What to do in Leeds

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Take a weekend trip to Leeds

What to do in Leeds? Leeds makes for a great weekend escape, with its central location, bustling streets and interesting quirks.

Here are some top recommendations for what to do in Leeds.

Best Things to Do in Leeds

Leeds Creative District

Leeds Docklands have been rejuvenated into a creative district. Hosting not only the Royal Armouries Museum but also shops, restaurants, bars, shops, workshops, gyms and more. As well as creative event spaces.

Water taxi 

Catch the water taxi at the docks by the Royal Armouries for the scenic route to the City Centre and more. Sit back as you boat past the creative districts of rejuvenated dockland and end up in the modern city centre. If you are in a rush then you can also walk to the city centre along the waterway route.

Royal Armouries 

Royal Armouries Museum is the National Museum of Arms and Armour. You can easily spend hours wandering around this large multi-floored museum with interactive displays and attending its many talks.

Corn Exchange 

Here the Corn Exchange has been converted into small, unique and quirky shops. Offering local small businesses a chance to sell their wares including at frequent market events. This is a great spot for gift shopping and indulgent treats.

In this area, you will also see other historical architecture such as Leeds Minster. A historic church not dissimilar from Beverley Minster.

City Centre 

Leeds City Centre has all the modern shops and trappings of a multicultural city. It’s easily accessed by train and bus as well as water taxi. Everything in the city centre is walkable meaning you can really get a feel for the city by foot, taking in all the sights.

The Catholic Cathedral is also in the city centre area, along with other buildings of historical significance and amazing architecture.

Covered arcades with historical shops and vaulted glass ceilings dating from the Victorian era. Fans of Gothic architecture will appreciate the Town Hall, Civic Hall and Central Library.

Leeds Kirkgate Market

This covered market is one of the largest covered markets (it also has an uncovered section) in Europe. But what really shines here is the food area known as The Market Kitchen. Potentially the best place to eat in Leeds not only because each restaurant is unique and delicious but because you can pick and choose dishes from across cuisines to share and enjoy. Delicious!

We personally enjoyed a vegan chicken burger and milkshake from Fat Annie’s, Noodles from Banh and Mee and plantain from Jenny’s Jerk Chicken and there were so many more amazing options!