Leeds: A stylish city break packed with concerts, shopping & cocktails!

Our go-to hotel is the 3* Ibis Styles Leeds City Centre Arena as it is right next to the arena with modern rooms and is usually a reasonable price to stay at. You get discount for staying in their carpark and free hot drinks in reception! It is also. We have also stayed at the 4* Hilton Leeds City, the 4* Clayton Hotel and the 4* Crowne Plaza.

For our last stay in Leeds we chose the Dakota Leeds Hotel. It was amazing! As soon as we arrived at the hotel, right in the centre of Leeds, we knew we were in a luxury hotel. It has contemporary, moody and sophisticated feel. Public spaces include a chic bar and lounge and a smart restaurant, and the guest rooms are just gorgeous ….  all with that “boutique city hotel” look and feel.

We went to a concert at the arena on our arrival day.

And then after our stay at the Dakota Leeds Hotel we had breakfast at The Ivy …. Which was a real treat!

Leeds is one of those cities that surprises people. Compact and walkable yet full of character, it blends Victorian arcades and grand civic buildings with cool riverside dining, independent shops and easy access to leafy parks. For a short break, it ticks a lot of boxes: great shopping, stand-out food and drink, big-name culture and plenty of places to slow down.

Shopping in Leeds: From Victorian Arcades to big-name brands, Leeds is often described as a shopper’s paradise, and once you step into its arcades you will see why. Start in the elegant Victoria Quarter, with its marble, mosaics and glass roof and where you will find many of the city’s luxury and designer names, chic boutiques and stylish cafés. A short stroll away, the circular Leeds Corn Exchange is one of the city’s most distinctive buildings and a must for anyone who loves independent shops with one-off fashion labels, record stores, and craft and vintage stalls.  plus relaxed coffee spots. It is ideal for finding something you will not see on every high street. Trinity Leeds is a modern shopping and leisure complex bringing together fashion, beauty, technology and casual dining. There are also characterful Victorian arcades like Thornton’s Arcade and Queens Arcade with quirky gift shops and jewellers and Kirkgate Market, one of the largest covered markets in Europe. You can pick up everything from fresh Yorkshire produce and street-food snacks to flowers, fabrics and household bits and pieces.

Culture & Sightseeing: Leeds has a strong cultural side, with world-class museums and galleries all within easy reach of the centre. In the Civic Quarter you will find Leeds Art Gallery, home to an impressive collection of British art and regularly changing exhibitions and next door, the Henry Moore Institute focusing on sculpture, with thoughtfully curated shows that are usually free to enter. Head down to the waterfront at Leeds Dock for the Royal Armouries Museum, which houses fascinating collections of arms and armour from across the world. It is engaging for adults and families alike, with interactive displays and re-enactments on selected days. The surrounding dock area has a relaxed, modern feel with waterside cafés and bars that are perfect for a drink by the canal. Back in the Civic Quarter, take a stroll past Leeds Town Hall and the neighbouring civic buildings. This is the more formal, historic side of Leeds, with grand Victorian architecture and wide open squares that often host events and festivals.

Food & Drink: From Northern Classics to Chic Cocktails, a city break in Leeds is as much about eating and drinking as it is about sightseeing. Scattered around the centre you will find everything from street food and gourmet burgers to modern British bistros and international cuisine. In and around the Exchange Quarter you will uncover coffee shops with a creative, bohemian feel, ideal for people-watching! Along the waterfront at Brewery Wharf and beyond, there are plenty of spots for drinks or dinner by the water. From rooftop bars and cocktail lounges to traditional Yorkshire pubs, Leeds has a vibrant nightlife.

Green Spaces: One of Leeds’ biggest surprises is just how green it is. Just a short drive or bus ride from the centre, Roundhay Park is one of the largest urban parks in Europe with lakes, woodland and formal gardens and Temple Newsam, another easy trip from the city, combines grand house, landscaped grounds and a working rare breeds farm.

Music, Events & Nightlife: Leeds is well known for its live music scene and events calendar. Aswell as headline concerts at the First Bank Direct Arena, there are intimate venues to larger stages, that hosts everything from indie and rock to jazz and classical. Depending on dates, you may be able to catch a show, comedy night or concert at the theatre. At different times of year, the city centre comes alive with events, markets and festive lights, which add an extra buzz to an already lively atmosphere.

If you would like help with a break in Leeds just let me know!