TOP INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOTS IN LEEDS
Leeds city centre is full of picture perfect places where you can’t help but be snap-happy. Get the ultimate selfie in these instagrammable spots, or some footage for your reels.
Street Art
The art spills out onto the streets here in Leeds; one of the city’s most famous works is You&Me, Me&You designed by Anthony Burrill, an alumnus of Leeds Beckett University, which displays a message of unity during a time when the world has felt divided. If you love to share Art to your account, then this is a must see. Why not follow our street art trail to see even more across the city with more pieces being added every year!
Victoria Quarter
The stunning Victoria Quarter boasts intricate architecture and luxury stores. The breath-taking stained glass roof runs the full length of Queen Victoria Street and is the largest modern stained glass roof in Britain!
Leeds Art Gallery
Leeds Art Gallery hosts one of the most impressive collections of 19th and 20th Century British art, including John William Waterhouse and John Atkinson Grimshaw, and a colourful abstract wall painting commission for the Victorian staircase by Lothar Götz.
The Tiled Hall Cafe
Few could argue against the charms of the Tiled Hall Cafe. Part of the huge building which houses both Leeds Central Library and Leeds Art Gallery, this magnificent arched space is photogenic and comes with coffee and cake. Enter through the Leeds Art Gallery.
Granary Wharf
This piece of street art is hidden away just near the bridge which takes you to Granary Wharf , where the River Aire meets the Leeds Liverpool Canal and is home to bars, restaurants and coffee shops, as well as some colourful canal boats and spectacular street art.
Leeds Corn Exchange
Leeds Corn Exchange is one of the city’s most recognisable and most impressive Victorian buildings. This Grade I building houses a wide range of independent retailers and tasty eateries with an iconic domed roof.
Leeds Grand Theatre
Fancy something a bit more… grand? Leeds Grand Theatre, originally built in 1878, has all the decadence you could wish for. A spectacular central staircase and polished architectural details will make for some great photographs.
Water Taxis
The Leeds’ Water Taxis are one of the most iconic and photographed experiences in the city and for good reason! The bright yellow hue of Twee and Drie always stands out, and floats past several landmarks including street art, Brewery Wharf, Leeds Dock and Granary Wharf. During the summer, their evening cruises are a whole hour of waterfront views further beyond the city.
Royal Armouries
The Royal Armouries Museum has some of the most photographed displays in Leeds including the famous elephant armour and the Hall of Steel which features 2700 swords, breastplates, poles and more arms and armour. With many events featuring live interpreters fighting, interactive activities, action horses and more, the Royal Armouries is the place to get dynamic footage and photos.
Holdfast Bookshop
On this historic former coal barge you can find one of the most unique bookshops. Holdfast Bookshop has lovely plant-filled top deck with chairs to bask in the sun, and inside is filled with a variety of books, artwork and other lovely things.
The Leeds Library
One of Leeds’ hidden gems, The Leeds Library is the oldest subscription library in the British Isles and retains many original building features including spiral staircases and carved wooden shelving. A classic book collection locked away in a vault includes Ian Fleming, Bram Stoker and Charles Darwin. The library is private, however there are regular tours, taster memberships and events that will allow access to the building. Perfect for dark academia/literary content.
Hibiscus Rising
Commissioned as part of LEEDS 2023 Year of Culture, Hibiscus Rising commemorates the life and death of David Oluwale. The hibiscus flower (native to his home of Nigeria) is covered with brightly coloured batik-inspired patterns and was designed by artist Yinka Shonibare. Why not explore the wider Aire Park as it evolves over the next few years?
Millennium Square
Built to mark the year 2000 celebrations, Millennium Square is flanked by the Art Deco Leeds Civic Hall with it’s golden owls and clocks, and the Mandela Gardens. During Christmas the Ice Cube takes over with ice-skating, food and other funfair attractions, and Summer has seen acts on stage like Shed Seven, Kaiser Chiefs, Embrace, Fall Out Boy, as well as the Leeds Pride celebrations and Light Night. Find more of their events here.
Kirkgate Market
Kirkgate Market is located in the heart of our city but holds a Europe-wide recognition as one of the largest indoor markets. Featuring fresh food, hand-made clothing, locally grown flowers, plants and so much more! Bursting with vibrant cultures, Kirkgate Market has been loved since 1857 and continues to thrive. Don’t forget to take a snapshot of its unique architecture and be sure to indulge in the variety of amazing dishes from across the globe!
Grand Arcade
The Grand Arcade is exactly what it says on the tin! A grand Victorian arcade featuring a spectacular clock above the doorway with several chic cafes and bars throughout including Japandi coffee shop Sonder and speakeasy Domino Club, hidden behind an unassuming barbershop. There’s plenty of beautiful corners for photos and videos.
University of Leeds Campus
The University of Leeds has several iconic buildings including the Parkinson Building, The Great Hall and the Roger Stevens Building as well as a public art trail, several galleries, the famous Rabbits of Leeds University and St George’s Fields (which has featured as the backdrop to Sisters of Mercy, March Violets and The Mission album covers)
Hyde Park Picture House
Hyde Park Picture House first opened in 1917 but has had refurbishments in recent years! This hidden gem has retained all its most loved features such as the gas-lit lights, its ornate furnishings and even the old film projectors. From the inside out, Hyde Park Picture House is an aesthetic blast from the past.
Kirkstall Abbey
Positioned by the beautiful River Aire, Kirkstall Abbey stands tall amongst the woodland. Step back in time to explore, learn and experience the incredible stories of the lives that wandered these halls. Take a picnic to enjoy in the stunning Abbey Park or grab a coffee from their Abbey Cafe whilst you immerse yourselves in history.
Roundhay Park
Roundhay Park is a local favourite and the perfect spot for all seasons. Put on your favourite woolly hat in Winter or bring the sunblock in Summer and take an adventure through the woodland to Roundhay castle. Pop in for a drink at their beautiful lakeside café next to the stunning open water.
Headrow House
Headrow House is home to Michelin Guide recommended restaurant Ox Club. Take a walk upstairs to the Headrow House roof terrace and see the neon lights of one of Leeds’ most famous landmarks. There are two levels, the upper level, Kennedy Meadows offers views of Victoria Quarter, the domes of Kirkgate Market and Victoria Gate.
Belgrave Music Hall
Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen is an independent venue with music, art, film and food spread across three floors, including one of Leeds’ most spectacular roof terraces; head there at dusk for a picture perfect view.
The Cut and Craft
Located at the Victoria Quarter, The Cut and Craft is a luxurious backdrop with a circular bar, high ceilings, and with a historical background connected to the Titanic. The food and drink equally matches its luxury setting.
Empire Café
Feeding Leeds for over 120 years, Empire Café is a café, bar and open fire cooking restaurant all wrapped into one. Their wall of flaming rotisserie chicken is a local favourite, served with potatoes cooked below in the juices.
Kapow Coffee at Thornton’s Arcade
This small and intimate coffee shop is tucked away into one of the most spectacular and oldest arcades in Leeds. Kapow at Thornton’s not only serves up great coffee, but when you sit outside within the Arcade you get a view of the Ivanhoe Clock, made by William Potts and Sons of Leeds, and the 3-story high ceiling. Just prepare yourself that it goes off every 15 minutes!