuteries, you can also dine on mouthwatering cheesy dishes and fondue.

The Thackray Museum of Medicine is a fascinating place, telling the intriguing story of medical technology as it developed over the years. Once a workhouse and then part of the neighboring hospital, this Grade II listed building now houses 11 permanent galleries showcasing the disease-ridden streets of Victorian Leeds, important microscopic discoveries, remarkable healthcare providers, and more. Kids will love concocting their own medical remedies in the immersive apothecary.

The museum also regularly features exciting guest exhibits and lectures, including behind-the-scenes tours and innovative workshops. It’s also said to be one of the most haunted buildings in Leeds, so fans of the supernatural should check out the overnight ghost hunts for any spooky goings-on.

Leeds has an astonishingly diverse dining scene, with many first-class independent restaurants to choose from throughout the city center. It’s virtually impossible to pick out an individual street or area which stands out more than any others because you can find great restaurants on every corner.

The choice of South Asian restaurants is especially noteworthy, rivaling Birmingham’s famous curry scene. You’ll also find great Thai, Japanese, Italian, and, of course, British restaurants around the center. Alternatively, visit Trinity Kitchen with its rotating selection of street food vans alongside permanent eats like traditional kebabs and bowls of tasty pho. To have everything close to hand, consider booking a hotel located in the city center.

The Kirkgate Market has been housed in a charming historical building in Leeds City Center since 1857. It now spills out across the square behind it so that it spans a huge total area. Conveniently right next to the bus station and a short walk from the train station, it’s an especially good place to find a lunchtime snack.

The market contains around 200 stalls, with fashion, jewelry, hardware, and haberdashery vendors alongside the fresh local produce and snack bars. It’s as diverse as the city itself, with a Chinese supermarket alongside curry and kebab stalls and old English butchers.

Call Lane has developed a reputation for being the best place for a wild and unforgettable party. Particularly LGBT-friendly, the street is practically lined with bars and clubs and is pedestrianized at weekends, making it ideal for barhopping. The music selection is varied and eclectic, so even the pickiest of music lovers will find a beat they can groove to.

Popular names along Call Lane include fun still room bar Jake’s, hot nightclub Wire, and tiki bar Call Lane Social. Portuguese venue Oporto is especially famous for its live music, while the vibrant Neon Cactus is renowned for its choice of tequilas and potent cocktails. Wherever you end up, you’re sure to have an unforgettable night on Call Lane.