When people go to Leeds, they see the city’s diverse cultural scene, known for arts, sports, leisure, and entertainment, evident in its nightlife. Leeds’ nightlife is in high demand, thanks to Yorkshire’s over 60,000 student population and tourists from around the world.
Where To Party In Leeds?
For a city as big as Leeds, one could easily get lost in all the fanfare of tourists, going from place to place to find the city’s best nightlife. In this guide, we digest the best nightlife destinations in Leeds.
Call Lane is a famous street in Leeds city center known for its watering holes, with everything from underground spirit dens and exclusive speakeasies to tiki paradises that’ll whisk you away.
Merrion Street is another popular nightlife destination in Leeds city center that can get very crowded, especially on weekends or holidays, and is a little less formal.
The Light, unlike Merrion, is more of a lifestyle district with good security and safety measures, so you can enjoy your night out knowing you’re safe.
Many historical and industrial structures have been turned into clubs and bars like The Electric Press and Headrow House, which gives these music venues a grungy feel.
Leeds Nightlife & Safety Tips
For the most part, Leeds is a city you can measure to be as safe as any big city in the UK or Europe, with its relatively high level of street lighting, CCTV cameras, and a good police presence throughout the city center, including the nightlife areas.
But as a tourist, traveling to new places requires certain precautions and manners that need to be observed, especially in the UK, which might be too foreign for some.
Before leaving your home, plan your trip. Research the areas you plan to visit and check for potential safety hazards or crime hotspots. Never walk alone on the streets at night. Stay in tourist areas with a security presence along with other tourists.
The drinking age in the UK is 18 years old, as in most cities, but some nightlife venues in Leeds may hold back your liquor unless you are over 21.
How Expensive Is It To Party In Leeds?
The cost of Leeds nightlife can vary depending on what you’re looking to do. Some popular bars and clubs in the city center have entry fees and drink prices that are on par with other major UK cities, and some upscale bars and clubs can be pretty expensive.
However, there are also many more casual and budget-friendly options, such as pubs and student bars, where you can find lower drink prices and no entry fees.
Going out for drinks at a bar or pub can be either moderate or expensive, with a typical pint of beer costing between £4 and £5.5. Cover charges for nightclubs can vary, with some charging as little as £5 and others charging up to £15.
Eating out at a restaurant can also vary in price, with some casual places charging around £10 to £15 for a meal, while more upscale restaurants can charge upwards of £30 per person.
Overall, it’s possible to have a good time in Leeds without breaking the bank. Still, it’s also essential to remember that your nightlife experience will depend on your personal preferences and budget.
Monday Nightlife
The best bar in Leeds on a Monday – Manahatta Greek Street
Manahatta Leeds, inspired by the city that never sleeps, has a lot of New York vibes. Visit this joint from Sunday through Thursday for 2-4-1 drinks all day, or come over on the weekend when the parties will be in full swing.
The best club on a Monday – The HiFi Club
The HiFi Club, one of Leeds’ most eclectic clubs, is filled with regular funk, soul, hip-hop, reggae, garage, and disco events, and every Sunday features the best in soul at the Sunday Joint.
Leeds Nightlife on a Tuesday
The best bars in Leeds on Tuesday – The Maven
This Prohibition-style speakeasy is one of Leeds’ best bars, with sumptuous leather sofas, seductive décor, and teacup drinks. The Maven is hidden in plain sight behind an unmarked door in Call Lane.
The best clubs on a Tuesday – Wire
The Wire Club is an Art-Deco, prohibition-style club hidden underground below Call Lane and is considered one of the most affordable and cultural nightlife spots in Leeds.
Wednesday Party
The best bar in Leeds on Wednesday – Veeno
Veeno is an Italian wine bar with a superb selection of wine from the family vineyard in Sicily, producing red, white, rosé, and sweet wine. Night activities and offerings include exclusive wine seminars, tastings, and exquisite Italian food.
The best club in Leeds on Wednesday– The Warehouse
The Warehouse is one of Leeds’ largest rave clubs, hosting some of the city’s most iconic performances and events in its three 600-person capacity rooms.
Thursday Leeds Nightlife
The best bar in Leeds on Thursday – La Bodega
La Bodega is Leeds’ response to the Mediterranean, where you can immerse yourself in Spanish bar culture in the city’s heart. With artisan beers, sangria, wine, and a tapas menu, it’s a taste of international nightlife right here in the UK.
The best club on a Thursday – Wharf Chambers
Expect twisted parties, authentic underground music, and events in Wharf Chambers. It is a non-profit venue, bar, and community space in Leeds City Center that provides visitors with a taste of the city’s art culture.
Friday & Saturday Leeds Nightlife
Best bar on Friday & Saturday – Cuckoo
Cuckoo, the life of the party, is a quirky restaurant and neon-lit fun emporium. When you thought this Leeds watering place couldn’t get much better, try the giraffe-shaped sharers brimming with beer, pizza, and an extensive cocktail menu.
Best club on the weekend in Leeds – Pryzm Megaclub
Pryzm is a megaclub recurrent favorite among Leeds’ young night owls. It has five separate rooms, so there’s sure to be a song with your name somewhere. It’s a perfect rave club for students who want to stretch their allowance a bit further.
Sunday Nightlife
Best bar on Sunday – MOJO Leeds
MOJO, a New York-style dive bar, is one of the city’s coolest hangouts due to its broad range of powerful tipples and rock ‘n’ roll music. Even better, they’ll be hosting a famous cocktail masterclass full of games, samples, and trade secrets so you can learn how to make their drinks at home.
Best club on Sunday – Sheaf St
Sheaf St, an unexpected gem of a cafe-cum-club, transforms into a stylish and curated yet undeniably enjoyable party zone after dark. This club offers music for every taste, including British techno, UK bass, Afrobeats, funk, Motown, 90s oldies, and a fair amount of scat-disco, on a slew of budget-friendly beer specials.
Leeds Nightlife Summary
With its wallet-friendly nightlife options, Leed’s nightlife can be fantastic, creative, and affordable. With a massive 60,000-student population in Yorkshire and waves of tourists visiting the city, it’s the best place to meet people and enjoy fabulous parties in its bars and nightclubs.
