Things to do in Leeds

Creative Tourist

There’s so much to do in Leeds, a hub of northern creativity, the metropolis of Yorkshire and one of the greenest cities in the UK. With a population of over 750,000 and ambitious regeneration plans, the city is one of the largest and most rapidly developing in the country.

Tech companies are formed, record labels created and arts organisations promote social change. No wonder then, that this climate produces countless celebrations of the city’s cuisine, culture and history. Leeds has a packed calendar of events meaning that the city centre has a constant buzz of activity.

Leeds Grand Theatre houses resident companies Opera North and Northern Ballet, both admired for their innovative and risk-taking approach, and their ability to reach diverse audiences through bold performance and fully inclusive participation projects. The city is also home to Phoenix Dance, one of the UK’s leading contemporary dance companies, as well as radical touring theatre company Red Ladder and the influential Leeds Playhouse, which is now well into its fifth decade.

Part of the prestigious Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle, head to Leeds Art Gallery to discover one of the best collections of 20th-century art before hopping across to the Henry Moore Institute next door. Leeds Dock is home to the Royal Armouries Museum and its six themed galleries holding the national collection of arms and armour.

If you look past the shiny facade of the Trinity and Victoria Gate shopping centres, you’ll find plenty of independent shops and eateries, coffee roasters and pop-up food places across Kirkgate Market, the Corn Exchange and the Victorian arcades. And the nightlife has an unmistakably northern vibe; whether you choose to have a chilled one in a boutique bar owned by the local brewery, or dance till the AM at one of the DIY club nights showcasing the city’s vibrant live music scene.

What's on in Leeds

Sarah Autumn
Until
LiteratureLeeds
Radical Reading Book Group at Left Bank Leeds

Join the Radical Reading Book Group every six weeks to discuss a book from The Reading Room Library – which you can find at Left Bank Leeds in collaboration with London-based independent radical publishers Pluto Press.

free entry

Where to go in Leeds

Leeds
Shop
Truman Books

Truman Books is an independent bookshop and cafe in Farsley, West Leeds.

Leeds
Old Chapel Music Studios

Old Chapel is a music studio which has been supporting early career bands since the 80’s, giving some big name their first break.

Leeds
Theatre
Slung Low
at Temple

Renowned theatre company, Slung Low, is opening a second new theatre and production space in the heart of the Temple District in Holbeck, Leeds.

Leeds
Restaurant
Tattu Leeds

Tattu is an innovative Chinese restaurant with wonderfully lavish decor. The food is even better.

Little Tokyo Restaurant
Leeds
Restaurant
Little Tokyo Restaurant

Little Tokyo is a Japanese restaurant in Leeds featuring cushions in the ground for diners to sit on while eating.

Leeds
Bar or Pub
The Chemic Tavern

Historic real ale pub situated in the heart of the Woodhouse residential area, just over a mile north of Leeds City Centre.

South Asian Arts
Leeds
Event venue
South Asian Arts

South Asian Arts (SAA-UK), since its conception in June 1997 has long been recognised as the centre of excellence in Indian classical music and dance.

Leeds
Hazlewood Castle Activity Centre

Only a 20-25 minute drive from Leeds, York and Harrogate, Hazlewood Castle Activity Centre hosts a range of adventure activities across 70 acres of off-road terrain.

Stuzzi Leeds
Leeds
Restaurant
Stuzzi Leeds

Stuzzi is a stylish restaurant in Leeds offering high-end Italian cuisine, including pasta and seafood plates.

Leeds
Library
The Leeds Library

The Leeds Library is a wonderful mix of the old and the new located at the very heart of a busy shopping centre.

Leeds Visitor Guides

Marriot Leeds
Business Hotels in Leeds

Here are the best business hotels in Leeds, geared towards high-quality rooms at a bargain price - each boasting more than a few meeting room tables for you to bang your fist on.

Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds
Museums in Leeds

Discover the treasures waiting to be discovered as you work your way through our hand-picked selection of museums in Leeds.

Music Venues in Leeds

Boasting a strong musical heritage, Leeds has a wealth of music venues to match: from suburban social clubs and former textile mills to co-operatively run DIY spaces.

Walks in Leeds
Walks in Leeds

A round-up of the best walks in Liverpool, including the city centre, its many parks, and over the water by Creative Tourist.

Knave's Kitchen
Vegan Food in Leeds

Looking for the best vegan food in Leeds? Look no further. We have rounded up some of our top picks for cruelty-free eating in the city.

Theatres in Leeds
Theatres in Leeds

From family-friendly fun to unique productions, there's something for everyone in Leeds. Check out our guide to the best theatres in Leeds.

Luxury Hotels in Leeds

Got a few quid and not afraid to spend it? Live the life you deserve at one of Leeds’s best luxury hotels - here’s our expert guide to the best.

Whitelock’s Ale House Leeds
Pubs in Leeds

More than most, this Yorkshire city has a wide and varied selection of pubs, with authentic roaring fires and hearty pub grub. Here are the best in Leeds

Stationary shop Colours May Vary.
Independent Shops in Leeds

Looking for some non-corporate gifts and presents? Fight the system and choose one of Leeds’ many independent shops - here’s our special selection of the best out there

Park Plaza Leeds
Family Hotels in Leeds

Ah, kids. Can’t live with them, can’t get rid of them without getting into serious trouble with the law. Ease the pain by taking them on holiday in Leeds, and stay at one of our carefully-chosen family-friendly hotels

Things to Do in Liverpool
Spotlight on

Things to Do in Liverpool

Our guide to the thriving city of Liverpool, where new creative futures are written against the backdrop of a unique history.

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