Top Attractions in Leeds City Every Student Should Experience

Heritage is a big part of the city and it’s portrayed in its architecture, streets, food and cultural festivals giving them all distinctive characteristics. Everywhere you travel in Leeds, you will be amazed and in awe!

Try walking around in and around the area of your student accommodation in Leeds, you will surely spot a historical landmark!

Is Leeds fun for students?

Ye, the stunning architecture, museums, art galleries, food scene, festivals and nature are waiting for you to explore these most beautiful places in Leeds.

We’ve rounded up and made sure to cover everything you need to have a good and enjoyable student experience in Leeds.

List of things to see and do in Leeds for students

Top Historic Buildings in Leeds

Leeds is built on heritage and history, you can explore these beautiful historic sites from galleries to museums in Leeds.

Harewood House

The 18th-century historic centre took almost 30 years to complete and achieve its grand stature in the UK. This is a treasure building home to a large collection of art and a green pasture spread over 100 acres which includes a farm and bird garden. There’s always something going on here like an artisan market, candle and workshop and many other events.

Kirkstall Abbey

If you want to see the only Cistercian monasteries left in the UK, then visit this place. It was built in 1152, 800 years ago and ruined in 1182. If you want to witness the way monks lived during those years, there’s still some left, though there are ruins of the place. While you are here you can walk and enjoy nature through the woodlands of River Arie. There’s also a cafe if you want to grab some snacks or hot drinks too!

Leeds Art Gallery

If you are a fan of Francis Bacon and Jacob Kramer, you will see their artworks anywhere else from Leeds Gallery. As one of the top visited sites and art galleries in Leeds, be prepared to observe only the finest art collection of 20th-century British work in the country. It attracts a large population of the artistic community as they have paintings, sculptures, photography to even digital multimedia artwork.

Theatres in Leeds

Leeds is big on its drama, musicals, concerts, opera, dance and other forms of entertainment. Check out some of the best places to see theatres in Leeds. If your accommodation in Leeds is close by, you should visit these places once:

Leeds Grand Theatre

A fine classical example of Victorian theatre is the Leeds Grand Theatre! In 1878, it opened with a performance of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and ever since has been a hit show performed here! It’s a great place where you can watch Wicked to Shrek the Musical, West End musical tours, Opera North and shows from Northern Ballet.

Leeds Playhouse

This is a place where artistic communities meet together and tell stories through theatre works. It’s a creative hub where all art lovers come together and join in harmony with the characters, the places and a support to the local artist that shows creativity beyond just the city of Leeds.

Hyde Park Picture House

There’s no other place that holds this type of cinema hall built in 1914 and survived two World Wars. It’s one of the most popular spots for young lovers and is filled in the back rows. But you can enjoy some good cinema time alone or with friends at the most budget-friendly prices.

Markets and Food Places in Leeds

Want to eat, shop or even adore just the architectural sight of these places, head on to:

The Fisherman’s Wife

If your student accommodation is near Headingley, you can head to this place for fish and chips. It is a great place to hang out and the food is made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. You can also get locally crafted beers and cider to run down that food!

Leeds Kirkgate Market

This is one of the biggest markets in Europe which means you will find everything here. Whether it is vegetables, fruits, tea, snacks, spices, bakery food and award-winning pies. There’s also a line of street food kitchens at affordable prices!

Boss Burgers

If you want scrumptious burgers, this is the place to go and grab one with fries. They serve the best yet at the most affordable student-friendly prices. You can choose your toppings with onion rings on your sides. So, for easy quick meals you have to go to a place in Leeds.

Entertainment places in Leeds

Drinking and dancing are part of a student’s social life in Leeds to let off some steam from the mundane study routine. If you want to have some fun with friends, check out these places:

University of Leeds Students’ Union

The University of Leeds is quite regular in hosting parties for students to socialise, eat, gather, drink and get together as a student community. It is hosted in a huge beer garden/terrace which includes two nightclubs, bars, a food shop, a theatre, a gamezone, etc.

Bar Soba Leeds

For some Southeast Asian street food, head to this place and explore the menu! There are also vegetarian options for those of you who are veggie lovers! And, if you are in the mood for someplace to hang out and grab a few drinks, this place is close to many student accommodations.

Popworld Leeds

For days that you want to put on those dancing shoes, you can get dressed and part at Popworld Leeds. It’s a chill place where you can dance to those nostalgic pop beats with your friends, sing along and enjoy yourself while away from studies.

City Walks in Leeds

Everyday is like a walking tour for residents in Leeds, but if you get time you should explore the city more. Because the city is so compact, you will not miss out on the secret tales of the city.

Walking Tours

You can discover the city more with tour guides telling you stories and tales about the city’s history and the beginning of the landmarks in Leeds. They can be very informative and the best way to know the city of Leeds and its history. And, they cost only about 12pp, that’s worth the historical information!

Leeds Art Walk

If you are an artistic soul and want to discover some of the best art scenes in Leeds, take the Leeds Art Walk! Go out and check out the best street art that will take your breath away and make you trippy with the colours and artwork!

Leeds Country Way

While you are in Leeds, you shouldn’t miss out on its natural beauty, history and heritage. This is a circular walk that will take you through the countryside of Leeds where you will experience the lush, beautiful cottages, the farmlands, etc.

Shopping Places in Leeds

Where are the areas in Leeds city centre for shopping?

Trinity Leeds

It is one of the best-visited shopping and leisure centres in the city centre of Leeds. There are about 120 shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and cinemas in this complex. So, if you are looking for everything to do in terms of food, entertainment and mostly shopping, you should visit Trinity Leeds.

Victoria Quarter

It is a very old complex that stretches across two streets in Victoria St. It is a place for those who like high end fashion brands and designers. You can find Harvey Nicolas, John Lewis & Partners, Molton Brown and tons more. This high street is also a great place for food and boutiques.

White rose shopping centre

This shopping centre in Leeds is quite famous among students as it is a complex that houses shops, food courts and cinemas. It has two floors, and most of the shops are on the first floor while the rest of the entertainment and food are on the second floor!