Leeds/Central
Central district of Leeds. It contains the following notable areas:
- Civic quarter - north of the railway station, focussed on Millennium Square. Many museums and galleries can be found in this area as can two major educational institutions.
- Central shopping district - north and north east of the railway station.
- Exchange quarter - east of the railway station, centred on the Corn Exchange. Home to many quirky independents, bars and cafes.
- Gay Village - east of the railway station around Lower Briggate.
- Financial district - north west of the railway station. The attractive Georgian-era Park Square is at the centre.
- Riverside - south of the railway station. The converted granaries are now home to shops and restaurants, while new developments bring upmarket shopping to Leeds. The Royal Armouries museum can be found at Clarence Dock.
- Holbeck - south of the railway station. Once the industrial heart of Leeds, this district has been regenerated into a creative industries quarter with trendy bars spilling into cosy public spaces.
See
Millennium SquareThere is generally something going on! A great public space home to some gorgeous civic architecture (including Leeds Civic Hall - council offices built in 1933), concerts, exhibitions, ice rinks, Christmas markets.
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address: Millennium Square, LS2 8BHThe Leeds Story is the main draw for visitors, but there are also galleries of natural history and ancient Roman and Greek history. The museum is in the imposing Leeds Institute building.
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address: The HeadrowThe city's symbol and pride and joy, one of the world's finest Victorian buildings, and home to a dazzling array of concerts, particularly during the city's popular and extensive International Concert Season. The restored interior is stunning.
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address: The HeadrowThe world of modern and classical art is at your disposal here in Leeds. It has a small but interesting range of exhibits, and is a great place to kill half an hour. Free.
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address: 74 The Headrow, LS1 3AHSmall sculpture gallery and library.
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Victoria Quarter including County Arcade
address: BriggateWhen the Victorian civic authorities sought to improve the sights and foul smells of Briggate and the city centre, they demolished some of the city's dirtiest yards, alleyways, shambles and lanes and built covered shopping arcades filled with fine establishments. These catered for the refined tastes of the growing moneyed classes of Leeds. This rebuilding continued into Edwardian times and the legacy is some of Europe's finest, most elegant shopping locations. Today these arcades are home to some of the most exclusive designer shops in Great Britain (Vivienne Westwood, Hugo Boss, Luis Vuitton and Harvey Nichols to name a few). -
address: Vicar LaneThis traditional British market is largest in Europe. Housed in an opulent late Victorian palace to commerce, it has both indoor and outdoor stalls. Marks and Spencer had their first establishment here called, 'Marks Penny Bazaar'.
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address: Call LaneShopping in surroundings to rival any of Leeds' fine arcades. Located just to the south of Kirkgate markets on Vicar Lane. Designed by Cuthbert Broderick and architecturally based on the Paris corn exchange. A largely elliptical building, crowned with a great glass dome roof, that allows light to stream in even on the greyest Yorkshire winter mornings - necessary because grain traders required good lighting to determine the quality of the grain. (Broderick was also architect of Leeds town hall and the Leeds Mechanics' Institute, Millennium Square, Two shops designed by Broderick still survive opposite the Mechanics Institute on Cookridge Street, now converted into a cocktail bar.)
St Pauls HouseA stunning building built in an ornate Middle Eastern style, with minarets, complex stone carvings, and colored tiles on the facade.
Park SquareA lovely Georgian square reminiscent of Dublin, and is often an overlooked haven of tranquility in the city centre. (Hard to find without a map)
City SquareWith old Post Office and imposing Queens Hotel.
Churches
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address: Cookridge StreetSmall, but an extremely interesting example of an Arts and Crafts, 19th-century Catholic cathedral - unique within the UK.
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address: New BriggateHidden away within peaceful gardens lies this true gem, built just before the English Civil War, it has beautiful ornate woodwork in its charming interior, and architecturally it is an extremely rare example of a 17th-century double nave design.
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Oxford Place Chapel
address: Oxford PlaceLovely 19th-century, red-brick baroque church. -
address: KirkgateAn attractive and fairly large neo-gothic church with a renowned choir and concerts from time to time. During the rebuilding of the Parish church in Victorian times, the original Saxon crosses where Leeds folk would have worshipped in the 8/9th centuries (well before the first church of Leeds had been founded) were unearthed in the medieval tower and is permanently on display inside.
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address: Boar LaneAn unassuming location and exterior hide an elegant baroque interior, built for the merchant class by subscription and donation so they could worship well away from the lower working classes of the city. The Iconic spire of Holy Trinity has dominated the skyline of the city for hundreds of years and was restored in 2006/7.
