Everything you need to know before visiting Leeds, Yorkshire - top things to do and see, plus tons of inspiration for your Leeds city break itinerary

Leeds, the self proclaimed unofficial capital of Yorkshire, is a city of captivating contrasts. A former industrial powerhouse, it has reinvented itself as a vibrant, modern hub, yet its rich history is never far from sight. From stunning Victorian architecture and world-class museums to an innovative food scene and lively nightlife, Leeds is the perfect destination for a British city break. It even has a airport!

Here's our guide to the top things to do in Leeds: everything you need to know to inspire and help to you craft the perfect itinerary for your trip to the heart of Yorkshire.

1. Dive into history in Leeds' outstanding museums

Leeds is home to a fantastic array of museums, many of which are free to enter, making them perfect for a budget-friendly city break.

• Royal Armouries Museum: Located at Leeds Dock, this is a must-see and the absolute highlight of our Leeds trip. It holds the national collection of arms and armour, with over 8,500 war-related objects on display spanning centuries and cultures, including pieces worn by King Henry VIII, Japanese samurai armour, famous movie prop weapons and an incredible set of Elephant armour. Visitors can also watch live performances and fight demonstrations at regular intervals throughout the day, and they have an exciting looking Roman Festival coming up on August 23rd-25th!

  
  

  The Royal Armouries is free to enter, although some special exhibitions may have an entrance fee. The museum is currently hosting Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum until the 2nd of November, a special exhibition of rare Roman artefacts from Pompeii and the Colosseum, on display in the UK for the first time. Tickets cost £4-6.

  

  

  

• Leeds City Museum: Situated in Millennium Square, this museum is a treasure trove of the city's past, ancient history and natural science. Highlights include the remains of a 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy named Nesyamun, a Moa skeleton, the famous Leeds Tiger and galleries dedicated to the story of the city itself from its origins as a small Saxon settlement to its links with Asia, sporting accolades and textiles industry.

  
  

  Leeds City museum is currently hosting Miffy's 70th Birthday, an interactive exhibition celebrating 70 years of the beloved children's book bunny, until September 7th.

  This museum operates on a "Give What You Can" basis, inviting visitors to donate if they are able. Closed Mondays.

  
  

• Thackray Museum of Medicine: Tucked away in a former workhouse, this museum offers a fascinating and often-surprising journey through the history of healthcare. Step back in time as you walk down a recreated, disease-ridden Victorian street, complete with its sights, sounds, and smells. It's a powerful and visceral introduction to the medical challenges of the era. From there, you'll witness the incredible evolution of medicine, from the gruesome realities of surgery before anaesthetics to the triumphs of modern-day treatments.

  
  

  The museum is packed with engaging exhibits, from a full-size replica of a 19th-century operating theatre to a gallery on the fight against pandemics. From 26 July 2025 - 4 January 2026 your ticket will also include Exhibition: POO! A "fun and fascinating family exhibition (that) gets to the bottom of digestion, responding to questions from children at Harehills Primary School." 

  
  

  Please note that there is an admission fee to enter Thackray Museum of Medicine, but they offer a "choose your own price" model with various tiers to make it more accessible.

• Leeds Industrial Museum: Learn about the city’s manufacturing past, housed within the magnificent Grade II listed Armley Mills. Get up close to working looms and spinning wheels in the Textile Galleries and watch live demonstrations that reveal the city's rich history of cloth production. The museum also showcases the legacy of printing, film, and engineering in Leeds, including an impressive collection of printing presses and vintage film equipment. You’ll even learn about the incredible story of Louis Le Prince, a true pioneer of early filmmaking.

  
  

  Don't miss the huge Potts clock, which once stood proudly at Morecambe Promenade railway station and you could even visit the 24 seat 1920s Palace Picture House, one of the smallest working cinemas in the world. On sunny days, the tranquil Colour Garden is a picturesque spot by the canal, perfect for a break with a retro ice cream from the museum shop.

  
  

  Tickets cost £6.10 (adults) / £3.30 (children aged 3-18). Closed Mondays.

