1. Home
  2. Blogs
  3. ACCOMMODATION
  4. Things To Do In Leeds
ACCOMMODATION

Best Things to Do in Leeds: A Complete Guide

Leeds is a city situated in the United Kingdom. This city is known for its rare infrastructure and multiple places to visit for the international immigrants. So, if you are thinking of visiting there, then read this blog to know the things to do in Leeds both as a visitor and a student. This city has a lot to explore such as theaters, museums, galleries, and gardens. Therefore, your day out in Leeds will be both a fun and knowledge-grasping session for sure.

Top Things to do in leeds city

Table of Contents

Must Visit Places in Leeds

As discussed above, there are a lot of places where you can visit and enjoy the vibrant infrastructure of this historic city. So, some of the places to visit in Leeds are:

Kirkstall Abbey

kirkstall Abbey

Kirkstall Abbey is a ruin of a Cistercian monastery in Kirkstall, northwest of Leeds city center. This parkland is situated along the banks of the river Aire, making it a haven for wildlife and greenery lovers. Moreover, this place has a beautiful park to sit and enjoy your day out on a sunny day in the Leeds city. Also, this is one of the best locations for event photographers because of beautiful infrastructure.

First Direct Arena

First Direct Arena

It is one of the best tourist attractions in Leeds. This arena was opened in September 2013 as the first fan-shaped orientation area. This place hosts multiple music shows, comedy events, and sporting activities. Sir Elton John was the first performer here, hosting over 12,000 people. Moreover, this arena has hosted some of the biggest concerts in the world with top artists.

Leeds Grand Theater

leeds grand theater

This is also known as The Grand Theater or the Leeds Theater and Opera House and is one of the best places to visit in Leeds. This place has seats for over 1500 people and hosts multiple events. So, look for the shows in this opera house when you visit Leeds. This place hosts several music shows, dance events, comedy shows, and family ballets.

Roundhay Park

Roundhay park

This is a large urban park situated on the north-east edge of the city. Moreover, this is one of the biggest parks in Europe, with over 700 acres of area. This place includes lakes, gardens, and woodlands. Also, entry here is free for all ages and nationalities. Thus, this is one of the major attractions in Leeds to chill on a beautiful day out.

Temple Newsam House

Temple Newsam House

The house is a Grade I listed building in the UK, one of nine Leeds Museums and Galleries sites. This is a historic house with over 40 rooms with connections to the England’s royal family. Also, it has a huge garden area around the building. Moreover, this house depicts the art and culture of Britain in its early years through its decorative interiors and unique architecture.

Trinity Leeds Mall

Trinity Leeds Mall

Trinity is a shopping and leisure center in Leeds city. This is one of the places in Leeds for shopping and fun activities. This mall is adjacent to Holy Trinity Church. You will find almost all the major brand shops in this mall and other activity areas like gaming arena, movie theaters, and food courts. It has over 120 shops of both domestic and international brands.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park

One of the best things to do in Leeds is to enjoy your holidays in Hyde Park. An independent cinema offering a unique movie experience in a charming, historic setting. These attractions showcase the vibrant history, culture, and natural beauty of Leeds, making it a fantastic destination to explore. Also, the area near this park is know to be the safest for student accommodation in UK with affordable prices.

Harewood House

Harewood House

This house is home to some mesmerizing paintings, furniture, and ceramics. It was build between 1759-71, that means it has a very unique design. This is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Leeds. Here, you can enjoy near a lake and a huge garden around the house. Also, this place has a very soothing and peaceful environment that is best for your rest days when you want to relax.

Victoria Quarter and Victoria Gate

Victoria Quarter and Victoria Gate

One of the best things to do in Leeds is to visit the Victoria Gate. This place is a Victorian-era-style shopping center to make you feel like a member of the royal family. It has almost all the major brand stores and multiple centers for leisure activities. Moreover, there are over 80 shops in this shopping area, which offer almost all the necessary as well as luxury items of your need.

These are the best places and things to do in Leeds. So, you can plan your trip accordingly and allot sufficient time to all the places as you will get to experience the best architecture and vibrant history of the UK.

Top Student Attractions in Leeds City

Leeds is not only a tourist destination, but also a student hub. There are around 14,000 international students in Leeds from over 137 countries. So, there are several things to do in Leeds for the student community also which includes visiting museums, galleries, libraries, and a trip to the university campus. So, some of the major attractions in Leeds for the international students are:

Leeds University Campus

Leeds University Campus

This university is known for its research-centric and innovative teachings and was established in 1874. Apart from this, it has a huge campus depicting the unique heritage and architecture of the British period. Moreover, there are numerous lawns adjacent to the campus, which is best for reading and relaxing for the students. Moreover, this campus hosts several student accommodation in Leeds that too affordable and student friendly.

