From Victoria-era constructions to more modern builds that have changed the shape of our city, here are 13 landmarks which we think are the most recognisable to people living here.
7. Elland Road
Elland Road has been home to Leeds United since the club's formation in 1919. As all Leeds United fans will testify, it has hosted its fair share and highs and lows on and off the pitch down the decades - and the stadium is a rich part of Leeds’ history. Photo: Gary Longbottom
8. Harewood House
Harewood is one of the Treasure Houses of England and welcomes thousands of visitors every year. The house was built in the 18th century and has art collections to rival the finest in Britain. Visitors can enjoy exhibitions of contemporary art, a farm experience and more than 100 acres of exquisite gardens to explore. Photo: Tony Johnson
9. Headingley Stadium
Headingley Stadium opened in 1891 and has been used for test matches since 1899. Now home to both Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Leeds Rhinos, it opened a brand new stand in 2019 with 4,200 seats for cricket and 3,800 facing the rugby pitch, as well as new suites. Photo: Steve Riding
10. Kirkstall Abbey
Founded by a community of Cistercian monks in 1152, Kirkstall Abbey has outlasted an impressive 52 monarchs in Britain. The Abbey is one of the few Catholic buildings that was allowed to remain standing after Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries, with the building kept and used for agricultural purposes instead. Despite only ruins remaining at the site, Kirkstall Abbey is still the most complete Cistercian monument in Britain to this day. Photo: James Hardisty
11. Bridgewater Place
It might have recently been voted one of the worst-looking buildings in Leeds by our readers, but there’s no denying that Bridgewater Place has become a distinctive part of the city’s skyline. Nicknamed ‘The Dalek’, the office and residential skyscraper was completed in 2007 and was the tallest building in the city until taken over by student tower Atlus Place in 2021. Photo: Simon Hulme
12. First Direct Arena
It’s now hard to imagine the north of Leeds city centre without the imposing First Direct Arena. It was opened in 2013 and was the first arena in the United Kingdom to have a fan-shaped orientation. The arena was officially opened by Sir Elton John, playing to an audience of 12,000. Photo: Simon Hulme