Weekend in Leeds should be spent exploring its beautiful destinations, eating exotic food and partying hard. Leeds is an exotic blend of heritage and modernized regime. It is the largest city of West Yorkshire County and third largest in England.
Leeds showcases a remarkable architecture which is an intermingling of Victorian and modern construction. A weekend in Leeds can be really exciting for travellers. The city is best known for Shopping, Sports, Education and an astonishing nightlife. Explore these and much more on your visit to this lively city.
Leeds is the liveliest place to visit in England. Recently, Leeds featured in the list of best cities to live in England. It also made it to the number 5 spot in Lonely Plane’s list of Top 10 European Travel Destinations of 2017.
Let me elaborate more on spending a weekend in Leeds on this blog based on my personal experience.
Spending a Weekend in Leeds: Top Things to do
The City has a flourishing cultural scene and is rich with Georgian, Victorian, 20th and 21st-century architecture. There are many museums, cafés, restaurants and theatres that a traveller can explore. Here’s a brief overview of the top things to do on a weekend in Leeds.
| Visit the civic structure of the city – Leeds Town Hall |
| Check out First Direct Arena – the place that hosts celebrities across the globe |
| Immerse yourself in some splendid artwork at the Leeds Art Gallery |
| Hang out at Millennium Square, situated right in the city centre |
| Spend at least 3 hours at the Leeds City Museum |
| Go shopping at various marketplaces. |
| Munch yourself out at various eateries |
| Be a part of the nightlife in Leeds |
Leeds: An Overview
Before we find out more about spending a weekend in Leeds, let us understand the city a little better –
| Location
West Yorkshire, England |
| Best Time to Visit
Throughout the Year |
| Airfare
INR 50000 – Round Trip |
| Key Attractions
City Centre, Headingley Stadium, Leeds Town Hall, Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds Museum, Leeds Art Gallery, Direct Arena |
| Nearest Airport
Leeds – Bradford Airport |
| Nearest Destinations
York, Bradford, Harrogate |
What are the Best Places to Visit While Spending a Weekend in Leeds?
Leeds is a city full of grace and grandeur. While spending a weekend in Leeds, make sure to drop by the following –
Leeds Town Hall
Archetypal in Grace and a glorious Victorian Architecture, Leeds Town Hall is a must-visit for every traveller. This civic structure is one of the largest Town Halls in England.
Taking a throwback to the history, Leeds Town Hall was established in the year 1858 then was inaugurated by Queen Victoria. The key highlights of the Town Hall are the Portland stone lion statue situated around the building.
During a weekend in Leeds, take the incredible tour around the Town Hall.
Leeds Town Hall is a must-visit for every traveller. Photography by Mark Auty
First Direct Arena
Accommodating a capacity of approx. 13,500, First Direct Arena is a must-visit for every traveller wanting to spend a weekend in Leeds.
Located right in the Leeds city centre, First Direct Arena has been a host to celebrity faces like – Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Bryan Adams, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Miley Cyrus in the music genre followed by artists from Comedy Genre like – Lee Evans, Jack Whitehall, Impractical Jokers and so on.
It’s not limited to artistic events. It’s been host to WWE as well. The building has marked its space in the category of England’s greatest Landmarks along with winning the best new venue award in the year 2014.
Located right in the City Centre, First Direct Arena has been a host to celebrity faces. Photography by Bernadette
Leeds Art Gallery
Are you an Art Lover? Even if you aren’t you will assuredly fall in love with this sphere of Art.
Leeds Art Gallery showcases the Finest British Art taking you through the best paintings of the British Era.
Leeds Art Gallery was established back in 1887 in honour of Queen Victoria. Currently, the Gallery is managed by the City Council. The entry to the gallery and tour is completely free of cost.
Leeds Art Gallery showcases the Finest British Art. Photography by Anthony Ho
Millennium Square
One of the most attractive spaces to spend a weekend in Leeds is Millennium Square. It is situated right in Leeds city centre.
Also known as the heart of Leeds, this is a host to several live events and a home to the Big Screen where you can watch Wimbledon while walking down the road.
It hosts the German Christmas Market where you could enjoy some yummylicious delicacies, shop around, go Marie go round and play games under the stars.
Leeds German Market takes place every year starting from the month of October to December.
Known as the heart of Leeds, Millennium Square is a host to several live events. Photography by Naveen Manikya Pallem
Leeds City Museum
Established in the year 1819, Leeds City Museum takes you through British History.
The museum comprises different galleries and the key attraction is the Map of Leeds designed right in the centre of the museum.
Life on Earth is another gallery that is a must-visit within the museum. Entry to the museum is free of charge. Make sure to at least take 3 hours out of the schedule during the weekend in Leeds tour.
Established in the year 1819, Leeds City Museum takes you through British History. Photography by Mustafa Alti Parmak
Where and What to Shop During a Weekend in Leeds?
Weekend in Leeds is going to be more fun if you love shopping. It has some of the loveliest places to shop and window shop. The shopping arcades are beautiful in design and showcase some of the best brands. The best places to shop in Leeds are:
| Leeds City Centre |
| Victoria Quarter |
| Trinity Leeds |
| Leeds Kirkgate Market |
| Victoria Gate |
Shopping During Weekend in Leeds: Elaborate Details
Are you a Shopaholic? Then, spending a weekend in Leeds shopping will prove fun. Here’s your shopping in Leeds guide:
Leeds City Centre
This is the heart of Leeds. Surrounded by more than 100 brands and fashion houses, Leeds City Centre is the destination for your shopping.
