The 22 best things to do in Leeds right now

What is it? Elegant, ornate covered Victorian shopping arcades comprising the Victoria Quarter, Grand, Queens and Thorntons. 

Why go? Not only are these neat and pretty rows of covered shopping malls beautiful to look at; there are also practically no chains to be found. Walk along the elegant walkways and admire the art nouveau shopfronts, mosaic floors, ornate wrought iron detailing and shimmering stained-glass roofs. For luxury fashion head to the Victoria Quarter, which houses shops like Louis Vuitton, Mulberry, Reiss and a huge Harvey Nichols, swig down a stiff drink at Santiago’s in the Grand Arcade, and find cool independents like Kapow Coffee serving steaming cups from local roasters, Village Books filled with avantgarde magazines and Weekend Skate Store in Thorntons. 

Don’t miss: Leeds’s arcades aren’t all vintage. The city’s newest shopping arcade Victoria Gate is a snazzy £165 million development that wouldn’t look out of place in Dubai. It houses the North’s flagship John Lewis store and a Clarins spa. 

What is it? A short trip out of town, Kirkstall Abbey and its adjoining Abbey House Museum lets guests wander through the ruins of a Cistercian monastery and learn about how the monks lived. 

Why go? This 900-year-old abbey is an architectural marvel as well as a haven for wildlife.

Don’t miss: In the summer months you can enjoy alfresco cinema among the ruins. 

What is it? A world-renowned contemporary sculpture gallery, where you can take in towering three-dimensional art, attend lectures on architecture and eyeball art at one-off exhibitions. 

Why go? To survey work inspired by (rather than created by) Henry Moore. Those familiar with the great sculptor should know that his own work can be found at Yorkshire Sculpture Park or his estate at Perry Green. The Henry Moore Institute makes for a great city-centre culture-fix. 

What is it? The oldest pub in Leeds. 

Why go? Yorkshire is riding high on the trend for craft beer and real ales, and Leeds is a great starting point to sample the best the county has to offer (it’s chock-full of independent breweries and pubs). But, no city pub crawl is complete without a visit to Whitelock’s. Tucked down a snicket off Briggate, this place is a proper historic gem with pints having been poured between its walls for over 300 years. It still has its antiquated stained-glass windows, brass barley twist columns and ceramic-tiled, copper-topped bar, plus there’s a cobbled courtyard for alfresco drinking. Whenever you visit expect a top-tier selection of local brews. 

Don’t miss: Complete your pub crawl by sipping pints at Northern Monk and North Brewing Co – two of the best craft breweries in Leeds. 

What is it? Opera voices reverberate, ballet dancers pirouette, and panto villains shout ‘oh no he didn’t!’ with theatrical gusto on the Grand’s stage.

Why go? Leeds Grand Theatre lives up to its name with ornate ceilings, an enormous, glittering chandelier, sweeping staircases and seating levels stretching up high into the clouds. This is a key venue for local troupes Opera North and Northern Ballet, which regularly put on classic, avant-garde or lesser-known productions (and showcase world-class talent). 

Don’t miss: Pub-restaurant The Brunswick, just around the corner, is a great place for pre-theatre drinks. 

What is it? A shiny new food hall in an old Victorian hall. 

Why go? A new arrival to Leeds’ thriving indie food scene – this place literally opened in August 2024 – White Cloth Hall is the city’s answer to the swanky food halls proliferating in cities like London and Manchester. It doesn’t dissapoint with a host of exciting food units lining the ground floor of the venture’s impressive Grade-II listed Victorian home on Crown Street. The food on offer includes Sicilian-style pizza and sandwiches from Morty’s Focacceria, Mexican street food from Salma, a grill and oyster bar from Lupton’s Chophouse and drinks including natural and organic wine from Field & Fawcett and cocktails from Sommer. 

Don’t miss: On a sunny day, grab a pint and sit out in the alfresco courtyard benches.  

What is it? One of the city’s longest-running club nights, combining banging beats with altruism. 

Why go? On weekend nights, don’t be surprised to find long queues winding down the city centre backstreet where Cosmic Slop’s home Hope House stands. What began as a one-off night in 2009, has turned into a cult clubbing institution with selectors including Four Tet, Mr Scruff and Caribou all having helmed the legendary audiophile soundsystem. Any kind of music is welcome, so expect to hear familiar and less-known genres on the dancefloor. Each night also acts as a fundraiser for the venue’s charity MAP, which helps provide education for children who can’t attend mainstream school. If you’re tired of mainstream and commercial clubbing, this is a grassroots breath of fresh air. 

Don’t miss: The renowned Sunday Sessions are perfect for catching local talent on the decks in a laidback atmosphere. 

What is it? With a history spanning more than a century (it opened just after World War I), Hyde Park Picture House is one of the UK’s oldest cinemas and the only surviving gas-lit cinema in the country. 

Why go? It promises a vastly superior experience to your usual mammoth screen complexes, with pocket-friendly prices, half-time ice-cream vendors and a programme of art-house, indie and foreign films. It’s also a stunning place to sit in. The Grade II-listed building still has its original gas lamps, a beautiful Burmantofts tiled surround, terrazzo flooring, stained-glass windows and vintage signs.

Don’t miss: Thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the cinema has undergone a much-needed redevelopment. 

What is it? A working men’s club turned music venue that’s arguably the jewel in Leeds’s music-scene crown.

Why go? To see the best new bands from both sides of the Atlantic and eat a pie, all under one roof. The Brudenell Social Club might be a bit of a trek away from Leeds city centre, but there’s a reason that it’s still one of the area’s most treasured venues. In the live rooms, you’ve got a lovingly programmed bill of bands from new faves to established big hitters; in the bar area, you can play darts and chow down on grub from Pieminister. What’s not to love?

Don’t miss: The iconic venue plays host to the annual Live at Leeds and Gold Sounds festivals.

What is it? Europe’s biggest covered market, packed full of some of Leeds’ most beloved street food stands. 

Why go? The palatial domes of Kirkgate Market stand out on the Leeds skyscape. Inside the ornate building, you’ll find 800 stalls where traders sell everything from joints of meat and scotch bonnets to knitting wool and make-up, all beneath a breathtaking glass ceiling. However, it’s the street food that takes this place to the next level. Grab a steaming bowl of pho from Banh & Mee, classic Istanbul-style fish wraps from Mr Mackerel, aromatic Caribbean meats from Jenny’s Jerk or traditional fish and chips. You won’t leave hungry, that’s for sure.

Don’t miss: Manjit’s Kitchen is a local legend. Be sure to try one of their famous, flavour-punching vegetarian Punjabi curries.