25 Things To Do In Leeds

Living in a new city for your studies like Leeds can get a bit boring if you are not up and about exploring the city. If you want to explore the lovely city, but don't know where to start, let us help you with that! Let us tell you about a few places to visit and things to do in Leeds as well! Without wasting more time, let us take a dive into the things to do in Leeds.

Tourist Attractions in Leeds

In the United Kingdom, Leeds is a city filled with various iconic landmarks and historic monuments that make the many tourist attractions in the city! The list includes streets filled with various things to do to the city centre filled with life. There are many places to visit in Leeds.

1. Civic Quarter 

Price: Free of cost.
Timings: Open 24 hours.

The Leeds Civic Quarter is also the city centre which is a place to visit in Leeds. The place is decorated with statues of people like James Watt, the inventor, and the famous Black Prince statue. The place is also where many tourists and locals relax, and it is where you will be able to experience the culture of Leeds. Here you can visit the Leeds Civic Hall, which is adorned with owl-decorated towers. Many other attractions are close to the Civic Quarter, allowing you to roam easily around the city! Plus, there are plenty of concerts held here as well.

2. Leeds Corn Exchange

Price: Free of cost (It will cost you when you are inside).
Timings: 10:00 am - 06:00 pm
Location: Call Ln, Leeds LS1 7BR.

The Leeds Corn Exchange is probably among the craziest places to go in Leeds. This fine Victorian-era building is home to various independent boutiques, cafes, shops and galleries. The building is one of the three Grade I listed buildings in the UK. The Leeds Corn Exchange also hosts various markets, concerts and even boxing, making it one of the best places to visit in Leeds. 

3. St. John’s Church

Price: Free of cost.
Timings: It would be best to visit the official website for timings.
Location: 23 New Briggate, Leeds LS2 8JD.

St. John's Church is the oldest in Leeds; it was built in 1634, and the church's beauty lies in its interior. Each carving will make you go 'wow!' of how intricate each carving is, including twisting vines, hearts, flowers, and heads of humans and animals (it is a bit grotesque and weird). If you look up, you can see brightly painted angels playing instruments. Royalist John Harrison funded the construction of the church, hence the name St. John! Visiting this church should be one of the things to do in Leeds! 

4. Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House

Price: £15- £60 (Depends on the show).
Timings: This also depends on the time of the show.
Location:  Leeds Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU.

If you are a fan of theatre and music, the Grand Theatre is one of the top places to visit in Leeds! This red brick building was built in 1878 and can hold up to 1,500 people. The theatre regularly hosts various musicals like the Great Gatsby! It is also home to Opera North, which is known for featuring premieres of new operas as well as classics.

5. Kirkstall Abbey

Price: £5.00 per adult.
Timings: You can visit on Tuesdays to Sundays anytime between  10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Remember that they are closed on Mondays!
Location: Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH.

Kirkstall Abbey is a lovely historical site and is one of the most popular places to go in Leeds. It is a ruined Cistercian monastery in Kirkstall, northwest of Leeds, making it easy to visit during the weekends. The site also has a museum, and the ruins are situated on lovely grounds. You can explore the ruins, discover the abbey's history, and take in the tranquil surroundings. Kirkstall Abbey surely has to be on the list of places to visit in Leeds! 

Museums and Galleries in Leeds

The beautiful city of Leeds also is home to many museums and galleries! If you are a history nerd or a lover of art, there is no lack of either place to visit in Leeds. You can visit the Leeds Art Gallery or the City Museum. Time will fly by once you are engrossed in art or history! 

1. Leeds Art Gallery

Price: Free of cost.
Timings: You can visit from Tuesdays to Saturdays anytime between 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, while on Sundays anytime between 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Location: The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AA.