  N.B. The museum is two miles out of the city centre on Canal Road - you can either catch the number 14 bus from Leeds city centre or take advantage of the museum's free on site parking.

  2. Discover Architectural Gems

Leeds boasts some extraordinary architecture, from grand civic buildings to beautiful places of worship. Here are our top picks:

• Leeds Town Hall: A magnificent Victorian building, testament to the city's immense prosperity during the industrial revolution. Designed by the celebrated architect Cuthbert Brodrick, this grand Neoclassical masterpiece was opened by Queen Victoria herself in 1858. You can't miss its 225-foot clock tower, which houses the famous "Great George," one of the largest bells in Great Britain.

  
  

• Leeds Minster (St Peter-at-Leeds): As the city's parish church, Leeds Minster has stood on this site for over 13 centuries. The current Gothic Revival building dates largely from the 19th century. Step inside to admire its stunning stained glass, intricate carvings, and vast nave - don't miss the intriguing 10th century Leeds Cross and the memorial plaque dedicated to Lawrence "Titus" Oates of the ill fated Terra Nova expedition to the South Pole.

  

• Leeds Cathedral (St Anne's Cathedral): A beautiful example of early 20th-century English Baroque architecture, Leeds Cathedral is the Roman Catholic mother church for the Diocese of Leeds. Its compact yet elegant interior, featuring striking marble and mosaics, offers a serene escape from the city bustle.

  
  

• Leeds Civic Hall: Situated in Millennium Square, directly opposite the Town Hall, the Civic Hall is an impressive sight in its own right. Completed in 1933, this Portland stone building has two striking golden owls perched on top of the twin towers, a symbol of the city's coat of arms. You can spot another 4 owls on columns around Millennium Square.

  
  

• Leeds Corn Exchange: A true Victorian masterpiece, the Corn Exchange is one of the most iconic buildings in Leeds. Designed by architect Cuthbert Brodrick (who also designed the Town Hall), this Grade I listed building features a stunning oval design and a magnificent domed roof. Originally a hub for corn trading, it has been beautifully repurposed and now houses a vibrant collection of independent retailers and food vendors, making it a captivating space to explore.

  
  

• Kirkgate Market: One of the largest covered markets in Europe, Grade I listed Kirkgate Market is a sensory delight. With a beautiful domed roof, red and green cast iron work and bustling stalls, it's a great place to sample street food, pick up fresh produce, or hunt for bargains. It was also the birthplace of Marks & Spencer and you can still see the original stall.

3. Get Lost in Leeds' Magnificent Shopping Arcades

Shopping is a huge part of Leeds's identity, and the city's Victorian and Edwardian arcades are an attraction in their own right with intricate ironwork, and beautiful mosaic floors.

• Victoria Quarter & Victoria Gate: These two linked shopping destinations form one amazing premium retail district. The original Victoria Quarter, with its stunning glass roof, was designed by the legendary theatre architect Frank Matcham, who used a lavish palette of marble, gilded mosaics, intricate iron and polished mahogany to transform two streets and two arcades into a retail landmark. His work, beautifully restored to its original splendour, perfectly blending Vis and 'sctorian grandeur with brands such as Ted Baker, Vivienne Westwood, Coach, and Jigsaw. A major highlight is the first Harvey Nichols to open outside of London.

  
  

  Paying homage to its Victorian neighbour, Victoria Gate is a stunning modern interpretation of the city's famous arcades. Opening in 2016 and awarded ‘Best Shopping Centre’ in 2017, Victoria Gate home to a curated collection of popular brands, including Anthropologie, The White Company, Aspinal of London and the largest John Lewis department store outside of London

  

  

• Thornton's Arcade & Queen's Arcade: These offer a more intimate and quirky experience, home to a mix of independent shops, unique boutiques, and charming cafes. Thornton's Arcade was opened in May 1878 and refurbished in 1993. Three stories high with a beautiful glass roof and tied floors, its's famous for its Ivanhoe clock by made by William Potts and Sons of Leeds - if you time it right you can see Richard the Lionheart and Friar Tuck strike the hours and Robin Hood and Gurth the Swineherd strike the quarters.

