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🛫 Leeds Travel Guide: What to see, eat, and do in Leeds

Welcome to Leeds! This vibrant city in West Yorkshire is packed with history, culture, and amazing food. Here’s everything you need to plan your visit.

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🚌 How to Get Around

Leeds city centre is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with most key attractions, shopping centres, and restaurants within walking distance. For information on cycling, train and bus transport options have a look at our guide on Getting around Leeds.

🎭 What to See and Do Around Leeds

Leeds is a modern, cosmopolitan city that offers a huge variety of activities to do and places to see. Check out our comprehensive directory of Things to do in Leeds to find something of interest!

🍽️ Where to Eat and Drink: Local Favourites and Independent Gems

Cafes and Coffee Shops

  • Fika North: A cosy Scandinavian-inspired café in Headingley, perfect for slow mornings with a great coffee and cinnamon bun.
  • If Up North: A stylish and modern café and roastery known for its excellent coffee.
  • Kapow: Nestled in one of Leeds' beautiful shopping arcades, Kapow excels at good coffee and a cosy location with upstairs seating.
  • La Bottega Milanese: An authentic Italian coffee bar known for its expertly crafted espresso and stylish atmosphere.
  • Laynes: Located close to Leeds train station, Laynes produces some of the best coffee and breakfast options in the city.
  • Miles and Co: Run by a husband and wife team, they serve high-quality coffee with a strong focus on sustainability.
  • North Star: A specialty coffee roastery serving ethically sourced beans and top-tier espresso-based drinks.

Food and Dining

  • Bavette: A neighbourhood gem serving seasonal French dishes - crowned Britain's best local restaurant by the Good Food Guide 2024.
  • Bundobust: A beloved spot for craft beer and modern Indian street food, served in a laid-back, communal setting.
  • Eat Your Greens: A sustainable eatery offering organic seasonal food with a weekly changing menu.
  • Empire Cafe: Tucked away in the city centre, an intimate space serving superb food from an ever-changing menu. Recommended by the Good Food Guide as one of the best local restaurants in Britain 2024.
  • Kirkgate Market: A food lover’s paradise with a diverse range of affordable street food, from Caribbean to Middle Eastern delights.
  • Scoffs: Exclusively plant-based and run by a mother-daughter team, Scoffs offers some of the best meat-free deli food in the city.
  • Senbon Sakura: A go-to for fresh sushi, ramen, and Japanese comfort food.
  • Slow Rise Bakery: Arguably the best bagels in Leeds.
  • Stuzzi: A lively Italian eatery offering small plates inspired by regional street food, perfect for sharing.
  • Swine That Dines: An innovative restaurant serving a rotating menu of creative, locally sourced dishes.
  • Thai A Roy Dee: An unpretentious, family-run Thai restaurant offering authentic flavours and generous portions at great prices.
  • Tharavadu: A Michelin-recommended restaurant known for its exceptional Kerala cuisine.
  • Wen’s: A hidden gem serving traditional northern Chinese cuisine with bold, authentic flavours.

Pubs and Bars

  • Below Stairs: Tucked away on South Parade (below stairs, obviously) - a sleek and intimate cocktail bar with a creative curated drinks menu.
  • Duck and Drake: A traditional pub with live music, real ales, and a no-frills, friendly vibe.
  • Lamb and Flag: Located right next to the historic Leeds Minster, offering great local ales and outdoor seating.
  • Oporto: A cozy bar and venue offering intimate live music performances, from indie bands to acoustic showcases.
  • The Adelphi: A beautifully preserved Victorian pub just south of the River Aire.
  • The Domino Club: A speakeasy-style jazz and blues bar featuring exceptional live performances in an underground setting.

🏨 Where to Stay

🛍️ Shopping

🦉 Interesting Facts About Leeds

Leeds is full of surprises! Have a look at our unusual, quirky, and lesser-known facts about the city.

Leeds is a city with something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring its historic landmarks, diving into the food scene, or heading out into the Yorkshire countryside, you’re bound to have an unforgettable trip.

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