How To Spend One Day in Leeds in 2024: Epic Leeds Itinerary

I’ve worked in Leeds for over ten years now, and I’ll admit to being slightly biased when I say: there’s tons to love about spending one day in Leeds.

The compact city centre is really walkable, and there’s so much history, stunning architecture, fun and incredible world foods tempting you to visit Leeds.

So, if you’re looking for an epic one day in Leeds itinerary, look no further… here’s what I’ve lined up for you (including some lesser-known spots that hardly anyone mentions!)

One Day in Leeds: Morning

I recommend starting your fabulous one day in Leeds at Leeds City Square.

Whether you arrive in Leeds by coach, car or train, City Square is easy to find as it’s directly opposite the main entrance to Leeds Central train station.

City Square

The first thing you’ll notice is the massive equestrian statue of Edward, the Black Prince (1330–1376), towering over you! The statue is so large it had to be cast in Belgium and shipped to the UK, as it was too large to be made in the UK then!

You’ll also see eight torch-bearing nymph statues called the “Drury Dames”. When they were unveiled in 1899, there was public outcry about their “scandalous” state of undress, as they are draped in the merest whisps of fabric!

The Headrow

From City Square, a seven-ish minute walk continues your Leeds itinerary along Infirmary Street and East Parade to the Headrow, where you’ll find many of the city’s civic and cultural buildings, including Leeds Town Hall, Leeds Central Library, Leeds Art Gallery, and the Henry Moore Institute.

You’ll likely want to grab photos on the fabulous sweep of steps up to the Town Hall and the beautiful twin Victorian staircases in Leeds Gallery.

If you have time, grab a quick cuppa and a slice of homemade cake at the stunning Tiled Hall Café in the Art Gallery. Or just pop your head in to admire the beautiful ceiling 🙂

Victorian Arcades

From the Tiled Hall Café, a gentle 10-minute walk will take you to Leeds’s very own shopping heaven. The incredible Victorian shopping arcades are my absolute favourite part of this great city!

Scoot along the Headrow; you’ll turn right into Lands Lane, then left into Thornton’s Arcade. Check out the quirky, independent stores and historic Leeds Variety Hall theatre entrance as you wander through this cute slice of history.

But the best is yet to come…

Exiting onto Briggate, turn right, looking out for the entrance to the “piece de la resistance” – the gorgeous County Arcades (Mulberry is on the corner).

The whole place is gorgeous – from the designer stores to the architecture. Prepare to be wowed!

I could spend hours browsing the high-end boutiques in this hidden-away piece of retail perfection, including Vivienne Westwood, Louis Vuitton and Kurt Geiger.

Even if you don’t plan to shop, it’s a gorgeous place to window shop, or people watch (in a non-stalkerish way).

I love the Leeds shopping arcades so much; I had a photo shoot here with a photography student who wanted a “subject” to practice on.

I look like a gargoyle (not her fault – I’m the least photogenic person on the planet), but you can see how gorgeous the architecture is!

Kirkgate Market

Exiting the hallowed halls of designer shopping onto Vicar Lane, you’ll cross the road and change pace as you head into the historic Kirkgate Market.

As one of Europe’s biggest indoor markets, Kirkgate is a bargain shopper’s paradise with everything from fresh food and drink to fashion, jewellery, flowers, hardware and haberdashery.

The street food in Kirkgate market is amazing – and incredibly inexpensive. It’s a real fusion of food from around the world.

My absolute favourite is Manjit’s Kitchen for the delicious, no-frills vegetarian Indian food, but I have to shout out Fat Annie’s awesome plant-based burgers and the Fisherman’s Wife for “proper” fish and chips too.

Pro Tip: Take a quick break from your Leeds itinerary here. Leeds market is the perfect spot for a quick and tasty lunch.

Leeds Itinerary: Afternoon

Fully fuelled and ready to continue exploring on your one day in Leeds, it’s time for a short stroll over to the fabulous Leeds Corn Exchange.

The Corn Exchange

The beautiful architecture, stunning sweeping staircases and eclectic mix of tiny local boutiques make this a very popular spot.

I love how every door is painted a different colour

Pro Tip: The Great Yorkshire Shop is the perfect place to find quality local items for souvenirs or gifts.

Drag yourself away, as you’ve one more exciting place to visit this afternoon!

Royal Armouries Museum

The Royal Armouries Museum holds the UK’s national collection of arms and armoury and is like stepping into history. It’s also free to visit and has a beautiful location on the Leeds to Liverpool Canal.

Every time I visit, I find something new to enjoy, but my absolute favourite is the Asia and Africa gallery, while my son loves the impressive “Hall of Steel”.

I like to take a scenic walk to the Royal Armouries Museum along the River Aire via Leeds station in fair weather. It takes around 20-25 minutes from the Corn Exchange.

Alternatively, an Uber will whisk you there for less than £10 if your legs are getting tired from a day of sightseeing or the weather is not behaving 🙂

I think taking a water taxi is the best way to travel back to Leeds city centre. For just £2 per person, these quirky little yellow boats depart from the dock right next to the Royal Armouries.

On your short ride back to Granary Wharf, right next to the station, you’ll have a perfect view of Leeds from a fresh angle!

Evening

Once you’ve finished sightseeing, it’s time to return to the city centre for some evening fun and to snag some memorable after-dark photos.

Sunset at the Sky Lounge

First is a quick visit to the Sky Lounge for cocktails (or mocktails) at sunset. It’s conveniently found at Granary Wharf, moments from Leeds Station. The city views from your 13th-floor vantage point will be epic!

Dinner & Drinks

To finish off your perfect one day in Leeds, you should end with a delicious dinner and maybe a few drinks.

Personally, I’d recommend you stay in the city centre so that you can keep admiring those pretty nighttime views. Here are some amazing places to stay >>

Leeds has a ton of truly excellent restaurants. These are some of my favourite centrally located places for dinner and drinks:

• Ox Club – great for modern British fare (the baked Alaska is mind-blowing!)
• great for simple bar food and even better for cocktails 🍸🍹
• Sous Le Nez – the best place for fine French dining and amazing service. It’s a lovely venue for a romantic date night ❤
• La Taberna Leeds – a small, intimate gem offering authentic Spanish tapas. I recommend you try the signature chorizo al vino 🍷
• Tattu Leeds – is a Chinese restaurant with great food and the most beautiful decor. Another brilliant date night choice 🙂
• Riveresque Cafe – I also have to mention this superb little cafe on the riverside. It’s astonishingly good value and serves the best breakfasts in Leeds 🙂

Well, there you have it… my top recommendations for how to spend the perfect one day in Leeds.

If you’re interested in more Leeds and Yorkshire travel destinations, check out the posts below:

• Where to Stay in Leeds: 5 Best Areas & Places to Stay (2024)
• My Great Big Yorkshire Bucket List
• 15 Incredible Day Trips From Leeds
• How to Get From Leeds Airport to Leeds City Centre
• 27 Interesting Facts About Leeds You Probably Didn’t Know!
• Discover 21 of the Most Instagrammable Places in Leeds, UK

Thanks for stopping by!

Coralie

xoxo

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