City Guide: Leeds

     Leeds is a city in anticipation of the future.

     The former ''dead center'' of England has grown so rapidly in terms of business that it is going to outstrip major destinations in the near future. It is already a city to measure the world's capitals by, but the ranking of UK favorite destination by Conde Nast Traveller magazine lifted it to the prominence of Europe's most successful city.

     Leeds is packed with tourists year round, so you should book a hotel early at Booked.net. From cheap offers to luxury Leeds hotels all are available at Booked.net. Our listings include maps, photos and secure forms.

     More than 18 million visitors choose Leeds as a destination for its nightspots, wow-worthy parties and shopping paradise. If you are a shopper, you should experience the unbeaten choice of shops at the Victoria Quarter, Headrow Centre and Leeds Shopping Plaza. Meanwhile, culture buffs should roll up their sleeves to experience the full range of theatres, opera and top-class museums in the city.

Attractions include;

- Millennium Square features architecture, concerts, exhibitions, ice rinks

- St Anne's Cathedral, an example of a 19^th century Catholic cathedral

- Town Hall, the world's finest Victorian building and the symbol of the city

- Parish Church, a neo-gothic church with choir and concerts

- Park Square, a Georgian square right in the city center

     Leeds has huge hedonistic vibe and the city turned it into business. Originally, it thrived on textile industry, but then changed it to tourism and finance. Today Leeds is regarded as the second largest financial center in the country after London.

     In 1207 the Lord of the Manor, Maurice De Gant established a small town with only 1000 residents mainly sustained through farming. By the 16^th century the population would triple on the back of the wool industry. This would lead to the great wealth in the city and two centuries later the writer Daniel Defoe would say: ''Leeds is a large, wealthy and populous town.'' Booming with textiles like wool and linen Leeds suffered from the decline of this business in the 19^th century.

    Since then the city has changed orientation toward finance and tourism. Thus, new governmental buildings and offices share the skyline with elegant Victorian buildings. Afterwards, Leeds has expanded in all directions encompassing 10 additional districts to house a population of 443,247.

     Today Leeds is a desirable place to live with its pedestrianized heart packed with antique shops and old bakeries. It is so charming that you will want to become its overnight guest. Booked.net can take care of your stay in the city.