A large stone building with white text overlay that reads "THE PERFECT DAY IN Leeds"

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After 3 years living in Leeds, I completely fell in love with this unassuming little city in Yorkshire.

Recently, a friend reached out and asked what my perfect day in Leeds would be.

This is what I told her:

10AM | Starting the day at Leeds Art Gallery.

A quiet browse through the collection at the Leeds Art Gallery was my favourite thing to do in the city. If I was feeling a little off or in need of inspiration, this is the first place I would go.

Polaroid style photos. One depicts a large, old stone building. The other in an art gallery, A red wall holds several large paintings. A man stands in front of a large painting of a mountain.

10:45AM | The Tiled Hall Cafe for Brunch.

We aren’t going very far for our second activity of the day: the Tiled Hall Cafe is just off the main hallway in the Art Gallery, close to the front door. We will stop here for some mid-morning snacks. This gorgeous hall is such a vibey place to have a cup of tea and pastries.

11:30AM | A walk to Leeds Corn Exchange

Next, I would walk through the city, over to the Leeds Corn Exchange. There, you are going to find the cutest local vendors. Everything from art, jewlery, to clothing and souvenirs will be found here.

A shopping scene. A wall of arches, each holding a different storefront. In the from of the wall a large space with tables and chairs.

12:30PM | Kirkgate Market for lunch

After a good browse, I would head over to the Kirkgate Market (one of the largest indoor market in Europe!!).

This is my favorite place to grab lunch in Leeds. If you’re with a group of people, it’s even better because there are so many options, everyone can find their favorite.

Make sure too browse the stalls too, you’ll find whatever you need. During the summer, you can find the best produce here.

2PM | Bus to Kirkstall Abbey

After lunch, let’s grab a bus and head to Kirkstall Abbey for a self-guided tour of the grounds.

This place was my sanctuary during the Covid lockdowns. I lived pretty close and would get in my exercise by walking around the grounds.

Polaroid style photos. Both show ancient stone ruins. One has flowers in in the foreground

5PM | Pub for dinner

I’d end the day in one of my favorite pubs around the city.

If we are talking about a warm, sunny day you’d find me in the beer garden. If it’s a cozy, winter day, I’ll be by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate and Baileys.

Here are my favourite pubs:

Duck & Drake
The Brunswick
The Highland Laddie
The Headingley Taps (Outside of city centre but love this place down)

If you’re spending the night in Leeds, check these places out:

Leeds Marriott Hotel - great location, amazing rooms.
DoubleTree by Hilton Leeds - a family member stayed here and loved it. Clean, fabulous rooms and lovely location on the docks.
Radisson Blu Hotel - If I were to go to Leeds tomorrow and needed a place to stay, this is the hotel I would choose. IMO, this is the perfect location to see Leeds. (Fun fact: Noah Kahan told us this is where he stayed when he played at First Direct Bank Arena)
Holiday Inn Express - Good budget option but a little outside of Leeds City Centre.