  
  

  Just next door, elegant Queen's Arcade is Grade II listed, dating from 1889. Look up to admire its glass roof, and don't miss the decorative tiling on the floor, some of which still bears the original shop numbers You'll find Levi's and Dr. Marten's alongside lots of brilliant independent shops.

• Trinity Leeds: Not an arcade but we can't finish talking about shopping in Leeds without mentioning this enormous shopping mall. Here you'll find high street favourites like Primark, New Look, Zara and River Island, long side Space NK, Apple and Pandora. Those with a sweet tooth should pop into the Lindt shop which stocks around 25 different flavours of pick and mix chocolate truffles!

  
  

4. Find Culture & Creativity in the City's Galleries and Theatres

Beyond the museums, Leeds boasts an impressive cultural scene, with world-class art and performance venues.

• Leeds Art Gallery

  A true highlight of Leeds's cultural scene, the Leeds Art Gallery is home to one of the most significant collections of 20th-century British art in the UK. Step inside to discover a diverse range of modern and contemporary works that will captivate any art lover.

  
  

  Beyond the art, the building itself is a masterpiece. The gallery's interior is filled with natural light, thanks to a stunning Victorian glass ceiling that was beautifully restored a few years ago. Even if art isn't your primary interest, the architecture alone makes it a worthwhile visit. Before you leave, be sure to stop for tea and cake in the magnificent Tiled Hall Café on the ground floor, a beautifully ornate space that is an attraction in its own right. Free to visit, closed Mondays.

  
  

• The Henry Moore Institute: For those with an interest in sculpture, the Henry Moore Institute is a must-visit. Located right next door to Leeds Art Gallery, it celebrates sculpture in all its forms, from ancient to contemporary, with a dynamic programme of exhibitions and events. While named after the celebrated British sculptor who learned his craft in Leeds, the exhibitions cover a wide range of artists and mediums.

  Free to visit, closed Mondays.

  
  

• Leeds Playhouse: Situated in the city's Quarry Hill cultural quarter, Leeds Playhouse is one of the most important theatres in the country. It stages a wide range of productions, from classic plays to contemporary works, and is a fantastic place to catch a show.

  
  

• Leeds Grand Theatre: This is the city's most prestigious and historic theatre. Opened in 1878, it has a magnificent Victorian interior and auditorium. The Grand is a receiving house for major touring productions, so you can expect to see everything from large-scale West End musicals and ballets to opera, as it's the home of Opera North.

  
  

• City Varieties Music Hall: Just a short walk from the Grand, this is a real hidden gem and one of the last remaining music halls in the UK. With its ornate décor and intimate atmosphere, it's a wonderfully nostalgic place to see a show. The City Varieties hosts a variety of performances, including comedy, music, variety acts, and its famous annual Rock 'n' Roll pantomime.

  
  

• Carriageworks Theatre: Situated in Millennium Square, the Carriageworks is a modern, versatile venue that's known for supporting local and up-and-coming talent, and for its diverse program that includes drama, music events, children's theatre and popular comedy shows. 

  
  

• Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD) - The Riley Theatre: For something truly unique, head to the Riley Theatre at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. It's a leading centre for dance education, and its theatre hosts a dynamic program of contemporary dance performances from both students and touring companies.

  
  

5. Explore the Great Outdoors and Historic Ruins

Leeds is a city of sprawling parks and green spaces, offering a welcome break from the urban bustle.

• Roundhay Park: One of the largest city parks in Europe, Roundhay Park is a destination in itself. With over 700 acres of parkland, lakes, woodlands, and gardens, you could easily spend a whole afternoon here. Don't miss Tropical World, a mini jungle home to butterflies, meerkats, and other exotic creatures.

  
  

• Kirkstall Abbey: A short bus ride from the city centre, these magnificent Cistercian abbey ruins are a breathtaking sight. You can wander through the ancient stone arches and explore the surrounding grounds. The nearby Abbey House Museum, housed in the abbey's former gatehouse, recreates Victorian streets and offers an eye-opening look at social history.

