Leeds named one of the best European destinations

Leeds has been named one of the best European destinations by the leading travel guide, Lonely Planet.

The guide placed Leeds in fifth place after Zagreb in Croatia, which came first, then Gotland in Sweden, Galicia in Spain and Northern Montenegro. Leeds was the only city in the UK to make the guide.

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Leeds was praised for its “urban regeneration”, “flourishing cultural scene”, “thriving nightlife and “reputation for food and craft beer”, also noting that it had shrugged off its “industrial past”.

The guide said, “Recent developments have propelled its Victorian city centre and atmospheric mill district into the 21st century, luring stylish boutiques, innovative coffee houses and restaurants, and people seeking an alternative to London. Time your visit with the stellar two-week-long indie food festival in May – testament to Leeds’ growing reputation as the food and drink capital of the north.”

James Smart, Lonely Planet UK destination editor, said: “Once defined by its industrial past, Leeds is now a confident, cultural hub in the north of England. With major events this year, including the reopening of Leeds Art Gallery and the 50th anniversary of Leeds Carnival, there’s never been a better time to head to Yorkshire and join the party.”

Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said it was a “fabulous endorsement” for the city and that: “To be recognised as one of the top places in Europe, we can all be incredibly proud of.”

She continued: “It’s particularly encouraging to see the quality of our city’s impressive cultural, leisure and nightlife scenes acknowledged and I hope this recognition means we will soon be welcoming even more visitors from across Europe and beyond.”