Visit Leeds - Yorkshire's Capital City

Visit Leeds – Find a world of culture, art and shopping in this impressive city, steeped in culture. Leeds is West Yorkshire’s beating heart, and is the biggest city in all of Yorkshire.

Yorkshire’s 21st century capital offers everything you would expect from one of the UK’s leading cities, and more. Visit for a weekend and you’ll be rewarded with some of Britain’s best shopping, sightseeing, sport, art and nightlife.

The city is a hub for culture, boasting a plethora of museums, art galleries, and theatres, as well as a thriving music scene. Leeds also offers a wide range of shopping options, from high-end boutiques to independent stores, and a food scene that caters to all tastes.

Within Leeds, you will find a vibrant student area around the sporting venues in Headingley, as well as an amazing city centre, served by a main line train station, for arrival and onward travel.

Venture slightly further afield from the city of Leeds and you will come to Otley and Wetherby – two of Yorkshire’s most picturesque towns. Also see our article on things to do in Leeds city centre, and things to do in Leeds with kids.

Don’t forget to to check the weather in Leeds before your visit.

Discover Leeds

A shopper’s paradise awaits with all the big high street retailers, markets and many more designer boutiques fill the multiple shopping centres and arcades and that reside in the centre.

The nightlife is what Leeds is truly famed for, visit Call Lane for edgy bars and music, Greek Street for cocktails or check out one of the many rooftop bars looking over the skyline filled with breathtaking architecture. If you’re looking for a spot off the beaten track there are many independent hidden gems all around the city!

If hitting the bars isn’t your cup of tea, there are acclaimed art galleries, the Grand Theatre and Opera House that show award-winning national theatre and dance companies. They sit right in the city centre if a cultural excursion is what you’re seeking. Also make sure to visit the Kirkgate Market and our Garforth page.

Leeds is easily accessible by public transport with a train station in the heart of the city centre.


Hotels in Leeds

If you prefer a more homely option, try Bed & Breakfasts or holiday apartments in Leeds.

Picture of The Queens Hotel

The Queens Hotel, Leeds

City Square, Leeds, LS1 1PJ, United Kingdom

Park Plaza Leeds

Boar Lane, City Square, Leeds, LS1 5NS, United Kingdom

easyHotel Leeds

14-22 Lands Lane, Leeds, LS1 6LB, United Kingdom

Thorpe Park Hotel

1150 Century Way, Thorpe Park, Leeds, LS15 8ZB, United Kingdom

Leeds Marriott Hotel

4 Trevelyan Square, Boar Lane, Leeds, LS1 6ET, United Kingdom

Hampton By Hilton Leeds City Centre

1 Gower Street, Leeds, LS27BP, United Kingdom

View more hotels in Leeds here.


Events in Leeds

Here are some events taking place in and around Leeds – all the biggest acts have played here – alongside community events and new bands:

MIKE at Leeds Belgrave Music Hall, Leeds

1-1a Cross Beglrave Street, Leeds, LS2 8JP

Date & Time:

March 19th, 2024 7:30pm

Shed Seven at O2 Academy Leeds, Leeds

55 Cookridge Street, Leeds, LS2 3AW

Date & Time:

November 30th, 2024 6:00pm

Varsity After Party at O2 Academy Leeds, Leeds

55 Cookridge Street, Leeds, LS2 3AW

Date & Time:

April 24th, 2024 10:30pm

To see more events in Yorkshire click here.


About Leeds

Leeds is the biggest city in West Yorkshire. On the south bank of the River Aire, the Royal Armouries houses the national collection of arms and artillery. Across the river, the redeveloped industrial area around Call Lane is famed for bars and live music venues under converted railway arches, known locally as the Dark Arches. Leeds Kirkgate Market features hundreds of indoor and outdoor stalls.

Fun Fact: Leeds Castle is not actually in Leeds.


