United Kingdom Leeds

Fifteen years ago, Leeds was a sleepy English town with a desperate lack of activity. The Leeds of today is on the rise, with serious redevelopment projects resulting in excellent shopping, towering office buildings, and upscale waterfront apartments. Begin your visit to Leeds by chatting with the locals at Leeds Dock, the central area around the River Aire surrounded by restaurants, shops, and bars. Don’t miss an opportunity to attend a concert or performance at the ultra-modern Leeds Arena; with its fan-shaped seating map, it’s the perfect place to see a show.

Roam the 700-acre Roundhay Park, one of the biggest city parks in Europe, which contains lakes, fountains, gardens and seemingly endless walking trails. For those who want a look at the past of this historical part of the English countryside, a short trip to West Yorkshire will bring you to Kirkstall Abbey, the fascinating ruins of a 12th-century monastery.