Lifestyle in Leeds

The lifestyle in Leeds is undoubtedly one of the highlights of living in the city. Rich in art and history, it’s also home to one of the biggest football teams in the world. With a burgeoning nightlife, great eateries and plenty of green spaces, Leeds offers a fantastic lifestyle with plenty to keep its residents entertained.

Shopping in Leeds

Leeds has something to offer shopping enthusiasts of all kinds, from budget hunters to lavish spenders. Victoria Gate and Victoria Quarter house a wide range of luxury and high-street brands within their stunning architecture.

Grand Arcade, another highlight, was built in 1867 and is famous for its independent craft stores. It also includes a hidden entrance to the Domino Club. The Leeds Kirkgate Market is a paradise for eco-conscious shoppers, with more than 800 stalls selling local produce, jewellery, clothing, and hardware.

Eating out in Leeds

The multiculturalism of Leeds has had a major influence on the local food scene. The city offers a delicious diversity of cuisines catering to all budgets and tastes.

Leeds’s thriving indie street food scene is vibrant and wide-ranging, with plenty of outdoor and indoor markets of all persuasions. Trinity Kitchen and the centuries-old Kirkgate Market are great spots to try everything from authentic Thai and Lebanese street food to American and Indian cuisine, with stall rotations every eight weeks at Trinity Kitchen.

If you want to splash out on a gourmet experience, look no further than the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Leeds, The Man Behind The Curtain. It’s headed up by world-famous chef Michael O’Hare. Meanwhile, newcomers looking to enjoy traditional British afternoon tea should head to The Grand Arcade.

Nightlife in Leeds

The nightlife in Leeds is one of the city’s best assets, with an array of live music venues, clubs, rooftop bars and pubs (some dating back to the 18th century). For a fantastic night out on the town, start in the city centre in Call Lane, which boasts a variety of establishments suitable for every budget and preference. If you prefer cosy and intimate spots, check out one of the many underground venues, wine clubs and jazz bars sprinkled across the city centre.

Outdoor activities in Leeds

Leeds has sprawling and awe-inspiring natural beauty. Residents looking for a breath of fresh air are spoilt for choice thanks to The Yorkshire Dales, which are a quick drive away, and the 700-acre Roundhay Park right in their backyard. Locals enjoy hiking, swimming and exploring the countryside villages and the Yorkshire coast.

See and do in Leeds

A city steeped in history and culture, Leeds offers plenty for new arrivals to see and do in the city. Below are some of our favourites.

Kristall Abbey

Founded more than 800 years ago, Kristall Abbey is one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in the UK. Visitors can take a guided tour of the ruins, go for a stroll through Abbey Park, or get their dose of retail therapy at the Kristall Abbey Market.

Royal Armouries Museum

The Royal Armouries Museum is a must-see for history enthusiasts. The museum hosts regular exhibits on five floors featuring relics and treasures from the National Collection of Arms and Armour. It’s a great day out for the family, and entry is free.

Leeds Art Gallery

Art lovers won’t be able to take their eyes off the exhibits at the Leeds Art Gallery. With 20th-century British paintings, photography, sculptures, and multimedia pieces by artists such as Alison Wilding and Francis Bacon, there is something to engage everyone.

Temple Newsam

With 1,500 acres of parkland and a 500-year-old Tudor-Jacobean house, Temple Newsam is guaranteed fun for the whole family. Visitors can explore the luxury house and learn about its secrets, while the children can run around the landscaped gardens or meet the animals at the farm.

Leeds Playhouse and Leeds Grand Theatre

The iconic Leeds Grand Theatre and the charming Leeds Playhouse are a must-visit for theatre buffs. The Grand Theatre stages big West End musicals on tour, while the Playhouse is the place to go for thought-provoking performances.

Meeting people and making friends in Leeds

The prospect of making friends in a new city can certainly be daunting, but the task is made much easier when everyone has a shared interest. Joining local sports or hobby clubs is the ideal way to meet like-minded people. Here are some of the recommended clubs in Leeds.

Useful links

• Meetup Leeds
• Spice Social Yorkshire
• Leeds City Athletics Club