Pictures of Leeds

The owl is the symbol of Leeds – you’ll see it in much of the architecture of the city, alongside grand new building schemes and historic works:


Things to do in Leeds

Leeds is a vibrant city with a full range of attractions from grand theatre productions and fine dining through to country houses and beautiful golf courses:

M&S Archive

Michael Marks Building, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 9LP, United Kingdom

Go Ape Temple Newsam

Temple Newsam Estate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS15 0AD, United Kingdom

Leeds Industrial Museum

Canal Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS12 2QF

Harewood House

Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS17 9LG

Thorpe Park Spa

1150 Century Way, Thorpe Park, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS15 8ZB

Moortown Golf Club

Moortown Golf Club, Harrogate Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS17 7DB

There’s many more attractions in and around Leeds. Click here to view them all.


Leeds FAQ’s

What is Leeds most famous for?

Leeds is well known for being the location where carbonated water was invented in the 1760s. Today, Leeds is known for its many shopping arcades, such as Kirkgate Market and the Corn Exchange. Leeds is also famous for its rich industrial heritage, vibrant cultural scene, and strong sporting legacy. The city is a hub for finance, legal services, and digital industries. In terms of culture, it’s home to renowned institutions like the Leeds Art Gallery, Royal Armouries Museum, and the West Yorkshire Playhouse. Additionally, the city is mad about sports, particularly football, with Leeds United being one of the most followed teams in the country.

Is Leeds a nice place to live?

The city is the largest legal and financial centre in the country outside of London, and Leeds central railway station is the third busiest outside of the capital.

What are the best places to visit in Leeds?

Leeds offers a variety of attractions for all interests. For history enthusiasts, Kirkstall Abbey and the Royal Armouries Museum are must-visits. If shopping is more your thing, the Victoria Quarter and Trinity Leeds offer a multitude of high-end shops and dining options. Nature lovers should not miss a walk through Roundhay Park, one of the largest city parks in Europe. The Leeds Waterfront is also a great place for a leisurely stroll, boasting picturesque canals and a range of cosy cafés and bars.

How do I get around Leeds?

Getting around Leeds is quite easy thanks to its well-developed public transportation system. The city is served by a comprehensive bus network, and Leeds railway station is one of the busiest in the UK, providing easy access to other cities. For shorter distances, walking or cycling is often the most convenient option. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available as well. If you prefer to drive, there are numerous car hire services and parking facilities throughout the city.


Leeds on the map


Fact Pack – Leeds, West Yorkshire

  1. Leeds is a city in the northern English county of West Yorkshire.
  2. It is the largest city in West Yorkshire and the third-largest city in the United Kingdom by population.
  3. The city is known for its rich history in the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution.
  4. Leeds has a diverse economy with the service sector now dominating over the traditional manufacturing industries.
  5. It is home to the University of Leeds, which is one of the largest higher education institutions in the UK.
  6. Leeds is also known for its shopping, nightlife, universities, and sports, being home to Leeds United Football Club and Leeds Rhinos rugby league team.
  7. The city has a number of museums and galleries including the Royal Armouries Museum and Leeds City Museum.
  8. Leeds has a large student population, contributing to its vibrant culture and economy.
  9. The city is well connected with excellent transport links, including a busy train station and Leeds Bradford Airport.
  10. Leeds is also known for its music scene, having produced bands such as the Kaiser Chiefs and Soft Cell.

Where Next after Leeds?

Having visited the vibrant city of Leeds in West Yorkshire, there are numerous other fascinating locations nearby that are worth exploring. Leeds is a short drive away from Harrogate and Knaresborough – great places to have dinner after a long day shopping. You could head to the historic city of York, renowned for its stunning cathedral, the York Minster, and its well-preserved medieval walls. Alternatively, you could venture to the charming town of Harrogate, famous for its Turkish baths and beautiful gardens. If you’re a fan of literature, Haworth, the hometown of the Bronte sisters, is a must-visit. For nature lovers, the Yorkshire Dales National Park offers breathtaking landscapes and hiking trails. Lastly, don’t miss out on visiting the coastal town of Whitby, known for its atmospheric Abbey ruins and connection to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. All these places offer a unique taste of what Yorkshire has to offer.