A Guide to Leeds

Welcome to our mini guide to Leeds, which is bursting with all the top tips and recommendations to ensure your short break to this cosmopolitan Yorkshire city is one to remember. Renowned for its array of designer stores, independent boutiques, live music venues, award-winning dining and chic bars, Leeds offers a little bit of something for everyone.

Getting There

Located at the very heart of the UK, Leeds is one of the country’s most accessible cities.

Sitting at the crossroads of the M62 and M1 with the A1/M1 link, Leeds is easy to reach from any direction; the ring road connects motorists to all major routes into the city.

Leeds is easily accessible from most major UK cities, offering regular services from Scotland, the North East, the Midlands and Pennines. London is also accessible in just over 2 hours.

Leeds Bradford International Airport is located just 8 miles north of the city centre, offering direct flights from destinations including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol, Belfast, Exeter, London to name but a few!

Getting Around

Getting around Leeds is easy with most of the city’s sights and attractions within walking distance. Alternatively, there are a variety of transport options to get you where you want to go.

Located on Dyer Street, Leeds bus station is served by FirstBus & Arriva Yorkshire and offers regular connections both in Leeds city centre and out towards neighbouring Yorkshire towns.

Leeds railway station has a public hire taxi rank which operates 24 hours a day. The rank is serviced by the whole Leeds fleet of 537 taxis, 237 of which are wheelchair accessible. All are fitted with a taxi meter.

Leeds AttractionsLeeds has plenty of things to keep you entertained throughout your short break. Celebrate the city’s medieval history for free at the Royal Armouries Museum with its museum, jousting events, hand-to-hand combat displays and much more!

For history buffs, be sure to explore the fine collection of English historical houses, estates and places of worship on offer, including Harewood House, Temple Newsam, Lotherton Hall and Kirkstall Abbey.

Rugby Fans are spoilt for choice with Leeds Rhinos and Leeds Carneigie Rugby Union both based at the Headingley Carnegie Stadium. Football fans may also want to head to Elland Road on match day and experience the electric atmosphere from the city's loyal army of Leeds United supporters!

Leeds Shopping

Leeds offers a unique shopping experience with top high street fashion brands to vintage stores and quirky boutiques.

The elegant Victoria Quarter is home to 75 designer brands, including Louis Vuitton, Vivienne Westwood, Karen Millen and the Harvy Nichols Department store.

Leeds Corn Exchange is the home of boutique shopping at its best, offering visitors everything from exquisite jewellery, mens and ladies fashion-wear, charming gifts and a stunning venue to enjoy a quick bite to eat.

Leeds Nightlife

As the sun sets, this cosmopolitan city comes alive in its trendy cocktail bars, live music venues, traditional ale houses and late night clubs.

The bars on Call Lane have become the place to spend your nights in Leeds. With its eclectic mix of trendy and quirky bars, you can enjoy a night like no other! Be sure to try Jakes Bar, the Elbow Room and Oporto - one of Leeds’ most loved bars.

Attracting some of the world's biggest DJs, Leeds offers a clubbing scene like no other. Highlights include Mint, Gatecrasher Seven, Mission, The Warehouse and Oceana with its 7 unique themed rooms.

Leeds Music Scene

Leeds is renowned for its diverse music scene with its eclectic mix of unsigned artists, alternative bands and popular DJs, as well as attracting some of the world's biggest names in the music industry.

Venues range from the Cockpit - known for its alternative live music - to more large scale venues such as the O2 Academy located just off Millennium Square.

Every August, the city also plays host to its annual Leeds Festival weekend, which attracts a host of artists from across the globe to its stages.

Leeds Entertainment

It's not just the eclectic nightlife, trendy bars and wealth of music venues in Leeds. The city is also home to the Grand Theatre and Opera House, which offers award-winning comedies, West End hit musicals and even opera & ballet performances provided by Leeds’ very own resident Opera North & Northern Ballet companies.

The city is also home to the outstanding Leeds Art Gallery, which houses a remarkable collection of British 20th century art. Alternatively, the nearby Henry Moor Institue offers an ever changing programme of exhibitions exploring sculpture from ancient to modern times. Both are free of charge.

Dining in Leeds

Leeds offers a wealth of dining options boasting over 80 restaurants across the city centre. Whatever the cuisine or occasion, you’ll be truly spoilt for choice, from TV Chef James Martin’s The Leeds Kitchen and chic waterside dining at Brasserie Blanc to authentic Japanese at Teppanyaki and award-winning Italian at Diva Italiana Bar & Trattoria.

Top Tip: Be sure to explore Park Row and its surrounding side streets, which house a host of restaurants, including Jamie’s Italian, Akbar's, La Tasca, Piccolino, Wagamama's & more!

Our Recommended Hotels

Leeds offers some fantastic hotels to suit all budgets, here’s our favourites:

4* The Met

Chic, sophisticated & stylish, the Met hotel is a stunning Grade II listed building in the heart of Leeds

3* Novotel Leeds

Perfectly located with a stylish Elements Restaurant, modern bar, fitness centre & sauna

4* Malmaison Leeds

Set in the heart of Leeds centre & surrounded by fine shops, vibrant nightspots & fantastic attractions

Visit our website & discover our extensive Leeds hotels and city breaks range