The city that’s simultaneously proud of its industrial heritage and desperate to be seen as a modern, cosmopolitan metropolis. Here you’ll find an abundance of friendly locals who love nothing more than a good night out on the town, especially if it involves a pint of beer and a greasy kebab at the end of it. But don’t be fooled by the friendly facade, Leeds is also a fiercely competitive city where everyone is constantly striving to be the best – whether that’s in business, sport, or just looking good in their latest Instagram post. So if you’re looking for a place that’s equal parts grit and glamour, Leeds might just be the city for you
Postcode map of Leeds
Things to do in Leeds
Top things to do in Leeds
Try to navigate the impenetrable maze of one-way streets and roadworks that make up the city center. Bonus points if you can do it without getting honked at by an angry taxi driver.
Take a stroll through the lovely parks and green spaces, but watch out for the gangs of rogue squirrels that are known to terrorize unsuspecting visitors.
Visit the Royal Armouries Museum, where you can see all sorts of deadly weapons and armor – just make sure to keep your hands to yourself. Those swords are sharp!
Check out the impressive architecture of Leeds Town Hall, and marvel at how many pigeons can fit on one statue.
Go shopping in the bustling city center, where you can find everything from high-end designer boutiques to discount pound shops. Don’t forget to haggle!
Visit the Leeds Art Gallery, where you can see works by some of the world’s most renowned artists – or just take a nap on one of the comfy benches.
Catch a game at Elland Road Stadium, home of the mighty Leeds United. Just make sure to avoid the angry fans if they lose.
Take a tour of the historic Kirkstall Abbey, and try to resist the urge to stage your own medieval battle reenactment.
Visit the Leeds Kirkgate Market, where you can buy everything from fresh produce to dodgy knock-off DVDs. Don’t forget to haggle (again)!
Finally, round off your visit to Leeds with a night out on the town. With more bars and clubs than you can shake a stick at, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to let loose and party like it’s 1999. Just don’t blame me if you wake up with a headache and a vague sense of regret.
Places of interest by postcode
LS1: This is the heart of the city, where you’ll find all the best bars, restaurants, and shops. Just be prepared to battle your way through crowds of drunken students on a Friday night.
LS2: This postcode is home to the University of Leeds, which means plenty of cheap eats, questionable fashion choices, and the occasional protest. It’s also a great place to people-watch, if you’re into that sort of thing.
LS3: This postcode is a bit quieter than LS1 and LS2, but still has plenty to offer. Check out the Hyde Park Picture House for a dose of old-school cinema charm, or visit Woodhouse Moor for a lovely walk in the park (watch out for the rogue squirrels, though).
LS4: This postcode is home to the famous Leeds Beckett University, which means plenty of lively pubs and bars catering to the student crowd. Just be prepared to hear a lot of “woooooo!”s and “cheers!”s.
LS5: This postcode is mostly residential, but it’s worth checking out the lovely Kirkstall Abbey for a glimpse of history. Or, if you’re feeling brave, you could try to navigate the never-ending construction work on Kirkstall Road.
LS6: This postcode is another student hotspot, with plenty of cheap eats and lively bars. But it’s also home to some lovely green spaces, like Meanwood Park and Beckett Park, which are perfect for a picnic or a game of frisbee.
LS7: This postcode is a bit further out from the city center, but it’s worth the trip to visit the lovely Roundhay Park. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try your hand at scaling the towering walls of the Leeds Wall climbing center.
LS8: This postcode is home to the lovely Chapel Allerton neighborhood, which has a thriving food and drink scene. Check out the Seven Arts Center for live music and theater, or visit the many independent shops for some unique finds.
LS9: This postcode is mostly industrial, but it’s worth visiting the Northern Monk brewery for some top-notch craft beer. Just don’t forget to take a selfie in front of the giant fermenting tanks.
LS10: This postcode is home to the iconic Royal Armouries Museum, where you can see all sorts of deadly weapons and armor. Just be careful not to accidentally start a jousting tournament.
Food Scene in Leeds
Leeds has something for every palate, from the finest dining establishments to greasy spoons that will leave your arteries clogged for days. If you’re feeling fancy, you can’t go wrong with a meal at one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants – just be prepared to take out a second mortgage to pay the bill.
But if you’re on a budget, fear not – Leeds is also home to plenty of cheap eats that will satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank. Just don’t expect any culinary masterpieces – sometimes you just need a good old-fashioned kebab or burger to soak up the booze from a night out on the town.
Of course, no trip to Leeds would be complete without sampling the city’s famous Yorkshire pudding – a savory dish that’s a cross between a pancake and a popover. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a roast dinner, and can also be filled with all sorts of delicious things like sausages, beef, or even chocolate (if you’re feeling daring).
And let’s not forget about the local delicacies, like mushy peas, parkin (a sticky gingerbread cake), and rhubarb (which is grown locally and used in everything from pies to gin). Just be prepared to explain to your friends back home why you’re suddenly obsessed with eating pink stalks.
LS1: This is the place to be if you’re looking for fancy restaurants that will leave a hole in your wallet. But if you’re on a budget, fear not – there are also plenty of places to grab a greasy slice of pizza or a cheeky Nando’s.
LS2: This postcode is dominated by the student crowd, which means plenty of cheap eats and questionable food choices. But hey, when you’re living off of pot noodles and instant coffee, a Big Mac can seem like a gourmet meal.
LS3: This postcode is home to plenty of independent cafes and restaurants, where you can indulge in some organic, gluten-free, free-range, sustainably sourced, artisanal, locally roasted coffee (just don’t forget to Instagram it).
LS4: This postcode is all about the student life, which means plenty of kebab shops and fast food joints. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try some of the exotic cuisine on offer – like a chicken tikka masala pizza.
LS5: This postcode is mostly residential, but you can still find some great local pubs and eateries. Just be prepared to navigate the confusing one-way streets and potholes to get there.
LS6: This postcode is a student hotspot, which means plenty of cheap eats and late-night takeaways. But it’s also home to some hidden gems, like the vegan cafes and street food stalls in Hyde Park.
LS7: This postcode is a bit further out from the city center, but it’s worth the trip to sample the international cuisine on offer – like Lebanese, Turkish, and Polish food. Just be prepared to venture into some of the more sketchy parts of town to find them.
LS8: This postcode is home to the trendy Chapel Allerton neighborhood, where you can find everything from craft beer bars to vegan bakeries. Just don’t be surprised if you bump into a hipster or two on your culinary adventures.
LS9: This postcode is mostly industrial, but it’s worth visiting for the delicious food and drink at the Northern Monk brewery. Just be prepared to drink a lot of beer (which, let’s be honest, isn’t really a problem).
LS10: This postcode is home to some of the city’s best curry houses and Indian restaurants. Just make sure you have a glass of water (or five) handy if you’re not used to spicy food.
