City Square
A historic and vibrant heart of Leeds, City Square boasts stunning architecture and is a hub for events and city life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
City Square
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic and vibrant heart of Leeds, City Square boasts stunning architecture and is a hub for events and city life.
"Great place to visit especially if it’s your first time in Leeds. The place was amazing located at the heart of the city."
🎯 Check for Roadworks
Ongoing construction can affect the square's appearance and accessibility. Check local updates before visiting .
🍴 Festive Food Finds
Don't miss the delicious street food at the Christmas Market, especially loaded hash browns .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Queens Hotel
City Square
Iconic landmark with stunning architecture, a focal point for city events and light shows.
Old Post Office
City Square
Historic building now housing trendy bars and restaurants, rich in Victorian-era charm.
Christmas Market Delights
City Square (seasonal)
Indulge in festive treats like loaded hash browns and mulled wine during the holiday season .
City Square House
City Square
A modern architectural contrast, representing contemporary office spaces in the historic square.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating City Square's Buzz
Best Times for a Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check for Roadworks
Ongoing construction can affect the square's appearance and accessibility. Check local updates before visiting.
🍴 Festive Food Finds
Don't miss the delicious street food at the Christmas Market, especially loaded hash browns.
📸 Capture the Architecture
Admire the blend of historic buildings like The Queens Hotel and the Old Post Office.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
City Square is a great starting point for exploring Leeds' pubs, restaurants, and shops.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check for Roadworks
Ongoing construction can affect the square's appearance and accessibility. Check local updates before visiting.
🍴 Festive Food Finds
Don't miss the delicious street food at the Christmas Market, especially loaded hash browns.
📸 Capture the Architecture
Admire the blend of historic buildings like The Queens Hotel and the Old Post Office.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
City Square is a great starting point for exploring Leeds' pubs, restaurants, and shops.
🕊️ Beware of Pigeons
The square can be busy with pigeons, especially if you're eating outdoors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
City Square is praised as a vibrant, historically rich heart of Leeds, conveniently located near the train station and surrounded by amenities. Visitors enjoy the stunning architecture and the lively atmosphere, especially during events like the Christmas Market. However, some find ongoing roadworks detract from its appeal.
"Great place to visit especially if it’s your first time in Leeds. The place was amazing located at the heart of the city. It is very close to the train station; lots hotels, restaurants, bars, eateries, etc where all surrounds the place.
When weather is good; people use to come around to enjoy fresh air and good sunshine.
My kids love the place as well."
Chinweuba Malachy Obayi
"A very busy area
Crammed with stunning architecture from the likes of: W. Curtis Green & W H Hamlyn both designed the Queens Hotel here in Leeds.
The stunning Old Post Office now houses trendy bars & restaurants.
Designed by architect Sir Henry Tanner in 1896 during the reign of Queen Victoria built on the site of the old cloth hall.
The area is rich in history.
A fabulous newish building in the area is city square house which is marketed as tomorrow’s office. Designed by architects Todd."
Glam Nana
"First time to Leeds here to visit lots of pubs and enjoy seeing a new city. Here mainly for the T20 cricket at Headingley on Fri 5/06/24.
I think the city is awesome. We walked from the train station to very close to the Stadium where we had booked a hotel for the night.
Less said about the Hotel, the better.
It was a great couple of days, everywhere we went we relieved a warm welcome and everyone was so helpful.
Pubs, cafes, and stadium staff were all brilliant.
Any pubs you see in this review are really worth a visit so I won't name them Al as I have done individual reviews for them"
Chip Marley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
City Square is conveniently located in the heart of Leeds, directly opposite the main train station. It's easily accessible by public transport, with numerous bus routes stopping nearby. For those driving, there are several car parks in the vicinity, though they can be pricey.
Yes, City Square is a major transport hub. Leeds train station is adjacent, and many bus routes serve the area. It's a central point for exploring the city on foot or via public transit.
Yes, several car parks are available near City Square, including those at the train station and nearby shopping centers. However, parking in the city center can be expensive, especially during peak times.
The primary link is Leeds Train Station, which is directly opposite the square. Numerous bus stops are also located within a short walking distance, serving various routes across the city and beyond.
From Leeds Bradford Airport, you can take a taxi or a bus (e.g., the Airport Bus 757) to Leeds city center. From the bus station or train station, City Square is a short walk away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, City Square is a public space and does not require tickets for entry. You can freely walk around and enjoy the architecture and atmosphere.
City Square is always open as it's a public square. However, individual businesses located within or around the square, such as bars and restaurants, will have their own operating hours.
There is no admission fee to enter or explore City Square. It's a free public space for everyone to enjoy.
Yes, City Square often hosts events, including the popular Leeds Christmas Market and light shows during Light Night. It was also a focal point for Leeds United's promotion parade.
