25 Things You Can Do in Leeds Within Minutes of Getting off the Train

It won’t take long for the fun to start when you arrive in Leeds, because there are heaps of top attractions just minutes from the train station…

The adventure begins as soon as you arrive into Leeds Station – the only question is, what will you do first? Do you fancy quality coffee, locally-brewed craft beer or legendary street food? Or would you rather get your brunch on, play some darts or hop on a water taxi to a nationally renowned museum? Whichever you choose, you can be at your destination in less than 10 minutes.

Fuel up at Laynes Espresso

Arriving into Leeds Station and need to get in your morning caffeine kick? Follow New Station Street until you reach a bright yellow cafe on your left and you’re at Laynes – home of wholesome breakfasts and a generous caffeinated offering. Get here early for their buckwheat potato pancakes topped with bacon or sausage, scrambled eggs and lashings of maple syrup. In a rush? You can grab their freshly-baked pastries to go.

Laynes Espresso, 16 New Station Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DL.

Get a taste of Kerala at Tharavadu

You can experience the vibrant flavours of Kerala at the hugely acclaimed Tharavadu, just around the corner from Leeds Station. Start with the Uzhunna Vada – golden fried, delightfully savoury lentil doughnuts, fluffy in the middle and perfectly crispy on the outside. Be sure to follow it up with their trademark Meen Koottan, a rich fish curry with freshly ground Keralan spices and tart kokum.

Tharavadu, 7-8, Mill Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DQ.

Discover Naples’ finest at Rudy’s Pizza

Rudy’s Pizza is the place to go if you’re craving a proper Neapolitan – crispy thin base, puffed-up crust and all. A top pick from their hesitation-inducing menu is the Calabrese, with zippy ‘nduja sausage. Or, you could stick to the basics with a Margherita, topped with just the right amount of melty mozzarella, you really can’t go wrong. Vegan? Go for the Marinara or their rotating vegan specials.

Rudy’s Pizza, 2 New Station Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DL.

Sink a few at The Brewery Tap

At The Brewery Tap, you’re not just mere metres from the train station, you’re even closer to where some of their beers are actually brewed. In fact, Leeds Brewery’s Leeds Pale and Leodis Lager are made right upstairs! With all that beer action, you can satisfy all your hunger cravings with Big Buns’ smash burgers, plus veggie and vegan options from Leeds favourite Falafel Guys.

The Brewery Tap, 18-24 New Station Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DL.

Cosy up at Friends of Ham

Friends of Ham are all about quality. Here, an impressive choice of premium meats and cheeses, a fine wine list and top-of-the-line craft beer selection awaits. Make your way downstairs and discover the dimly lit basement bar and all its charm, a world away from the hustle and bustle above. Or, claim a spot on one of the benches upstairs, where you can gaze out at the passers-by.

Friends of Ham, 4-8 New Station Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DL.

Discover cultural gems in the Civic Quarter

Want to tick off a few of the city’s most impressive landmarks within minutes of arriving in Leeds? Then make your way up Park Row to The Headrow, where you’ll find Leeds Town Hall, Leeds Art Gallery and Henry Moore Institute. The former is an impressive events venue, the latter two are stewards of a pair of the most impressive art collections in the UK.

Leeds Town Hall, The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AD & Leeds Art Gallery and Henry Moore Institute, The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AA.

Try it all at Bundobust

Indian street food that’s 100% vegetarian? Yes, please! Right next to Leeds Station? Sign us up! Bundobust is the small plates brainchild of The Sparrow and Prashad. Their menu is made to mix and match, so you can try everything from okra fries to paneer tikka in one sitting. Add to the mix top quality craft beer and you’ve got an Indian feast you’ll never want to end right off the train.

Bundobust, 6 Mill Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DQ.

Go all-American at Meat:Stack

In the mood for a good old burger? You’re in luck. Directly across from Leeds Station sits Meat:Stack, a burger joint promising proper American burgers. Get ready for smash-style patties, served single, double or triple – these juicy patty and bun combos are piled (or rather, stacked) high with toppings like jalapeño, cheese, bacon and their addicting signature Stack Sauce.

