Things to do in Leeds

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic building with ornate stonework and arched windows.
A clock tower with a dome and two clocks, surrounded by trees and buildings.
A multi-level shopping mall with ornate architecture, including arched windows and a central staircase.
A garden with a pond, a statue, a bridge, and a building with a tower.
A stone building with a garden and outdoor seating.

Things to do

York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

P1,440
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
RHS Garden Harlow Carr Entry Ticket

RHS Garden Harlow Carr Entry Ticket

P1,330
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
RHS Garden Harlow Carr Entry Ticket
Nidderdale Driving Self-Guided Tour with an APP

Nidderdale Driving Self-Guided Tour with an APP

P935
per traveler
Nidderdale Driving Self-Guided Tour with an APP
MANCHESTER: Yorkshire Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

MANCHESTER: Yorkshire Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

P5,832
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
MANCHESTER: Yorkshire Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour
Yorkshire Dales Self Guided Driving Tour

Yorkshire Dales Self Guided Driving Tour

P937
per traveler
Yorkshire Dales Self Guided Driving Tour
CHESTER: Yorkshire Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

CHESTER: Yorkshire Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

P4,999
per adult
CHESTER: Yorkshire Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour
Leeds: Daily Guided City Center Walking Tour

Leeds: Daily Guided City Center Walking Tour (10:30am)

P1,186
per adult
Leeds: Daily Guided City Center Walking Tour (10:30am)
Daily Leeds City Walking Tour

Daily Leeds City Walking Tour (10:30am)

P1,186
per adult
Daily Leeds City Walking Tour (10:30am)
York 'Hidden Gems' Food Tour

York 'Hidden Gems' Food Tour

P6,778
per adult
York 'Hidden Gems' Food Tour
See all activities in Leeds
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. First Direct Arena

When First Direct Arena opened in 2014, Bruce Springsteen and Elton John set a high bar for the quality of artists who would appear here. Since then, a huge variety of entertainers have come, from Drake and Miley Cyrus to championship boxing matches to beloved local acts such as the Kaiser Chiefs. Don’t miss any of the action in the arena’s fan-shaped configuration. It is unique in the U.K., with the rear seats only 230 feet (70 meters) from the stage, rather than the usual 330 feet (100 meters).
Learn more
A modern building with a sign reading "First Direct Arena".

2. University of Leeds

Renowned for its research and teaching, the University of Leeds is also set apart by its campus, which unites a variety of divergent architectural styles in a celebration of British architecture throughout the 20th century. Grouped on well-manicured lawns just outside the Leeds city center, it welcomes more than 30,000 students each year from a variety of backgrounds. The university was the first in the region to accept women, Catholics and other disadvantaged groups. Go on a walking tour of its many striking buildings and have a picnic on the grass, as you watch the students go past.
Learn more
The Laidlaw Library with modern architecture, a stone tower, and a bus stop.

3. Royal Armouries

The Royal Armouries Museum is a comprehensive museum that displays a vast collection of weaponry spread across six galleries. Explore the extensive galleries and find displays of arms and armor organized into intriguingly curated exhibitions. Check out over 2,500 objects in the Hall of Steel or learn about the art of warfare and the history of hunting. Catch a live demonstration of jousting at the Tiltyard.
Learn more
A large elephant statue with a rider, surrounded by museum exhibits.

4. Roundhay Park

Roundhay Park is a public park with a wide diversity of environments and manicured gardens to discover. Find a selection of formal gardens, two picturesque lakes, a sports arena, a Greek-revival mansion and a collection of greenhouses that mimic different climates from around the world when you explore this 700 -acre (2.8-square-kilometer) park.
Learn more
A fountain in a park with a brick wall and a building with a clock tower in the background.

5. O2 Academy Leeds

One of the city’s most popular venues for music gigs, O2 Academy Leeds is based in the historic Coliseum. This iconic site has long been at the core of the city’s cultural events, having hosted political meetings, variety shows and a circus. Go to see some of your favorite groups and solo artists in this majestic arena.
Learn more
A black SUV parked in front of a building with a glass facade and a sign reading "Portland Gate."

