Leeds is a very Instagrammable city. On this page I’ve listed my favorite Instagram spots in Leeds. I’m sure you’ll be able to take great pictures for your Instagram feed at these sights in Leeds.
Leeds Corn Exchange
The Leeds Corn Exchange is a big round building that actually used to be a corn exchange but is now filled with independent shops and restaurants. Behind each door a farmer used to sell his corn but now each door houses another artistic shop or food spot. Each door got a different color and they painted the ceiling bright white again; perfect for your Instagram pictures!
Leeds Owl Trail
There are 3 owls on the Leeds Code-of-Arms and therefore the owl became a symbol of the city. Everywhere throughout the city you’ll find owls. Some are small, some are big. Some are outside, some are inside. Some are statues, some are painted. Once you spotted your first owl, I’m sure you’ll get the fun of finding as many as you can.
Leeds Owl Trail created a map with most of the owls of the city. You can buy it for only £1 at the Leeds Visitor Center or download it at the Leeds Owl Trail website.
Kirkstall Abbey
Kirkstall Abbey is located just North-West of the city center of Leeds. It dates back to 1152. You can take a direct bus or an Uber to go there. This monastery is a beautiful ruin now. You can walk around the former monastery’s grounds and visit the souvenir shop and the cafe.
Kirkgate Market
Kirkgate Market is the largest covered market in Europe. You can find the first Mark & Spencer shop here as well as 800 other stalls. Kirkgate first opened up as an open-air market in 1822 and around 1850 they start with covering the market up. It now makes a great backdrop for your Instagram photos!
Queens Arcade
There are several shopping arcades in Leeds, which makes Leeds still a great city to visit when it rains. The Queens Arcade was built in 1889. It of course had a bit of a make-over and restoration work done since then, but you still feel the old vibe of the 19th century.
Thornton’s Arcade
Thornton’s Arcade is the oldest arcade in Leeds. This covered shopping street in Neo-Gothic style is mostly known for its clock. The clock features images of Robin Hood characters.
Victoria Quarter
Victoria Quarter was my favorite shopping arcade in Leeds. The floors are covered with mosaics, there are grand marble arches and it has a beautiful glass ceiling. Some of the most exclusive shops in Leeds are located here.
Victoria Gate
Victoria Gate is the newest covered shopping street in Leeds and it’s also very Instagrammable! It opened up in 2016 and is very photogenic with it’s honeycomb ceiling and black and white zig-zag floors.
Yorkshire Sculpture International
Until end of September 2019 you can visit the Yorkshire Sculpture International in Leeds. It’s a free festival with works of art all over Leeds and Wakefield. Some of the sculptures are in musea or galleries and some are in the public. There are two works of famous artist Damien Hirst on display in the city center of Leeds. My favorite is the one pictured above, Anatomy of an Angel.
Caravanserai
Caravanserai is a Turkish restaurant that has a very Instagrammable exterior! You can recognize this restaurant straight away with it’s red and green colors. On the menu are mezze, falafel and barbecue dishes.
The Ivy Leeds
Speaking of Instagrammable restaurant; the Ivy Leeds has a great interior. There’s art everywhere and an explosion of colors. Even the toilets are nicely decorated! It’s a popular restaurant so make sure to reserve a table when you want to have lunch, dinner or an afternoon tea there!
Tiled Hall Cafe
The Tiled Hall Cafe is the cafe of the central library in Leeds. It’s a spacious room with grand columns and wonderful tiles on the ceiling. The walls and ceiling was actually covered with bookstalls for a long time. They discovered that there was something behind it and this gorgeous room appeared. It’s a great spot for a cup of coffee and your favorite book!
City Square
You can find the City Square just when you exit the central train station of Leeds. The square is surrounded by statues of nymphs holding lamps. A pretty nice and Instagrammable way to enter Leeds!
The website of Visit Leeds has all the information you’ll need for your time in Leeds.
Click here for my blog on Northern England including Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds.
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