How well do you know Leeds city centre?
We take our knowledge of the city for granted, but if you’ve just moved to the area, or you’re visiting for
a short while, our quick guide will help you discover the seven districts that make up central Leeds.

Civic Quarter – the heart of Leeds

The Civic Quarter is located right in the heart of Leeds city centre. It’s the home of many of the most
important historical buildings in Leeds, including the magnificent Town Hall, the City Gallery and City
Library, and Leeds General Infirmary – the largest hospital in Leeds.
This area also homes another building worth visiting – the imposing Leeds Civic Hall. With its twin
towers of grey stone, banqueting hall, and golden owl statues, the home of Leeds City Council stands
proudly overlooking Millennium Square – itself a key Leeds landmark.

Arena Quarter

Unsurprisingly, Arena Quarter is home to the First Direct Arena – one of the most important and eye-
catching venues in the country. You can also find the Merrion Centre, which is one of Leed’s oldest
shopping arcades, plus several key banks and residential tower blocks.

The Calls

The Calls is one of the most popular areas of Leeds and features a number of fantastic bars, including
The Maven, Cuckoo and Brooklyn. It’s a fine example of an old 20th Century industrial area that’s been
regenerated into one of the most hip parts of town.

Cultural Quarter

The Cultural Quarter is where you’ll find the famous West Yorkshire Playhouse and Northern Ballet, so
make a note if you’re a lover of theatre and the arts! But that’s not all because it’s also the home of the
fantastic Leeds College of Music and the Royal Armouries Museum – both important but very different
parts of the Leeds landscape.

Victorian District

The Victorian District is, perhaps, the most interesting area of Leeds city centre, featuring the Corn
Exchange, Kirkgate Market and Victoria Quarter. These fine old buildings are the most beautifully
designed in the city, and they sit perfectly alongside modern shopping centres like Victoria Gate and
Trinity Leeds.

Financial Quarter

There aren’t many cities where you would head to the Financial Quarter for a relaxing lunch in the sun,
but Leeds is different. It may be surrounded by law firms and corporate buildings, but a trip to Park
Square – a delightful little green space in the centre of the district – is a perfect way to soak up some
rays and eat a sandwich!

Holbeck Urban Village

This old industrial area of Leeds is a recent addition to the city’s districts. It features Granary Wharf and
Yorkshire’s tallest building, Bridgewater Place, and its location south of the train station makes it ideal
for the new High Speed 2 (HS2) station.

There you have it! A whistle-stop tour of the districts that make up Leeds, and if you want to take a good
look at them all in person you can leave your car at Trafalgar Street car park – the best value 24-hour car
park in Leeds City Centre – and walk around them in your own time.