Living in Leeds City Centre
Dive into the heart of West Yorkshire and discover Leeds City Centre, a rapidly expanding urban arena that seamlessly blends the allure of modern architecture, beautifully preserved historical landmarks, and serene parks. Renowned for its vibrant energy and dynamic spirit, this city centre serves as an epitome of city life at its finest.
Leeds City Centre is an eclectic mix of unique boutiques, high-street retailers, and a flourishing arts scene. It offers a rich array of restaurants, cafes, and pubs. As a resident, you'll be welcomed into an engaging and culturally diverse community with a high quality of life.
The area is well served by public transport, including bus and rail services, providing easy access to the surrounding areas of Yorkshire and the rest of the UK. With the Leeds Bradford International Airport just a short journey away, international connections are easily accessible too.
One of the fascinating historic facts about the City Centre is the presence of Leeds Kirkgate Market, the birthplace of the global retail giant, Marks & Spencer. In 1884, Michael Marks opened his first penny bazaar stall in this market, which eventually grew to become the renowned high-street brand we know today.
Whether you're a professional looking for a dynamic city lifestyle, a family seeking a vibrant community, or a student drawn to excellent educational institutions, Leeds City Centre offers a wonderful home base. Our area guide aims to provide all the essential information you need, making your move to this vibrant city centre a seamless experience.
Transport
Leeds City Centre benefits from exceptional transport links that make traversing the local area and venturing further afield straightforward. The Leeds railway station, one of the busiest in the UK, offers regular train services to a host of destinations, including Manchester, London, York, and Newcastle. The city's extensive bus network, spearheaded by the central bus station, provides efficient local travel, connecting residents to various parts of Leeds and surrounding areas. The city centre also features a well-organised network of cycling lanes for those favouring a more environmentally friendly commute.
For international and long-distance travel, Leeds Bradford International Airport is conveniently located just 8 miles away from the city centre. Offering flights to a multitude of destinations across Europe and beyond, the airport serves as a major travel hub. Furthermore, the city centre's close proximity to the M1 and M62 motorways ensures smooth road connections to the rest of the UK, making Leeds City Centre a well-connected option for those seeking excellent accessibility.
Things to do, Places to eat & drink
Leeds city centre is a vibrant area and offers a massive variety of things to see and do, alongside an assortment of mouthwatering restaurants and bars. We’ve put together our top five of must-see locations for visitors and residents alike.
Leeds City Museum
If you’re looking for an easy, yet fun and interesting day out, look no further than the Leeds City Museum, perfectly placed in Millennium Square. Showing off the history of Leedss, including surprising inventions and the city's industrial heritage, and exhibits on the natural world, impressive and varied collections, and different world cultures, the museum is sure to captivate and educate anyone and everyone.
Open everyday, except Monday, it’s more than just a weekend day out, it's a staple of what makes Leeds special.
Issho Japanese Restaurant
Fancy an incredible dinner or bite to eat? Look no further than Issho, meaning “together” in Japanse, bringing you delectable dishes meant to be shared. They offer a contemporary twist on traditional Izakaya dining, with a range of counter seating, so you can watch their expert chefs at work, or tables for two or larger groups, and a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy Japanese-inspired cocktails, sakes and views over the city.
If you want something a little more different, you can join them every Sunday to enjoy live music from their resident DJ and enjoy their A La Carte. If you’re looking for somewhere special, why not check out their private dining options, ideal for celebrations.
Sitting at the heart of Leeds in Victoria Gate, you won’t find a better atmosphere, perfect for friends, families and dates.
Smokestack Leeds
Looking for something a bit different and the flavours and atmosphere of a New Orleans speak-easy? Smokestack has you covered. Self-proclaimed to be “Funkier than a mosquito’s tweeter”, the bar is certainly something different and can’t be missed. With regular events, from their Whiskey Club, to Smokestack Sessions (where they bring you the best of an impressive selection of music), you’ll always find something enticing to bring a spark to your night.
Only a 5-minute walk from the train station, it's perfectly placed for locals and visitors alike. This is definitely a must-see for everyone.
Trinity Shopping Centre
If you need a bit of retail therapy then you can’t miss the Trinity Centre. Bang in the centre of Leeds, you’ll be able to wander through 3 floors of shops and restaurants to pick up and find delectable delights to keep you going.
Need a break from the shops, then the Everyman Cinema is ready and waiting for you as well, right in the heart of the Trinity Centre. With 5 different screens and over 600 seats, you’ll be able to see the latest cinematic releases in a luxury setting and enjoy a totally unique movie-going experience.
Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen
Having its 10th birthday this year, Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen has become an icon of the Leeds social setting. With gigs, special themed nights and a bar to match, if you want a dance, then you’re at the right place.
If you want a bite to eat, they have two kitchens offering varying dishes from resident chefs. Right now you can get adventurous pizzas, hand-stretched by the Dough Boys, and a Leeds favourite, Patty’s Burgers.
Just off Belgrave Street (you might have guessed from the name), the Music Hall and Canteen makes for a great night and one you shouldn’t miss.
If any of these catch your eye and you’re moving to Leeds, or if you’re already a resident and looking for somewhere new, Home Made can help. We have a great number available across the city. Don’t miss out and see what we have available here, alternatively, give us a call or reach out on Whatsapp.