In my opinion, Leeds is one of the North’s best cities but it’s often overlooked for the more popular Manchester and Liverpool.
There are loads of things to do in Leeds, and in this weekend in Leeds itinerary, we’ll narrow down the best of them to help you get the most out of this fab city!
Grab a cup of tea, settle down on the sofa, and let us help you plan a great weekend in Leeds.
Where to Stay for your Weekend in Leeds
Hotel: Briggate Boutique
Price per night: From £139 for 2 people
Address: 10 Lower Briggate, Leeds LS1 6ER
Phone number: 0113 213 6267
First, let’s start with where to stay. If boutique hotels are your thing, why not try Briggate Boutique?
Briggate is a unique high-end hotel located in the very heart of Leeds.
With only twelve rooms available, it’s a pretty exclusive experience to be able to stay here, so make sure you get your booking in early to avoid disappointment.
It’s above the quirky Viaduct Showbar, so if you’re a fan of fun bars with cabaret performances, then this is certainly the accommodation choice for you.
Hostel: Art Hostel
Price per night: From £55 for 2 people
Address: New York Rd, Leeds LS9 7DW
Phone number: 0113 248 0040
If hostels are more your vibe and you’re on a tighter budget, then check out Art Hostel.
Situated in a 19th-century building in the city centre, this is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a simpler yet comfy place to stay.
Each of the rooms has been designed by a different artist or designer, making it an incredibly aesthetically pleasing building.
With twin rooms starting at £55, this is an absolute steal for a weekend away!
Apartment: Quebecs Luxury Apartments
Price per night: From £139 for 2 people
Address: The Old Post Office, 3 Infirmary St, Leeds LS1 2HT
Phone number: 0113 285 6250
For those who prefer the option of self-catering, take a look at Quebecs Luxury Apartments.
Perfectly located near the centre, these apartments are the perfect home away from home.
They have 23 rooms available for booking, each equipped with full-sized fridges and stovetops to let you cook up a storm.
If you want a bit more independence in what you eat, then this is definitely an option worth considering for your time in Leeds.
But even if you don’t fancy cooking and just want your own space, this is the perfect place for that too!
Luxury boutique hotel: Dakota Leeds
Price per night: £123.30 for 2 people
Address: 8 Russell St, Leeds LS1 5RN
Phone number: 0113 322 6261
Finally, if your preferred accommodation style is contemporarily designed, then book a room at Dakota.
This is one for those who have a slighter larger budget, but it’s worth the extra pennies if you’re looking for luxury comfort.
The rooms are all very elegant with a neutral colour scheme, and the in-house cocktail bar, Salon Prive, looks out over the popular Greek Street.
You won’t find a better location than this!
Day One of your Weekend in Leeds
Early morning: Breakfast at fettle
Address: 73 Great George St, Leeds LS1 3BR
Phone number: 0113 244 3838
So, you’ve had some rest in your favourite accommodation pick and you’re ready to get up and start the day in Leeds.
Where do you start? Well, you’ll need breakfast, of course!
Head over to fettle, a cosy café near the Town Hall.
All of their delicious breakfast dishes come with a creative twist on much-loved classics – why not try the chai spiced red rice porridge or the salt beef benedict?
Whatever you choose, fettle is the perfect place for you to start your day with a nutritious and exciting meal.
Plus, it’s one of the best vegan restaurants in Leeds!
Late morning: Explore Leeds Art Gallery
Address: The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AA
Phone number: 0113 378 5350
After breakfast, take a walk down to Leeds Art Gallery, which is dedicated to showcasing the best of 19th and 20th-century British art.
This impressive gallery was founded in 1888 for Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, and over a century later its collections still delight visitors on a daily basis.
Art lovers, this is most definitely one for you.
Lunchtime: Eat and shop at the Corn Exchange
Address: Call Ln, Leeds LS1 7BR
When you’ve had your fill of art, stroll through the city to pay a visit to the Corn Exchange.