6. Leeds Grand Theatre

A historic venue in the heart of the city, the Leeds Grand Theatre offers an eclectic program of opera, ballet and musicals. Dating back to the late 19th century, the landmark stands out with its redbrick façade covered in Romanesque and Scottish baronial designs. Attend a performance in the majestic setting of the theater’s 1,550-seater auditorium.
Learn more
A grand staircase with red carpeted steps leading to a high ceiling with ornate decorations.

7. Kirkstall Abbey

Kirkstall Abbey is a breathtaking monastic monument and one of the best-preserved examples of an abbey of its type in Britain. The Cistercian abbey was established in 1152 and its magnificent stone church, chapels and cloister remained in use for nearly 400 years. Today, you can walk amid the quiet ruins set in a grassy parkland and trace the history of the monastery complex through interactive exhibitions and an informative visitor center.
Learn more
An ancient stone building with arched windows and a central tower, surrounded by a grassy area and trees.

What to do in Leeds

Stay near popular Leeds attractions

A modern building with a sign reading "First Direct Arena".

First Direct Arena

8.8/10 (519 reviews)
First Direct Arena's innovative "super theatre" design ensures all 13,000 seats directly face the stage for exceptional viewing. Experience world-class performances in this award-winning Leeds venue.
See properties

Where to stay in Leeds

Find the best Leeds areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Leeds
Learn more about Leeds
A street with buildings, including a theater and a box office.

Leeds City Center

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Leeds City Center. Make a stop by Trinity Leeds Mall or Briggate while you're exploring the area.

A grand, multi-level atrium with a glass dome ceiling, ornate railings, and multiple levels of shops and seating areas.
Photo by Mark Anderson
Open Photo by Mark Anderson

Arena Quarter

If you're spending some time in Arena Quarter, Leeds Grand Theatre and City Varieties Music Hall are top sights worth seeing.

A modern building with a cylindrical design, a historic building with a sloped roof, and a canal with a bridge.
Photo by David Dixon
Open Photo by David Dixon

Holbeck Urban Village

Holbeck Urban Village might not have many top sights, but Canal Wharf and Leeds City Square are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

A pedestrian bridge over a river with buildings in the background.
Photo by Tim Green
Open Photo by Tim Green

Leeds Dock

Shopping, restaurants, and waterfront views are just a few things travelers enjoy about Leeds Dock. Check out Royal Armouries or TeamSport Leeds while you're exploring the area.

An ancient stone building with arched windows and a central tower, surrounded by a grassy area and trees.

Kirkstall

While there might not be top attractions in Kirkstall, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Headingley Stadium and Hollywood Bowl.

A historic building with a clock tower, a fountain, and a cobblestone plaza.

Bradford

A large stone building surrounded by lush greenery and a calm lake.

Wakefield

A historic building with a large dome and clock tower.

Harrogate

A narrow canal with a red and yellow boat docked on the left, a paved path with people walking and a dog, and lush green trees lining the path.

Shipley

A stone wall on a hillside with a valley in the background.

Dewsbury

A river with a blue structure partially submerged, surrounded by trees and a fence.
Photo by Tim Green (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0)

Idle

A person standing on a rock with a clear sky in the background.

Stainburn

A paved path leading through a grassy park with picnic tables and a green bench.
Photo by Betty Longbottom (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Lofthouse

Frequently asked questions

Is Leeds worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Leeds is explore Alhambra Theatre. Check this top sight off your itinerary, then discover more of this area's walking trails and views.
How do I spend a day in Leeds?
Diggerland Yorkshire and Tropical World are two awesome places to kick-start your vacation adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and retail options in Leeds while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Leeds?
The top tourist attraction in Leeds is Alhambra Theatre, so be sure to add it to your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Leeds?
You can easily tour leading attractions like Leeds Grand Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse and Tropical World with a three-day break in Leeds. On average, most travelers plan two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so linger longer and head to York.
Is Leeds a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Leeds, including Leeds Grand Theatre and West Yorkshire Playhouse, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.32 kilometers from the city center of Leeds is Leeds City Center and Holbeck is 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Leeds with kids?
If you're looking for attractions and activities for all the family, here are some great ideas for what to do in Leeds with kids.
What to do in Leeds for adults?
First Direct Arena and Briggate are just a few of the things to do in Leeds. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Leeds?
From checking out parks to wandering around vibrant neighborhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Leeds. If you're in need of ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Hollywood Bowl is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their traveling adventures.