While the square itself is public, many restaurants and bars are located around it. It's advisable to book tables in advance, especially for popular venues or during peak times and events.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
City Square offers a mix of historic architecture, including The Queens Hotel and the Old Post Office. It's a great spot for people-watching, enjoying street performers (seasonally), and is a hub for events like the Christmas Market.
Absolutely! The stunning architecture of The Queens Hotel and the Old Post Office, along with the statues and the general ambiance, make it a fantastic location for photography.
Yes, there are plenty of benches available throughout City Square, offering a place to rest, enjoy a snack, or read a book.
The atmosphere is generally lively and bustling, especially given its proximity to the train station and its role as a central meeting point. It can be very busy during events or rush hours.
Yes, City Square is rich in history. The Old Post Office, designed by Sir Henry Tanner, and The Queens Hotel are significant historical buildings. The square itself has a long-standing presence in Leeds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The area around City Square offers a wide variety of dining options, from trendy bars and restaurants in the Old Post Office to cafes and eateries catering to all tastes and budgets.
During the Christmas Market, City Square transforms into a food lover's paradise with stalls offering festive treats like loaded hash browns from Hash Brown Town and other seasonal delights.
Yes, most restaurants and cafes in the city center, including those around City Square, offer a range of vegetarian and vegan options. It's always best to check menus or ask staff.
While City Square itself is a public space, the surrounding buildings, particularly the Old Post Office, house several popular pubs and bars, making it a great spot for a drink.
Dining and drinking in the city center can be pricey, especially at popular venues. However, there are options to suit various budgets, from quick bites to fine dining.
📸 📸 Photography
The Queens Hotel and the Old Post Office offer stunning architectural backdrops. The statues and the general piazza-like feel of the square also make for great shots. Consider capturing the festive lights during Light Night.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful lighting on the historic buildings. Evenings during Light Night offer unique photographic opportunities.
Drone usage in urban areas like City Square is often restricted due to safety and privacy regulations. It's advisable to check local bylaws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone.
During the Christmas Market, the festive stalls and decorations provide excellent photo opportunities. Light Night events transform the area with spectacular projections, and promotion parades can offer dynamic scenes.
A versatile lens (e.g., a 24-70mm equivalent) is useful for capturing both wide architectural shots and details. A wide-angle lens is great for the grand buildings, and a prime lens can be good for low-light situations in bars or restaurants.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the pigeons can be a bit of a novelty for kids, parents might want to keep an eye on them if enjoying outdoor snacks. The impressive architecture of buildings like The Queens Hotel can also spark curiosity in younger visitors. For families looking for a meal, the surrounding area offers a wide range of child-friendly restaurants.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Utilizing the benches for a picnic lunch purchased from a local shop is also a great way to save money while enjoying the city center. Public transport links are excellent, so consider using buses or trains to reach Leeds rather than driving and paying for expensive city center parking.
couples
The area is surrounded by numerous bars and restaurants, perfect for a pre-dinner drink or a romantic meal. The Old Post Office, in particular, houses some trendy establishments that are ideal for couples looking for a sophisticated evening out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Gems of City Square
Adding to the square's modern face is City Square House, a contemporary office building designed by Todd Architects, representing the city's forward-looking development. This juxtaposition of old and new creates a dynamic visual landscape, making City Square a fascinating place for architecture enthusiasts. The presence of various statues also adds to the square's aesthetic appeal, though sometimes these can be obscured by temporary structures or events.
During festive periods, the square is further enhanced by seasonal decorations. The Christmas Market, for instance, transforms the area with twinkling lights and charming stalls. Light Night events also bring a magical touch, with spectacular projection mapping illuminating The Queens Hotel, offering a different, yet equally captivating, perspective on the square's architecture.
Events and Vibrancy in City Square
Beyond seasonal markets, City Square has been a focal point for major civic celebrations. The Leeds United promotion parade saw an estimated 150,000 fans descend upon the square, creating an unforgettable spectacle of city-wide jubilation. Such events highlight the square's capacity to accommodate and celebrate large gatherings, solidifying its role as a central point for community engagement.
Furthermore, City Square is often a key location for Light Night Leeds, where the buildings, particularly The Queens Hotel, are illuminated with stunning projection art. These events not only beautify the space but also offer unique experiences for residents and tourists alike, showcasing the square's versatility as a venue for both cultural and celebratory occasions.
Navigating City Square: Practicalities and Perceptions
However, the square's appearance can sometimes be affected by ongoing roadworks or temporary structures. Some visitors have expressed frustration with these disruptions, feeling they detract from the square's natural beauty and historical significance, at times obscuring statues or making the area feel like a construction site. It's advisable for visitors to check for any current works before their visit to manage expectations.
Despite potential disruptions, the general sentiment towards City Square remains positive, with many appreciating its historic architecture and its role as a lively urban space. The presence of pigeons is also a recurring observation, adding a touch of urban wildlife to the scene. Overall, City Square offers a dynamic experience, blending historical charm with the pulse of modern city life.
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