The 13 reasons why Leeds is better than Manchester - including sport, shopping and nightlife

It’s a rivalry believed to have its origins in the Wars of the Roses of the 15th century, civil wars fought over control of the English throne.

By Abbey Maclure

Published 7th May 2023, 16:30 GMT

The competition between the historic counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire is still strongly felt to this day – and perfectly displayed in the fierce rivalry between Leeds and Manchester, which has birthed one of football’s most intense enmities. And while we might all enjoy a trip across the Pennines every now and then, Leeds residents firmly believe their city is the superior of the two.

Here are 13 reasons that we think make Leeds better than Manchester.

Here are 13 reasons why we believe we live in the better city

1. Why Leeds is better than Manchester

Here are 13 reasons why we believe we live in the better city Photo: James Hardisty/SakhanPhotography - Adobe Stock

Leeds is the largest one-club city in the UK and the third biggest in Europe. While that club might bring us plenty of ups and downs, the whole city is united behind it - unlike Manchester. And Whites get behind their own, whether it's supporting their beloved club at Elland Road or raising money for a good cause.

2. One-club football

Leeds is the largest one-club city in the UK and the third biggest in Europe. While that club might bring us plenty of ups and downs, the whole city is united behind it - unlike Manchester. And Whites get behind their own, whether it's supporting their beloved club at Elland Road or raising money for a good cause. Photo: Bruce Rollinson

Greater Manchester's three top-flight Rugby League teams might be above us in the Super League for now, but Leeds Rhinos are a renowned rugby league club steeped in history. Between 2004 and 2017, the Rhinos scooped eight Super League titles. And once again, the whole city is united behind them.

3. Leeds Rhinos

Greater Manchester's three top-flight Rugby League teams might be above us in the Super League for now, but Leeds Rhinos are a renowned rugby league club steeped in history. Between 2004 and 2017, the Rhinos scooped eight Super League titles. And once again, the whole city is united behind them. Photo: Steve Riding

Leeds blows Manchester out of the water when it comes to stately homes and historic open houses. From Harewood House, with exhibitions of contemporary art, a farm experience and more than 100 acres of exquisite gardens to explore, to Lotherton Hall, Temple Newsam and the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey - there are living pieces of history across every corner of the city.

4. Stately homes

Leeds blows Manchester out of the water when it comes to stately homes and historic open houses. From Harewood House, with exhibitions of contemporary art, a farm experience and more than 100 acres of exquisite gardens to explore, to Lotherton Hall, Temple Newsam and the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey - there are living pieces of history across every corner of the city. Photo: National World

Leeds is a beautifully green city, with parks and green spaces just minutes away from the city centre - including Golden Acre Park, the Meanwood Valley Trail, Horsforth Hall Park and plenty more, which all boast free parking. And, of course, we have one of Europe's largest parks and the jewel in Leeds' crown - Roundhay Park. Manchester can't compete with that.

5. Green spaces

Leeds is a beautifully green city, with parks and green spaces just minutes away from the city centre - including Golden Acre Park, the Meanwood Valley Trail, Horsforth Hall Park and plenty more, which all boast free parking. And, of course, we have one of Europe's largest parks and the jewel in Leeds' crown - Roundhay Park. Manchester can't compete with that. Photo: Yorkshire Post Newspapers

The Leeds West Indian Carnival is widely recognised as being the oldest West Indian carnival in Europe and the biggest parade outside London, attracting thousands of people across the city and beyond every year. A staple of the August Bank Holiday weekend, the Chapeltown carnival celebrates the music, food and culture of the Caribbean - and we think it's unmatched in the North.

6. Leeds West Indian Carnival

The Leeds West Indian Carnival is widely recognised as being the oldest West Indian carnival in Europe and the biggest parade outside London, attracting thousands of people across the city and beyond every year. A staple of the August Bank Holiday weekend, the Chapeltown carnival celebrates the music, food and culture of the Caribbean - and we think it's unmatched in the North. Photo: Simon Hulme

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