If you are a lover of art, the Leeds Art Gallery needs to be on your itinerary of places to go in Leeds. The gallery is home to one of the best collections of 20th-century British art outside London. There are various sculptures, paintings, and more! They also host an exhibitions programme which includes the prestigious Northern Art Prize. The gallery has two floors, with the art being divided into the early collection and contemporary collections!

2. Leeds City Museum

Price: Free of cost.
Timings: You can visit from Tuesdays to Fridays anytime between 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, while on Saturdays and Sundays anytime between 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. 
Location: Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 8BH.

For all our history lovers, you need to visit the Leeds City Museum. The museum is divided into six galleries over four floors! Collections include Life on Earth which talks about how amazing the natural world was, and The Collectors Cabinet, which shows the story of collecting in Leeds from 1700! There is also the Voices of Asia which shows the links between Leeds and the vast continent. You should also visit the Ancient Worlds exhibit, where you will be able to visit the 3000-year-old Leeds Mummy called Nesyamun! Visiting the City Museum has to be one of the craziest things to do in Leeds.

3. Leeds Discovery Centre

Price: Free of cost. 
Timings: You can visit anytime on Mondays to Fridays, but you will need to book in advance for a slot! 
Location: Carlisle Rd, Leeds LS10 1LB.

Leeds Discovery Centre is the city's purpose-built museum storage and conservation facility, and it is home to a million wonders. It gives people access to collections and is a great tool for researchers, educational institutions, and schools. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from toucans, telephones, meteorites, and masks, among other things.

4. Royal Armories Museum

Price: Free of cost, you can pre-book tickets (it is preferred).
Timings: You can visit anytime between 10 am to 5 pm every day during the school holidays.
Location: Armouries Dr, Leeds LS10 1LT.

You need to visit the Royal Armories Museum since it is the home of the UK's national collection of arms and armour! The museum is spread over five floors and has over 4,500 objects on display ranging from armour from 1514 to the 'pulse rife' from the 1986 movie Aliens! The best time to visit the museum would be after 2:00 pm since it is usually quieter, making it one of the best places to visit in Leeds.

Travelling around in the UK is actually pretty simple, and you can travel to so many of these places. If you are curious about how you can use transportation in the UK, let us help you.

5. Thackray Museum of Medicine

Price: £11.95 per adult.
Timings: They are open daily between 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Location: 141 Beckett St, Harehills, Leeds LS9 7LN.

The Thackray Museum of Medicine is one of the craziest places to visit in Leeds since it is very cool! Here you will be able to explore the grimy streets of Victorian Leeds, watch grotesque operations taking place in the 19th-century operating theatre, visit a 70s-style sexual health clinic and discover the various medical innovations that changed the world! 

Tours and Experiences in Leeds

The best way to explore and enjoy the city of Leeds is through various tours and experiences. There are plenty of tours to choose from and various things to experience. These tours and experiences listed down are among the things to do in Leeds when you move here to familiarise yourself with the city.

1. Leeds Walking Tour

Price: £10 per person.
Timings: The tour starts at 11:00 am at Black Prince Statue every Saturday.

This 2-hour-long tour will make you explore the city of Leeds, its history and what makes the city so exciting! You will time travel through 800 years of history by looking at old and new buildings. Explore one of the largest covered markets in all of Europe and the alleys of the city! When you are new here, this tour is probably among the best things to do in Leeds.

2. Leeds Food Tour

Price: £60
Timings: The tour starts around 11:45 am 

On this tour of six unique city centre eateries, one of the tastiest things to do in Leeds is to take in the sights, sounds, and flavours of Leeds. Learn about each meal's origins and culture as you eat through regional specialities, from freshly baked bread to locally made beer. Eat at eateries serving cutting-edge Yorkshire cuisine while taking in the living heritage of Leeds Kirkgate Market for around 4 hours! 

3. Spiced Rum Creation Session

Price: £89.95 onwards.
Timings: The timings depend on the day of your booking; it would be best if you booked through their website.