Walk down the street during a weekend in Leeds and you’ll be guaranteed tired of Window Shopping.
Major brands with their outlets are – River Island, Debenhams, Pandora, Marks and Spencers, etc.
Victoria Quarter
Situated right in the middle of the City Centre, Victoria Quarter is surrounded by premium brand outlets. Key stores available in the Victoria Quarter are – Louis Vitton, Harvey Nicholes, etc.
Trinity Leeds
The all-time favourite destination for your shopping and have a day out at Leeds. Trinity Leeds is a gigantic Shopping Centre that has recorded many awards since its record-breaking opening in the year 2013.
Leeds Kirkgate Market
Bored of those Lavish British Markets – Enter Kirkgate Market – the largest Asian Market where you get to do the grocery shopping. The traditional market is packed with vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables.
Victoria Gate
This award-winning shopping centre is a recent development which was opened its gate in the year 2016. Victoria Gate was awarded as the best shopping centre in Europe due to its vivacious experience delivery to all the visitors.
Leeds is a fun place to shop if you’re aware of the right places. Photography by Nicola
Best Places to Eat During Weekend in Leeds
During a weekend in Leeds, enjoy a blend of cuisines from around the world. Here’s a list of the must-visit eateries
| Tharavadu Restaurant |
| Red Hot World Buffet |
| Greggs |
| Bella Italia |
| Patisserie Valerie |
| Nando’s |
Weekend in Leeds: What all to Eat at the Best Places?
Tharavadu Restaurant
This award-winning Indian Restaurant is a treat. Stop by here during your weekend in Leeds and taste Indian food.
This fine-dining restaurant satisfies your taste buds with delicacies straight from the heart of South India – Kerala.
I recommend to try it its special fish and chicken curries.
Also, do not forget to order payasam – a guaranteed sweet desire.
Try amazing south Indian cuisine at Tharavadu Restaurant. Photography by DB
Red Hot World Buffet
One of the best eateries to tickle taste buds while spending a weekend in Leeds. Enter the extravaganza of cuisines from around the world – Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Mediterranean, Italian, Indian and much more.
Try extravaganza of cuisines at Red Hot World Buffet. Photography by Luke Wilkinson
Greggs
This food place is a great stoppage for every traveller. Greggs offers the best coffee, doughnuts and pastries to try on while walking around the city.
Hang out at Greggs for the best donuts and coffee. Photography by Diana Bulmaga
Bella Italia
Situated right in the middle of the city centre, Try on the best pasta and Italian delicacies of the city at Bella Italia.
Savour Italian cuisine at Bella Italia. Photography by Giulia
Patisserie Valerie
If you are a chocolate lover, then, this is the perfect place for you to stop by during a weekend in Leeds.
Travellers with sweet tooth have got to try desserts at Patisserie Valerie. Photography by Shelley Brady
Nando’s
Get the city’s best chicken at Nandos. Enjoy exotic peri-peri chicken which no other place could offer.
Try the best Peri-peri Chicken in town at Nando’s. Photography by Emily de Luca
Weekend in Leeds can get Crowded: Where to Stay?
Finding a place to stay during a weekend in Leeds is not much of a headache. Here are some decent suggestions –
| Name of the Hotel | Price starting from: |
| Hotel Ibis Leeds | 30 pounds |
| The Avenue Hotel | 25 pounds |
| Clayton Hotel | 30 pounds |
| Holiday Inn Express | 30 pounds |
| Haley’s Hotel | 35 pounds |
Weekend in Leeds is Incomplete Without Being a Part of the Nightlife
Leeds is known as the liveliest cities due to its amazing nightlife. Have fun around the city centre and show your moves on Dance Floors.
Must-Visit Clubs During Weekend in Leeds
When it comes to Leeds, it is hard to ignore the vibrant nightlife. The city is full of fun places to party. The clubs range from casual to high end. The crowd is mostly decent, the food is great and the fun is unending. Travellers from across the globe visit Leeds annually and surely try out the fancy clubs.
The top 5 clubs that should be on your ‘go-to’ list –
| O2 Academy |
| Tiger Tiger |
| Prizm |
| Control |
Useful Tip: Do not forget to carry your ID when going to a club. Also, Do not wear sports shoes while going to a club.
Tips for Travelers Spending Weekend in Leeds
I’ve got a few tips which you should follow while spending a weekend in Leeds –
| Getting around
Getting around Leeds is very easy. Leeds city centre where most of the attractions are located is within walking distance of one another. When spending a weekend in Leeds, use the local transport service. Buses are a great option and recommended. Get a day pass made for approx. 12 pounds for a day and travel the whole day long using Bus. |
| Cheap Cabs
Use Ace or Amber Cabs as a first priority as they are cheaper in rates as compared to Apollo and City Cabs. |
| Cheap Shopping
Primark is the destination where you could get clothes and other fashion accessories at extremely cheap rates. Though the rates are cheap but the quality has not been compromised. |
| Stay Safe
Be careful while visiting Hyde Park in late evening hours as they are not safe enough due to the previous record of burgling. |
| Free Maps
If you are only visiting Leeds city centre, get hold of one of the free maps available at the tourist information centres and a number of visitor attractions. These are simple to follow and can be useful while strolling around. |
Leeds is a fantastic destination for all kinds of travellers. So if you are in England, explore the city of Leeds. So, don’t wait now. Book your tickets and explore England’s Best Destination.
Happy wayfaring 🙂