A guide to 24 hours in Leeds

Categories

City guides

Length

3 min read

Author: Room^zzz

Shopping, culture, endless independents, a bustling nightlife scene – Leeds has got it all! Once you start exploring, it’s easy to see how the city hit a record high with its visitor numbers last year. Here’s how to spend 24 hours in this vibrant Yorkshire hotspot.

First of all, be sure to drop your bags at Roomzzz Leeds City. We’re only five minutes away from the train station and more than happy to help you take a load off, even before check-in time.

Coffee and brunch at Layne’s Espresso

If there’s one thing Leeds does well, it’s brunch. And Layne’s Espresso is right up there with the best. You can’t miss the place, with its bright orange front, just around the corner from the station.

Hands down, Layne’s serves up the best flat white in town. And their menu is top-notch too. Tuck into sweetcorn fritters, shakshuka or lighter options like granola and sourdough toast. Insider tip: the buckwheat pancakes are insanely good and definitely won’t last more than two minutes on your plate – sweet or savoury – we’re not fussed!

The Shakshuka we serve is here to stay, we’ve just given it a little tweak! – @reeceleung

Visit The Royal Armouries

Channel your inner nerd and get ready to travel through time, checking out arms and armour from all over the world at The Royal Armouries. See some elephant armour from India in the Oriental Gallery, find out about the history of hunting, and ogle a vampire killing kit in the Self-Defence Gallery (complete with crucifix and garlic paste of course!).

There are five floors to explore, filled with fascinating objects dating from 200 BC right up to the present day. And if your curiosity is getting the better of you, catch demonstrations and talks from experts throughout the day. You’ll be a history buff before you know it.

Whenever I’m a shining Knight, I buckle on my armour tight; And then I look about for things, Like Rushings-out, and Rescuings, And Savings from the Dragon’s Lair, And fighting all the Dragons there. And sometimes when our fights begin, I think I’ll let the Dragons win … And then I think perhaps I won’t, Because they’re Dragons, and I don’t. Knight-in-Armour, A. A. Milne ⚔️ #nationalpoetryday

Check out the Corn Exchange

A hub for independents, the Corn Exchange is one of the city’s most beautiful buildings. If you’re into architecture you’ve got to check out this Grade I listed building with its many arched windows and grand stone pillars.

We challenge you to walk away without treating yourself to a little something. Stop by The Plant Point to jump on the current houseplant trend or grab an independently brewed beer from Little Leeds Beerhouse to enjoy in your apartment later.

Discovering this city has been amazing!! I’m loving Leeds! Hidden gems @leedscornex . It’s so beautiful and colourful. The best place with independent boutiques and coffee shops ☕️ Definitely, a must see while in Leeds. . . . #leeds#prettyleeds#welcometoleeds#eat#drink#cities#city#yorkshire#building#architecture#leedscornexchange#cornexchange#travel#citybreak#coffee#shops#restaurant#design

Call in at Leeds Art Gallery

Next to the Town Hall (another of Leeds’ most impressive buildings) you’ll find Leeds Art Gallery. It’s free entry, and opens six days a week – closed on Mondays. The gallery has recently reopened after a refurbishment, which completely rejuvenated the place.

Wander the galleries of classical and contemporary paintings and sculptures, and then take the bridge to the Henry Moore institute next door. Feeling peckish? The Tiled Hall Cafe is worth a stop off, even if it’s just for an Insta snap of the restored Victorian features, like the intricate green tiles.

Check in to Roomzzz Leeds City

In a flash you’ll be back at the aparthotel (we’re slap bang in the city centre) and all checked in. Get the tunes on, our Wi Fi is fast and free, and get yourself ready for a night out in the big city.

Tea at My Thai

Nope, this isn’t some obscure Thai tea bar. In Yorkshire your evening meal is called tea. My Thai is one of the best places in Leeds for authentic Thai food – you can tell because it’s always busy in there. Grab yourself a spot on a bench and enjoy the casual and cosy atmosphere.

The My Thai team pride themselves on cooking simple, healthy dishes with ingredients imported straight from Thailand. Try an unusual Thai salad, a hearty curry or a signature dish – the menu is really varied and you won’t be disappointed whatever you choose. The service is speedy and the food is astoundingly cheap for the quality. Just make sure to take cash!

#Repost abigailannnnne with get_repost ・・・ What I wouldn’t give to be eating this right now. All time favourite @mythai_restaurants #vegan #veganfood #veganfoodie #foodporn #tofu #noodles #freefrom #crueltyfree #poweredbyplants

See a show at the First Direct Arena

From Craig David to Mariah Carey, and The League Of Gentlemen Live to Cirque de Soleil, the arena pulls in the big acts! It’s worth seeing what’s on while you’re in town because seeing a live band here is a unique experience. Designed in a “super-theatre” configuration, all of the seats face towards the stage so you get a great view no matter where you’re sat and the atmosphere feels more intimate than other venues of the same size.

Grab a drink at East 59th

There’s a little piece of New York right here in Leeds, in the form of roof top bar, East 59th. It’s the perfect place for a sophisticated drink – it’s slick, it’s luxe and it’s got a great vibe to boot. They often have DJ sets on Saturday nights and appearances from the coolest underground acts.

Sip sharer cocktails in high backed, red velvet chairs or knock back some bubbles on the roof terrace. We recommend the 59th Fizz – a perfect blend of gin, elderflower, prosecco and apple. Good times guaranteed!

Our first birthday, as well as American Independence Day, are most certainly something to celebrate about which is why we’re throwing a party with some of our most VIP guests! #leeds #east59th #cocktails #drinks #food #healthy #foodie #yummy #delicious #cooking #bar #lunch #restaurant #beer #party #fun #love #happy #friends #family

Time for some zzzs

Talk about a jam-packed day! No worries, an amazing night’s sleep awaits you back at Roomzzz. And in the morning you can munch complimentary Grab & Go breakfast in bed to extend the staycation fun.

If you’re heading home by train, keep your eyes peeled for Athena Rising on the Platform building near the station. This striking owl mural is taller than the Statue of Liberty!

Check availability at the Leeds City aparthotel, here. And be sure to tag #Roomzzz on Insta to be in with a chance of winning a free night’s stay at any Roomzzz Aparthotel of your choice!