Leeds city centre has over 3 million sq ft of retail floor space, 5 miles of shopping streets and one of the countries biggest pedestrianised shopping areas. As a shopping destination it is for those with style, individuality and a love of bargains. The city prides itself on its sharp, tasteful image and this is echoed in the city's shops. Briggate is one of the main shopping streets in the centre of the city with most of the department stores including the flagship Harvey Nichols store. One of the oldest streets in the city it was founded in 1207 and has a number of arcades leading off from it.

Harvey Nichols, Paul Smith and Vivienne Westwood all have stores in the Victoria Quarter of the city and with numerous shopping arcades, there is something to fit everyones taste.  The Corn Exchange is an eye-catching listed building, built in 1863 it’s thought to be one of the most excellent examples of Victorian architecture in the UK. Now home to a selection of independent boutiques selling clothes, jewellery and other gift items it has a spectacular roof and façade making it a great place to shop and take lunch at one of the stylish cafes located within. It’s also known to host exhibitions, fairs and music events. Plans are underway to fill the upper levels of the Corn Exchange with gourmet food shops and specialty stores selling luxury ingredients.

The Granary Wharf has some of the trendiest cafes and dining venues in the city, be entertained whilst eating lunch by street artistes and performers. The underground market sells an interesting array of items from Morocco and Egypt to Gothic clothing and furniture.

Recently fixed up, Kirkgate Market is located in an imposing Edwardian building and has more than 800 stalls to browse through. Dating back to the mid 1800s, there is every imaginable food on offer including some very unusual and exotic ingredients to tickle your taste buds. The market has been named as the best one in Britain by various chefs and authors in the food business and not only the locals shop here, visitors come from miles away for the delicious produce.

The Queens Arcade is another elegant building from the Victorian era, built around 1888 it’s now the location of independent stores. Watch out for the beautiful mosaic floor. The Light is a cosmopolitan shopping experience in the heart of the city centre with first-class stores and boutiques of recognized names in fashion and design, trendy bars and nightclubs, restaurants and dining spots. Within the complex there is also a 13-screen cinema, a health and fitness club and hotel.

An exclusive mix of fashion, beauty and lifestyle stores can be found in the Victoria Quarter, a premiere fashion and lifestyle destination. All the top names in fashion and design have stores located in the listed buildings, including Vivienne Westwood, Gieves and Hawkes, Jigsaw, Ted Baker, Karen Millen, Reiss, Molton Brown, Space NK and Harvey Nichols.

If you plan to visit Leeds just for a weekends shopping spree or stay a little longer, then there are plenty of cheap hostels, luxury boutique hotels and B&B guest houses, pubs and inns in the central Leeds city area that provide bed and breakfast or full-board to visitors. City attractions and entertainment are often within walking distance and you will find the people warm and welcoming.