This gorgeous Victorian building is a retail space mixed with a food hub.
It’s home to some fantastic independent shops and boutiques which are a far cry from the chains that line the big shopping centres.
The ground floor houses some amazing indie food retailers, so grab some lunch while you’re here to save you time and enjoy it in the beautiful surroundings of the building.
Early afternoon: Shop at the Arcades
Next up, continue your shopping spree at the Arcades, a trio of arcades scattered around the city which have incredible elegant walkways and stunning shop fronts for you to lust over.
Again, this is perfect if you want to step away from the chains found in every other city, as the Arcades have practically no chain stores in their magical walkways.
Late afternoon: Relax at Headrow House
Address: 19a The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PU
Phone number: 0113 245 9370
After all that walking around, you’ll probably be dying for a sit-down and a drink.
Make a pit stop at Headrow House, which is near Queens Arcade and boasts two roof terraces, a beer hall and a restaurant.
On a sunny day, the roof terraces are wonderful for enjoying a couple of drinks while enjoying the weather.
And if you get caught out by typical British weather, then the beer hall is a fab option too!
Evening: Bar hopping on Greek Street
Grab some dinner (there are lots of great spots in the city) then make your way to Greek Street, a pedestrianised road that is the city’s hub for more upmarket bars.
Start at Neighbourhood, a lively bar that has loads of great spots for you to get the perfect Instagram in.
They also do a mean bottomless brunch – great for soaking up the alcohol the morning after!
After Neighbourhood, try The Alchemist, which, although a chain, never fails to impress with its chemistry-themed cocktails.
If you’re still ready to carry on the night after The Alchemist, get down to Tiki Hideaway, located in the equally popular Call Lane area.
Here you can enjoy fruity cocktails in a tropical setting, so you can basically pretend you’re on holiday somewhere exotic!
End your unforgettable night at one of Leeds’s many clubs.
You’ll find something to suit every music taste in this vibrant city.
Day Two of your Weekend in Leeds
Late morning: Brunch at Moose Coffee
Address: Bond Court, Wine St, Leeds LS1 2JZ
Phone number: 0113 244 3180
After a night of partying, you’ll probably want a slower start to the day.
So have a lie-in and roll out of bed whenever your hangover allows for it.
Hopefully, that will be by midday so you can make the most of your last day in Leeds!
If so, make your way to Moose Coffee, an American-style diner that serves up amazing breakfasts which are perfect to get rid of that horrid post-party feeling.
The huge stacks of pancakes are delicious, and if you prefer something savoury then how about steak and eggs?
There is tons of choice at this diner, so peruse the menu and tuck in.
Midday: Go for a walk at Kirkstall Abbey
Address: Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH
Phone number: 0113 378 4079
Next up, get some much-needed fresh air at Kirkstall Abbey, which is just a short trip out of town.
Here, visitors can take a walk through the 900-year-old abbey.
In the summer, they offer open-air cinema showings, so that could be something to do if you feel like you just want to relax.
The abbey has extensive grounds, so it’s the perfect place to get a breath of air to help refresh you.
Early afternoon: Watch a film at Hyde Park Picture House
Address: 73 Brudenell Rd, Leeds LS6 1JD
Phone number: 0113 275 2045
If you fancy the cinema but feel like you need to spend some time sitting in a dark room pigging out on popcorn, rather than catching a movie alfresco, then catch an Uber or a bus to Hyde Park Picture House, one of Leeds’s independent cinemas.
The cinema is located in a Grade II listed building and first opened up shop in 1914.
It’s popular among residents of the city, and we’re sure you’ll love it too, especially if you’re a fan of indie or foreign films.
It’s one of the best indoor activities in Leeds for good reason, after all!
Late afternoon: Visit Leeds Cathedral
Address: Cathedral Chambers, Great George St, Leeds LS2 8BE
Phone number: 0113 245 4545
After the film, take in some more of the city’s history with a trip to Leeds Cathedral.
