Looking for fun things to do in Leeds without breaking the bank? You don't need to spend loads to have a great day out! From gallery-hopping to long walks and meanders through the markets, here are some of the best ways to enjoy Leeds on a budget!

Grab a Book at Leeds City Museum

Located on Millennium Square, Leeds City Museum is a great start to a full day of art and culture. With free entry for everyone, there’s no excuse to not explore and learn a little more about the city. The ‘Life on Earth’ exhibition located on the lower ground floor of the museum tells the story of the natural world. You can also learn about the city’s rich Asian culture in their ‘World View: voices of Asian’ exhibition. With many changing exhibitions there’s always new things to look forward to! It’s the perfect excuse to get out of the house without spending a pound.

Leeds Central Library 

While you're at Leeds City Museum, make the most of being in the area and head over to Leeds Central Library?

Whether you're looking for something new to read, need a quiet place to sit or just fancy exploring somewhere different, the library is a great free activity. You can browse the shelves, pick up a book and find a cosy spot to settle in for a while. If you're a student who loves reading, it's a great way to discover you're next best read without spending a penny. 

If you live, work, or study in Leeds, you can join Leeds Libraries for free and get a library card, which lets you borrow books as well as access e-books, audiobooks, magazines and more. Need help signing up? We've put together a quick video showing you: How to get your library card and get started! 

Royal Armouries

From medieval weapons to armour and fascinating stories from across the world, discover loads of fascinating stories throughout history. Take a deep dive into the rise and fall of Genghis Khan the founder of the first khan of the Mogul Empire, the warrior that launched military campaigns to conquer large parts of China and central Asian and so much more! You could easily spend an entire afternoon wandering around the Royal Armouries and admission is free! Find out more and plan your visit!

Leeds Art Gallery 

Leeds Art Gallery is free to enter and is home to an impressive collection of British art. Whether you’re genuinely into art or just looking for somewhere to wander around for an hour, it’s an easy way to spend an afternoon in the City Centre. 

Head to a dinner party with Mathew Smith, Jacob Epstein and Olivia Bax; wonderful sculptures, vibrant artists who work with raw materials to bring their life together. There might not be a meal but you’ll be fed with the fresh perspective and conversations with old friends. Open until August 29th, this exhibition is a pleasure to experience solo or with friends! Find out more!

Wander around Kirkgate Market

If you're already out and about the city centre, Kirkgate Market is a must visit spot! You don't have to spend anything, it's just a fun place to have a little mooch around, have a look around the different stalls and see what catches your eye.

Great spot if you're feeling hungry, there's plenty of food to discover too! Head into Market Kitchen and you'll find everything from Vietnamese, Turkish, Korean Chinese and more. There's also bakeries, sweet treats, fresh fruit and veg and loads of different food stalls dotted around the market. 

So, even if you're just having a browse, take your time, have a look what's on offer and maybe save a few spots to come back and try later. You might even discover your new favourite foodie spot in Leeds (other than The Hive of course!) 

Kirkstall Abbey

Sometimes the best way to spend an afternoon is simply having a wander. Explore the stalls at Kirkgate Market, pick up something tasty if your budget allows and take in one of the city’s most iconic spots. Or take that walk down the canal and walk to Kirkstall. Pop on your favourite playlist and follow the Leeds-Liverpool Canal out towards Kirkstall. It’s a great way to escape the City Centre for a few hours, get your steps in and see a different side of Leeds.

If you make it down to Kirkstall, don’t forget to check out Kirkstall Abbey - a place that feels slightly removed from the rest of Leeds. Explore the ruins, walk around the surrounding parkland and bring a picnic if you want to make a proper afternoon of it.

Go out and explore

Leeds has plenty to offer without putting a serious dent in your pocket. Whether you’re exploring the city’s museums, discovering new exhibitions or simply getting some fresh air, there’s always something new to see and do for free. So grab your friends, pack a picnic and start exploring!