So, what is it really like living in Leeds?

Vibrant, welcoming and constantly evolving, Leeds is one of the most sought-after cities in the UK. You’ll be living your best life thanks to the city’s thriving nightlife scene, brilliant restaurants, and highly renowned annual events. Plus, Leeds is very well-connected to other cities through established transport links so getting around is no stress.

What do the costs of living in Leeds look like?

At Moda, New York Square, you’ll enjoy life in Leeds with state-of-the-art facilities, around-the-clock service, and a beautiful apartment interior designed by Amos and Amos. Studios start from £1,175 per month, or £1,280 for a one-bedroom apartment. Two and three-bedroom apartments are also available, furnished or unfurnished.

Top things to do

You’ll never be bored in the bustling city of Leeds, with so many quirky bars, huge clubs, and shopping destinations. Here are our top picks that guarantee a good time…

Leeds Corn Exchange

If you have an afternoon free, a mooch around Leeds Corn Exchange will never disappoint. Home to a vast array of indie stores, you can find unique, one-of-a-kind items and support small businesses in the process. Update your wardrobe, expand your vinyl collection, and grab a bite to eat from one of the many independent traders.

Escape Hunt Leeds

For the ultimate team-building experience, pay Escape Hunt a visit and put your problem-solving skills to the test. You’ll be locked in a themed room of your choice, then it’s up to you and your team to escape in time. Alternatively, why not opt for one of their City Hunt games, where you’ll be guided by a digital map through the city of Leeds? Channel your inner Sherlock Holmes to complete puzzles and crack clues along the way.

Kirkgate Market

As one of the largest indoor markets in Europe, Kirkgate Market promises a paradise of fresh produce, street food, and artisan goods. Bringing together the best local traders under one roof, it’s no surprise that thousands of people visit each month.

Tiki Hideaway

For a cheeky tiki night out, look no further than Tiki Hideaway. Escape to this tropical paradise for cocktails, tunes, and a great atmosphere. You could even book a cocktail masterclass for a birthday or big celebration and learn how to whip up your own epic creations.

Pixel Bar

Grab a few friends and head to Pixel Bar in Leeds for epic games, cocktails, and burgers. They have the classic games we all know and love, so you can battle it out on Street Fighter or go head-to-head on the Mario Kart track.

Everyman Cinema

Catch the latest flicks on the big screen at the Everyman Cinema in Leeds. You’re in for a luxurious cinema experience, with comfy seats and a full menu of hot food and snacks at the venue.

Ready, Steady, Bake It

Whether you’re a dab hand at baking or totally new to it, an experience at Ready, Steady, Bake It is a fun, memorable way to spend quality time with a friend. You get 90 minutes to bake your creation, then the judge will crown a lucky winner.

Water Taxi

Hail a water taxi and travel in style to and from Leeds Dock and Granary Wharf. They run every day, offering a fun way to get around the city.

Leeds Playhouse

For theatre buffs, Leeds Playhouse will become a firm favourite. Catch a range of shows or get involved with a workshop or event, then grab a drink or a bite to eat in the restaurant there.

Flight Club & Electric Shuffle

Try your luck at darts and see if you can get a bullseye at Flight Club Leeds. Whether you win or not, the venue promises fun vibes and cocktails all round. Flight Club’s sister brand, Electric Shuffle, also allows you to unleash your competitive side and play shuffleboard like never before.

Events in the city

As well as the legendary resident events at Moda, New York Square, there’s plenty going on in the city of Leeds for a thriving social calendar all year round.

Leeds Festival

Have your tent and bucket hat at the ready for one of the UK’s biggest and greatest festivals. Each year Leeds Festival pulls out all the stops and hosts some of the world’s biggest artists. Previous headliners include the likes of Foo Fighters, The 1975, Paramore, and Billie Eilish. Trust us, it’ll be a weekend you and your mates will remember forever.

Pride

In an event all about celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and being your authentic self, Leeds Pride brings bright colours, sparkles and smiles to the city. Around 50,000 people come together each year and enjoy the celebration’s full-of-fun, inclusive atmosphere.

Light Night Leeds

When autumn hits, Light Night Leeds fills the darker evenings with light. It’s the UK’s largest annual arts and light festival, displaying amazing artwork and captivating performances by local and international artists.

Must-visit restaurants

Tattu

In the heart of Leeds, you’ll find the very Instagrammable and much-loved dining destination, Tattu. If the opulent surroundings (complete with their signature blossom trees!) aren’t enough to tempt you, the extensive cocktail list and enticing menu just might. Think Japanese black wagyu, crispy duck pancakes, and Asian pear sticky toffee pudding.

Ambiente Tapas

Did someone say tapas? Head to the centre of the city for your favourite Spanish dishes with a modern twist at Ambiente Tapas. Share a pitcher of sangria and a selection of tapas with your amigos for the ultimate Mediterranean feast.

FINT

Add some Scandi flair to your day and take a trip to FINT. Serving up relaxed, feel-good vibes and a tempting menu, this is a great spot for your next lunch date or coffee-and-cake fix.

Sarto

For pasta lovers, Sarto will soon become one of your faves. Their freshly made pasta is some of the best around, and they have an impressive wine selection to go alongside. The question is, rigatoni or fettuccini?

Blue Sakura

At Blue Sakura, expect a dining experience like no other. Dive into Japanese-style tapas, feasting on sushi and flavourful grill dishes to your heart’s content.

The Ivy Asia

In the Victoria Quarter, you’ll find The Ivy Asia. Work your way through the cocktail menu and take in the luxe decor as you enjoy flavourful pan-Asian classics.

Keeping fit and healthy

We all know that prioritising your mental and physical health is super important, so we make it easy to look after your mind, body, and soul. Residents at Moda, New York Square can take advantage of a 24-hour on-site gym, kitted out with industry-leading equipment, or you can book a private personal trainer session to really feel the burn. There’s also a range of regular fitness classes and wellbeing sessions that are bespoke to each neighbourhood.

But for when you want to try something a little bit different to stay fit, the city of Leeds has plenty to offer too…

Hot yoga

Detox your body and find your zen with a hot yoga session at The Hot Room. Using Scandinavian heating and ventilation technology, their state-of-the-art facility ensures the optimal temperature and humidity. Adding heat allows for a deeper stretch and increased circulation, so you can get the most from your yoga sesh.

Bouldering

Come rain or shine, bouldering is a great way to fit in a workout. City Bloc in Leeds offers 1-2-1 coaching, classes, and inductions to help beginners get to grips with bouldering. It’s a great way to meet new people, build strength, and have fun above all else.

Walking

Offering a ton of physical and mental health benefits, walking is a great activity to weave into your daily routine wherever you can. Leeds is packed with picturesque walking routes, like the Meanwood Valley Trail or Eccup Reservoir. With its beautiful views and monthly farmer’s market, Roundhay Park is another great walking spot. And how could we forget Temple Newsam, which boasts lakeside gardens, nature trails, and friendly farm animals. Explore these sites or simply discover the city centre on foot to get to know Leeds better whilst hitting your daily step count.

Can you see yourself living it up in Leeds? Whether you are relocating for work, university, or just fancy a change of scene, Leeds has so much to offer. The team at Moda, New York Square is waiting to welcome you.