We're ranked in the same list as Antarctica, Berlin and Dominica.
What a title for our city.
The only UK city to make it onto the list, Leeds has a wealth of art and culture- and with a foodie scene that's ranked as 'the capital of the north', we like to think it's no surprise.
Leeds was ranked the best places in the world to visit along with some pretty iconic destinations. Antarctica nicked the top spot for for its 'dream destination status', Berlin for 'best for culture, clubbing and arty city breaks' followed in second whilst Bohol Island in The Philippines, took the bronze medal for its wealth of 'adventure, wildlife and out-of-this-world beaches'.
And then in ninth places, comes Leeds: 'best for gourmands, gallery-lovers and theatre fans'.
Rough Guides opened their guide on Leeds with "When it came to the UK, including Leeds in our best travel destinations to visit in 2023 was a no-brainer. Firstly, Leeds is the UK City of Culture in 2023. Secondly, Yorkshire was one of your top UK regions for 2023 staycations."
Image: Unsplash
Namedropping the Leeds Grand Theatre, and Northern Ballet and Opera North- the only nationally recognised UK opera company outside London no less- Rough Guides reckons that anyone visiting our city will be "spoiled for choice" if you love a live performance.
That's before mentioning the Guinness World Book of Record holder City Varieties, and the exciting reopening of Hyde Park Picture House coming in April. The last gas-lit cinema in the UK has undergone a huge renovation to modernise the space and make the cinema more accessible.
Naturally the thriving food scene in Leeds is mentioned here, shedding light on local's favourite Kirkgate Market for a lunchtime treat, quoting Leeds Indie Food as "a celebration of fresh fare from local growers and creators, plus global innovators drawn to the city's embracing of culinary culture."
Officially voted the ninth best place to visit in the world, we're ranked higher than Ljubljana, one of the most beautiful countries in the world by Rough Guides- which is impressive to say the least.
You can check out the full list of 'The Rough Guide to the best travel destinations in 2023' here.
Feature Image- Unsplash
Leeds
Smash-hit West End musical Trainspotting is coming to Leeds later this year
30 years on from the film that changed everything, and following its successful world premiere run in London’s West End, Trainspotting The Musical is heading out on a major UK tour later this year, and will be taking to one of Leeds' most iconic stages this winter.
Written by Irvine Welsh – as adapted from his best-selling debut novel – and directed and developed by Caroline Jay Ranger, Trainspotting The Musical has been described by critics as ‘radical, invigorating and life-affirming’ since its premiere.
It’s said to be an unforgettable production that’ll have even the most sceptical audiences leave on a ‘consciousness-altering high.’
In 1996, the breakthrough British film of the same name was released and became the biggest grossing UK film of the year, winning a slew of awards in the process – including a BAFTA for Best Screenplay, and even being ranked tenth in the BFI’s top 100 greatest British films of the 20th century.
Now, three decades later, the industrial drug crazed working-class heroes of British youth culture are back… but this time, live on stage.
“I believe the musical has a bigger, loudly beating human heart than either the book or the film,” creator Irvine Welsh commented as the UK tour was announced this week.
“People need to think about the world we’re living in, and we offer that inspection, but they also need to sing their hearts out and laugh their heads off. It’s what being human is all about. We’ve put together an incredible Scottish cast and I can’t wait to see them bring the musical to life.”
Trainspotting The Musical will taking to the stage at the Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 7 until Saturday 12 December 2026.
Leeds speakeasy crowned one of the best cocktail bars in the world by industry experts
Clementine Hall
The beloved Domino Club is receiving its flowers, and rightly so.
Rapidly becoming one of the industry’s most respected accolade of excellence, The Pinnacle Guide is a worldwide ranking of the best bars across the globe.
Based on a thorough self-application process, rigorous assessment modules, followed by a series of spot check interviews and anonymous in-bar reviews, it's no easy feat to get a spot on this list.
Which is why it makes The Domino Club's achievement all that more impressive.
Known amongst locals and visitors alike as basically one of the coolest bars in town, the hidden speakeasy invites you through a barbershop in the Grand Arcade where downstairs you'll find a dimly lit jazz and cocktail bar oozing sex appeal.
Not only are the cocktails exceptional, but their live music listings is something to behold playing everything from jazz and funk to cabaret and disco every Wednesday - Sunday.
Announcing the news to Instagram, The Domino said: "Listed by The Pinnacle Guide. The Domino Club has been recognised on the global list of the world’s best bars.
"What began as a hidden basement bar in Leeds, built around live music, cocktails and atmosphere, is now being recognised alongside some of the finest bars in the world.
"A huge thank you to our team, musicians, suppliers and every single guest who has supported us over the years. This means a lot. Leeds belongs on the world cocktail map."
We absolutely could not agree more and if you haven't ventured behind the barbershop and discovered the magical Domino Club, then we very much recommend you do.
Sophie Smith -
13th December 2022 