It was designed in the gothic revival style and was rebuilt in 1901, and restored in 2006.
It’s an incredibly striking piece of architecture.
Even if you’re not religious, this is a sight worth seeing, as it’s a truly beautiful cathedral and one which the city is very proud of, so definitely make sure to check it out.
Evening: Dinner at Tharavadu or The New Conservatory
Tharavadu address: 7-8 Mill Hill, Leeds LS1 5DQ
Tharavadu phone number: 0113 244 0500
End your weekend in Leeds with a showstopping meal at Tharavadu, which boasts a Michelin recommendation (not quite a star, but still impressive in its own right!).
Tharavadu offers the best of south Indian Keralan cooking, and it is one of those restaurants that actually lives up to its reputation.
Generous portions and rich flavours are what you will find here.
We’re sure that you will absolutely love your meal at Tharavadu.
The New Conservatory address: Albion Pl, Leeds LS1 6JL
The New Conservatory phone number: 0113 246 1853
If you fancy something that’s a bit more pub-grub-esque, then The New Conservatory is for you.
Located in the city centre, this pub has an incredible food menu with delights such as a haddock scotch egg on offer.
The wild mushroom risotto is the best mushroom risotto I’ve ever had (and as a vegetarian, I’ve had a fair few, so that’s no mean feat).
But absolutely everything on the menu is drool-worthy.
Sunday to Friday they run a happy hour offer between 5 and 7, too.
So check that out if you fancy a drink or two to end your unforgettable weekend in Leeds.
Other Great Places to Eat and Drink During your Weekend in Leeds
As well as those I’ve already mentioned, there are absolutely loads of other amazing eateries and bars that you should check out during your weekend in Leeds.
Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen
Address: Cross Belgrave St, Leeds LS2 8JP
Phone number: 0113 234 6160
Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen is something of a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
It’s a three-floor venue which has space for live events as well as two bars and a roof terrace.
They also have some fab fast food on offer from Dough Boys, who are pizza masters, and Patty Smith’s Burgers, who serve up no-nonsense juicy burgers.
Both offer veggie and vegan options too, so there are no worries about not being able to find something for you!
La Taberna
Address: Britannia House, 16 York Place Basement, Leeds LS1 2EU
Phone number: 0113 245 0871
La Taberna is an incredible offering for any tapas lovers among you.
A family business serving home-cooked deliciousness, the dishes are created by people who love food and want you to love the food they are bringing to you too.
The restaurant has a warm atmosphere that makes you feel incredibly welcome as soon as you step through the door.
And their mouth-watering dishes will have you unable to stop ordering more!
The Maven
Address: 1 Call Ln, Leeds LS1 7DH
Phone number: 0113 242 3966
For a Prohibition-style speakeasy, stop by The Maven, which is tucked away behind closed doors.
This absolute gem of a bar is perfect for pretending you’re in the 1920s, living it up like Gatsby!
The cocktails are works of art, with some being served in quaint little teacups. It doesn’t get much cuter than that.
Cuckoo
Address: 37 Call Ln, Leeds LS1 7BT
Phone number: 0113 242 3966
Looking for a quirky cocktail party bar? Then Cuckoo is just what you’re looking for. It really is all in the name with this one!
There are surprises everywhere you look in this unique little bar, with rhino heads and neon lighting making it truly one-of-a-kind.
This is the perfect bar for a fun Instagram pic, that’s for sure!
They also serve up unreal drinks for you to enjoy. And if you feel you’re getting a little hungry, tuck into one of their delicious pizzas.
Hopefully, this itinerary will help you to plan the perfect weekend in Leeds!
There’s absolutely loads of stuff to do in this bustling city, and this weekend in Leeds itinerary has just shown you the tip of the iceberg!
It’s the kind of city that you’ll want to keep coming back to.
The friendly atmosphere and fun culture are enough to make this one of your favourite cities in the UK, let alone the North, that’s for sure!
Move over Liverpool and Manchester, there’s a new top dog in town.
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