Meat:Stack, 3 Bishopgate Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DY.

Do brunch at Green Room

Yards from the train station you’ll find one of Leeds’ coolest rooftop bars – Green Room – but it also offers brunch heaven. Chefs cook up dreams in the Clean Kitchen from 10am to 3pm, and whether you fancy a boozy brunch or a healthy mid-week treat, there are plenty of options. They’ve got bagels aplenty, breakfast burritos and even Moroccan kofta bowls, but the pancakes are just as delightful.

Green Room, 36 Wellington Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2DE.

Take it easy at The Brew Society

Intimate cafe by day and cool bar by night, The Brew Society is the ultimate chill-out destination by the train station. They pour lattes, flat whites and espresso shots of Leeds’ own North Star single origin coffee, while later in the day, they fill pint glasses with superb beers. So, whether you’re in town for work, a day trip or a big night out, there are endless reasons to stop by.

The Brew Society, 26 Aire Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4HT.

Get some work done at If… York Place

Head towards Leeds’ business district near the train station and you’ll soon stumble upon If… on York Place. Plating up hearty breakfasts and lunches, as well as fresh bakes and specialty coffee, it’s a space designed for you to get your laptop out while you sup and chow. So now you know where to go when you need to get some work done, without treading too far from the station.

IF… York Place, 18 York Place, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2EX.

Treat yourself to lunch at My Thai

My Thai at York Place is a Leeds go-to for tasty and authentic Thai food near the train station. They bring the colourful flavours of Bangkok to this cafe-style restaurant through a simple but flavour-packed menu, chock full of street food favourites. Think loaded plates of Thai green curry, steaming bowls of tom yum and saucy pad thai noodles. What will you go for?

My Thai, 26 York Place, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2EY.

Explore over 150 stalls at Kirkgate Market

Less than a ten-minute walk from Leeds Station is Kirkgate Market, the largest covered market in Europe. You’ll find hundreds of stalls inside, with a mix of traditional butchers, greengrocers and fishmongers, alongside haberdasheries, sweet shops and spice stalls. It’s not all traditional though, you’ll also find some of the city’s most loved street food traders here.

Kirkgate Market, Vicar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HY.

Design your own salad at Sesame

Walk into this unassuming deli and you might be surprised. Sesame are all about well-rounded, healthy meals that actually taste good. If you arrive into Leeds Station and it’s near lunch time, head straight to their colourful salad bar. Here you can pile on all the falafel, leafy greens, three bean salad, chilli broccoli, and salmon teriyaki your heart desires.

Sesame, 18 St Paul’s Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2LE.

Hop on a boat to Leeds Dock

Twee and Drie, the city’s very own yellow Dutch water taxis, run every 15 minutes between Granary Wharf and Leeds Dock. Head to the south entrance of Leeds Station, where you’ll find these little yellow boats hidden out of view on the water. Jump on and enjoy the city views as you cruise along. 10 to 15 minutes later and you can discover a whole other corner of Leeds.

You can catch the Water Taxi from Leeds Dock or Granary Wharf – look out for the yellow flag.

Throw some darts at Flight Club

Think darts is dull? Think again. Flight Club have brought darts back into fashion and this time it’s with a hi-tech spin. Here, you won’t have to worry about keeping track of the score, they do it for you, so you can focus on all the fun. When you’re bored of your usual bars, get your mates together for a game or two and a drink or three, just a five-minute walk off the train from Leeds Station.

Flight Club, Sovereign House, 1-2 South Parade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5QL.

Uncover an indie paradise at the Corn Exchange

There’s something for everyone at the Grade II-listed Corn Exchange. Designed by legendary architect Cuthbert Brodrick, this shopping mecca has been a home for independent outlets since the Victorian era. You’ll find everything from food to fashion, decor and jewellery under the stunning domed roof. And it’s barely a 10-minute walk from Leeds Station.