Do
Theatre & comedy
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phone: +44 113 376 0318address: 3 Millennium SquareHome to the city's impressive range of amateur dramatic and musical groups, including the acclaimed Leeds Youth Opera
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phone: +44 113 243 0808address: Swan StWorld famous and has even had Charlie Chaplin tread the boards. Home to a mix of shows.
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phone: +44 844 848 2700address: 46 New BriggateMajor shows (often straight from the West End); also this is the home of the world famous (and extraordinarily good) Opera North who perform a wide repertoire of operas and operettas.
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phone: +44 113 213 7700address: Playhouse Square, Quarry HillMore adventurous and often performs world premiers and encourages local talent - well worth a visit. Lucky travellers may arrive in time for one of the themed, almost festival-style programmes.
Cinemas
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address: The Light Plaza, The Headrow, city centreModern 13-screen multiplex cinema with huge screens.
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address: Trinity, Briggate, city centreCinema complex in the Trinity shopping centre.
Eat
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phone: +44 113 245 5667address: St Peter's Square, Quarry Hill, city centreAn expanding Bradford-based chain of quality curry houses. Traditional Indian and Pakistani cuisines available
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phone: +44 113 245 6566address: 15 Eastgate, city centreA chain of excellent curry houses. Try the masala fish!
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phone: +44 113 243 8243address: 42 Call Lane, exchange quarterOne of the oldest establishments in the Exchange Quarter, with a friendly-relaxed vibe and food to die for at very reasonable prices (the desserts are especially delicious).
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phone: +44 113 243 0905address: Criterion Place, Sovereign Street,city centreWonderful Italian food served in a fantastic Art-Deco restaurant - packed with local regulars who know a good thing when they eat it!
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Little Tokyo
phone: +44 113 243 9090address: 24 Central Rd, Exchange QuarterMulti-award winning Japanese place. -
phone: +44 113 242 9688address: Electric Press,6 Great George Street, City CentreHighly recommended Chinese restaurant.
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phone: +44 113 244 0400address: The Light, 44-48 The Light The Headrow, City Square, city centreAll-you-can-eat buffet restaurant on Headrow.
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phone: +44 113 244 4496address: 81 Kirkgate, City CentreFantastic authentic Iranian cuisine.
Splurge
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phone: +44 113 220 6060address: Victoria Mill, Sovereign StOwned by world famous chef Raymond Blanc.
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Fourth Floor at Harvey Nichols
phone: +44 113 204 8888address: Victoria Quarter, 107-111 BriggateRenowned Leeds branch restaurant has been going strong for years with an innovative menu tailored to the seasons. Despite the swanky location, it is surprisingly unpretentious and not ridiculously pricey. -
phone: +44 113 244 0108address: The Basement, Quebec House, 9 Quebec St, financial quarterFantastic dining experience below street level in this exclusive-but-well-worth-it restaurant. Does a very good value early bird menu, but you need to book in advance at the weekend.
Cafés, coffees and light meals
As well as a plethora of fine restaurants, Leeds also has a huge range of cafés and places for a drink or light bite. Of course there are countless Starbucks, Caffe Neros, Costa Coffees, etc. but there is also a strong showing from independent places. Many of the above restaurants will do smaller meals and lunch menus during the day but here are a pick of some Leeds cafés:
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address: City Square; The Light Plaza, The Headrow and Swan Street, all city centreRapidly expanding Leeds bagel chain, with a massive range of bagels and fillings, all extremely tasty.
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address: The Light Plaza and Call LaneAn espresso bar that is open until 10 or 11PM most nights. Excellent coffee and good food.
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address: Briggate, City CentreHigh quality treats that won't break the bank.
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address: 41 St Paul's Street, financial quarterTop quality sandwich deli and juice bar.
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phone: +44 113 242 8313address: 10 Grand Arcade, City CentreQuality vegetarian café with a relaxed atmosphere.
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Tiled Hall Café
address: The Headrow, City CentreA magnificent tiled hall linking the city library and city art gallery next to the Town Hall. A must for any visitor, and pop in the gallery and library for a free look round.
Drink
Pubs and bars
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phone: +44 113 245 5432address: 43 KirkgateA 'locals' pub.
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phone: +44 113 242 9977address: Electric Press, 12 Great George Street, City CentreHigh-quality champagne bar.
Fab CaféGreat place to visit if you like your music away from the mainstream, and they have what seems to be an original 'Star Wars: The Trilogy' arcade cabinet!
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phone: +44 113 243 1110address: 29 Call Lane, City CentreThought of by many as having the best drinks in the city, and is on one of the city's busiest bar strips.
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phone: +44 330 111 0010address: 36 Call Lane, City CentreSexy and stylish, has bucket-loads of atmosphere and great drinks.