Take an interactive tour through rum and the science of taste when you join the Liquor Studio for the only Spiced Rum Creation Experience! Learn rum's history and various styles and end with finding your taste. With your taste, use the various tools at your disposal to create your own blend that you would take home in a 50cl bottle that has a personalised label which makes it one of the craziest things to do in Leeds.

4. 2-Hour Leeds Highlights Walking Tour

Price: £10.42
Timings: You have to check the availability.

On this group tour, roam the city of Leeds and learn everything there is about the city from its history. You'll visit various attractions, from the Leeds Town Hall to some of the northern city's many shopping arcades, making it one of the best things to do in Leeds if you want to burn 2-hours.

5. Urban Axe Throwing 

Price: £22-£28 per player
Timings: You need to book in advance.
Location: Millennium Sq, LS2 3AD

Let's take a dive into one of the craziest things to do in Leeds; axe throwing! If you are worried that you will lose a hand or leg or something, don't worry because you will be expertly hosted by the leading authority on axe throwing in the UK (you are in safe hands). You will compete in a tournament after gaining some experience and end up doing some trick shots and a beer!

Pubs and Bars in Leeds

After roaming around the entire day, you might want to unwind a bit, and the best way would be by having a few drinks and talking to your mates! If you are looking for a few pubs and bars, don't worry because the city is filled with various pubs and bars that you can visit even after a long day at college to grab a drink or catch a football match! 

1. Salon Privé

Price: ££-£££
Timings: They are open from Thursdays to Sundays. On Thursdays, they are open between 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, you can visit anytime between 12:00 pm to 1:00 am; on Sundays, they are open between 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Location: : 8 Russell St, Leeds LS1 5RN.

On the first floor of Dakota Leeds lies Salon Privé, the best-kept secret in the city. Step inside to take your night out to a surprising new level with a glass-covered rooftop terrace overlooking Greek Street and Leeds's largest gin collection. Salon Privé presents incredible talent on Friday and Saturday nights with live music, including soul, jazz, and funk. They have a full-scale cocktail bar and stage for live music and an outdoor heated terrace space. Salon Privé is a place to visit in Leeds for sure! 

2. The Adelphi

Price: ££ - £££ 
Timings: On Sundays to Fridays, they are open between 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm. On Saturdays, they are open between 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Location: 1-3 Hunslet Rd, Leeds LS10 1JQ.

The Adelphi is a historic bar in Leeds that has been serving since the mid-19th century. Its stained glass windows and wooden-panelled bar give it a traditional look, and it still has that look after renovations. The Adelphi is a place loved by locals and tourists due to its great selection of beers and spirits, a cosy atmosphere, and live music events. Adelphi is among the best places to visit in Leeds if you are close to the city centre. 

Must-Try: You should try the local beers and ciders, fish and chips, and homemade pies.

3. BrewDog

Price: ££ - £££
Timings: They are open from Thursdays to Sundays between 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm. They are also open on Wednesdays between 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Location: Crispin House, New York Rd, Leeds LS2 7PF.

BrewDog is a craft beer bar in Leeds that offers a variety of craft beers, ales, stouts and porters. They also offer wines, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages for all our non-alcoholic friends! While enjoying a drink, you can also order some food like burgers, salads and wings; there are also vegan options! There is a casual and fun atmosphere that makes visiting here one of the best things to do in Leeds. 

Must-Try: You have to try their craft beers, headliner series, burgers, wings, and loaded fries.

4. Woodies Craft Ale House

Price: £
Timings: They are open daily. From Mondays to Fridays, between 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Saturdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Sundays from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm.    
Location:  104 Otley Rd, Headingley, Leeds LS16 5JG.

With a great selection of craft beers, ales, and ciders and a great atmosphere, Woodies Craft Ale House is one of the top places to go in Leeds. Here you will find a rotating selection of 20 craft beers from the tap! The entire place is decorated with vintage signs that create a cosy atmosphere. You will also find a selection of wines and spirits; you can also order some grub while drinking, like burgers and sandwiches!

