Under $100: Leeds, England

For years, Leeds has boasted a huge concentration of bars thanks to its massive student population, but a number of interesting options catering to a slightly older crowd opened in recent years.

Get down to the Riveresque Cafe for a hearty breakfast overlooking the River Aire, which has been cleaned up considerably since the heyday of Leeds’ industrial days. Among the many sandwiches is the full English breakfast on a ciabatta ($15), far more delicious than it sounds.

Royal Armoury Museum © Alun Salt | Flickr

Wander to the Royal Armory Museum to check out the National Museums of Arms and Armor, which walks you through centuries of British military history (admission free). Stroll back into town and head to Leeds Kirkgate Market, which is the largest covered market in Europe.
From here, go for lunch at Vietnamese eatery NOM, which specializes in banh mi sandwiches ($6) and other street food. After lunch, get down to the Leeds City Art Gallery, which also houses the Henry Moore Institute, and boasts a fine collection of works by British artists including Turner, Constable and Moore.

Leeds City Art Gallery © Ac Manley | Dreamstime

If weather permits, take a stroll around Leeds city center and marvel at the extraordinary Victorian facades and arcades, stopping in at some of the vintage shops and record stores to pick up a souvenir or two ($30). Go for dinner at Japanese eatery Little Tokyo, which combines sushi with other less well-known Japanese dishes ($25).

Thanks in large part to the students, Leeds is the city with the most bars per capita in the whole of Europe. While a bar crawl down Call Lane will probably provide a good night out, consider starting at The Botanist, which serves exotic cocktails to start your night with a bang ($12).

© Shahid Khan | Dreamstime