Best places to visit in Leeds

Explore the City Centre: Enjoy a Fun Day of Shopping and Movies at The Vue Cinema Leeds

If you love shopping and keeping up with the latest fashion trends, the heart of the Leeds City Centre is the perfect starting point for your adventure. Here, you'll not only find a captivating mix of historic architecture, but also modern shopping hubs like the iconic Leeds Trinity shopping centre. I highly recommend taking some time to explore the area while hanging out with your friends, as there are a variety of amazing restaurants, coffee shops, and pubs to suit any budget where you can unwind and recharge (remember to use your student discount!) To wrap up your day, enjoy some popcorn and catch the latest films at The Vue Cinema Leeds, located at The Light.

Discover Leeds Kirkgate Market: A Vibrant Hub of Local Flavour, Tradition and Culture

As you continue exploring the City Centre, you’ll come across Leeds Kirkgate Market, one of the largest indoor markets in Europe. Whether you’re hungry or in need of fresh groceries, I definitely recommend this vibrant spot for brunch. You can enjoy a diverse range of cuisines and street food, including Vietnamese, South Korean, Turkish, Indian, and traditional Yorkshire dishes, can you believe it? — It’s a perfect match for food lovers! Additionally, it’s a great place to find unique items at great prices.

The Leeds Docks & The Royal Armouries Museum

Are you a history enthusiast? Don’t miss the Royal Armouries Museum, home to the UK’s national collection of arms and armour, with exhibits ranging from medieval times to the present. The best part? - Entry is free! While you're there, take a relaxing walk around The Docks (my favourite spot in the city so far). This picturesque waterfront area offers stunning views. I remember, I took my first pictures of the city here. Perfect for snapping some memorable photos to upload on social media (especially around the canal in summertime!).

Are you into Arts? If so, visit the Leeds Art Gallery

If you’re an art enthusiast, you’ll love this art gallery, which hosts an impressive collection of 20th-century British art alongside various seasonal exhibitions. It’s a fantastic way to spend part of your day, and who knows—you might even find some inspiration. And yes, entry is free!

Prefer Independent Shops? Check Out the Corn Exchange

If you're on the hunt for unique items or have a love for vintage shops like I do, make your way to the beautiful Corn Exchange. This beautiful historic building is home to a variety of independent stores and creators. It’s the perfect spot to explore if you're looking to add something original to your style.

Love Nature and Need a Break from the City? Head to Roundhay Park!

As someone who enjoys long walks and connecting with nature, especially after a busy week at university, I highly recommend Roundhay Park for a relaxing weekend escape. It’s an amazing place to unwind and renew energies by the lake and soak up the benefits of nature, offering a serene outdoor experience (remember to bring snacks with you!).

And you might be wondering, What about Hyde Park & Headingley?

Hyde Park is an iconic spot for students in Leeds and a must-visit! I think, It’s perfect for socialising and chilling with friends, offering a lively and spontaneous atmosphere. During the summer, you can enjoy picnics, sunbathe, or engage in various open-air activities. Nearby, you'll find The Hyde Park Picture House, a charming venue for catching indie films. Headingley, on the other hand, is a vibrant university neighbourhood renowned for its wide variety of charity shops, bustling pub scene, and cozy cafes. Sports enthusiasts can catch exciting cricket and rugby matches at Headingley Stadium.

Live Music Lover? Don’t Miss Leeds Festival!

If you're in Leeds during the summer and are a huge music festivals enthusiasts, you absolutely cannot miss a weekend at the Leeds Festival, Bramham Park. This famous event happens every August and features biggest trendy artists (such as Billie Eilish last year!). It's the perfect way to wrap up your summer before the academic year kicks off. 

So there you have it— Start your adventure in Leeds as a Leeds Beckett Student. Whether you’re into food, history, art, music, shopping, or just chilling out, Leeds city has plenty to offer. Your journey here just begins!