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Milo
address: 10 Call Lane, City CentreBohemian, has bucket-loads of atmosphere and great drinks. DJs and often a bit of dancing too. -
phone: +44 845 611 8643address: Northern Quarter, 18 Merrion StOld favourite still going strong with a wonderful, friendly atmosphere and drinks to die for.
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phone: +44 113 242 4540address: 24 New Briggate, City CentreUnrivalled beer selection! Was named best place to drink in Britain by The Observer.
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The Palace
phone: +44 113 244 5882address: Kirkgate -
phone: +44 113 243 4590address: Bishopsgate StreetReal ales.
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Victoria Family and Commercial Hotel
phone: +44 113 245 1386address: 28 Great George StA refurbished Victorian gem. -
phone: +44 113 245 3950address: 4 Turk's Head YardA great 18th-century historic pub, one of the most impressive (and oldest) in Leeds.
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phone: +44 113 383 8800address: 6 St. Peter’s Square, Quarry HillFamed for its diverse range of quality live music, including a strong jazz offer. With bar and food.
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phone: +44 113 295 6060address: 76-78 North StLaid back, loungy bar, also does great food.
Clubs
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phone: +44 113 242 7353address: 2 Central RdRegularly voted the best club in the city, it has a range of quality nights out playing excellent music in easy-going yet chic surroundings... expect everything from jazz to reggae to hip hop. Featuring live Comedy every Saturday evening and live music at The Sunday Joint every Sunday, HiFi is the truly diverse venue that every city deserves!
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phone: +44 870 122 0114address: 8 Heaton's Ct,Very trendy. Ranging nights, from Glasshouse to Purrfect Electro this has it. It also has some gay nights.
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My House
address: Brick StHome of one of the UK's biggest club nights: Back to Basics (Sa). -
phone: +44 113 246 1030address: 11 Hirst's Yard,Great Thursday nights (Habit) and great weekends sometimes too! Although Fridays and Saturdays are to be avoided unless you know it will be busy, it's not really a Friday or Saturday night place.
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phone: +44 113 234 0980address: 2-8 Call LaneWire pushes quality underground music in a personal setting. The club is powered by a full Funktion One Sound system, fuelled by an eclectic range of spirits and beer from around the globe, and is a favourite home to world class DJs.
Sleep
Budget
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Hotel ibis budget Leeds Centre
address: 2 The Gateway North, Crown Point Road -
phone: +44 113 345 3363address: 83 Kirkgate, LS2 7DJA hostel with a twist. Each room exhibits works by local artists, which understandably makes this more expensive than your average hostel, but not bank-breakingly so.
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phone: +44 1132 459046address: 1 Lisbon St, LS1 4LYPerhaps Leeds' only true backpacker hostel.
Splurge
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address: 10 SwinegateA short walk from the train station, Harvey Nichols, and the finance district. Award winning Aparthotel right in the heart of Leeds' vibrant City Centre in the Swinegate area. LCD TV, Apple Mac computers, free Wi-Fi and free Grab & Go Breakfast.
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phone: +44 113 244 0099address: 42 The CallsOffering boutique luxury in a quiet waterfront setting only minutes from the bars and clubs of the Exchange Quarter and the city centre shops.
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phone: +44 113 426 0047address: 1 SwinegateThree minutes walk from the City Rail Station, in the Swinegate area of the city.
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phone: +44 113 245-0841address: King StreetA 4-star hotel offering 120 bedrooms, 18 event suites and a restaurant, housed in a Grade II listed building built with a Victorian terracotta façade.
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phone: +44 844 415 6720address: Boar Lane City SquareFunky hotel in a prime location with great views on the upper floors.
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phone: +44 113 244 8989address: 9 Quebec StStunningly refurbished building housing one of Leeds' finest and most luxuriant hotels in a prime location.
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phone: +44 113 243 1323address: City Square, City CentreOne of Leeds' oldest hotels, its dramatic Art Deco façade and old world charm and style ensure it remains a favourite.
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address: The Light Plaza, The Headrow, City CentreThe Radisson Blu, Leeds is a Grade II listed building located in the city centre.
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address: The Old Post Office, 3 Infirmary St, City Square, City CentreServiced apartments in the Old Post Office.
Self-catering
A useful alternative to hotels can be to stay in self-catering accommodation. There are a number of serviced apartment providers in Leeds, with many apartments in the city centre.-
address: Whitehall RoadOver 30 apartments available, in 9 apartment blocks. All apartments are in city centre locations, and all are en-suite.
Go next
- Other districts of Leeds:
- North East Leeds
- North West Leeds including Headingley
- West Leeds
- South Leeds
- East Leeds