O2 Academy Leeds

O2 Academy Leeds

When thinking of the things to do in Leeds, music is the best and most relaxing event for the majority of the students. So, O2 Academy is a music venue situated in Leeds. This place is a core to the cultural heritage of the city. Moreover, this place also hosts multiple political meetings and circuses for the entertainment of the people.

Royal Armouries

Royal Armouries

While in the UK, one of the best things to do in Leeds or any other city is to visit the museums and gain knowledge about the weapons and other war details of the royal family of the United Kingdom. So, this place is a modern building that displays Henry VIII's Armour, war histories, and experimental weaponry. So, this is an interesting place to visit and you will gain a lot of knowledge under this roof.

Leeds Art Gallery & Henry Moore Institute

This place is one of the biggest sculpture galleries in the entire Europe. Moreover, one of the best things to do in Leedsis to enjoy the exhibitions that represent the culture and heritage of diverse regions of the world. So, this place has 3 huge spaces for such temporary exhibitions. Also, the entry fees here is free for all visitors, domestic or international.

Leeds City Museum

Leeds City Museum

It is one of the six galleries and home to some incredible collections, including the Leeds Tiger and Nesaymun, the Ancient Egyptian Mummy. Moreover, this place has some of the oldest fossils, extinct animal bones and stunning specifies from around the world. You can also explore different cultures from across the globe inside the World View gallery. Also, this museum has an amazing cafe, offering quality food and drinks to the visitors.

These are the best places to visit and things to do in Leedsfor the students. Moreover, apart from visiting some monuments and other specific places, there are still several things that people will get to experience in this city that will make their overseas life joyful and interesting.

There are a lot of interesting things to do in Leeds that will keep you busy and also bring joy into your life. Therefore, they are:

  • Eating Out: Leeds is called the food capital of the North. You will get diverse food and drink options from across the globe. Also, the quality and quantity of restaurants and cafes around the city are best.
  • Shopping: One of the best things to do in Leedsis shopping. Places like Trinity Mall and Victoria Gate will provide you with all the global brand options under a single roof. So, you can do high-end and luxury shopping in Leeds.
  • Theater and Cinema: There are multiple theaters in Leeds. You will experience watching shows and movies in a historic heritage and cultural environment. Moreover, there are shows and events in this city almost every weekend.
  • Museums and Galleries: Some of the best places in Leeds are museums and art galleries. You will get to experience the British culture and heritage there and will gain knowledge. Also, you can visit museums to get information about the wars fought by the UK’s royal families.
  • Live Music: Places like First Direct Arena and Leeds Opera House are the best places to experience live music and concerts. Moreover, there are other shows like dance and comedy events in these places to keep the audience active.

Conclusion

These were the best places to visit and things to do in Leeds. So, it is clear that life there is going to be interesting for both tourists and students. Moreover, you can gather knowledge about British culture and experience the beauty of their historic infrastructure. Majority of buildings here have historic roots connected with the royal family. Thus, your visit in Leeds will be an interesting one if you follow a well designed itinerary and divide your time for all the major attractions in the city.

FAQs

1. Is Leeds a Student-Friendly City?

Leeds is a student-friendly city with over 14,000 international students there.

2. Is Leeds Good for Indian Students?

Yes, many Indian students are presently studying in Leeds. So, you will get the best education there with a vibrant life and safety.

3. Which Is the Best Area for International Students in Leeds?

Hyde Park and Roundhay Park are the best areas for international students. These places provide a huge area to sit with friends, read books, and enjoy sports.

4. Is Leeds an Expensive City to live in?

Leeds is known to be a bit affordable but still will cost high to the international immigrants.

5. Which Place Is the Safest Area in Leeds?

Harewood, Garforth & Swillington, and Otley & Yeadon are the safest areas in Leeds with below 100 crimes per 1,000 people.

freeIeltsoffer
mostTrusted
Hand Picked Courses
Get Scholarship Assistance
Get Offer in 15 Days*
Finance/Loan Assistance

Gradding Blogs

Want to read more?

explore blogs

disclaimer:logos and other registered trademarks of universities used on this platform are held by their respective owners. Gradding does not claim ownership or association on them, and their use is purely for informational and illustrative purposes.

Copyrights ©2025 Gradding. All rights reserved.
Gradding Rated 4.7/5 based on 4440Reviews