Leeds Corn Exchange, Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BR.

Pile your plate high at Fazenda

Carnivorous cravings? You don’t have to go far. Fazenda brings rodizio-style dining to Granary Wharf, serving mouth-watering Argentinian and Brazilian dishes (including lots of grilled meats) straight to your table. Did we mention it’s all-you-can-eat? Just flip your card to green and prepare for limitless steak of many kinds, honey-glazed pork and even chicken hearts – yum? Yum!

Fazenda, Waterman’s Place, Unit 4-7 Granary Wharf, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4GL.

Sample tasty tapas at El Gato Negro

It’s an award-winning tapas restaurant and it’s just a few minutes from the station. El Gato Negro whip out plates of true-to-tradition Catalan bread, juicy meatballs in a drool-inducing tomato fritarda sauce, perfectly cooked Spanish egg tortilla and addictively crispy patatas bravas. All their dishes are cooked to order and great for sharing – but that’s totally optional if you ask us.

El Gato Negro, 35 Park Row, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5JL.

Relax by the river at Water Lane Boathouse

Waterfront views, an in-house pizza oven, and a laid-back feel that’s giving all the hygge vibes, Water Lane Boathouse is only a short walk from the south entrance of Leeds Station. The real highlight here just might be their beer garden, where you can watch the world go by with a pint of their craft beers or a Copa de Balon of your pick of their lengthy gin list.

Water Lane Boathouse, Canal Wharf, Holbeck, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 5PS.

Chill out at The Hop

The Hop is tucked away under the arches just outside of the station’s south entrance. A watering hole full of character, it’s the perfect place to knock a few back after a long journey. Feeling peckish? Go for one of their stone-baked sourdough pizzas or try a pie. Saturday evenings are when it really comes alive, though, with acts from near and far playing live music through the night.

The Hop, Arches X & Y Granary Wharf Dark, Neville Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4BR.

Sup a local brew at the North Brewing Co Tap Room

Take the shortcut down the stairs from New Station Street to Bishopgate Street and make your way down to Sovereign Square, where you’ll find Leeds’ beloved North Brewing Co. It’s a relaxed tap room where you could quite literally spend all day. Start off with a locally roasted coffee and maybe even a Little Bao Boy bun before exploring the generous draught options.

North Brewing Co. Tap Room, 3 Sovereign Square, Sovereign Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4BA.

Take in the views at Sky Lounge

See Leeds in all its glory up on the Sky Lounge rooftop at DoubleTree by Hilton, a hotel just behind the train station. We’re talking panoramic views on the wraparound balcony and classic cocktails done well. An Espresso Martini in hand and awe-inspiring scenery – it’s the city at its peak. Their bottomless brunches and afternoon teas make the most luxurious experiences, perfect for any occasion.

Sky Lounge, DoubleTree by Hilton, Granary Wharf, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4BR.

Get your hands on custard-filled goodies at Doh’hut

Doh’hut fry up the most indulgent doughnuts in town and they’re less than a 10-minute walk from Leeds Station. Rolled by hand and freshly dipped every morning, you’ll have to get here early if you want to get your hands on these little balls of joy. Will it be the sugar-dusted OG or the vanilla creme patisserie – a custard-filled delight topped with a strawberry – that takes your fancy?

Doh’hut, 2 Trevelyan Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6ED.

Gaze up at the biggest stained glass roof in the UK

There are two brilliant reasons to go to the Victoria Quarter. First off, it’s one of the city’s finest shopping arcades. Built in 1900 by Frank Matcham, it’s one of the city’s finest shopping arcades. Inside, it’s filled with character, from gilded mosaics and marble pillars to the biggest stained glass roof in Britain, made by architect Brian Clarke. But it’s not just something to admire, you’ll also find a host of designer boutiques here.

Victoria Quarter, 4 Cross Arcade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6AZ.