Must-Try: You must try their craft beers, ciders, loaded fries, and burgers.

5. The Alchemist

Price: ££ - £££
Timings: They are open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Trinity Branch:  Level 1, Trinity, Leeds LS1 6HW.
Greek Street Branch: Yorkshire House, Greek St, Leeds LS1 5SH. 

The Alchemist is a bar in Leeds that features a modern and creative cocktail menu! The place is known for their inventive and inventive cocktails that are served with fire and smoke! They have a selection of beers, wines and spirits that you can order if you are not in the mood for some cocktails. The Alchemist's interiors are sleek and go along with the vibe of the menu and food like Korean fried chicken and beef and bone marrow burgers, which makes it one of the craziest places to visit in Leeds. They also have various vegan food options!

Must-Try: You must try their cocktails, gin and tonic, Korean fried chicken, and beef and bone marrow burgers.

Spending so much money eating and partying out can leave you with a hole in your pocket. Let us help you save some money with various student discounts that you can use in the UK.

Unique Attractions

There are a few unique attractions and experiences that are different and don't fit into any of the categories above. These are a few places to visit in Leeds.

1. Elland Road

Price: £32- £52
Timings: Depends on the matchdays
Location: Elland Rd, Beeston, Leeds LS11 0ES.

Elland Road, the home of Leeds United FC. If you are a football fan, then Elland is a must-visit in Leeds! You will be able to see the team fight various English teams as they fight over a variety of trophies throughout the year! You will be able to hear the roaring of the fans supporting their team and utter madness on the field. Watching a game at Elland road is one of the things to do in Leeds.

2. Rodley Nature Reserve

Price: Free of cost.
Timings: They are open on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and most Bank Holidays: March to October between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and November to February between 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Location: Moss Bridge Rd, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HP.

Rodley Nature Reserve is a nature reserve on the floodplains of Kirkstall Valley. The place is a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can connect with nature here and even do some bird watching (not the one from Back To The Future). At this beautiful and relaxing wildlife and lagoon, you will spend quality time for sure, making it one of the best places to go in Leeds.

3. Street Art Trail

Price: Free of cost.
Timings: It is everywhere in the city; you can visit anytime!

A walk in Leeds, where you will be able to look at some great murals and street art that cover many of the city's streets. You might visit a new place and even gain some appreciation for the amount of street art that is present in the city. Plus, if you are a football fan, you will spot plenty of Leeds United murals in the city! Looking at the street art while getting to explore the city is among the best things to do in Leeds. 

4. Temple Newsam House

Price: There are two types of tickets, a house ticket and a farm ticket. It is recommended to look at their website to book your tickets.
Timings: The House is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10:30 am to 5:00 pm, and the farm is open from Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Location: Temple Newsam Rd, Leeds LS15 0AE. 

This Tudor-Jacobean mansion with a scenic landscape and grounds is a place to go in Leeds if you are interested in history and want to connect with nature. Explore this historic mansion that is littered with treasures or meet various rare animals on the farm and take a calm walk in the garden that is filled with rose bushes and floral displays. 

5. Harewood House

Price: £14–£18
Timings: The place is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until 18 March 2023 between 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG.

This beautiful 18th-century house sits over 100 acres on the outskirts of Leeds and is the best place to visit in Leeds if you want to explore rooms with decorations that will blow your mind, see great art collections or look at some cute Humboldt penguins! You can even look at the decimated ruins of Harewood Castle near the steep north-facing slope! 

Now that you have been through the list of things to do in Leeds, you might not be bored anymore! While travelling and eating and spending money on tickets could leave you with a hole in your pocket, you might want to take a look into the cost of Living in Leeds before you make plans. You can even explore the best Italian restaurants in Leeds to get some grub after a long day! We hope our things to do in Leeds list helped you and contributed to a fun trip!