Southerners may scoff when Leeds is described as the 'Knightsbridge of the North' but there can be no denying that these days Yorkshire's largest city channels West London's penchant for high-end retail with impressive nouveau swagger. Make no mistake 21st Century Leeds is a long way from flat caps and whippets. Unless flat caps are enjoying a revival in Gucci's Autumn / Winter collection that is.

Leeds is the financial hub of the North and the UK's second most important financial centre after London, which of course means that this is a city that enjoys spending money – chiefly on good food, luxury shopping and decadent nightlife, all of which are catered for in abundance. Beyond the bling however there lies a city that rewards exploration with impressive Victorian architecture and eminently strollable cobbled alleyways. It's also a great base from which to discover the surrounding Yorkshire countryside.

Must See Attractions


Royal Armouries Museum

This vast collection of arms and armour offers a mind boggling treasure trove of weaponry, spanning a multitude of centuries and cultures. What started as a home for armour and weapons from the Tower of London has developed into a truly fascinating and varied global collection that really rewards exploration.

Nearby hotels: Jurys Inn - Discovery Inn

Trinity Leeds

The crowning glory of Leeds' emergence as one of Europe's foremost shopping destinations, Trinity Leeds is the extravagant and sprawling home to over 120 shops, all housed under a giant glass roof. If you're in Leeds to shop then this vast retail temple could well be your mecca.

Nearby hotel: The Met

Henry Moore Institute

Don't let the name deceive you, this city centre gallery doesn't actually house any work by Henry Moore. The Institute is associated with the Henry Moore Foundation (the revered sculptor graduated from Leeds School of Art) and plays host to a revolving programme of sculpture exhibitions in three beautiful gallery spaces. You'll find works by the man himself at the nearby Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Nearby hotel: Doubletree By Hilton

The Leeds Industrial Museum is housed in what was once one of the largest textile mills in the world and offers a fascinating insight into the city's tough industrial heritage while the interactive Abbey House Museum, which can be found opposite Kirkstall Abbey, one of the best preserved medieval structure in Britain, offers a chance to experience the sights and sounds of Victorian Leeds.

Where to eat


Kendall's Bistro

A smash hit on Leeds' buzzy restaurant scene, Kendall's quickly won admirers for both the quality of its French-style food and its warm, relaxed atmosphere. Kendall's is a pleasant antidote to the over-striving gastro temples that tend to pick up Michelin stars, offering an unassuming and intimate dining experience and hearty bistro food that is executed with dependable expertise.

Angelica

Located on the sixth floor of Trinity Leeds, Angelica is a gleaming and glamorous place to be seen, ideally in your most expensive clobber. With panoramic views across the city, a wraparound terrace and sleek no-expenses-spared modernist decor the emphasis here is very much on style but the pan global menu (which somehow encompasses both a raw bar with sushi and crustaceans and 'homemade seaside donuts') isn't just an afterthought.

The ever-popular Arts Café Bar and Restaurant serves up quality food in a relaxed, buzzy environment with a rotating backdrop of local art to contemplate as you munch. Indian and East African favourite Hansa's Gujarati has become an Leeds institution and after nearly 30 years continues to convert the most stubborn carnivores to the joys of Hansa Dabhi's fresh, brilliantly spiced vegetarian fare.

Nightlife


Cockpit

Tucked away beneath several railway arches on Swinegate, this ever-popular venue is well worth discovering. A mainstay of Leeds' indie scene and a reliable venue for quality gigs and lively club nights, high profile performers have included Coldplay, Muse and the Flaming Lips. Yes, it's a bit sweaty and rough around the edges but that's all part of the charm right?

Sandista

A bar that's in thrall to all things laid back and Latin American and claims to find inspiration in the maxim 'nuestra casa es tu casa' – our home is your home. Sandista is a relaxed and funky night spot with an eclectic music policy and a nice line in well-mixed cocktails and tasty tapas.

After a good meal or a late night out make it a short and pleasant trip back to your hotel by booking a hotel near Leeds city centre.