  

• The Leeds-Liverpool Canal: For a more active adventure, take a stroll or cycle along the canal path. It's a great way to see the city from a different perspective and explore its industrial heritage. You can walk towards the colourful Leeds Dock or head in the other direction towards the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey.

6. Savour the Flavours of the "Foodie Capital of the North":

Where to eat in Leeds

Leeds has earned a reputation as a food lover's paradise, with everything from Michelin-recommended fine dining to vibrant street food. Where you should eat depends on what you're in the mood for, but here are some top picks to help you plan.

Leeds may not currently hold a Michelin star, but it has two restaurants that are consistently recommended in the Michelin Guide for their exceptional food and service:

• Ox Club in Headrow House: Specialising in live-fire cooking, this restaurant is a must-visit for meat lovers and it's consistently featured in the Michelin Guide for its dedication to showcasing local Yorkshire produce. 

  
  

• Tharavadu: This beloved Keralan restaurant is highly praised and has been included in the Michelin Guide for multiple years for its authentic and traditional South Indian cuisine.

Other amazing options to look into visiting:

• The Cut & Craft: For a luxurious yet accessible dining experience, The Cut & Craft, nestled within the beautiful Victoria Quarter, is a great choice. It's renowned for its high-quality, house-butchered steaks and fresh seafood, all served in an elegant setting.

  
  

• Kerala Canteen: This city-centre gem, led by a MasterChef star, serves authentic Indian street food in a tapas-style format. It's a great spot to share a variety of small plates and experience bold, traditional flavours.

  
  

• The Calls & Granary Wharf: The areas around the River Aire are buzzing with independent restaurants, pubs, and cafes. You'll find waterfront dining with great views and a lively atmosphere.

  
  

• Shears Yard: Located just off The Calls, this restaurant is housed in a stunning 18th-century building and is praised for its warm atmosphere and modern British food.

  
  

• Historic Pubs: Grab a pint at Whitelock's Ale House, the city's oldest pub: a beautiful establishment with original fixtures and a fantastic beer garden. The Adelphi is another grand Victorian pub worth visiting.

• Cocktails: If you're more of a tall and fruity kind of drinker, Leeds will have you spoilt for choice. Top picks by locals include Brooklyn for hip hop inspired cocktails, tropical fun at Tiki Hideaway, Cuckoo for bonkers drinks served in disco balls and flamingos, Smokestack where you are transported down to the Deep South with voodoo themed drinks and regular jazz nights and Bar Soba, whose Asian inspired ingredients culminate in Enter the Dragon, a concoction to share that comes out breathing fire!

  
  

Vibrant Street Food & Markets:

For a more casual and lively dining experience, Leeds' street food scene is second to none.

• Kirkgate Market: As we said before, Kirkgate is a food lover's paradise. It's home to a huge range of international street food stalls, making it the perfect place for a cheap and delicious lunch. You can find everything from tacos and dumplings to traditional British pies, award-winning Vegetarian Punjabi street-food and plant based burgers and hotdogs.

  
  

• Trinity Kitchen: Located within the Trinity Leeds shopping centre, this is a rotating street food market on the top floor. It features a mix of permanent vendors and a rotating lineup of pop-up street food vans, so there’s always something new to try.

  
  

• Food Festivals: Keep an eye on local events. Festivals like the Tower Works Street Fest at Mustard Wharf often pop up, offering a fantastic selection of street food vendors, local producers, and live entertainment.

Leeds food and drink tours and experiences:

Leeds is also home to dozens of fun food and drink experiences, from visits to Northern Monk brewery and Libations Rum distillery to gin tours, barista classes and indulgent guided foodie tours exploring six different street food spots and restaurants. You can find more information on the Visit Leeds website.

Your Next Great British Break:

With its outstanding museums and galleries, magnificent Victorian shopping arcades and a diverse food scene that caters to every taste, Leeds is the perfect destination for a British city break. Now that you have this guide, you’re fully equipped to plan an itinerary that dives deep into the heart of Yorkshire and uncovers all the northern charm that Leeds has to offer.