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\ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@benjaminjohnelliot<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n From pints to pizzas, it has to be said that everything in Leeds<\/a> is pretty affordable. So why not stretch those pennies even further by trying some of the best things to do in Leeds that don\u2019t cost a thing? You know it makes sense!<\/p>\n This does exactly what it says on the tin. Two small yellow boats traverse up and down the canal, ferrying people from the Docks to the Royal Armouries, which is the UK\u2019s oldest museum housing an array of arms and armour. The boat drivers are the complete embodiment of the friendly Yorkshire stereotype, so prepare for none of the desperate attempts to avoid eye contact you can expect on the London tube! The drivers also act as tour guides, pointing out all the main sights along the way and answering any and all questions.<\/p>\n Depending on the water levels, the boat taxis run every day and are completely free \u2013 but any tip that your backpacking budget<\/a> can afford will be gladly welcomed!<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7 @timlumley<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Located in the heart of the city centre, the Leeds Art Gallery<\/a> showcases a wide selection of work from classical to modern in all mediums. The second floor rooms are constantly changing, so you don\u2019t have to worry about seeing the same thing twice. The caf\u00e9 downstairs has a piano where anyone is welcome to play, so let your creativity flow with art and music inspo. All of this is on offer every day and is completely free \u2013 what are you waiting for?<\/p>\n Kirkgate is the largest covered market in Europe, with 800 stalls selling a huge variety of products from fresh fish to flowers. The market was home to the Marks and Spencer Penny Bazaar (the OG M&S), which is still marked today with the iconic market clock.<\/p>\n The ornate hall, with its exposed wrought iron framework and glass ribbon windows, is hugely Instagrammable \u2013 bonus points for a \u00a35 bouquet of lilies in your hands! Located only a short walk from the train station and next door to the Corn Exchange, the free Kirkgate Market is a must for anyone visiting Leeds.<\/p>\n Next to Kirkgate Market is the Corn Exchange – an assortment of quirky, independent shops within a stunning Grade 1 listed building in the heart of Leeds. It\u2019s a creative hub for young businesses to thrive. If you want a pot plant, original pieces of jewellery, edgy Leeds-style clothing, a cheap tattoo or just a new vinyl for the collection, the Corn Exchange is the place to visit!<\/p>\n A 20-minute bus ride out of Leeds city centre takes you to Kirkstall Abbey \u2013 the picturesque cathedral ruin of a 10th<\/sup> century monastery just down the River Aire. The Abbey makes for a quieter time out from the bustling city centre, perfect for an afternoon stroll that allows you to get lost in the building\u2019s history. It\u2019s also one of the best dog walking spots in the area, so expect to meet all shaped and sized fuzzy new friends on your walk!<\/p>\n Eating well in Leeds on a budget is easy \u2013 just avoid the big chains and head to any of the city\u2019s independent eateries. They\u2019re almost everywhere you look, so take your pick! Here are three of our favourite go-to spots for a cheap munch:<\/p>\n By far our favourite grub hub in the city! It has incredible deals and meals that are perfect for anyone visiting Leeds on a budget. It\u2019s set in an old boat shed which has been perfectly transformed into a warm, homely and classically British pub and restaurant. We\u2019d recommend planning your visit to coincide with the days they offer discounted pizzas \u2013 50% off on Sundays and Mondays. They\u2019re the best in Leeds and are not to be missed at these prices!<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@waterlaneboathouse<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n \u00a35 meals before 5pm, need we say more?! Such a bargain in this delicious, authentic Thai kitchen that lets you bring your own booze. In a contactless society, we\u2019re always more than happy to venture to an ATM to be able to feast at this cash only establishment.<\/p>\n In the heart of Leeds\u2019 Hyde Park is where you\u2019ll find this super funky independent caf\u00e9. It also happens to be the top student hangout on Saturday mornings to quench the hangover cravings that only LS6 can with their famous Yorkshire breakfast, a fry-up with all the trimmings (AKA the king of all hangover meals)! As well as an epic brunch menu, they also host an array of events in the evenings, from jazz and open mic nights to pub quizzes. LS6 offers all this within their newly refurbished, vibrant social setting which is the perfect place for meeting students and other travellers!<\/p>\n With such a huge number of students across the city, a dull night out doesn\u2019t exist in Leeds, as there are always amazing club events, gigs and festivals to get stuck into!<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@garybpt<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n We\u2019d recommend staying in Leeds city centre or Hyde Park to allow you to be as close to the action as possible.<\/p>\n Hyde Park is the city\u2019s student hub and is close to all the most popular student pubs \u2013 including Royal Park Pub. With plenty of veggie and vegan spots and an ever-growing list of craft beer bars opening, this area definitely takes the title of Leeds coolest neighbourhood. It\u2019s also close to all the best chippies for that all-important walk home after the pub!<\/p>\n The city centre is a great choice too. Everything is compact and easily walkable, with plenty of independents and local gems to explore even on the busiest streets. No matter what you decide to do, you\u2019ll be close to the action if you\u2019re staying here.<\/p>\n Take a look at our hostels in leeds<\/a> for accomodation on a budget.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@garybpt<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Thanks for reading our guide to Leeds on a budget! If you\u2019re visiting this fabulous northern city, try out some of our recommendations for an authentic experience that you won\u2019t get from a Google search. Got any more insider tips on Leeds you\u2019d like to share? Let us know in the comments below!<\/p>\n Find more hostels in England<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udf1f Books, boats and backpacker bargains – our favourite things to do in Oxford<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udf1f 22 places to visit in England that travel bloggers love<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udf1f The 15 best hostels in the UK<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n Coco and Katie are our Hostelworld Student Explorers from the University of Leeds. Find out more about our students here<\/a>, or follow them on Instagram at @cocoravan<\/a> and @kvankan<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Exploring Leeds on a budget couldn\u2019t be easier \u2013 or more fun! With five universities across the city centre, it\u2019s the perfect city for students and travellers, with plenty of free events and fun experiences to be had. The vibe is edgy and laid-back, the music scene is buzzing and the nightlife is nothing short…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":136107,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9681,10059],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-123641","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-england","category-students","wpbf-post"],"yoast_head":"\nOur favourite free things to do in Leeds<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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The Boat Taxi<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Leeds Art Gallery<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Kirkgate Market<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Corn Exchange<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Kirkstall Abbey<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Best cheap places to eat in Leeds<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Water Lane Boathouse<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Mai\u2019s Thai Caf\u00e9<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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LS6<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Leeds nightlife<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nWhere to stay in Leeds on a budget<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nKeep reading:\u00a0\u2b07\ufe0f<\/h2>\n
About the authors:<\/h2>\n