Leeds holds its own with Europe’s great cities

Forget Barcelona, Rome and Paris. Stay close to home and rediscover the amazing city of Leeds. It’s got history, architecture, culture and nightlife and there’s plenty going on.

Shopping

The choice and quality of shopping in Leeds is second to none. It’s a compact city centre that packs a lot in – market stalls, chic boutiques, high street bargains and designer shops.

by Monika Kostera (urbanlegend)

There’s Victoria Quarter, Thornton’s Arcade and The Corn Exchange (pictured) but don’t miss the Victorian Grand Arcade in the hip and happening new Northern Quarter.
It’s one of the oldest shopping centres in the city and is a mecca for girls on the hunt for something out of the ordinary. With its spectacular glass roof, arched windows, wooden floors and original beams, you won’t go home disappointed.

Sport

Whether or not you’re a die-hard cricket fan, a visit to Headingley will bowl you over.
The ground has been hosting international cricket for 125 years. It has staged 73 Test Matches and 38 One Day Internationals.
Between May 29 and June 2 you can catch the Investec Test Match between England and New Zealand.
The pressure is on England to prove their mettle but, given the home side’s recent form, the smart money will be on the cricketing Kiwis to win.
Regardless of the outcome, you can watch all the action from the comfort of the brand new Carnegie Pavilion. From here you’ll enjoy a fantastic vista across Leeds as well as a bowler’s-eye view of the ground.

Good grub

Leeds is on the foodie fast track towards becoming the gastronomic capital of the North. The Leeds Food and Drink Festival is now in its tenth year, but 2015 sees the city celebrate food for an entire month between May 7 and June 7.
From Michelin starred fine dining all the way down to rustic street food, Leeds is the place to be if you want your taste buds tickled.

#LEEDSFEAST is pretty cool #Leeds #LeedsFoodMonth @LeedsFoodFest #BankHoliday pic.twitter.com/AgesJJRxrS

— PG&HL (@PG_HL) May 23, 2015

As well as the long-running festival, there’s also an Indie Food Festival and the Yorkshire Post Food and Drink Show which takes place in Millennium Square.
If that wasn’t enough, there’s the Leeds International Beer Festival in September.

Art

If it’s culture you’re after, look no further than Leeds. One of the world’s most renowned exhibitions, British Art Show 8, will open this October at Leeds Art Gallery.
It’s a touring show that runs every five years organised by the Hayward Gallery and it showcases the very best of established and emerging British contemporary artists. During its last tour in 2010/2011 it attracted 420,000 visitors during its tour of four cities.