Lonely Planet, one of the largest travel guide publishers in the world, has voted Leeds the fifth top city to visit in Europe in its ‘Best in Europe 2017’ guide.

Leeds is credited for its hard work over the past few years at improving the city and making it an attractive tourist spot, Leeds is praised for its exciting nightlife and its dedication to the arts.

“Leeds is now a confident, cultural hub in the north of England,” said James Smart, Lonely Planet’s UK destination editor.

“With major events this year including the reopening of Leeds Art Gallery, there’s never been a better time to head to Yorkshire.”

The guide also highlights that this year marked the 50th anniversary of the Leeds Carnival, the longest running authentic Caribbean carnival parade in Europe, predating the famous Notting Hill Carnival.

The plethora of food and drink options are also reasons for its high spot on the list, and the abundance of bars and clubs make it an attractive destination for fun-seeking holidaymakers.

Only beaten by the Swedish island of Gotland, Galicia in Spain, northern Montenegro and Zagreb, the Croatian capital, Leeds has asserted itself as a “cultural hub”, beating the likes of Paphos in Cyprus and Alentejo in Portugal.

All of this will, hopefully, assist in Leeds’ bid to become Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2023.

Leader of Leeds City Council, Judith Blake, told the Guardian that the ranking was a “fabulous endorsement” for the city.

“To see Leeds take its place alongside the world’s top travel destinations is a testament to the vision and hard work of many businesses, organisation and attractions who contribute so much to the continued growth of our thriving visitor economy,” she said.

So, next time you’re out-and-about in Leeds, make sure to appreciate that you get to live in one of the best cities in Europe!

Annie Bowe

With files from Jonny Chard

(Image: Milners Blog)