On 13th July 2026, one of our favourite Yorkshire cities has a very special celebration. It is commemorating an incredible milestone – 400 years since receiving its first Royal Charter from King Charles I. This marked the start of Leeds’ journey towards self-governance and city status. To celebrate this, we have put together a guide on some of the best things to do in Leeds.
If you are visiting for the day and want to pack in as much as you can, well, our guide is here to help. We cover markets, luxury shopping experiences, historic pubs, shows, excellent food and drink, and so much more. Ready? Let’s go and see what there is to experience in Leeds, Leeds, Leeds.
Here are Some of the Best Things to Do in Leeds
So, you’ve got a day trip to Leeds planned and want to fit a variety of experiences in. Here is our guide to some of our favourite things to do in Leeds, and we know you will just love them.
1. Wander through the Victorian Arcade
Whether you love shopping or just admire fine architecture, you need to visit the stunning Victorian Arcade. It features a highly detailed Art Nouveau interior and an elegant stained-glass roof. Once you’ve taken in the beauty of the place, you’ve then got all the wonderful shops to explore.
They have a mix of high-end shops, so if you are feeling fancy, you can indulge in luxury and get yourself a treat from jewellery and art to fashion and beauty. You’ll find names such as Berry’s Jewellers, Rolex Prestons, Jo Malone, Clarendon Fine Art, and Penhaligons. If you are feeling peckish after all that shopping, there are plenty of places to eat. Grab yourself a gelato at Amorino, feel like you are in Dubai at Habbibi, or enjoy an afternoon tea at The Ivy.
2. Visit the Oldest Pub in Leeds – Whitelock’s
If you love a tipple, well luckily there are plenty of amazing pubs in Leeds to choose from. One that we love is Whitelock’s, which holds the proud title of the oldest pub in Leeds. It dates all the way back to 1715 and was originally known as the Turk’s Head. In 1912, the pub received royal approval when Prince George, later the Duke of Kent, entertained a party there.
With such a fine history, it is no surprise that the pub is still loved to this day. The pub still boasts much of its decor from its 1886 refurbishment, including the marble and copper bar, tiled bar front, cast iron fireplace, and etched brewery mirrors. It offers an extensive British pub menu, alongside ales, beers, and so much more.
3. Relive History at Kirkstall Abbey
One of Leeds’ most historic sights, Kirkstall Abbey is one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in the whole country. Just over three miles from the city centre and bordering the River Aire, the abbey is definitely one of the best things to do in Leeds. Boasting over 800 years of history, the stunning structure can be admired still today, and if you visit at the right time of year, you might be treated to sights of snowdrops and spring blooms.
It is not just the fascinating history you can experience; they also hold events for all tastes and ages. Here are some of the things coming up at Kirstall Abbey:
King Arthur and the Holy Grail – Three Inch Fools present a legendary tale of Arthurian adventure and medieval mayhem.
Birds, Bees, Bats & Bugs – A fun family nature-inspired trail with crafty versions of the abbey’s bees, birds, bats and butterflies.
The Streets – The band perform their seminal album A Grand Don’t Come for Free in full for the first time.
The Maccabees – The band are playing a stint at Kirkstall Abbey this summer alongside Everything Everything, Mystery Jets, Maximo Park, and Fiona Lee.
For more information about what’s going on at Kirkstall Abbey, visit the official website here.
4. Get a Taste of South Korea at ‘Leeds Days’
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There are many excellent restaurants in Leeds, but there is one highly popular with a quirky back story. Ask yourself, what connects South Korea and ex-Leeds United and Manchester United footballer Alan Smith? A bit stumped, well, the delightful Korean restaurant ‘Leeds Days’ holds the answer.
In the summer of 2004, Leeds United’s Alan Smith did something unthinkable: he left the golden lands of Yorkshire and moved to bitter Lancashire rivals Manchester United. In his three years at Old Trafford, he failed to live up to the form he enjoyed at Leeds, where he had become a local hero.
This loss of form gave rise to the phrase ‘Leeds Days’, which means the peak of one’s life. This was initially an obscure phrase used by Korean football fans who were fans of the English game. However, it has spread to become a common phrase used by the 52 million living in South Korea, even though most have never heard of the player or Leeds for that matter.
The ‘Leeds Day’ restaurant is a wonderful place to eat, serving up authentic street food dishes such as Tokboki, Chicken Gangjeong, Bibimbap, and Japchae. There are plenty of vegan options on offer as well. So, get yourself some delicious scran whilst immersing yourself in a place inspired by a 2000s footballer (not every day you can do that!).
5. Visit one of Europe’s Largest Outdoor Markets
Opening its doors way back in 1857, Kirkgate Market is one of the largest indoor markets in Europe, and it is an absolute shopper’s dream. The Grade 1 listed building is filled with over 225 traders selling a range of products such as:
- Fresh Food and Drink
- Jewellery
- Flowers
- Haberdashery
- Books and Gifts
- Beauty Products
- So Much More!
Keep your eye out for special weekend events at the market such as record fairs, craft fairs, and vintage fairs.
Fun Fact: An immigrant named Michael Marks came to Yorkshire in 1884 and secured a stall at Kirkgate Market selling simple homeware. He had little money and very limited English; however, with a strong business mindset and using the slogan ‘don’t ask the price, it’s a penny’, he eventually built an empire, along with Tom Spencer, that became known as ‘Marks and Spencer’.
6. Stroll down the Leeds and Liverpool Canal
Feel like stretching your legs? Well, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is the perfect place to do that. As the name suggests, it was built to link Leeds and Liverpool, and no other canal in the country links two cities so far apart. It spans 127 miles and provides a wonderful setting for boating, walking, and wildlife-watching.
Don’t worry, we aren’t expecting you to take on the whole 127 miles, but on the Leeds Waterfront you’ll find vibrant cafés and bars, Leeds Dock, and just a relaxing place to stroll about. If you are feeling energetic, you can cycle (or walk) to the fascinating town of Saltaire, which is around 13 miles away.
7. Pop for an Ale at The Tetley
Those who’ve done their homework already will know that Leeds was once home to Joshua Tetley and Son, which at one time was the largest producer of cask beer in the world.
Despite the brewery closing its doors, you can still visit The Tetley for a pint at this magnificent piece of history and architecture. They serve locally brewed beers from Kirkstall Brewery, North Brewery, and Leeds Brewery, including Virtuous, Mango IPA, Flamingo IPA, Leeds Pale, Midnight Bell, and so much more. They also have international beers such as Veltins, Sierra Nevada, Erdinger, and, of course, Guinness. If you start feeling peckish, they also serve classic, homemade pub classics.
So, eat, drink, and be merry at The Tetley.
8. Catch a bit of live music at Belgrave Music Hall
Popular among foodies and music lovers in Leeds, Belgrave Music Hall is a fantastic destination all day long.
By day, guests can enjoy pizza from Dough Boys and burgers from Patty Smiths, alongside great beers and an uber-cool atmosphere. By night, the venue truly comes alive, with tons of gigs and events making up the weekly schedule, pop-up cinema nights and so much more to get stuck into.
Here is a quick overview of some of the events coming up at Belgrave Music Hall:
- Listening Group – Thom Yorke / Radiohead Special (July 27th)
- Swiftogeddon – The Taylor Themed Club Night (August 8th)
- Lowertown (September 3rd)
- The Jeff Beck Experience (September 4th)
- Jembaa Groove (October 10th).
For full listings, visit their website here.
9. Check out West End hits at Leeds Grand Theatre
Who said the theatre was just for London? Not us. In fact, Leeds Grand Theatre is just as appealing. Boasting an upcoming schedule of huge West End hits, those visiting Leeds can enjoy global productions from both Broadway and London’s most prestigious stages – with stunning 1800s architecture to take in while there.
So, if you are looking for a bit of culture when looking for things to do in Leeds, then check out the Leeds Grand Theatre. Here is a sample of their upcoming shows:
- The Sound of Music (10th July to 1st August)
- Tony Blackburn: Sounds of the 60s (August 5th)
- High Society (August 25th to August 29th)
- An Evening with David Jason (August 30th)
- Heathers: The Musical (September 1st to September 5th)
For full listings, check out their website here and have a memorable evening.
10. Enjoy a Cocktail or Two on Call Lane
No matter what corner you turn, you’ll find so many great bars in Leeds. However, one area in particular that is one of our favourite spots and should definitely be visited for a brilliant night out, is Call Lane.
Dotted with plenty of cool cocktail bars, the area of town is home to bars such as Roland’s Call Lane Social, Neon Cactus, Cuckoo, the Tiki Hideaway, The Maven and many more, all of which are perfect for kicking back with a cocktail, enjoying a bit of music and generally letting your hair down.
11. Challenge your mates to a game of darts at Flight Club
Love darts, good times, and great food and drinks? Well, this is the place for you. Providing fun for all occasions, Flight Club is the perfect bar to visit for those on the lookout for something a little different.
Consisting of a number of ‘oches’, guests can compete against their mates in several fun mini darts games, with a little something to suit everyone’s technique. Even if you have never played or watched darts, there is so much fun to have with your friends.
In addition to the game, the bar also offers a classic menu of cocktails, alongside tasty pizzas and an array of bottomless weekend events, too.
12. Try Michelin Guide cuisine served in a classic boozer
The Highland Laddie in Leeds has risen from the ashes after closing down in 2023, having been open for nearly 100 years previously. It was on the verge of becoming a convenience store until Sam Pullman had his say.
The pub is everything that you want from a pub upon entering. It has the old-world charm and look that just makes you want to sit down with your mates and waste an evening chatting nonsense whilst slinging back a few ales. Not only does it have that, but it also has some fantastic food on offer as well, which is why it’s been named top by the Good Food Guide.
13. Catch a Comedy Show or Dance the Night Away at The HiFi Club
Definitely somewhere to consider if you are looking for fun things to do in Leeds. Known for its live music nights and weekend comedy sessions, The HiFi Club is great for those looking to leave Leeds entertained.
Originally opened in 2000, the club has been the winner of both ‘Best Live Music Venue’ and ‘Best Night Club’ three times at the annual Leeds Bar and Club Awards. They pride themselves on independent charm and quality tunes.
They host an array of events to suit everyone; guests can enjoy Leeds’ finest independent comedy night every single Saturday, alongside DJ nights, live jazz bands, brass bands, salsa bands and so much more.
The venue has grown a glittering reputation over the years, with the likes of Katherine Ryan, Alan Carr and Chris Ramsey making appearances on stage at some of their recent comedy sessions.
So, if you fancy some laughs, banging tunes, and dancing the night away, then pay a visit to the HiFi Club.
Looking for More Things to Do in Leeds?
This list certainly isn’t exhaustive. Leeds is a wonderful place with endless fun experiences to have and places to explore. If you would like to learn about more of the best things to do in Leeds, then discover our Leeds archives.
If you want to go further afield and discover the best places to visit in Yorkshire, then explore our travel section.
Read more: 14 Of The Best Bottomless Brunches In Leeds That You Need To Try
[Featured image: SakhanPhotography – Adobe Stock]
